DUBOIS – The Reitz Theater in DuBois kicks off its 2015 season with the Noel Coward classic, Private Lives, on Feb. 13-14 and Feb. 19-21 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 15 at 2 p.m.
Written by Coward back in 1930, Private Lives tells the story of Elyot (Vincent Barnard) and Amanda (Krista Carr), a couple who divorced five years before the play’s start.
Each of them commits to a new spouse (played by Alyssa Wood and Ed Bach) and goes on honeymoon in Deauville. Little do they know that they’ve booked adjoining hotel suites with a shared balcony.
Once they run into each other, all of them have to take a realistic view of their relationships and themselves. Throw in Louise (Andi Kohlhepp), a French maid who doesn’t speak English, and her incomprehension of the bizarre occurrences and hilarity ensues.
The original production in 1930 featured Coward, along with acting legends Gertrude Lawrence and Laurence Olivier. Broadway revivals include a legendary list of actors: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Talullah Bankhead, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Elaine Stritch and Kim Cattrall.
Jessica Haggerty, who shares the director’s chair with Jessalyn Penvose, says the production has been such a fun show to direct.
“The cast is phenomenal in their devotion to really understanding and personalizing their characters,” she says, “and our set design crew has built us a beautiful and versatile world for these characters to live within. I can’t wait for opening night to see it all come to life for the audience.”
The play takes an honest and unapologetic look at marriage, relationships and love. Haggerty adds, “It explores how two very different couples react, and sometimes overreact, to each other in situations that run the gamut from extreme to mundane.”
Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students and $5 for children, and are available at all Reitz Theater outlets.
The Reitz Theater will handle reservations with a new online site. E-mail your reservations to reitztheaterreservations@gmail.com, and an e-mail confirmation should be sent back.
If a confirmation isn’t returned within 48 hours, call 814-375-4274.
Tickets can also be reserved by calling the Reitz Box Office at 814-375-4274. To find out more, go to www.reitztheater.com.
On Feb. 13, patrons can enjoy mini-cupcakes from Mom’s Bakery in DuBois one hour before the 7:30 p.m. show on opening night.
“It’s a great show that entertains, amuses, and gives everyone something to talk about on the ride home,” Haggerty says. “Whether you are married, divorced, engaged, or single, there is a little something in Private Lives for everyone.”