The Reston Community Players will close their 50th season with a sparkling comedy classic, Private Lives by Noël Coward, onstage May 5 – 20, 2017.
The New York Times called the Tony and Olivier Award-winner “an enduring marriage of wit and lust . . . one of the funniest comedies of the 20th century.” This quintessential comedy of manners was written in just four days by Coward, a prolific playwright, composer, director, actor, and singer.
Elyot and Amanda, once married and now honeymooning with new spouses at the same hotel, meet by chance, reignite the old spark, and impulsively elope. After days of being reunited, they again find their fiery romance alternating between passions of love and anger. Their aggrieved spouses appear, and a circle dance of affiliations ensues as the women first stick together, then break ranks, and new partnerships are formed. Come see an enduring work from a man Time magazine hailed for “a sense of personal style, a combination of cheek and chic, pose and poise.
“Plays like Private Lives may seem flippant and even superficial,” said Adam Konowe, director of the production. “Look closer and appreciate how Coward skillfully embedded critiques in rapier-like dialogue.”
The cast includes Richard Isaacs (Elyot Chase), Rachel Hubbard (Amanda Prynne), Andy Gable (Victor Prynne), Caity Brown (Sibyl Chase), and Lisa Young (Louise).
The creative team includes Adam Konowe (director, lighting designer, and stage combat choreographer), Suzanne Johnson (assistant director), Laura Baughman (producer), Mary Ann Hall (stage nanager), Eileen Mullee (assistant stage manager), Tel Monks (dialect coach), Michael O”Connor (master electrician and light board operator), William Chrapcynski (sound designer and sound board operator), Maggie Modig (set design and set painting), Doug Rolston and Scott Birkhead (master carpenters), Sara Birkhead (technical consultant), Bea and Jerry Morse and Julie Cherundolo (set decoration), Lilya Eberle (running crew chief), and Mary Jo Ford (props design).
The production plays on the CenterStage at the Reston Community Center. Evening performances are May 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, and 20 at 8pm, with one matinee performance on May 14 at 2pm. For tickets and information, call the box office at (703) 476-4500 ext. 3 or purchase tickets online.
Private Lives is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.
Reston Community Players (RCP), wrapping up its 50th season, is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that has been producing high-quality theatrical productions since 1966. RCP is partially funded by grants from Fairfax County, in cooperation with the Arts Council of Fairfax County, RCP welcomes all and offers something for everyone. Visit RCP online at restonplayers.org.
