Review: 'Private Lives' at TheatreWorks New Milford

New Milford, CT - TheatreWorks New Milford opened the Noel Coward classic comedy ‘Private Lives’ on Friday for a five-week run. This “sophisticated comedy of manners” was directed and designed by Frank Arcaro, who calls this piece, the most produced play in Broadway history, “a perfectly structured trifle.” The TheatreWorks production is certainly sophisticated and the four talented actors do very well with the snappy dialogue that brings the ill-tempered characters to life.

“The characters in ‘Private Lives’ talk silly nonsense while trying to figure themselves out, and we get to revel in their endearingly witty repartee and outlandish behavior. They are eternally, endlessly fascinating…” writes Mr. Arcaro. The opening night audience seemed to enjoy watching the divorcees Elyot and Amanda that improbably book adjoining rooms while honeymooning with their new spouses. They both immediately realize that they have made a pair of mistaken marriages and flee to Amanda’s Paris flat. Predictably they are discovered by their jilted spouses in the second act of this play written in 1930.

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Before the show, a TheatreWorks board member informed the audience about changes on their board. Glenn Couture is stepping down, as is Rich Pettibone. Publicist Tom Libonate is also taking a break. The 50th season at the venue will open with ‘Peter and the Starcatcher’ directed by Alicia Dempster.

There was the usual opening night gala following the performance complete with cuisine, cocktails and fun. ‘Elf, Jr. The Musical’ by TW Kids will be performed Dec. 3 and 4 at 10am and 2pm. ‘Private Lives’ by Noel Coward continues at TheatreWorks through January 7, 2017 Friday and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm.