Theater News

REVIEW ROUNDUP: Gary Griffin’s Revival of Private Lives at Chicago Shakespeare

Robert Sella and Tracy Michelle Arnold
in Private Lives
(© Liz Lauren)
Robert Sella and Tracy Michelle Arnold
in Private Lives
(© Liz Lauren)

Gary Griffin’s revival of Noel Coward’s Private Lives has opened at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. The production continues through March 7.

The company features Robert Sella as Elyot, Tracy Michelle Arnold as Amanda, Chaon Cross as Sybil, Tim Campbell as Victor, and Wendy Robbie as Louise. The creative team includes Neil Patel (scenic design), Paul Tazewell (costume design), Robert Wierzel (lighting design).

The reviews are in and Griffin is earning generally high praise for his in-the-round staging that uses Patel’s non-traditional design.

Among the reviews are:

Chicago Tribune
‘Private Lives’ at Chicago Shakespeare: the circular lives of Noel Coward’s dramatic divorcees
“The show does not sacrifice the elegance or sophistication that we associate with Coward, nor does it undermine his humor. But even if you’ve seen this show many times before, Griffin’s fresh approach will deepen its themes and deliver them to your door.”

Chicago Sun-Times
‘Private Lives’ sparkles on Shakespeare stage
“…Gary Griffin has set Coward’s playfully warring couples spinning on a subtly revolving turntable that suggests the game of love is akin to spinning one’s wheels. […] This production, which might well be Griffin’s best work since The Color Purple, is marred only by his use of distracting musical underscoring. Coward’s bristling dialogue is enough music for anyone’s ears.”

Northwest Indiana
Noel Coward’s ‘Private Lives’ a smoldering fun romp at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
“This wonderful incarnation by Chicago Shakespeare Theater Associate Artistic Director Gary Griffin […] is priceless, elegant and sophisticated humor at its finest and not to be missed.”