Private Lives
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Cititour.com Review
When one of the classic comedies is revived on Broadway for the seventh time, comparisons are inevitable. Such is the case with the brilliant Noel Coward’s 'Private Lives,' a transfer from London by way of Toronto. The draw this time around, is "Sex and the City’s" blond siren, Kim Cattrall, in the part Gertrude Lawrence made famous, and Elizabeth Taylor claimed for her own almost thirty years ago. The most recent revival also showcased the Brits, including a fine turn from Alan Rickman (currently on Broadway in "Seminar.") But Cattrall smartly distances herself from the character with which she is most associated and although the production, directed by Richard Eyre, has its flaws, the heart of the play (a darkly comic tale about love and passion) is firmly in view.
Cattrall plays Sybil. Five years divorced from a tempestuous marriage to Elyot, (Paul Gross) she’s on her honeymoon in France only to find herself in the room next door to her ex – also on his honeymoon. Both seem to be looking for a peaceful sort of love, or, as they put it, “Love is no good unless it’s wise and kind… and undramatic,” a notion that is soon revealed to be a concept lacking in reality. Seeing each other once again on the terrace, they take off for Paris with their current spouses soon in hot pursuit.
This first act is the strongest here with Cattrall easily flowing from sexy siren to innocent victim bundled with a flair for physical comedy. Gross (best known for the TV series, "Due South,") has the charm of Cary Grant and the dapper grace of David Niven, getting laughs with the simplest of gestures. Their chemistry is highly charged and they capture those moments when one is so crazy in love that every second is infused with adrenaline whether basking in the afterglow or fighting tooth and nail. Caroline Lena Olsson and Simon Paisley Day, as the other half of the newlyweds, offer appropriate foils, with Day particularly smooth with his stuffy English manner.
Designer Rob Howell has supplied period dresses for the ladies to die for – silky, sexy, classic – but his second act Paris apartment set is completely over the top, and seems to be out of place for a sophisticated Coward comedy. It mirrors the second act when Eyre allows the physicality to overpower the relationship. But the show finds its footing by the time we arrive at act three and Coward gets his due. After all, there’s a reason, "Private Lives," has been revived so much. It’s a damn good play!
By Lesley Alexander
Visit the Site
http://www.privatelivesbroadway.com/
Cast
Kim Cattrall, Paul Gross, Simon Paisley Day, Anna Madeley, Caroline Lena Olsson
Open/Close Dates
Opening 11/17/2011
Closing 12/31/2011
Preview Open/ Preview Close Dates
Preview Opening 11/6/2011
Closing Open-ended
Box Office
212-239-6200
Theatre Info
Music Box Theatre
239 West 45th Street
New York, NY 10036
Map
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