Belmont Hill and Winsor present “Private Lives” on Stage

On February 8 and 9, Belmont Hill’s Kraft Theater was transformed into a French backdrop for two honeymooning couples in a production of Noel Coward’s Private Lives. In the play, we see a divorced couple who, despite a perpetually stormy relationship, realize that they still have feelings for each other. The production, presented in three acts, featured three Belmont Hill actors and two Winsor actors, with direction by Matthew Conway.

Noel Coward’s raucous comedy showcases a world coming to terms with the Roaring 1920s in the aftermath of Black Tuesday and the start of the Great Depression. As flamboyant wealth becomes uncouth and extravagance becomes passé, those left behind struggle—comically, dramatically, even violently—to understand and claim their relevance in a world that is passing them by. In 1930, Private Lives stormed onto the stage of the Phoenix Theatre in London starring the author opposite Gertrude Lawrence and, in his first major role, Laurence Olivier.  

The actors from Belmont Hill included Renny Gong ’20 as Elyot Chase, Daniel Rashes ’22 as Victor Prynne, and Timothy Hebard ’23  as Louis, a butler.

Watch the highlights here.

Credits

Directed by Matthew Conway

Scenic Designer Suzanne Kaplan  

Sound and Lighting Designer Daniel Duarte

Costume Design Jessica Pribble

Assistant Director Frederick Choi

Set Construction Sean Egan

Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

Upcoming Winsor and Belmont Hill Theater production:

Little Shop of Horrors, music by Alan Menken and lyrics and book by Howard Ashman

Performances: Friday, May 3, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 3:30 p.m.

Open Dress Rehearsal: Thursday, May 2, 2019 at 5:00 p.m.