PRIVATE LIVES

Private Lives has been performed to massive success and failure for nearly a century. Therefore, it is a foregone conclusion that the avid theatergoer is familiar with the story and aware of its importance in the Coward cannon. It is by no means a foregone conclusion, however, that each production of this theatrical staple will live up to the lofty hype that this play generates when added to a production calendar. The current production running at GTC Burbank is under the skillful directorial eye of Jules Aaron and plays exactly as Coward should.


The plot, now well known, has delighted audiences since 1930. The now-divorced Elyot (Lenny von Dohlen) and Amanda (Stasha Surdyke) are honeymooning abroad in the carefree and loving arms of their new spouses Sibyl (Annie Abrams) and Victor (Jeff Witzke.) Tossed by the winds of traditional Coward fate, they again come face to face on the balcony that their newlywed suites conveniently share. Almost at once, they are made quickly aware that their new marriages fall well short of their still-smoldering love for one another. In a reluctant fit of passion, they flee together to Paris. Lo and behold, their second chance together is filled with pitfalls as they are soon joined by their abandoned better halves. The insults and sometimes bits of furniture fly as the difficulties of lovemaking in the modern world are brought to bare in hilarious fashion. The cast handles well the fast-paced demands of the show and brings the audience into their world of madcap 1920’s comedy.

Abrams delights with facial expressions and comic timing that gives the distinct impression of a lost and wandering soul of the time. Witzke brings life to this oft-played character with a bold and unique personification that blends wit and desperation. It is, however, the hot and cold romance between Surdyke and Von Dohlen that moves the action of the show. Together, they draw a convincing portrait of lovers who love to love and hate to be trapped by it. Their stylized exchanges breed the right kind of laughter for this show and the obviously antiquated themes in the script are brought out in splendid fashion for this period piece. Private Lives is a very public example of how a great play done well is indeed timeless.

Private Lives runs GTC Burbank,  Through March 25. (323) 960-7738. www.Plays411.com/PrivateLives.