"Private Lives" takes center stage Friday

Noel Coward's "Private Lives" is enjoying tremendous success on the London stage, and is set to open on Broadway this fall. Friday night, the comedy is coming to Fred and Sara Machetanz Theatre in Wasilla.

Valley Performing Arts' production of "Private Lives" opens Feb. 22 under the direction of Jeff Babcock.

The play is set in the 1920s, and divorcees Elyot, played by Ted Carney, and Amanda, played by newcomer Suzanne Hermon, are honeymooning in the same French hotel with their new spouses, Sibyl, played by Tiffany Mitchell, and Victor, played by Colin T. Boyden, a VPA newcomer as well. They meet by chance, and so begins one of the most famous comedies ever written.

Carney was most recently seen as Gaston in "Gigi." He brings a distinct charm and comedic flare to the lead role of Elyot. Hermon is equally as strong as the sassy-yet-graceful Amanda. Though new to VPA, Hermon displays the stage movements and voice dynamics one could ever ask of someone playing this exquisite comic role.

Mitchell, as Sibyl, plays the sappy newlywed of act one with as much verve as that of the sharp-clawed cat she becomes by act three.

Boyden, as the quintessential British wit Victor, is sure to have audiences rolling in the aisles as he desperately attempts to bring a sense of order to the inevitable disorder of the comedy. Even Mandy Still's small part as the inept maid Louise adds hilarity to the Paris scenes, as she wheezes through the sitting room wreckage of act three in nearly perfect French.

Babcock makes his main-stage directorial debut, having directed only once before for VPA in "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" production a few years ago. He was most recently seen this past spring as Atticus Finch in VPA's successful run of "To Kill A Mockingbird."

Set design for "Private Lives" is being handled by the team of Connie Lutz and Dave Putnam. Mary Putnam is in charge of the costume wardrobe, and the technical aspects of lighting and sound design are being handled by Damien Salvo and John Simon. Stage manager Meike Iverson Dupres will be running the shows with backstage assistance from Jack Foster.

"Private Lives" has had an exceptionally successful run the last few months on the London stage, with Alan Rickman and Lindsey Wagner in the lead roles. VPA is hoping for similar results with the three-week run of "Private Lives" here in the Valley.

Tickets for "Private Lives" are on sale at CARRS TIX outlets or by calling VPA at 373-0195.