ATC Adds Noël Coward’s Private Lives to 2022/2023 Show Lineup
Classic comedy replaces The White Chip for the fifth show in ATC’s 55th Season
As Arizona Theatre Company closed its first complete two-city, six-play season in three years on July 17, the State Theatre announced that it will be producing Noël Coward’s Private Lives as its fifth show in the coming 2022/2023 Season. The beloved wry comedy will replace The White Chip, which was announced in March among five other shows as part of the 55th Season.
“Theater planning and programming happen months in advance, and we choose every play strategically to build upon our longstanding legacy,” says Sean Daniels, The Kasser Family Artistic Director for Arizona Theatre Company. “We’ve learned, especially in the last few years, that being nimble and responsive to our patrons and change has been part of our success.”
Described as a hilarious classic comedy filled with clever, witty barbs, Private Lives starts when an explosive divorced couple and their new spouses inadvertently honeymoon in adjacent rooms at the same hotel. When combustible chemistry reignites, mayhem occurs, and strong passions and stronger personalities take over.
Written by extolled playwright Noël Coward, this play — hailed by The New York Times as “gorgeous, dazzling, [and] fantastically funny” — has been delighting audiences for more than 90 years. Often cited as Coward’s most popular and enduring comedy, Private Lives remains just as relevant today.
“We can’t wait to announce the director and cast in the coming months and bring this funny, tempestuous battle of equals to the ATC stages,” Daniels remarks.
The White Chip, a dry comedy about drying out written by Daniels, was originally produced by Tony Award winner Tom Kirdahy and premiered Off-Broadway. Daniels notes that commercial talks are currently underway with other theatres nationwide, and it’s likely to be part of the 2023/2024 ATC Season.
“Adding a classic play like Private Lives that brings snappy, whip-smart dialogue and pure entertainment to audiences makes sense as we continue to navigate our new theatre normal,” Daniels says.
In addition to Private Lives, ATC will be kick off the season with The Lion by Benjamin Scheuer and directed by Sean Daniels and Alex Stenhouse; The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon and directed by Veronika Duerr; The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams and directed by Chanel Bragg; the world-premiere of Pru Payne by Steven Drukman and directed by Sean Daniels; and The Legend of Georgia McBride by Matthew Lopez and directed by Meredith McDonough.
Subscription packages are available now, and single tickets go on sale August 15, 2022.