Quote of the Day: I am deeply attached to “Private Lives,” for although it has always been patronized by the American and English critics, it has also been enthusiastically and profitably patronized by the public wherever and in whatever language it has been played. Noël Coward, about his highly successful play Private Lives, from the Playbill for the production currently playing at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, MN, through August 23, 2026.

William Connell (Elyot Chase) and Laura Odeh (Amanda Prynne) in Private Lives at the Guthrie Theater, thru 8/23/26. Photo: Dan Norman

Private Lives is a classic couples comedy. Elyot and Amanda were married and divorced. They are now married to other people, Victor and Sibyl, and they all ended up in the same French villa on their respective honeymoons. The opening scene has Elyot with his new bride Sibyl discussing their surroundings and making dinner plans. Somehow, the topic of Elyot’s ex-wife Amanda pops up. They go inside. The next scene is Amanda and her new husband Victor having a similar discussion. When Victor goes back inside, Amanda relaxes on the veranda, which is adjacent to Elyot & Sybil’s veranda. In a classic comedic moment, Elyot turns to look towards Amanda’s veranda as she turns to look at his, and they both jump back with a shout! They don’t want their new spouses to know about the disastrous choice of hotels and rooms, so they, at first, try to simply change directions and go to Paris to continue their respective honeymoons. Elyot & Amanda get into a heated argument, which leads to rekindling the spark between them, and they end up leaving together. All that happens in Act I. It’s breathless and witty, and full of zingers towards each other as they rubber band between love and loathing, passion and repugnance. 

William Connell (Elyot Chase) and Laura Odeh (Amanda Prynne) in Private Lives at the Guthrie Theater, thru 8/23/26. Photo: Dan Norman

Act II takes place in Amanda’s Paris apartment. Elyot & Amanda are excited to be together again. They go from not being able to keep their hands off each other to slapping each other around. They bring up old arguments, say and do vicious things, beg forgiveness, and make-up. All of this plays at high speed in well-choreographed fight scenes and intimate moments. When Victor & Sibyl finally track down their new spouses, they witness a whole new side to their partners. 

Nikki Massoud (Sibyl Chase) and Dustin Bronson (Victor Prynne) in Private Lives at the Guthrie Theater, thru 8/23/26. Photo: Dan Norman

Act III continues the bickering, the backlashes and brutal attacks, and of course, the unbridled passion. There’s barely a moment to catch your breath – and that’s as an audience member. I can only imagine the intense concentration this show has on its actors. William Connell plays Elyot and Laura Odeh plays Amanda. They have great chemistry and timing for all the witty lines and physical interaction. Dustin Bronson plays a bit more subdued Victor, and Nikki Massoud is a confused and jilted Sibyl. The actors pull off this comedic script with style. It can be tricky to depict physical violence on stage, and in this case, keep it in the realm of humor. Domestic violence is not funny, so they have to be careful about choices they make. I applaud director David Ivers for helping them keep it light. It’s the one part of the show that could feel like it belongs back in the 1930’s (where it’s set and when it was written), while the break-up-make-up passion and play are timeless.

Dustin Bronson (Victor Prynne), Sibyl Chase (Nikki Massoud), Laura Odeh (Amanda
Prynne), and William Connell (Elyot Chase) in Private Lives at the Guthrie Theater, thru 8/23/26. Photo: Dan Norman

Bringing in music and more humor is Bradley Beahen, who sits at a grand piano above the set in the opening act. He plays some lovely standards, then welcomes us to the show, and continues to provide background music as we watch the play unfold. He also plays Louis, a servant type character, in Act II. His piano playing was a real treat, and his playful personality pops off the stage!

The set, designed by Alexander Dodge, is probably the most impressive part of the production. In the first act, we see the lovely French villa, which appears to be raised up from the standard height of the stage. As Act I closes, and the couples go off together, the steps light up, and the entire set moves to the back of the stage, new furniture rolls in, and a new backdrop comes down from the rafters. A new, bright red piano now sits on floor level. Everything is a deep, passionate red. 

Meg Neville designed the stunning costumes. Lighting design by Pablo Santiago, and sound design by Fabian Obispo. You can see this classic couples comedy at the Guthrie Theater through August 23, 2026.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: What classic couples comedies do you enjoy? If you’ve seen the show, can you think of other shows that have copied some of the set up? In the 1990’s TV comedy “Frasier,” Frasier and his ex-wife Lilith experience this same uncomfortable set-up when they are both on romantic trips with their new flames. It’s classic, funny, and full of verbal and physical foreplay.