Two chaise lounges at a French Resort face opposite corners of the Andrews Theatre stage, creating a mirror image and setting the stage for the parallel relationships at the center of Irish Classical Theater's new production, "Private Lives."
In Noel Coward's play, written in 1930, he explores the cruelty and black hilarity that ensues when a couple of divorcees, the Prynnes and the Chases, unknowingly visit the same resort for honeymoons with their respective new spouses.
What ensues throughout the course of the two new couples' honeymoons is the rekindling of an old flame built on fierce love and equally fierce arguments. The divorcees realize they never stopped loving - or hating - one another.
The text of Coward's play utilizes the opening mirror image to its fullest extent, as both of the opening conversations take similar turns, each quarreling over the same trifles.
Director Kathleen Powers juxtaposes the two sides of the play perfectly, having each couple take the stage alone first, then having them split, and eventually bringing it all to a head in the second act.
Vincent O'Neill, artistic director of the Irish Classical and director of the UB acting program, plays Elyot Chase alongside his real-life wife, Josephine Hogan, who plays his ex, Amanda Prynne.
The couple's relationship can be called tumultuous at best, as they change from star-crossed lovers to raging bickerers in an instant.
The chemistry and playfulness of Elyot and Amanda was kept wonderfully attune by Hogan and O'Neill.
The veteran stage actors have found the perfect role in which to display their uncanny ability to make audiences laugh.
Actors Kate LoConti and Peter Palmisano also work well as the discarded beaus, Sibyl and Victor, respectively.
LoConti's Sibyl was a neurotic and sensitive innocent prone to expressions of grief, as she realized her new husband was brusquer than she originally thought.
Palmisano's role as "dear Victor" proved to be well suited as his manufactured stuffiness and high-morals were a delightful source of comedy.
As usual, longtime Irish Classical Theater costume designer Geraldine Duskin hit the nail on the head. The formal dresses and informal lounge wear of Hogan's character Amanda stood out from the rest, as she donned sparkling evening gowns, a sharp white suit and a comfortable-looking, but fancy, pair of pajamas.
Both of the mens' suits were perfectly fit and accurately displayed the style and grace of the 1930s.
"Private Lives" runs through May 16 at the Andrews Theater, in downtown Buffalo's theater district.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
