BrightSide Theatre has announced the full cast and artistic team for its production of PRIVATE LIVES, the third mainstage production of the company's 14th season. BrightSide Artistic Director Jeffrey Cass will direct Noël Coward's sharp, sophisticated comedy of passion and wit. When former lovers Elyot and Amanda unexpectedly reunite during their honeymoons with new spouses, sparks fly in this timeless exploration of love, desire, and chaos. PRIVATE LIVES is one of the most popular comedies ever, having been revived numerous times on Broadway and in London's West End ever since its 1930 premiere. Additionally, it has been adapted many times for films, TV and radio. PRIVATE LIVES will play from April 10-26 in The Theater at Meiley-Swallow Hall of North Central College, at 31 S. Ellsworth in Naperville.
Cass's cast will include Jon Cunningham of Schaumburg as Elyot Chase. Cunningham is a veteran of many musicals and plays across the Chicagoland area and has been leading man in BrightSide's SHE LOVES ME and A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC. His most recent BrightSide appearances have been in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and the Summer in the Parks concerts. Jamie Marie Paolo of Bensenville, who is remembered by BrightSide audiences for her performance as Petra in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, will be Elyot's ex-wife, Amanda. Cast as Elyot and Amanda's new spouses are Emily Sherman of Chicago as Sybil Chase, and Matt Hellyer of Algonquin as Victor Prynne. Sherman appeared with BrightSide in 2025's A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, and Hellyer has performed throughout the Fox Valley with companies including the Albright Theatre in Batavia and the Elgin Theatre Company. Completing the cast is Bev Coscarelli of Chicago, who will play Amanda's maid, Louise. Coscarelli is known to BrightSide audiences for her role in MOON OVER BUFFALO. Rick Berggreen of Naperville will understudy both male roles, while Sydnee Howes of Chicago will understudy all female roles.
The production team, in addition to Cass as director, includes Arabella Zurbano (Scenic Design), Cheryl Newman (Costume Designer), Kurt Ottinger (Lighting Designer), Delaney Kosar (Prop Designer), and Kristin Ripoli (Stage Manager).
PRIVATE LIVES will be performed in The Theater at Meiley-Swallow Hall, North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth, Naperville. Tickets are $37.00 for adults and $32.00 for students and seniors. Tickets are on sale now at www.BrightSidetheatre.com or by phone at 630-447-TIXS (8497). The April 11 performance will be ASL interpreted, thanks to the generous support of Naperville Lions Club. Special seating for this performance may be reserved with the code ASL.
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PRIVATE LIVES
By Noel Coward
Directed by Jeffrey Cass
April 10 – 26, 2026
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm.
The Theater at Meiley-Swallow Hall
North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth in Naperville
Tickets $32 - $37, available beginning July 1 at www.BrightSideTheatre.com or at 630-447-TIXS (8497)
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The April 11 performance will be ASL interpreted, thanks to the generous support of Naperville Lions Club. Special seating for this performance may be reserved with the code ASL
Wit, charm, and scandal collide in Noël Coward's sparkling comedy PRIVATE LIVES. When a divorced couple unexpectedly reunites while honeymooning with their new spouses, chaos—and hilarity—ensues. With razor-sharp dialogue and timeless sophistication, this classic play is a deliciously clever look at love, passion, and the fine line between romance and rivalry
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ABOUT BRIGHTSIDE THEATRE
BrightSide Theatre (Jeffrey Cass, Artistic Director and Julie Ann Kornak, Executive Director) is committed to Enlighten, Educate, and Entertain through comedies and inspirational stories from across the globe. A unique blend of award-winners, premieres, modern works and timeless classics meant to reflect upon and inform our community inhabit BrightSide's stage. For more information on BrightSide Theatre, please visit www.BrightSidetheatre.com.
