Displaying items by tag: stage production
BrightSide's Private Lives Bring Public Laughs
You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone and married someone else – that’s how Noel Coward’s Private Lives sees it. For those unfamiliar with Coward, his scripts have bite and humor that were ahead of its time when they first hit the stage in the 1930s. Today, the edge may not be as sharp or controversial, but the dialogue and situational comedy still lend itself to a riotous evening.
BrightSide Theatre presents this playful comedy all about exes who happen to honeymoon with their new spouses at the same hotel.
What starts as a horribly awkward coincidence for Amanda and Elyot takes a turn when their mutual annoyance for their new partners rekindles their old flame. In no time, she climbs over into his adjoining terrace, and they run off, leaving their actual spouses to sort it out. They were kind enough to leave a note though. But it doesn’t take long for old patterns to rear their ugly head, and Amanda and Elyot, despite their promise not to bicker (even coming up with a game of silence when a fight is about to start), call it quits again. That is, until their old (new?) lovers find them and remind the on-again-off-again pair why they just can’t quit each other. There’s no end to the comedy as love is portrayed as messy, fickle, and volatile – with a few humorously choreographed fights mixed in.
Directed by Jeffrey Cass, also the Artistic Director, this rendition makes the most of Coward’s razor‑sharp script. The actors deliver lines with a lead foot, only pausing long enough for the audience to laugh before it’s on to the next joke. It’s a good thing, too, because in lesser hands this wordy play could have been stretched into a dull affair. While most of the zingers pack a punch, the script isn’t perfect. In fact, Act 1’s second scene spins its wheels before finally taking the plot where the audience already knew it was going. But in the hands of these capable actors, we can forgive Coward for being verbose.
Jon Cunningham and Jamie Marie DePaolo play Elyot and Amanda respectively, and their chemistry is the driving force of the evening. Their banter sizzles. DePaolo steals the show though with the firecracker energy she brings. There were several moments where just her facial expression got a laugh. She so thoroughly embodied this magnetic, yet mercurial she charmed everyone from her first entrance.
Portraying their other love interests are Matt Hellyer and Emily Sherman, who play their respective roles very capably – as perfect saps. After getting dumped on the first day of their honeymoon, their characters secretly hope that they’ll take them back. So, while you empathize, their lack of personal self-worth makes them unappealing – helping justify our leads horrid behavior. The cast works very well together, matching each other’s energy and comedic chops. In fact, their synergy was even evidenced by a scene change. They worked so quickly and efficiently in the dim light to transition a hotel’s terrace to a flat’s interior that everyone applauded when they were finished.
Along with plenty of laughs, there is also a lesson on love. These selfish characters demonstrate a total incomprehension of the true meaning of that four-letter word, which is ironic since the final act takes place in Paris, a city known for romance. But that’s the problem. These couples thrive on passion, and when the dust settles, they want the next hit for their heart. But true love is sacrificial, putting another’s needs before your own, which is something they don’t understand. It’s illustrated perfectly by Amanda’s French maid. When she speaks to them, they only nod and smile, since they don’t know French. In the same way, they don’t know the language of love either and fumble around, pretending with each other that they do. But while it may cause trouble for these characters, it’s a treat for the audience.
Private Lives runs through April 29 at BrightSide Theatre at the Theater at Meiley-Swallow Hall North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth St. in Naperville. For tickets and/or more show information, click here.
This review is proudly shared with our friends at www.TheatreInChicago.com.
In Sisters, Barrie Turns an AI Fable into an Impressive Character Study
29 August 2026 in Theatre in ReviewThe rise of artificial intelligence raises many questions about its effect on humanity. What does it mean if we become…
Buddy Holly’s Brilliance, Reawakened on the Drury Lane Stage
27 August 2026 in Theatre in ReviewDrury Lane Theatre opens its latest musical with a warm jolt of rock ’n’ roll energy as Buddy – The…
Kokandy's JEKYLL & HYDE Extended by Popular Demand
26 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is pleased to announce a darkly delicious Halloween surprise: Kokandy Productions’ critically acclaimed revival of JEKYLL & HYDE will be extended…
Following Obama Center premiere, Manual Cinema's acclaimed productions return to Chicago's Studebaker Theater
26 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreChicago-based Emmy Award-winning performance collective and film/video production company Manual Cinema premiered two new hand-animated films at the Obama Presidential Center Museum…
Playmakers Lab’s That’s Weird Grandma’s 25th Birthday is a fine place to giggle
25 August 2026 in Theatre in ReviewIf you need an energy boost, skip the can of Monster and get yourself, plus loved ones of any age,…
Victory Gardens Theater presents the World Premiere of Zayd Ayers Dohrn's The Humanities September 10 through October 4
25 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreVictory Gardens Theater (2433 N. Lincoln Avenue), an historic incubator for new play development, proudly announces the World Premiere staging of The…
Lookingglass Kowalski starring Johnny Galecki and Jacob Moskovitz September 15 through October 25
25 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreJoining the previously announced stars of Kowalski Johnny Galecki ("The Big Bang Theory," "The Little Dog Laughed") as Tennessee Williams and Jacob Moskovitz ("Elle") as Marlon…
Shattered Globe Theatre Opens 36th Season with Midwest Premiere of VLADIMIR October 2 – November 14 at Theater Wit
25 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreShattered Globe Theatre is pleased to open its 36th Season with the Midwest premiere of Erika Sheffer's Vladimir, an unflinching drama of resistance directed by Ensemble Member Lou Contey*,…
TICKETS FOR A 20 RETURNS WITH SPECIALLY PRICED $20 TICKETS FROM HOT TIX AUGUST 27-SEPTEMBER 14, 2026
24 August 2026 in Theatre BuzzThe League of Chicago Theatres announces the return of Tickets for a 20. From Thursday, August 27 through Monday, September 14, 2026, theatregoers can…
Babes With Blades's announces William Shakespeare's KING LEAR, October 15 - November 21
24 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreBabes With Blades Theatre Company’s (BWBTC), now presenting the world premiere of yo ho. through August 29 at The Edge Off-Broadway, shares the…
BrightSide Theatre announces THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL, to play October 2 - 18
24 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreBrightSide Theatre has announced cast and crew for THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL - the kickoff production of BrightSide's 15th Anniversary season.…
Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces Two Shakespeare Productions in Repertory beginning October 13 - January 3
21 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreChicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces the cast and creative team for the company's fall Shakespeare Repertory productions, an unforgettable theatrical event at the heart…
McHenry Outdoor Theater: Nostalgia With a Modern Heartbeat
20 August 2026 in Theatre BuzzThere was a particular kind of magic to seeing a movie outside when I was a kid in 1970s Chicago…
‘Anatomy of a Suicide’ Is Hard to Watch, But Not Because of the Subject
18 August 2026 in Theatre in ReviewPerhaps surprisingly, Anatomy of a Suicide is not an overwhelmingly emotionally gripping play, nor is it horrifying. Instead, it vividly…
Gwydion Theatre Company presents The Chicago Premiere of Por’ Knockers at the Greenhouse Theater’s Studio 44 September 10 - October 4
18 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreThis narrative tracks five individuals within the "People’s Diasporatic Party"—outfitted in corporate attire—as they take refuge in a desolate East…
Oil Lamp's I Love You Because has heart, despite lukewarm romance
17 August 2026 in Theatre in ReviewFinding love has always been a challenge. In Jane Austen’s day, a time governed by strict rules of courtship, couples…
Joffrey Ballet opens its 2026-27 season with Chicago Premiere of John Neumeier's theatrical masterpiece, Liliom, featuring 16-piece live jazz band on stage SEPTEMBER 17-27
17 August 2026 in Upcoming DanceThe Joffrey Ballet opens its 2026-27 season with the Chicago Premiere of John Neumeier's landmark narrative ballet Liliom. Inspired by Ferenc Molnár's 1909 play and…
Detroit ’67 at Pulse Theatre Chicago – September 11-November 1
17 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatrePulse Theatre Chicago proudly announces a defining new chapter in the company's history with the expansion of its artistic leadership,…
Hail Mary/Maria at Theater Wit – A Welcome New Slant on Crossing Over into Adulthood
17 August 2026 in Theatre in ReviewComing of age stories resonate more profoundly when they mirror the lived reality of a real person. That’s why the…
Remy Bumppo Theatre Company Hosts "Exploring The In Between: A Conversation About Mid-Sized Theatres in Chicago," Monday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. at Theater
17 August 2026 in Theatre BuzzRemy Bumppo Theatre Company’s 30th Anniversary Season continues with "Exploring The In Between: A Conversation About Mid-Sized Theatres in Chicago," Monday,…
Shattered Globe Theatre Announces 36th Season
17 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreShattered Globe Theatre (SGT), now under the artistic leadership of Ian Frank, is pleased to announce its 36th Season, featuring three plays that explore the…
M.A.D.D. Rhythms Announces the return of the Chicago Tap Summit this October and other 25th Anniversary Events
17 August 2026 in Upcoming DanceM.A.D.D. (Making A Difference Dancing) Rhythms, Chicago’s premier tap collective, is proud to celebrate its 25th Anniversary at the Chicago Tap…
BLUE MAN GROUP "A NEW HOLIDAY SURPRISE" Coming to Chicago for the Holidays NOVEMBER 24 – DECEMBER 13
17 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is pleased to announce Blue Man Group will bring its first-ever holiday production, "A NEW HOLIDAY SURPRISE," on…
League of Chicago Theatres hosts 2026 Spotlight Gala: Unmask the Night, Embrace the Drama October 19
17 August 2026 in Theatre BuzzThe League of Chicago Theatres will host its annual benefit, the 2026 Spotlight Gala: Unmask the Night, Embrace the Drama at City Hall –…
Broadway In Chicago presents Waitress at JAMES M. NEDERLANDER THEATRE OCTOBER 13 – 18, 2026
17 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is delighted to announce that single tickets for the upcoming engagement of the 10th Anniversary tour of the hilarious…
Otherworld Theatre Boldly Goes Again with Starship Edsel Season 4
17 August 2026 in Theatre in ReviewOtherworld Theatre blasts back into the cosmos with Season 4 of Starship Edsel: An Improvised Star Trek Parody, the latest…
Bernstein’s Score Burns Bright in Music Theater Works’ West Side Story
16 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreSome musicals carry such cultural weight that every new production feels like a referendum on how well a company can…
Gus and Alice Brings Nostalgic, Cozy Comedy
15 August 2026 in Theatre in ReviewTheatre 31 Productions’ Gus and Alice has returned to the Greenhouse Theater Center this month. Written by Chicago playwright Mike Rago,…
From Subway Cars to Chicago Stages: Marcus Monroe at The Comedy Bar
14 August 2026 in Theatre in ReviewSometimes the best way to find a comedian who’s new to you is by stumbling onto a clip that stops…
Jersey Boys coming to CIBC Theatre November 10 - 22
14 August 2026 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is excited to announce tickets for t he original Tony® & Olivier Award-winning musical sensation, JERSEY BOYS, are now on sale.…
Latest Articles
-
In Sisters, Barrie Turns an AI Fable into an Impressive Character Study
Written by Angelo CamposThe rise of artificial intelligence raises many questions about its effect on humanity. What does it mean if we become increasingly reliant on AI to think for us, create for us, and entertain us? What happens if this tool encroaches… -
Buddy Holly’s Brilliance, Reawakened on the Drury Lane Stage
Written by Kimberly KatzDrury Lane Theatre opens its latest musical with a warm jolt of rock ’n’ roll energy as Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story, by Alan James, returns to the stage, decades after its 1989 debut at the Plymouth Theatre Royal… -
Kokandy's JEKYLL & HYDE Extended by Popular Demand
Written by Buzz Center StageBroadway In Chicago is pleased to announce a darkly delicious Halloween surprise: Kokandy Productions’ critically acclaimed revival of JEKYLL & HYDE will be extended by popular demand through November 8. For a frightfully good group night, discounted group rates for parties of 10 or more may… -
Following Obama Center premiere, Manual Cinema's acclaimed productions return to Chicago's Studebaker Theater
Written by Buzz Center StageChicago-based Emmy Award-winning performance collective and film/video production company Manual Cinema premiered two new hand-animated films at the Obama Presidential Center Museum earlier this year. Now, the company is bringing two of its acclaimed live-action productions back to Chicago's historic Studebaker Theater at the Fine…
Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.