Private Lives
Show Tickets: Show Opens in the Near Future
Discount Broadway Tickets For Private Lives: Future Show
Private Lives Summary
- Show Status: Future
- Genre: Play
- Private Lives is 2 Hours long, including an intermission of 15 minutes
- 8 Shows per week
- Previews Begin: September 28, 2026
- Show Opens : October 18, 2026
- Show Closes: January 11, 2027
Witty comedy about a divorced couple who unexpectedly reunite on honeymoon with new spouses, reigniting passion, conflict, and chaos in romantic entanglements.
What's Private Lives Like?
The play centers on Elyot and Amanda, a divorced couple who meet again while honeymooning with their new spouses.
Their rekindled passion and frequent clashes drive the fast-paced, witty narrative. Themes include love, passion, and the cyclical nature of toxic relationships.
Is Private Lives Good for Kids?
The comedic play is not good for kids as it deals with adult relationships, including divorce, romantic entanglements, and emotional conflict, as well as moments of domestic violence, albeit portrayed in a stylized, comedic way.
Private Lives on Broadway Background
Origins and Premiere
Private Lives is a 1930 romantic comedy by British playwright Noël Coward. Written in just a few days while Coward was recovering from illness, the play premiered at the King's Theatre in Edinburgh before transferring to London’s West End. Coward starred alongside Gertrude Lawrence, with Laurence Olivier in a supporting role.
Reception and Legacy
Praised for its sharp dialogue and stylish sophistication, Private Lives became one of Coward’s most enduring works. It has enjoyed numerous revivals on Broadway and the West End, often starring high-profile actors. The play is considered a classic example of 20th-century theatre and Coward’s signature wit.
The play has been produced on Broadway eight times Here are the major Broadway productions of Private Lives:
1. 1931 – Broadway Premiere
- Theatre: Times Square Theatre
- Opened: January 27, 1931
- Cast: Noël Coward (Elyot), Gertrude Lawrence (Amanda), Laurence Olivier (Victor)
- This was the original Broadway production following the London debut.
2. 1969 Revival
- Theatre: Billy Rose Theatre
- Opened: February 4, 1969
- Cast: Brian Bedford and Tammy Grimes
- A well-received revival that earned a Tony nomination for Best Revival.
3. 1975 Revival
- Theatre: Forty-Sixth Street Theatre
- Opened: May 6, 1975
- Closed: May 17, 1975 (Only ran for 12 performances)
- Stars: Maggie Smith (Amanda), John Standing (Elyot)
- Notes: Directed by John Gielgud. Despite major star power, the production was short-lived.
3. 1983 Revival
- Theatre: Broadhurst Theatre
- Opened: May 8, 1983
- Cast: Elizabeth Taylor (Amanda), Richard Burton (Elyot)
- A star-studded production that drew huge attention, though reviews were mixed.
4. 2002 Revival
- Theatre: Richard Rodgers Theatre
- Opened: April 23, 2002
- Cast: Alan Rickman and Lindsay Duncan
- This critically acclaimed production won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play.
5. 2011 Revival
- Theatre: Music Box Theatre
- Opened: November 17, 2011
- Cast: Kim Cattrall (Amanda), Paul Gross (Elyot)
- Transferred from London’s West End, receiving positive reviews for its style and energy
Theatre Information
Ethel Barrymore Theatre
243 West 47th Street
New York, NY 10019
New York, NY 10019
Seats:
1,058
Entrance:
47th Street, between 8th and Broadway
Theatre
Information
Cast Members
- Amanda
- Laura Benanti
- Elyot
- Paul Bettany
Producers
Seaview
59 Productions
Production Credits
- Director
- Jessica Stone
Creative Team
- Playwright
- Noel Coward