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• Director Griffin captures sophisticated '30s comedy with Private Lives revival.

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Noel Coward’s "Private Lives" has been one of the most sophisticated, urbane and charming distinctly British romantic comedies of the past century. The present production of "Private Lives" at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier provides an excellent rendition of this 1930 classic with its very capable American cast.

Director Gary Griffin guides his cast of four skilled lead performers, telling the delightful tale of Elyot Chase and his former wife Amanda, who five years after divorcing, accidentally rendezvous in the same French hotel in adjacent suite terraces, while on their second honeymoons with their respective new spouses. After initial shocks the ex’s reminisce over their pasts and quickly rekindle their past passions, leaving their new spouses hapless victims. Sybil, Elyot’s new wife, immediately is heartbroken and crumbles in tears. Victor, Amanda’s hubby, vows to fight for her with macho gallantry.

Griffin and scene designer, Neil Patel effectively remove the traditional stage proscenium and stage this production in the round, on a set that revolves at an almost unperceivable minute pace. Patel’s set design allows for maximum audience appreciation of the actors’ charming manners and farcical antics while creatively suggesting the passage of time in the longer more dialogue filled scenes.

Robert Sella’s Elyot is the core of this successful production as he captures the vocal charm and wit of Coward’s alter ego. Tracy Michelle Arnold’s Amanda effectively manages the independent spirit and snotty cattiness of a modern woman. While Chaon Cross and Tim Campbell’s roles as spouses Sybil and Victor are mostly one dimensional, Cross is effectively silly as the weepy and slighted Sybil. Campbell’s Victor is the near cliché of the stuffy, handsome trophy husband that satisfies the cougar ways of the sassy Amanda. Both performances of these new spouses show how obvious it is that Elyot and Amanda are made for each other after all.

This fine production of "Private Lives" continues at Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier, 800 East Grand Ave on Chicago’s Lakefront until March 7. For ticket information contact the theatre’s box office at 312 595-5600 or make orders on line at www.chicagoshakes.com.