Katonah Classic Stage to present Noel Coward’s “Private Lives” at Bedford Hills Community House

Katonah Classic Stage announced that it will present Noel Coward’s romantic comedy, “Private Lives,” this October at the newly renovated Bedford Hills Community House.

Last year’s inaugural production, “Oleanna,” was an intense and exhilarating drama. This year, Katonah Classic Stage opted for a more lighthearted performance in “Private Lives.”

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“Passion, laughter, romance, and love set the stage for a far more comedic battle of the sexes,” said Sharron Kearney, KCS executive director.

Since pandemic restrictions have lifted, KCS has hosted a string of performances, including “Oleanna,” several readings featuring Broadway stars, a Shakespeare-focused workshop for local students, and a short film festival at the Bedford Playhouse this summer.

Now, KCS will bring “Private Lives” to Westchester audiences.

“Set against a boozy, 1930’s backdrop, divorced couple, Amanda and Elyot, find themselves unwittingly thrown together in Coward’s classic comedy of manners,” KCS said of the performance. “Unknowingly booking adjoining rooms while on honeymoon with their respective spouses, Victor and Sybil, Amanda and Elyot are forced to face their true feelings for each other.”

Broadway veteran and KCS Associate Artist Christa Scott-Reed will direct the performance. "I’m looking forward to directing ‘Private Lives’ with such a stellar cast. This hilarious classic manages to be timeless not because it's traditional but because it’s so delightfully transgressive. As two square pegs in the round hole of 1930s society, Elyot and Amanda push against norms and each other, gleefully using their acid wit to make verbal fireworks spark in this summer comedy,” Scott-Reed said. “I feel certain that Westchester audiences will delight in this charming play that is as effervescent and delicious as a glass of champagne - but one that has some bite to it."

KCS Founding Artistic Director Trent Dawson will play the character of Elyot. Dawson, an actor and director, is best known for his long-standing, Emmy-nominated role on “As the World Turns,” and has been working on television and on stage for nearly 30 years.

“This is such a fun show,” Dawson said. “I've wanted to bring this play to the community for so long, and now to do it with such a fantastic creative team is a dream come true. We all need something fun and lighthearted to look forward to after the last couple of years!”

KCS will host a preview performance October 13, before the show officially opens October 14.  A celebratory Opening Night party will immediately follow the show. The party will transport the audience to a 1930’s dance hall by showcasing the Art Deco décor of the period with big band and swing music, food, and champagne.