Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...In the end, it's unclear whether the sweet, cozy kind of love is really attainable or if such domestic tranquillity is just a front. "I think very few people are completely normal really, deep down in their private lives," Amanda speculates. Later, she admits to feeling "rather scared of marriage." This dark strand is woven throughout the play, exposing the heartache and strife that can accompany the most intimate relationships. At Raven Theatre, neither the passionate desire nor the fever-pitched arguments come across strongly enough to drive this point home."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...Emily Tate as Amanda and Rudy Galvan as Elyot are in the grip of an intense, explosive attraction that brings out both the best and worst in each of them in hilarious ways, as their irreverent, free-thinking amorality collides with their damnable streaks of jealousy, vanity, and pure stubbornness. They are great fun to watch as they play off each other, moment by moment. Tate is especially good with her mercurial shifts from edgy defiance to introspective vulnerability. Matthew Martinez Hannon and Alexis Green are Victor and Sibyl, the hapless second spouses. And-in another clever update-Bradley Halverson as Amanda's French maid Louise is a nonbinary commentator on the story's heterosexual hijinks, narrating Coward's stage directions en français."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...What the world needs now, is laughter, love and sweet memories. The Raven Theatre is coming back after the pandemic with all of this and more with their production of Noel Coward’s “Private Lives”, probably one of the greatest English “comedy of manners” plays ever written. The story is about two people, very much in love, but unable to stand each other. Sound like someone in your life? Probably not, but often it is said that love and hate are very close to each other on the emotional scale. In the case of this play, Amanda Prynne ( a terrific Emily Tate) is so in love with Elyot Chase (deftly handled by Rudy Galvan) that they divorce each other."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...This play, written in 1930, still brims with Cowardy comedy and command, thanks to Ian Frank's tight direction. He has guided his cast in their creation of characters that are strong, honest and urbane, while giving the story a subtle update. Mr. Frank still allows the playwright's superbly-written language to rise to the surface, always bubbling and fizzing like a newly-opened bottle of champagne. And, because of this, we revisit a play that will leave audiences once again inebriated with laughter."
Third Coast Review - Recommended
"...Ian Frank's direction might please the playwright too. The scenes move along briskly and by the end of act two, the Paris apartment becomes a disaster zone, artfully ravaged by the actors. Scenic design is by Joe Schermoly with lighting by Becca Jeffords. Sound design is by Daniel Etti-Williams. Costume design is by Gregory Graham. James Anthony is stage manager."
Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended
"...No one can watch Noel Coward's 1931 comedy classic Private Lives without absorbing at least some of the topsy-turvy sexual energy of the characters. This play about the on again/off again/on-and-off again relationship between two people who are either perfect for each other or tragically wrong for each other (you decide) is at once hilarious, ludicrous, and a bit cringeworthy, as his best plays tend to be. Raven Theatre's production, directed by Ian Frank, presses all of the buttons and then adds a few more in a perfect opening to its 40th season."
Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended
"...Noel Coward, known for his sharp wit and sarcasm, deftly uses manners and pretense to display the irrepressible smoldering undercurrent of emotions between former lovers. Ian Frank's stylish and fine-tuned direction updates this period play while keeping the charm and wit of its British comedy origin. Kristina Fluty's choreography of the intimacy and movement seamlessly intertwines the verbal and the physical comedy. The cast delivers a high energy, high enthusiasm and highly entertaining performance."
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...What is it about good writing that turns even the most irredeemable and loathsome characters into endearing protagonists? Whatever it is, it can be found in abundance in “Private Lives” at the Raven Theatre. Directed by Ian Frank, this reimagining of Noël Coward’s classic comedy of manners will have you rooting for scoundrels and cheering on charlatans."