Theatre To Present "Private Lives"

1999 was the centennial of the birth of Noel Coward, actor,
playwright, composer, lyricist, and man about town. To celebrate the man who wrote so many charming comedies and so
many famous melodies, Manhattan Arts Center Community Theatre presents "Private Lives," the play that made
Coward the highest-earning author in the English-speaking world of 1930.

Written partly for Coward’s childhood friend, Gertude Lawrence, "Private Lives" is the story of a divorced couple who meet
again while honeymooning with their second spouse. The results of this chance encounter
are unexpected and truly hilarious.

Chuck Wipplinger and Alissa Duncan play the divorced couple, with Lori Nelson and Trent Pappan in the roles of their
suffering spouses. Meggan Davis rounds out the cast as a French maid. The play is directed by
Dave Smit.

During the production, some of Coward’s best known songs will be sung by Cynthia Fitzgerald, accompanied on the piano
by Charles Faulk. "Private Lives" will be presented at the Arts Center, 1520 Poyntz, on February 25-27 and March 2-5.
Performances start at 8 p.m., except
Sunday matinees, which start at 2 p.m. Tickets are $9 (adults), $7
(students) and $4 (children) and can be obtained by calling 539-6000 (10 am-5 pm), e-mailing
boxoffice@ManhattanArts.org, or by stopping by the Center or Streetside in Aggieville. Student walk-ins on Thursday and
Sunday are $7.

There will be an Afterglow Reception at which audience members can meet the cast and crew after the opening night
performance on February 25.