Bruns Amphitheater (Orinda, CA)
California Shakespeare Theater presents their production of Noël Coward's Private Lives at the Bruns Amphitheater, a picturesque outdoor venue in Orinda. The story of a divorced couple who find themselves booked into adjoining honeymoon suites, Private Lives is one of Coward's most brilliantly witty plays.
Event summary prepared by the Goldstar Editorial Team.
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The last date listed for Private Lives was Saturday August 1, 2009 / 2:00pm. (view all dates)
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This is a terrific production. I wasn't eager to see it at first because I've seen and read the play a fair number of times and, as funny as it is, it's not what you'd call a deep and many-layered work that reveals fresh nuances and insights each time you revisit it. But I'm glad we decided to go. The acting is first rate and the whole production is a lot of fun. We were laughing hard nearly the whole time.
Wow--this is a really funny play and it was a great showcase for the four main actors. Beautiful costumes and nice clean sets--not too overdone like some CalShakes sets. The odd part was that it was SO windy that the furniture on stage was literally blowing off the stage! Luckily it just added to the whimsical nature of the play, but it was a little distracting--as was the thick fog rolling over the audience and the stage. Unfortunately these tix were way in the back so it was hard to hear the actors--that's really the only reason I didn't Love it.
Great venue, terrific acting...love Noel Coward! And, we lucked out with the weather so noshing with a nice red was excellent.
All good!
Susan
very well done! well cirected, well acted, second act dragged a bit but fist and third were especially good! And a warm night to boot!!!!!!
saw the play last nights. seats thru Goldstar were in the last row, center section. it's a small venue, so sight lines were very good. Enjoyed the play. it's a lighthearted, frothy British comedy. Very strong acting. would recommend.
Excellent performance by all actors of classic Noel Coward play, with witty dialogue, engaging but rather unbelievable plot line, plenty of laughs, elegant costumes, very workable sets. Section E is fine....brought our own chairs and blankets, and wore warm clothing in layers and were comfortable enough, but maybe winter jacket next time in case the fog rolls in. The poor actresses must have been quite chilly. Easy to hear the dialogue from back row. 2 intermissions. Highly recommend seeing it.
The play was terrific, acting, costumes and sets. The day was beautiful,but the seats were not great, especially for the first act as there was a raling obstructing the stage and actors. But I am sure that Goldstar could not be responsible for this.
This was an excellent performance. The acting was brilliant, despite the windy night, and the dialogue, was of course, incredibly witty. We sat in the E section for the first time, and the chairs were comfortable; the seats were also close enough that we could hear most and see everything. Would suggest microphones for the actors, though. We knew it would be chilly, and wore lots of layers and brought blankies too. Thoroughly enjoyable night!
Good play- well done. Great setting- two couples met had a picnic and enjoyed the production.
Absolutely love the Bruns Amphitheater and the entire experience there. The bugs weren't bad, the weather was gorgeous and the seats were great. Such a cute place!
As the sun went down over the hills (lovely!) it got chilly and then a little cold, but not as bad as all the folks with sleepings bags, comforters and parkas made it seem. We wore jeans, tshirts and had fleece coats.
The show was not my favorite--it was okay, not spectacular--but the surroundings were so fun that I didn't mind. Would have given 4 stars if the show were better, though.
Our first time here. Won't be our last. Great venue. Not a bad seat in the house (we were top row on the side and it was just fine). The performance and staging were just awesome. I would not have changed a word, a phrasing, a costume or a prop (except I would have made the phone ring when it was supposed to, but the actors played on as if it had, and soon I caught on). We took light jackets and lap robes - should have taken heavy jackets, lap robes and hats. The pre-performance lecture didn't hold my attention when it went on at length about the life of the playwright with nothing about the work itself.
Wonderful play; excellent acting; incredible and intimate ambiance. Loved it. It was cold -- pack accordingly. We had three blankets, gloves, a hat, and I was still chilly at times. Still, I'd go back in a second. It's quite a find.
This was a very funny show and I really do love this venue. You do have to dress for the cooler weather if you go in the evening and I prefer Section E with the "beach chairs" which are much more comfortable than the hard plastic chairs located in the other sections. There isn't a bad seat in the house. Go and enjoy!
Of course, Noel Coward on an outdoor stage is not like seeing his plays at the Savoy Theatre in London, but they did a surprisingly good job. The female lead was notably well played.
The weather was at its most summer foggy blustery, but I dressed warmly.
We went to see Private Lives on the 7/29th, surely the coldest day this year. The actors were terrific in moving ahead thru heavy blowing wind blasts, while wearing very skimpy clothing! And while they were all great in projecting their voices, they do not wear mikes, so if they are walking around or turn away and are not facing you -- you miss most of the words - which is a real shame. I can't imagine "why" they do not wear mikes which is so commonly done in most theaters.
Excellent show. We've seen Private Lives before, and this version was right up there with the best. The leads were fantastic. Cal Shakes productions are always great! Very windy and foggy, though, but very cozy under a blanket.
Great evening! So fun. Kudos to the actors for staying focused while sets were being blown all over the stage due to wind and very chilly fog. Wear warm clothing and bring plenty of blankets. Then just sit back and enjoy.
Great directing and acting. Funny! Really cold.
Great performance!
Only downside-it was freezing!
.great evening at the theatre; very well done; only advice is to dress warmly
well acted, lovely costumes and sets, funny script! a wonderful, albeit chilly and foggy, night out!
Although Private Lives does not have much depth as a play, Cal Shakes did an excellent job of portraying just that feeling. The actors were self-aware of their shallowness and it turned out to be fun, funny and enjoyable.
It was our first time at this venue. The setting was beautiful and the play great. Luckily, we were warned to bring heavy jackets and blankets, as it does get very cold.
"Don't quibble, Sybil"
It's all good!
There were three of us that attended Private Lives and we all enjoyed it tremendously. One of the best shows we'd seen in a long time. Noel Coward is such a wonderful writer, but it took the actors to bring it to life and they did. I highly recommend it.
It was a wonderful, urbane and only slightly dated romp. However, the bugs were killers!! Between the yellow jackets at the picnic and the mosquitos and black flies at the performance, the place looked like a rap concert waving their arms. Be sure and bring the DEET.
I find it really hard getting in and out of the little beach chairs, though they have improved them. If you do too, try to get a seat in the lower sections.
Everything about this play was super! The acting, the sets, the direction and timing. Not to mention the play itself. Yes, it is an oldie but is perfect for its genre, and still quite clever. And the setting in Orinda is heavenly. Definitely will attend something at this venue in the future. High quality production through and through.
Beautiful theatre, great actors, enjoyable night out. The pre-show grove talk was very helpful and a nice addition to the show.
A very pleasant evening. Fun, funny, laugh-inducing.
"Private Lives" was very enjoyable. The acting was excellent, there were many laughs. I recommend it highly.
This play was very well done. The acting was fabulous, the setting divine, and the picnic dinner delish! Was disappointed in the "wine tasting" and was glad we brought our own bottle! E section seating worked well, and the chairs rented were most comfortable. A wonderful evening!
This was a great show with lots of laughs. Wonderfully acted and staged. The California Shakespeare Theater never fails to deliver. Arriving, you'll park at the bottom of a hill and walk up a paved trail through the sycamore trees or take the shuttle bus. The outdoor seating was pleasant with plenty of leg room and not a bad seat in the house. Be sure to get there early in order to enjoy the grounds, delicious food, and outdoor artwork scattered throughout the theater area. This is what makes going to the outdoor theater so special here in California. There are two 10 minute intermissions with this show that allow you to grab coffee or other beverages or snacks and/or use the bathrooms. Be sure to get a headstart on the bathrooms or else you'll have to wait in line. You can eat and drink during the show, just as long as you're respectfully quiet for those around you and on stage. During the show is great with wine, cheese and crackers!
Also, bring a blanket and jacket just in case it cools off at night. Again remember, it's outdoors! Enjoy!
Very good directing and casting;
thank you for a memorable evening.
This is a cute production. Not the best I've ever seen but very nice. All four actors were very good. I only wish Liam Vincent had more stage time but that is the way the role was written.
Although this play was well-acted,I did not enjoy it.There was way too much bickering and misunderstanding.We left after the second act and happily made our way home.
Plus,I was disappointed there was not a wine tasting as advertised but a coffee tasting.
Well delivered witty lines, excellent staging and genuinely entertaining.
Has great reviews as well.
Funny pla! Great acting.
Light silly play. Do love and fighting go together
like a horse and carriage? Easy to see why this kind of play
went out of fashion. Audience loved it.
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The magnificent Bruns Amphitheater, is one of the most beautiful and unique settings imaginable to experience live theater. Located in the East Bay Hills between Berkeley and Orinda, the venue is set against a beautiful backdrop of rolling hills and summer sky. Doors open two hours before curtain so you can savor a picnic and relax in the beautiful eucalyptus and oak groves. Classic Catering's
Website: http://www.calshakes.org/v4/ourplays/private_lives.html
A divorced couple find themselves booked into adjoining honeymoon suites, igniting dangerous sparks. The exes lunge and parry their way through Noël Coward’s wicked, witty best. Associate Artist Mark Rucker (Twelfth Night, Richard III) helms this scorchingly smart romantic comedy.
The California Shakespeare Theater is committed to being a leading community citizen by nourishing the imaginations of audiences, artists and learners of all ages. We are dedicated to creating boldly imagined and deeply entertaining interpretations of Shakespeare's plays, fresh rediscoveries of important works of World Theater, and new works inspired by classic literature. Through our Artistic Learning programs, we are devoted to providing meaningful and accessible educational opportunities to a diversity of learners throughout the Greater Bay Area.