The Barnstormers Theatre presents Noel Coward's classic comedy of manners "Private Lives" from July 21 to 25 in Tamworth, NH.

Elyot Chase, honeymooning with his new bride in France, is stunned to learn that his ex-wife Amanda is vacationing in the adjoining suite with her new husband. Repartee, recriminations and laughter follow as Elyot and Amanda decide whether they can live without--or even with--each other.

"Private Lives opened on Broadway in 1931, the same year The Barnstormers was founded," says Bob Shea, artistic director of The Barnstormers and director of the upcoming production. "It  shares the same artistic spirit that caused Francis Cleveland to become an creative pioneer, leave his urban life and come to Tamworth with his friends and associates to form The Barnstormers."

Coward wrote "Private Lives" in a fever--he was literally down with the flu when he sketched out the scenes--and completed the first draft in just four days. He also played the role of Elyot in the original London production, opposite the legendary Gertude Lawrence as Amanda and Laurence Olivier as her new husband Victor. The three reprised their roles for the Broadway production in 1931, with Olivier's wife Jill Esmond playing Elyot's new wife Sybil.

The Barnstormers production features Doug Shapiro--who has appeared in numerous Barnstormers productions from "Arsenic and Old Lace" to "Urinetown"--as Elyot. Amanda is played by Dee Nelson, returning to The Barnstormers after having appeared in feature films and TV shows such as The Sopranos, Grey's Anatomy, and Judging Amy, as well as numerous region theatrical productions. She has also received best actress honors from  Boston's Elliot Norton Awards and the New Hampshire Theatre Awards. Joe Tuttle (seen in The Barnstormers productions of "The Dining Room," "Of Mice and Men" and "Sleuth") plays Amanda's husband Victor, Chrystal Stone is Elyot's new wife Sybil, and Barnstormers veteran Jean Brown is Louise, the maid.

Performances of "Private Lives" are at 8 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, with an additional matinee at 2 p.m. on Saturday. The Barnstormers Theatre is air-conditioned and handicap accessible. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 603-323-8500 or visit the web site at http://www.barnstormerstheatre.org.