At first, I was unsure whether to go and see this play or not but when I saw that they were discounted (2 for 1), I couldn’t resist.
Private Lives is running through to October 30, 2011 at the Royal Alex Theatre here in Toronto. My seats were in the Upper Balcony (left of stage). From there I was able to see the stage without any heads nor railings being in the way. Definitely would consider sitting there again.
Going into the theatre, I didn’t really know much about the play nor what I was about to watch. I only knew that it was a divorced couple who can’t be together nor be apart.
The play consists of 3 Acts with a 15 minute intermission between Act I and II. Opening act is a hotel balcony where the fun starts and never stops right until the end. Kim Cattrall’s performance as Amanda was exceptional. She was highly entertaining and when little mishaps with props happened, professionally carried on without the audience noticing them, just a knowing glance to her co-actor, Paul Gross would give it away.
Paul Gross and supporting cast were also outstanding. Overall, it was a very funny and entertaining play. In my view, the actors made it so.
I would highly recommend this one to go and see, even at full price before it heads to Broadway, NY. It was a pleasant surprise and great to actually see one of the Sex in the City girls on stage live!
5 Stars… A MUST SEE
Afterthought: The Royal Alex seating is in need of improvement. There is no leg room and are narrow in width. Luckily I don’t have long legs nor wide hips, but for those who are, it would definitely be a little uncomfortable to be sitting for long periods of time.
The air conditioning came on during Act II and never switched off, so I came out with a frozen head and shoulders, suffering from a headache for the next 3 days. If I didn’t have a jacket, I wouldn’t have been able to withstand the draft produced by the A/C!
