BWW Interviews: Paul Gross Talks Private Lives

Private Lives, the highly anticipated pre-Broadway production of Noel Coward's play, began previews on Friday and has its official opening in Toronto on September 25th. Starring Kim Cattrall as Amanda (fresh off her run in the same role on the West End) and Canadian favourite Paul Gross as Elyot, this new production will have a limited run in Toronto before opening on Broadway November 17th at the Music Box Theatre.

Private Lives is written by Noel Coward, and is considered to be one of the greatest comedies ever written. This new production is directed by Sir Richard Eyre, and produced by Paul Elliott and Duncan Weldon. It received rave reviews during its run in London's West End with the Daily Telegraph proclaiming "Richard Eyre's terrific new production of Noël Coward's remarkable comedy about love, lust and marriage: miraculously fresh and remarkably frank" and The Guardian complimenting Ms. Cattrall's performance as one that "exudes a shimmering allure with gleeful ecstasy."

BWW is thrilled to be giving its readers a look at the production before it goes to the Great White Way, including interviews with the two enigmatic and talented Canadian leads and coverage of all the opening night fun. Today we are speaking with Paul Gross, who will be making his Broadway debut with this production:

Congratulations on Private Lives! This will mark your Broadway debut - are you nervous about taking the show to NYC?

I'd be psychotic if I wasn't a little nervous. On the other hand Richard Eyre's direction is so solidly human I think I'd feel comfortable performing on Broadway or in a parking lot. He has furnished all of us with tremendously firm footing and should doubt creep in we can all rely upon that. Of course, we haven't encountered an audience yet. When we do, I might well simply stumble around the stage in a blind panic.

Private Lives will have its pre-Broadway run here in Toronto for a limited engagement after a successful run in London's West End, how do you think the show will play to a Canadian audience?

I should think Canadian audiences will embrace it whole heartedly. We have a fairly long acquaintance with Noel Coward and he's always received with enthusiasm. Our production of Private Lives is enormously entertaining -- wildly witty and streaked with dark undercurrents of human desire. I think every audience member will see elements of themselves in our production and be brought to their knees with the laughter of recognition.

You play opposite Kim Cattrall who received rave reviews for her portrayal of Amanda in the West End, has she been able to give you any tips or pointers along the way having already been a part of the production?

Kim is wonderful to work with and has managed to tame any impulse to tell me how to do it. As far as I know, we've adhered to the shape of the West End production but with two new cast members (myself and Anna Madeley as Sybil) we've naturally re-imagined the interior of scenes. And the process has been tremendous fun -- Coward really does ask you to spar and dance and Kim is a terrific dance partner.

This marks a return to the stage for you after many years, what has been the hardest part of switching from film and screen to stage work again?

Well...acting is acting whether in front of a camera or on the deck of a big theatre. However, I seem to have forgotten a lot of the technical differences. Just talking in a big house was a shock. I forgot all about tech rehearsals. And the level of sustained concentration required was also a shock. But I'm gradually settling in. It's a bit like riding a bicycle, although the first few days it seemed I had no wheels. Lately though, I think I have the wheels and managed to get the handlebars hooked so I'm much more comfortable than I was to start. This is not to say I won't blow a tire but at least I now have one.

You have been behind the camera for a lot of your recent work, why choose now (and why this role) to mark your return to the theatre?

It seemed an opportunity too wonderful to pass up. Noel Coward is a much underrated author and Private Lives is an almost perfectly constructed play. And, of course, there was the inducement of Richard Eyre. I have long been an admirer of his work and the experience of banging away at this play with a master's hand on the tiller has been absolutely fantastic.

You have had an illustrious career on stage, but is there one role you still really hope to get the chance to play?

I've never really thought too much about parts I'd like to play, more about people I'd like to work with. I think I'd like to take a run at Richard III. And in another life, perhaps a Lear.

What Broadway show are you most looking forward to checking out once the production hits NYC?

I'd like to see all of them but I'm pretty sure I'll be working at the Music Box. If we do have any time off I'll go to all of them.

And finally, what would you say to encourage a younger audience to come and check out Private Lives?

If they want to see something hilarious, unsettling, charged and memorable they should go -- Coward is the master.

Photo of Paul Gross by Racheal McCaig Photography

When and Where?
Private Lives

September 16 - October 30

Royal Alexandra Theatre

Performance Schedule

Tuesday - Saturday 8:00 PM
Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday 2:00 PM

Tickets range from $35.00 - $130.00 and can be purchased by phone at 416.872.2222 or 1.800.461.3333 and online at www.mirvish.com

Broadway Tickets:

Tickets are available through www.telecharge.com

Broadway Performance Schedule:

Tues at 7PM, Wed-Sat at 8PM, Wed & Sat at 2PM and Sun at 3PM

Tickets are $121.50 and $66.50 at all performances except Wednesday matinee when they are $121.50 and $46.50.

For more information please visit the official website at www.privatelivesbroadway.com