Private Lives

If you're around town this weekend or next I would highly recommend Fourth Room Theatre's performances of Noel Coward's Private Lives.

This is the third summer that Fourth Room has offered free classical theater in University Heights. The setting for the show is Dr. Flaum's spacious yard at 901 Melrose Ave.

Here is the write up from Fourth Room's Facebook page:



The 1930's comedy explores the love lives of divorced couple, Elyot and Amanda, who are shocked to run into each other while honeymooning at the same hotel in France with their respective new spouses. Their feelings for one another are rekindled, setting in motion the same cycle of love and violence that plagued their initial marriage.

Coward’s play, written in just four days when he was only 30 years old, is a perennial favorite. Coward himself starred as Elyot when the play first premiered. The show’s popularity was immediate and hasn’t waned since. It was adapted for film in 1931 and has had several radio and television productions since then, as well as numerous award-winning London and Broadway stagings.

Fourth Room will present PRIVATE LIVES at the same beautiful outdoor location as previous summers, 901 Melrose Ave, Iowa City. Limited parking is available on the grounds, with additional spots across the street at Kinnick Stadium.

PERFORMANCES:
Thursday, August 13 – 7:00 p.m.
Friday, August 14 – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 15 – 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 20 – 7:00 p.m.
NO FRIDAY PERFORMANCE
Saturday, August 22 – 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 23rd is reserved as a potential rain date. Please check this event, our Facebook page, or our website for weather-related updates!

Audience members are encouraged to bring blankets or folding chairs and picnics to enjoy the evening.

This production is FREE to the public. If you would like to donate to our Free Outdoor Classics initiative, visit our website for PayPal or mail options.
http://fourthroomtheatre.com/donation/

No reservations needed.

A Magical Night in U-Heights!

Lisa and I went to Fourth Room Theatre's performance of Shakespeare's Cymbeline last night. The company was amazingly talented and the performance was professional and intense. I've never been to a Shakespeare production before where I didn't have ANY idea what the plot was prior to the start of the play.

 

photos from Fourth Room Theatre's Facebook Page

What truly made the evening magical was the VENUE. Michael Flaum hosted the performance at his home, on Melrose Ave. at the very eastern edge of U-Heights. Watching in a beautiful setting made the play an exquisite experience. Walking there down the gravel lane transported us back to medieval Britain. Having our picnic dinner while watching the show was an added bonus.

Kudos to Fourth Room Theatre and Michael Flaum. I certainly hope this can become an annual event!