My life in lyrics Apr 1, 2008
In his song I'll See You Again, Noel Coward transformed the title line by putting the musical emphasis unexpectedly on the word "you". Nothing when read, but everything when heard. (Guardian Unlimited)
They Might Be Giants, or they might not (we wouldn't know) Mar 27, 2008
JF: My mom avidly listens to a bunch of quite specific music that is very non-rock and very non-kid: Noel Coward, Joan Baez, Louie Armstrong, Lotte Lenya (which was very mysterious to me as a kid). West Side Story and Cabaret were routinely played at top volume to inspire housecleaning. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
IN MY LIBRARY: DAVID HYPE PIERCE Mar 23, 2008
The Letters of Noel Coward. by Noel Coward, edited by Barry Day. (New York Post -- Opinions)
It's Got Judd Apatow, Seth Rogen, Owen Wilson and It's Still Terrible Mar 21, 2008
Though I didn't love Superbad (except for the brilliant Michael Cera), its profane put-downs sound like Noel Coward next to the lame sallies offered in Drillbit. Rogen can be an ingenious writer of individual lines, but he has yet to develop a sense of story structure. (Slate)
Critic's Corner weekend Mar 15, 2008
The 1965 film has a fabulous cast, led by Laurence Olivier, Carol Lynley, Keir Dullea and Noel Coward, and one of those plots that has been recycled multiple times: Has a mother lost her child or just her mind. CHAT. (USA Today -- Life)
'Prayer' ruckus stirs up discontent Mar 8, 2008
With London buzzing about Kneehigh Theater's glowingly reviewed legit version of 1945 Noel Coward pic "Brief Encounter," talk of Stateside interest in a potential Broadway transfer quickly made the rounds. Turns out producers hoping to score rights to the show don't have to leave town to check out Kneehigh's work. (Variety)
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day Mar 7, 2008
The dialogue rattles on like faux Noel Coward, lots of speed but with the witty dazzle excised. That's too bad, because the cast here, including such stalwart supporters as Ciaran Hinds and the ever-delightful Shirley Henderson, are primed for the good stuff. (Globe and Mail -- Entertainment)
Get off my cloud Mar 5, 2008
As Noel Coward so eloquently replied when asked about his flight, Well, aeronautically it was a great success. Socially, it left quite a bit to be desired. (Globe and Mail)
She rules the waves Feb 25, 2008
Evening shows include everything from song and dance to Macbeth, Noel Coward comedies, variety shows and magicians. In 107 days the Queen Victoria will have travelled from Southhampton to New York, through the Panama Canal to Los Angeles, Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand, Melbourne, Sydney and up the coast of Australia to Asia, India, through the Suez Canal, around the Mediterranean and back to England. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Wish you were here? Feb 17, 2008
Noel Coward renamed Ian Fleming's house Golden Eye, Nose and Throat ... Other Britons soon followed Fleming to Jamaica, including his friend Noel Coward, who became a near neighbour at Blue Harbour ... Indeed, Noel Coward renamed Ian Fleming's house Golden Eye, Nose and Throat, in critical homage to its faulty design inadequate facilities and appalling food. (BBC News -- UK)
Let me tell you a story Jan 23, 2008
"I say, 'Labour Day is coming up.' Well, it was the wrong thing to say. He looks toward me with a look of such contempt it's like Noel Coward has just spotted a bug on his collar. He says, 'We despise unions.' I thought, oooooh. The bus is still late. I've got a winner here. Suddenly I'm the ancient mariner and I fix him with my glittering eye. 'How many hours a day do you work?' I ask. He says, 'Eight.' 'How comes you don't work 18 hours a day like your great-great-grandfather did? You know... (Guardian Unlimited -- Books)
Ted Hughes tops critics' table Jan 8, 2008
Letters of Ted Hughes by Christopher Reid (11) The Blair Years by Alastair Campbell (9) Edith Wharton by Hermione Lee (8) Young Stalin by Simon Sebag Montefiore (7) Agent Zigzag by Ben Macintyre (7) Exit Music by Philip Roth (7) Austerity Britain by David Kynaston (7) The Whisperers by Orlando Figes (7) God's Architect by Rosemary Hill (7) Moro East by Sam and Sam Clarke (7) River Cottage Fish Book by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall (7) My Manchester United Years by Bobby Charlton (6) The Lodger by... (Guardian Unlimited -- Books)
Letters Of Noel Coward Jan 5, 2008
Noel Coward wrote often to his friends, dishing out affection and affectation ... Noel Coward (edited by Barry Day) ... Noel Coward was a mummy's boy. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Pat Kirkwood, 86, British musical star Dec 28, 2007
Kirkwood's career of more than 60 years included leading roles in musicals written by Noel Coward and Cole Porter. But Kirkwood was dogged her whole life by rumors of a romantic liaison with Prince Philip which she always denied after the two were spotted dancing at a London nightclub. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Minority Report On Pinter Dec 28, 2007
And Lahr quotes Noel Coward, the last man alive you would expect to admire "The Homecoming." Says Noel, "I can well see why some clots hate it, but I belong to the opposite camp--if you will forgive the expression." ... As for me, I must be "the clot" Noel Coward told Pinter wouldn't get it. (Forbes)
Obituaries in the news Dec 27, 2007
Kirkwood's career saw her take leading roles in musicals written by Noel Coward, Cole Porter and Leonard Bernstein. But the four-times married Kirkwood was dogged her whole life by rumors of a romantic liaison with Prince Philip which she always denied after the two were spotted dancing at a London nightclub. (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
British stage legend Pat Kirkwood dies Dec 26, 2007
Kirkwood was the leading lady in musicals written by Noel Coward, Cole Porter and Leonard Bernstein, and went on to find fame in Hollywood. The late critic Kenneth Tynan hailed her legs as the eighth wonder of the world. (The Australian)
My Fair Lady Leads Sparkling 2008 Granite Theatre Season Dec 22, 2007
The laughter will be non-stop next year at the Granite Theatre in Westerly, where audiences will be regaled by Noel Coward, Neil Simon and George Bernard Shaw at their very best. Noel Coward s bewitching comedy "Blithe Spirit" opens the season in March, and the next seven productions in the 2008 schedule should live up to that grand opening ... While he earned his distinction with such plays as "Hay Fever" and "Private Lives," British playwright, comedian and nightclub singer Noel Coward made... (Westerly Sun, RI)
In Praise Of Mr. Write Dec 21, 2007
Pinter and Noel Coward. Gore Vidal, who abandoned. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
Ceramics designer created once-novel, now classic, tableware Dec 17, 2007
Author Rudyard Kipling was her godfather, and Noel Coward wrote the play "Blithe Spirit" at Portmeirion. Her father started creating the Italianate village of Portmeirion in 1925, rescuing European buildings from destruction and building new ones, finishing in 1972. (Los Angeles Times)
Click for Full Story Dec 16, 2007
Thought for Today: "I love criticism just so long as it's unqualified praise." -- Sir Noel Coward, English actor, playwright, composer (born this date, 1899; died in 1973). (Source: Associated Press). (KWTX.com, TX)
This Day in History Dec 16, 2007
Sir Noel Coward, English actor, playwright, composer (born this date, 1899; died in 1973). Untitled Document. (Montana Standard, MT)
British Library's 1.1m saves Pinter's papers for nation Dec 12, 2007
"Given Pinter's strongly expressed views on American foreign policy and other aspects of the US - Hollywood is a "shithouse", he told Time Out magazine last month - it would have been a shock if his archive had followed his compatriots' across the Atlantic. The archive is a treasure trove. Among the piles of letters is one from Noel Coward, who professes himself a fan. "You cheerfully break every rule of the theatre that I have been brought up to believe in except the cardinal one of never... (Guardian Unlimited)
Keira Knightley Interview, Atonement Dec 10, 2007
And then In Which We Serve, which is another Noel Coward, David Lean film. And then various sort of news clippings from that time as well, again, to get this accent, and just this idea of this society that is incredibly, its that peak of the stiff upper lip and that kind of, well just get on with it. (MoviesOnline)
Legendary in Britain, obscure in U.S. Dec 8, 2007
"But Alan doesn't write one-liners. His comedy is character-driven. His writing is like George Bernard Shaw or Noel Coward but in a lower-class stratum.". Erhardt also points out that although the work is very accessible, Ayckbourn's plays are driven by almost mathematical logic. (Variety)
Noel Coward: A letter writer extraordinaire Dec 1, 2007
The astute English critic Kenneth Tynan identified Broadway humor as being chiefly of two kinds: Jewish and homosexual. He might have called it kvetch and bitch, perfectly good types, but not really British. (International Herald Tribune -- Arts)
Snow Joke: Author Fears His Art Is Dying Nov 29, 2007
But if he could sit down and watch a movie this Christmas, it would be Brief Encounter, the Noel Coward tale about unrequited love. "It's about restrained English middle class people - trying to behave decently, although they are filled with desire for one another."Its all very tight-lipped and careful as things used to be. (Sky News)
Alas, the ordered world of martinis has been sacked Nov 24, 2007
When in the 1930s and '40s the playwright and songwriter Noel Coward wandered into the Ritz Bar in downtown London, his drink order consisted of nothing more than a single tri-syllabic word: mar-tin-i. With that simple pronouncement the bartender (indeed any bartender) sprang into action, certain beyond doubt that his client was seeking a delicious blend of roughly four parts gin and one part dry vermouth. (Scripps Howard News Wire)
Ireland: Peter Cameron Nov 23, 2007
Some of my favorite composers are Gustav Mahler, Stephen Sondheim, Joni Mitchell, Noel Coward, and Benjamin Britten. . (Zmag.org)
MiraCosta scores with classy, hilarious 'Blithe Spirit' Nov 15, 2007
Noel Coward plays are known for many things ---- stylishness and grace, biting satire and humor as subtle as a dry martini. Those words also aptly describe the production of Coward's "Blithe Spirit" now playing at MiraCosta College. (North County Times)
Spirit is willing, but flesh is weak in a few spots Nov 13, 2007
English playwright Noel Coward wrote as effortlessly and as elegantly as he appeared to live. (It was, of course, all part of his carefully created public persona. (Toronto Star)
Tart tongues lift comedy of manners Nov 12, 2007
Written by Noel Coward ... A cast of veteran Soulpepper actors has transformed Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit into a solid production. (Globe and Mail -- Entertainment)
REQUIRED READING Nov 11, 2007
(Little, Brown) A fond and exhilarating look back at the wild man of American journalism, put together by a couple of guys. His close friend Marlene Dietrich called the sleep-aid suppositories she used Fernando Lamases" because she thought him the most boring actor she knew. The Black Lizard Big Book of Pulps edited by Otto Penzler(Vintage) More than 1,100 pages of hardboiled hijinks, garrulous gumshoes and dangerous dames, this tome takes top crime fiction from the '20s through the '40s and... (New York Post -- Opinions)
New Production One For The Book Nov 9, 2007
November 9, 2007 -- HOW potent cheap music is, observed Noel Coward. Well, not always. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
Day in / day out area entertainment guide Nov 3, 2007
Same Difference Inclusive Theatre Co. presents Blithe Spirit, an improbable farce in three acts by Noel Coward, at its new theatre located at. 900 W. Broadway, Friday through Sunday, Nov. 2-4. (Montana Standard, MT)
Shelf awareness: Cherish and love your books Nov 2, 2007
It would be easier for me to part with some of the classics that look prestigious and intellectual on one s bookshelves, than to give up say all the collections of Noel Coward s plays, the great English poets, and particularly the witty poems and short stories of Dorothy Parker, who was born in 1893 and who went out of fashion long ago. Most readers of my vintage know her famous saying: Men never make passes at girls who wear glasses. (Cleveland Jewish News, OH)
Oscar Wilde is Britain's greatest humorist Oct 15, 2007
The list also includes noted humorists Noel Coward, the country's late football manager Brian Clough and Oasis lead singer Liam Gallagher. However, former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher has been ranked 12th, well ahead of comediennes Jennifer Saunders and Victoria Wood. (India Times, India)
Genius declared: Wilde tops the wit list Oct 15, 2007
"The TV presenter, comedian and author Stephen Fry also made the cut, in the high-calibre company of Shakespeare, Sir Winston Churchill, the comedian Paul Merton and the playwright Noel Coward.Flying the flag for the sporting world is plain-speaking former Nottingham Forest manager Brian Clough. Ol' Big 'Ed, as he was lovingly dubbed by his fans, was not one to play down his own importance and famously said, "When I go, God's going to have to give up his favourite chair ... 7 Noel Coward "People... (Guardian Unlimited -- Books)
Broadcaster Ned Sherrin dies at 76 Oct 2, 2007
Sherrin's long time personal manager, Deke Arlon, said last night the broadcaster had died peacefully at home in bed, surrounded by friends: "He was just a great writer and a great entertainer ... He was today's Noel Coward, and one of the great men of the entertainment industry.". A life that was. (Guardian Unlimited)
Six decades on, Rosemary Harris' career is still in the 'Pink' Sep 30, 2007
Her stage roles have ranged from Shakespeare to Neil Simon, Noel Coward to Edward Albee during stints at London's Old Vic, on Broadway, with the APA Repertory Company and the National Theatre of Great Britain. Her prizes: Tony, Drama Desk, Emmy, Obie and Golden Globe awards. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Twenty20 Ke Maffik Sep 27, 2007
Noel Coward described heaven as a party where everyone is forever 20 years old. Today, India mythological India, the India of aspiration if not of history, of reality is that party. (India Times, India)
Drake's Timeless Magic Sep 23, 2007
Some of the songs seem rooted in old English folk music, such as "Northern Sky" and "River Man," while others seem to have leaped from a Noel Coward review, such as the cheeky send-up of the rich and the removed, "Mayfair." And, despite Drake's popular image as a moody loner, some of the songs are actually happy. Dedicated Drake fans will debate forever which are the best songs and which are the best albums to own. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Talk of the Times Sep 18, 2007
It features the music of Cole Porter, Rodgers and Hart, Noel Coward, Victor Herbert, Verdi and Puccini. Q: What else can guests expect to enjoy at this event. (Scranton Times, PA)
Coward's long-lost satire almost too 'daring' Sep 16, 2007
A biting satire of sexual morality written by Noel Coward but never published has been unearthed by two Welsh scholars researching the history of small-scale theatrical productions in London ... They wondered if its name had been changed, but when they eventually found the script in the British Library, the Noel Coward estate was able to confirm it was likely to be the only copy. (Guardian Unlimited -- UK)
Lost Noel Coward play uncovered Sep 15, 2007
Lost' Noel Coward play uncovered. The play was written before Noel Coward became well known ... A Noel Coward play which had been untouched for almost 90 years has been rediscovered by Welsh academics. (BBC News -- Entertainment)
If at first you don't succeed, lie, lie again Aug 16, 2007
Hackett called the president a "chickenhawk," referred to Bush's "Bring it on" statement as "the most incredibly stupid comment," and called Bush "the biggest threat in America." Yes, he was a veritable Noel Coward, that Hackett ... Hackett called the president a "chickenhawk," referred to Bush's "Bring it on" statement as "the most incredibly stupid comment," and called Bush "the biggest threat in America." Yes, he was a veritable Noel Coward, that Hackett. (Townhall.com)
Brooke Astor dies at 105 Aug 14, 2007
The young divorcee found an apartment at 1 Gracie Square in Manhattan and began to hobnob with such Jazz Age celebrities as Noel Coward, Gertrude Lawrence, Arthur Rubenstein, and movie-star sisters Lillian and Dorothy Gish. She wrote book reviews for Vogue by day and partied by night. (Newsday -- World)
M. SCOTT MORRIS: We've borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat Aug 11, 2007
- "It's such a surprise for the Eastern eyes to see,/That though the English are effete/They're quite impervious to the heat." - Noel Coward. Dang, it's hot. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
Singapore Sling with a Swing Aug 6, 2007
Writers like Somerset Maugham, Joseph Conrad, Noel Coward and others have all visited and been influenced by Singapore, the old British Empire colonial outpost. Singapore features in their writing too, with languid tales of this fascinating place. (Suite101.com)
Malick energizes a mod take on Coward's 'Spirit' Jul 21, 2007
WILLIAMSTOWN -- Seldom, if ever, do Neil Diamond and Noel Coward appear in the same sentence. Surely it is not difficult to understand that there is a reason for this. (Boston Globe -- Living)
A 'Marvelous Party' for Noel Coward Jul 19, 2007
And the floor show is terrific -- like something right out of Noel Coward. Actually, it is right out of Noel Coward ... It's a two-hour delight called "A Marvelous Party: The Noel Coward Celebration," and it's an elegant revue directed with charm and elan by Scott Edmiston for the American Repertory Theatre. (Boston Globe)
Olivier acted as secret agent Jul 17, 2007
He says Noel Coward told him in 1972: "It was down to Alexander Korda to tell Larry that Winston Churchill was not asking but telling him that his country expected him to do his duty.". Munn says the film producer Jesse Lasky told him Olivier had been able to ensure access to senior figures via his friendship with stars such as Clark Gable. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Weekend Happenings Jul 13, 2007
Noel Coward in Ten exhibit, through Nov. 10. Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne: A Life on Stage exhibit, through Nov. 10. (Oconomowoc Focus, WI)
More of this story Jul 7, 2007
THEATER PREVIEW - PARTY HEARTY: Get ready to celebrate the songs of Noel Coward ... THEATER PREVIEW - PARTY HEARTY: Get ready to celebrate the songs of Noel Coward ... Thomas Derrah, Karen MacDonald, Remo Airaldi and Will LeBow star in A Marvelous Party: The Noel Coward Celebration. (Brockton Enterprise, MA)
REVIEW: Red, Hot & Cole fascinating look at a recognized genius Jul 5, 2007
Ben Caron, for example, plays Moss Hart, Clifton Webb, George Kaufman, an English soldier, Sam Katz, a doctor, Noel Coward, and a drunk ... In the second act, the songs are It s De-Lovely, Let s Do It reprise (lyrics by Noel Coward), The Physician, Don t Fence Me In (a really topnotch rendition), Ca, C est L Amour, Friendship and My Heart Belongs to Daddy, plus about 10 more less familiar songs and a medley from Kiss Me Kate. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Avenue Q: Puppets that ate New York Jun 29, 2007
London (June 2006): A West End production premieres in June 2006 in London's newly named Noel Coward Theatre. Cameron Mackintosh produces and reviews are strong. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Cross-dressing comedy conjures up Billy Wilder Jun 29, 2007
Playwright Ken Ludwig has made a name for himself by resurrecting the classic farces of bygone years, and "The Leading Ladies" brings together the many influences he has claimed over the years Shakespeare, Moliere, George Bernard Shaw, Oscar Wilde, Noel Coward, George S. Kaufman and the like. His earlier plays "Lend Me a Tenor" and "Moon Over Buffalo" (both presented at the Granite) pay loving, if tongue-in-cheek, tribute to the theater and the performing arts, and "The Leading Ladies" has... (Westerly Sun, RI)
Weekend Guide Jun 21, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
» Theater schedule Jun 14, 2007
July 18 - 29 - Main stage: "Blithe Spirit." By Noel Coward; directed by Maria Mileaf. Coward's comedy tells of novelist Charles Condomine, a widower, who invites the eccentric medium Madame Arcati to give a s. (CTNow.com)
Fairmont's five-star plan Jun 11, 2007
Playwright Noel Coward wrote his play Private Lives in room 314 at the hotel, which was built in the 1920s ... Among the guests in the 1930s were actor Charlie Chaplin and playwright Noel Coward, who wrote Private Lives in room 314. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
LETTERS: More views on God May 27, 2007
"When I was first asked if I would debate Christopher Hitchens around his book, 'God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything', I swallowed hard. I know he can be a little bit caustic in public forums, but I agreed. I assumed that I could remain civil and engaged and, even without having seen the volume, I forged ahead in the spirit of constructive dialogue. But then I started doing the relevant research and reading. It quickly became clear that Mr. Hitchens' opinions represent an... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Public can tour Leesburg's Mote-Morris House May 26, 2007
The play, by Noel Coward, is about a British writer who accidentally conjures the ghost of his dead wife, to the chagrin of his current wife. Tickets are $18. (Orlando Sentinel -- News)
Leno still passionate about 'Tonight' May 25, 2007
"But literature and art are not what late-night shows thrive on these days. Paar could do 90 minutes with the likes of Noel Coward, Leno said, but today's mainstream audiences wouldn't tolerate that.So he gives them the jokes, the beautiful actors, the funny bits. And he doesn't let up for a moment."It's like spinning plates on the Sullivan show. Here's another shiny object. (Florida Today)
Musicals are in this director's blood May 25, 2007
Notes The American Repertory Theatre's Zero Arrow space returns to the evocative club atmosphere created for "The Onion Cellar" for "A Marvelous Party! A Noel Coward Celebration" July 13-29. The musical revue will feature ART regulars Remo Airaldi, Thomas Derrah, Will LeBow, and Karen MacDonald and will be directed by award-winner Scott Edmiston, making his ART debut. (Boston Globe)
Leno celebrates 15 years of 'Tonight' May 24, 2007
Paar could do 90 minutes with the likes of Noel Coward, Leno said, but today's mainstream audiences wouldn't tolerate that. So he gives them the jokes, the beautiful actors, the funny bits. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
