cover image The No%C3%ABl Coward Collection

The No%C3%ABl Coward Collection

No%C3%ABl Coward, read by various narrators. L.A. Theatre Works, unabridged, 12 CDs, 10 hrs., $69.95 ISBN 978-1-58081-795-0

This stellar L.A. Theatre Works collection of full-cast productions of Coward's most famous plays will both delight longtime fans and provide newcomers with a primer to the playwright's work. Featuring Annette Bening, Eric Stoltz, Yeardley Smith, and Shirley Knight, these six plays%E2%80%94Fallen Angels, Hay Fever, Private Lives, Design for Living, Present Laughter, and Blithe Spirit%E2%80%94explore marriage, adultery, love, sex, and relationships, all with Coward's signature light wit and style. Of these compelling, often hilarious productions, Design for Living is a standout, with Claire Forlani (as independent Gilda), Douglas Weston (as the wild and irrepressible Otto), and Hamish Linklater (as suave Leo) demonstrate excellent chemistry and perfect comedic timing. The collection also includes a bonus disc with the rarely performed Design for Rehearsing and Age Cannot Wither. (May)