With characteristic wit, Noël Coward once quipped that "Work is more fun than fun," a point of view that goes some way toward explaining the secret to the astounding breadth of his career as playwright, composer, director, actor and singer.
It all makes for rich material for Stanford Repertory Theater's 17th annual summer festival, which will celebrate the works of a man whose wide talents influenced English and American cultures during the heart of the 20th century.
Running through July and into August, the festival features free campus screenings of a half dozen Coward films, each followed by discussions with experts; Repertory performances of the farcical Hay Fever, Coward's first play to enjoy widespread success; and a performance of Coward Cabaret, a new compilation of songs and repartee from his catalog.
The festival also includes a daylong symposium on Coward's career, to be held on campus on August 1. Ironically, outdoor lunch may require going out in the midday sun. More information is available here.
