Conversation Piece

Recently Updated

"Conversation Piece" is a musical with music and lyrics by Noel Coward and book by Coward and Philip Barry. The show was first produced on Broadway in 1934 and later revived in London in 1951. The story follows a group of wealthy British aristocrats who are thrown together in a villa in Venice. The central character is a retired professor, who is admired by the other guests for his intellect, wit, and charm. However, he becomes romantically involved with a young American woman who is visiting Venice with her mother. The professor's wife, who is also staying at the villa, becomes increasingly jealous and the situation becomes increasingly complicated as various characters become entangled in romantic affairs.

The musical features several well-known songs by Coward, including "I'll See You Again" and "The Party's Over Now". The original production was notable for its lavish sets and costumes, and for Coward's trademark witty dialogue. The London revival in 1951 starred Coward himself, alongside Hermione Gingold and Graham Payn. Despite receiving mixed reviews at the time of its original Broadway production, "Conversation Piece" has since become a favorite of Coward fans and is still occasionally performed today.