“I can’t live with you and I can’t live without you” is the recurring theme in Private Lives, Noel Coward’s most produced play, currently in revival at the Lamb’s Players Theatre in Coronado. Those with even a short history of cohabitating can relate to this comedy of manners.

It’s a simple plot that juxtaposes rapture and hatred in a light-hearted manner. When divorcées Amanda and Elyot happen to honeymoon at the same hotel with their respective new spouses in the South of France, they quickly compare notes and opt for a rekindling of the fiery passion of their former relationship, but both find out that passion alone is not enough to sustain and nurture a relationship. Amanda and Elyot rediscover annoying habits and irreconcilable differences of the past that all too quickly remind them of just why their relationship never had a chance in the first place.

Amanda (Deborah Gilmour Smyth) gives one of the most famous lines from the play: “I think very few people are completely normal, really, deep down in their private lives.” Obviously Noel Coward, writing in a time when you could be jailed for homosexual behavior, was way before his time.

Elyot (Robert Smyth) plays his character with an appropriate flippant tone, balanced with just the right amount of refined vulgarity. He believes that life is overly serious and that one must allow for a bit of sardonic playfulness. That’s what Amanda and Elyot have over the boring halves of the newlywed teams.

Nick Cordileone (Victor) and Cynthia Gerber (Sibyl) play their dullard characters deftly, with superb timing. Gerber’s occasional bursts of uncomfortable laughter are to die for and Cordileone’s deadpan seriousness appears to be just what the author expected in such a character. Louise (Chrissy Reynolds-Vogele) plays the part of the French maid with just the right touch of haughtiness.

Amanda projects enough belligerence to counterpoint Elyot’s dainty vanity and, in this balance, they allow for great fun on the stage. After so many theatrical facelifts you would think that Coward’s dialog would be tiring, but it is still sharp and witty, as long as you don’t take offense at lines a bit outdated and politically incorrect, such as “women should be struck regularly, like gongs.”

Before the show and during intermission, Les Domystiques (The Domestics) entertain the audience with some amusing slapstick and a few lighter dance steps that add to this handsome comedy of manners. The same can be said for Les Musiciens (The Musicians), who provide a lovely prologue with sax, violin, and bass.

Just as the first act’s comfortable lounge chairs outside the respective hotel suites announced a tranquil, pleasant, relaxed atmosphere, the bright red sofa in the second and third acts dressed up the set for the spirited fireworks that were about to be ignited.

If it’s tantrums with a touch of erotic excitement, some beautifully executed double-takes and a few sofa acrobatics that you crave, you’ll find it in this snobbishly delicious production of Private Lives.

Private Lives is currently playing at Lamb’s Players Theatre through Sept. 21. Call (619) 437-0600 for tickets or information.