Episode 131: The Last NOEL!

This is the seventh and final episode in my series of conversations with author OLIVER SODEN regarding his recent book: MASQUERADE: THE LIVES OF NOEL COWARD This week we explore the final chapters of both Coward's life and this brilliant biography. Remarkably, during the final decade of his life Coward wrote the book, music & lyrics for two Broadway musicals — SAIL AWAY (starring Elaine Stritch) and THE GIRL WHO CAME TO SUPPER (Starring Jose Ferer & Florence Henderson), and directed HIGH SPIRITS (with book, music & lyrics by Hugh Martin & Timothy Gray and starring Tammy Grimes & Beatrice Lillie) which was based on Coward's play Blithe Spirit. At the same time he enjoyed an extraordinary revival of his status as a playwright of including landmark productions of PRIVATE LIVES and HAY FEVER as the first play by a living author to be presented at the National Theatre, and culminating in a remarkable trio of new plays under the title of SUITE IN THREE KEYS that he wrote and starred in. And I feel certain that you will find Soden's account of Coward's final public appearance, with Marlene Dietrich on his arm, at a special performance of the hit off-Broadway revue Oh, Coward! to be very moving. Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! I want to thank our Broadway Nation Patron Club members, such as Mark Stanton, whose generous support helps to make it possible for me to bring this podcast to you each week. If you would like to support the creation of Broadway Nation, here is the information about how you too can become a patron. For a just $7.00 a month you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices