STAGE

‘Lives’ on Hold: The Broadway-bound production of Noel Coward’s “Private Lives” has canceled its Christmas-week performances at the Wilshire Theater. Producer Charles H. Duggan noted Monday that while the critical reception for the show was “tremendous . . . the Christmas-week bustle has affected our box office.” To make up for inconvenienced ticket holders, patrons who exchange tickets for next week will receive a third ticket free for the same performance. The show will play its final seven performances here Dec. 30-Jan. 4, as scheduled, before moving on to Miami, Washington and Pittsburgh en route to a Feb. 20 Broadway opening. Joan Collins and Simon Jones star.