Noel Coward's totally-irresistible comedy, Present Laughter, follows a self-obsessed actor (is there any other kind?) in the midst of a mid-life crisis. Freely indulging his considerable appetite for wine, women and sleeping late (not necessarily in that order), the theatre's favorite leading man suddenly finds himself caught between fawning ingenues, crazed playwrights, secret trysts and unexpected twists.
Present Laughter first premiered on Broadway at the Plymouth Theatre in 1946, following an immensely successful wartime tour starring Coward himself. One of his most produced and beloved works, Present Laughter has come to define Coward's singular comedic voice for generations of theatergoers. In addition to Coward, some of the world's most accomplished stage actors, including the likes of Albert Finney, Peter O'Toole, and Ian McKellen, have played the lead role.
Kline appears to be having the time of his life onstage at the St. James Theatre, where the latest Broadway revival of this 1939 drawing-room comedy opened Wednesday. It's a fast-paced and straightforward production, directed by Moritz von Stuelpnagel, featuring two equally delightful and delighted costars - the goofily irresistible Kristine Nielsen as Essendine's stalwart secretary, Monica, and Kate Burton, steely and wry as his devoted not-quite-ex-wife, Liz - plus a mixed bag of supporting players and a jam-packed Edwardian flat of a set, designed by David Zinn, that gets its own entrance applause.
Dressing gown enthusiasts can rejoice at the return of Garry Essendine in the latest Broadway revival of Present Laughter. Not that Garry ever stays offstage very long. Noël Coward's creation, he made his debut in 1942, played by his author, and hasn't strayed far from the boards ever since. Has he aged well? Yes and no, as demonstrated by Kevin Kline's silky turn in the current production, a performance of stupefying charm that reveals some of the wrinkles and sag in the surrounding play.
1946 | Broadway |
Broadway |
1958 | Broadway |
Broadway |
1982 | Broadway |
Broadway |
1996 | Broadway |
Broadway |
2010 | Broadway |
Roundabout Revival Broadway |
2017 | Broadway |
Broadway Revival Production Broadway |
2019 | West End |
Old Vic Revival Production West End |
Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
---|---|---|---|
2017 | BroadwayWorld Awards | Best Leading Actor in a Play | Kevin Kline |
2017 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Actor in a Play | Kevin Kline |
2017 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Costume Design for a Play | Susan Hilferty |
2017 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Wig and Hair | Josh Marquette |
2017 | Drama League Awards | Distinguished Performance Award | Kate Burton |
2017 | Drama League Awards | Distinguished Performance Award | Kevin Kline |
2017 | Drama League Awards | Outstanding Revival of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play | Present Laughter |
2017 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Actor in a Play | Kevin Kline |
2017 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Costume Design (Play or Musical) | Susan Hilferty |
2017 | Theatre World Awards | Outstanding Broadway or Off-Broadway Debut Performance | Cobie Smulders |
2017 | Tony Awards | Best Costume Design of a Play | Susan Hilferty |
2017 | Tony Awards | Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play | Kevin Kline |
2017 | Tony Awards | Best Revival of a Play | Present Laughter |
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