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.
While this is an ensemble play with plenty of richly drawn characters, Kline is the colorful centerpiece, with the star delivering droll John Barrymore-like hamminess to cover his desperate fear of becoming obsolete.
Something in the writing of Present Laughter never raises the stakes to the level of gasping hilarity that true farce can elicit. The urbanity, wit, self-possession, and control of Garry, Monica, and Liz mean that we never think the demons they have to ward off will do as much as even graze their knees. There's no real driving plot in Present Laughter, just a battery of Coward's mots at their most bon. And like the best houseguest, just before it outstays its welcome, it takes its leave.
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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