Present Laughter Show Poster

Present Laughter News & Features

In Noël Coward’s classic comedy, matinee idol Garry Essendine sits at the center of his own universe. While Garry struggles to plan his upcoming trip to Africa, his elegant London flat is invaded by a lovestruck ingenue, an adulterous producer and a married seductress, not to mention Garry’s estranged wife and a crazed young playwright. Just before Garry escapes, the full extent of his misdemeanors is discovered and all hell breaks loose.

This show is closed.

Performances ended on Mar. 21, 2010.

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About Present Laughter

What Is the Story of Present Laughter?
Present Laughter takes place in the home of famed actor Garry Essendine, a puffed-up charmer with a knack for histrionics, wooing women and extreme displays of vanity. With his birthday rapidly approaching, Essendine is poised to set off on a literal tour of Africa and a figurative midlife crisis, and his entire team—including an indifferent staff of servants, a wry personal secretary, a set of entangled business associates and a bemused ex-wife—is in hurried preparation for both. The actor’s expertly assembled life is upended when a predatory fan, an obsessed playwright and a young woman with more than Essendine’s resume on her mind are simultaneously thrown into the mix, all vying for the self-obsessed actor’s attention. As things spin wildly out of control, Essendine must scramble to keep his house of cards standing—and decide whether there’s room in his life to love anyone but himself.

Tony Winner Harriet Harris to Star in Sweeney Todd at Barrington Stage
News
Tony Winner Harriet Harris to Star in Sweeney Todd at Barrington Stage
Present Laughter's Harriet Harris Shares the Secret of Great Comic Acting
First Person
Present Laughter's Harriet Harris Shares the Secret of Great Comic Acting
Victor Garber and Present Laughter Crack Up Broadway's Brightest
Videos
Victor Garber and Present Laughter Crack Up Broadway's Brightest
Victor Garber Bursts Back on to Broadway with Present Laughter's Big Opening Bash
Photo Op
Victor Garber Bursts Back on to Broadway with Present Laughter's Big Opening Bash
Did Present Laughter Leave Our Word of Mouth Panel in Stitches?
Word of Mouth Review
Did Present Laughter Leave Our Word of Mouth Panel in Stitches?
Present Laughter's Holley Fain on Making it to Broadway (with a Gossip Girl Detour)
Fresh Face
Present Laughter's Holley Fain on Making it to Broadway (with a Gossip Girl Detour)
No More Mr. Nice Guy! Victor Garber on His B'way Return in Present Laughter
Q&A
No More Mr. Nice Guy! Victor Garber on His B'way Return in Present Laughter
First Look! Victor Garber Drums Up Laughter on Broadway
Photo Op
First Look! Victor Garber Drums Up Laughter on Broadway
Victor Garber Gets Ready to Bring Laughter Back to Broadway
Photo Op
Victor Garber Gets Ready to Bring Laughter Back to Broadway
Tickets Now On Sale for Present Laughter, Starring Victor Garber
News
Tickets Now On Sale for Present Laughter, Starring Victor Garber
Present Laughter Celebrates Opening Night
Opening Night
Present Laughter Celebrates Opening Night
Present Laughter Returns to Broadway
First Performance
Present Laughter Returns to Broadway
Tony Winner Harriet Harris and Brooks Ashmanskas Join Roundabout's Present Laughter; Complete Cast Announced
News
Tony Winner Harriet Harris and Brooks Ashmanskas Join Roundabout's Present Laughter; Complete Cast Announced
Present Laughter, Starring Victor Garber, Hits the American Airlines Theatre January 2
News
Present Laughter, Starring Victor Garber, Hits the American Airlines Theatre January 2
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