Present Laughter: Famously Funny!

Fun Facts: Noël Coward discovered the title for this play from William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. "What is love? 'Tis not hereafter; Present mirth hath present laughter; what's to come is still unsure: In delay there lies no plenty; Then come kiss me, sweet and twenty! Youth's a stuff will not endure."

Target Audience: If you are looking for a laugh out loud play filled with mischief and fun this is the one! A fall apart farce that is brilliantly written with British humor at its best!

Best Bit: Being able to see a Noël Coward play live in full force with a superb ensemble, and despite the 1939 setting Present Laughter couldn't be more accessible to a contemporary audience.

Morning After Effect: Kevin Kline is very good at what he does, and makes it look so easy! He manages to be part life-like and part cartoonish in this exceptionally written character.

Verdict: While many will flock to see the esteemed Kevin Kline and talented cast, the real genius is Noël Coward's script with carefully constructed characters trying to survive in this chaotic setting. Nonetheless, whatever the draw card is, Present Laughter is well worth a trip to the theatre.

"Then, with sudden desolation, I knew that the destiny of the human race was shaped by neither politicians nor dictators, but by its own inadequacy, superstition, avarice, envy, cruelty, and silliness, and that it had no right whatever to demand and expect peace on earth until it had proved itself to be deserving of it." - Noël Coward

By 1970, British playwright Noël Coward had written over 50 plays, poetry, screenplays, several volumes of short stories, a three-volume autobiography and composed hundreds of songs. Consequently, to honor him and his contribution to the entertainment industry he was knighted - an incredible achievement and very well deserved! Coward has the ability to hold up a mirror to life and writes in a rhythm that became his signature along with his wit and wisdom.

The 2017 revival of Present Laughter marks the sixth return for Coward's treasured play. The flawed characters are brilliantly crafted in this backstage farce set in 1939 high society London, in the studio of a fading star. With it brings the much-anticipated return of Kevin Kline, after his decade of absence from Broadway. Kline is looking a little greyer as he brings the renowned narcissistic character Garry Essendine to life. In fact, it was Kline who initiated the rise of this revival as he dreamt of playing this role of a lifetime after seeing it in the 80s. Kline is extremely comfortable in this role despite the challenging physicality and demanding script, he delivers a dazzling laugh-a-minute performance while still finding the humanity and vulnerability of an aging man, afraid of fading away. Coward originated the role which is said to be somewhat autobiographical, and later productions have featured Nigel Patrick, Albert Finney, Sir Donald Alfred Sinden, Peter O'Toole, Simon Callow and Ian McKellen. Kline joins this prestigious list of actors and has proven his chops in this role by winning a Tony for Best Lead Actor in a Play. Kline previously won a Tony in 1981 for Best Lead Actor in a Musical, and in 1978 for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. Clearly, he's still got it! Kline relishes in the flamboyance of Gary Essendine as he swans around the stage in the famed dressing gowns, he is sexy, graceful and yet it feels as if he could come undone at any melodramatic moment. Fans who flock to see Kline's return will not be disappointed!

An excellent cast has been curated for this revival of which two are terrifically gifted actresses, namely Kate Burton and Kristine Nielsen. Burton plays the complicated role of the ex-wife (Liz Essendine) who has never quite left Garry's side. She is both stern and soft in her adoration and utter frustration for him. Burton brings an honesty to her role that allows the absurdity to land in a tender reality of the love, protection, and loyalty they share. Nielsen shares this astonishing loyalty as the personal assistant (Monica Reed) to larger than life Garry Essendine. She tries to keep the ship afloat and on track, which is no easy task! Her comedic timing is flawless and she slips right into this role with perfection. With writing this good the actors have to strap themselves in and go along for the ridiculous ride! Adding to the madness is Bhavesh Patel who plays the crazed young writer Roland Maule. Patel adds an interesting dynamic to the play with his creepy rendition of this character who is completely unpredictable and hilarious. Patel is a very strong performer... watch this space! Broadway also welcomes Cobie Smulders (How I Met Your Mother) as she plays the temptress Joanna Lyppiatt. Smulders' has celebrated a successful career both on and off the stage and is a real pro! Skillfully organizing this chaos is Director, Moritz Von Stuelpnagel. While a plot this frantic can easily spiral out of control and fly through the wind with little substance, Stuelpnagel has instilled a very clear path which insists the audience look deeper into the humanity of these characters and we are therefore able to empathize, identify with, and support each character.

David Zinn's set design is beautiful! We settle into this studio for two and half hours with no set change yet the space is able to keep you captivated. One moment it is the love shack for Garry and his escapades, it then alters to an office atmosphere for the mundane administration of fan mail, and then into a private lonely shelter for Garry as he plays a melancholic tune on the piano. The set skillfully morphs in size and mood throughout the play with the help of Justin Townsend's lighting design. The details are impeccable adding to the cluttered and frantic plotline, while also creating a warmth and sense of home for all these misfits.

In a time where nothing seems to make sense, Present Laughter offers a light, fun-filled evening at the theatre, encouraging us to highlight our flaws, before there is any hope for resolution.

Reviewed by Nicola Quinn

St James Theatre, New York City
June 4th 2017
Find me on Twitter: @newyorktheatre

View our show pages for more information about Present Laughter, St James Theater.