The Theatre Company at Hubbard Hall (TCHH) will present Noel Coward’s bracing comedy, Present Laughter, at Hubbard Hall May 21 through June 7. The production marks TCHH artistic director Kevin McGuire’s return to the Hubbard Hall stage in the starring
role of the narcissistic leading man, Garry Essendine, a role that Coward himself created in the 1942 premiere.
The most autobiographical of Coward’s plays, Present Laughter depicts a few days in the life of the successful and self-obsessed actor Essendine as he prepares to travel for a touring commitment. Amid a series of events bordering on farce, Garry has to deal with women who want to seduce him, placate both his long-suffering secretary and his estranged wife, cope with a crazed young playwright and overcome his fear of his own approaching, alleged fortieth birthday.
The production will star Pat Reilly, Benjie White, Kathleen Carey, Yvonne Perry, Jason Dolmetsch, Tom Mattern, Doug Ryan, Anastasia Satterthwaite and Tedra Max Millan along with McGuire. Present Laughter will be directed by Philip Kerr.
Performances are May 21 (pay what you will, open rehearsal at 8 pm), 22, 23, 28, 29, 30, June 4, 5 and 6 at 8 pm and May 24, 31, June 6 and 7 at 2 pm. Tickets to Present Laughter are $20 for Hubbard Hall members, $24 for non-members and $15 for students/children. For information and to purchase tickets, call 518-677-2495.