By Christopher Pace

Reproduction And Quality Impresses Audience

Thome Delventhal does not fail to impress audiences with his reproduction of Noel Coward’s Present Laughter.

The play takes place in the summer of 1939.  Set in London, it consists of four acts revolving around Garry Essendine, a famous playwright and actor, as his erratic love interests, fellow playwrights and actors come in and out of his home.

Zack Heidorn should be praised for his method acting portrayal of Garry Essendine, rather reminiscent of Max Fischer in Wes Anderson’s Rushmore.

Brooke Ferguson played the hilarious role of Garry’s wife Liz who although separated, is a devoted friend, and a hilarious one at that.

Julia Idarola, who portrayed Daphne in the production, is wildly entertaining as the beautiful and seductive young woman in love with Mr. Essendine.

Sarah Miller, who played Mr. Essendine’s secretary, is smart and witty as she worked with her boss to get rid of everyone that comes over.

Not only did the cast impress me, but the dialogue itself was spot on hilarious, especially for something that was written over 70 years ago.

“I had directed so many plays that have dark and surreal themes, so while I was searching for what to do next, my wife Tracy recommended that I read Present Laughter,” said Delventhal when asked why he chose this play.

Along with the audience’s positive reaction (not to mention the man whose laugh resembled an intoxicated hyena), I caught my eyes wandering to Delventhal, who throughout the entire production had a smile of contentment, not because of how funny the play is, but because he was so pleased to see his and the cast’s hard work pay off.  A standing ovation to everyone involved