Review: PRESENT LAUGHTER at FIRST PRESBYTERIAN THEATER

It's a shame that Noel Coward plays aren't produced more often. With online TV series trending toward witty dialogue, it seems like theatre audiences might be ready to be re-introduced to the English playwright-who also happened to be a songwriter, director, actor, and singer. Opening weekend audiences of the First Presbyterian Theater production of his semi-autobiographical comedy Present Laughter certainly enjoyed themselves.

Director Christopher J. Murphy, as usual, has assembled a stellar cast-some of the best of the best theatre actors Fort Wayne has to offer. Todd Frymier stars as Garry Essendine, the aging stage star who can't quite seem to let go of his womanizing, hard-drinking, late-sleeping ways. Although he's a bit of a cad, his charm is real, and his relationships with both his hardworking staff and his fawning admirers are heartfelt, even when they're off-putting. Frymier is equally at home with broad physical humor as he is the quick-paced dialogue.

Nancy Kartholl epitomizes the primly efficient personal assistant who shares a genuine affection with Essendine. Her onstage chemistry with Gary Lanier, who plays the house valet Fred, is humorous as they share amused looks of disbelief at the shenanigans going on around them. Pam Karkosky is hilarious as Miss Erickson, the chain-smoking Scandinavian maid.

The actors who play Essendine's love interests are equally excellent. Shelby Lewis is effervescent as Daphne, the 24-year-old ingenue who sleeps over after having "lost her key," and Susan Kahn is regal as Lady Saltburn, Daphne's devoted aunt. Gloria Minnich is excellent as the coolly glamorous but calculating Joanna. Suzan Moriarty brings professionalism and class to her role of Liz Essendine, Garry's ex-wife who is nevertheless a constant fixture at the house.

Jim Matusik and Andrew Gross are strong as Essendine's business manager and producer, respectively. They provide angst and ire as part of an adulterous love triangle. Jim Nelson plays Roland Maule, an aspiring (and terrible) playwright obsessed with Essendine, with a wonderful combination of charm and creepiness.

The gorgeous costumes by Pam Good are matched by the gorgeous art deco set by Rae Surface. Scene changes are accompanied by recordings of Noel Coward singing his own songs.

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