[NEohioPAL] Berko review: PRESENT LAUGHTER @CWRU/CPH GE

[Roy Berko]

PRESENT LAUGHTER misses the mark at CWRU/CPH Graduate Ensemble
 
Roy Berko
 
(Member, American Theatre Critics Association)
 
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Noel Coward is the crown prince of mid-twentieth century British farce.  The 
good news is the Case Western Reserve University-Cleveland Play House Graduate 
Ensemble chose to produce Coward’s wonderful script, PRESENT LAUGHTER.  The bad 
news is that, with the exception of a few performances, the ill-directed 
production doesn’t live up to the writing.
 
The script, which was written in 1939, was described by Coward as a “a series of 
semi-autobiographical pyrotechnics,” starred Coward in its original production, 
basically playing himself.  The underlying double entendres, hints at 
homosexuality and the intimation of scandal, made the play an instant hit in 
England, and has been revived and revived on both sides of the pond. 

 
The story centers on the self-absorbed, self-obsessed, self-centered Garry 
Essendine, a light weight British actor who is about to embark on a theatrical 
tour of Africa.  He finds himself dealing with women who want to seduce him, 
placating both his long-suffering secretary and his estranged wife, being 
stalked by a crazed young playwright, and his own obsession with oncoming middle 
age.  

 
In a good production the play is a total delight.  The caveat is that British 
farce is hard to do.  But it can be done.  It requires a director who 
understands that this is not melodrama or broad comedy.  It is farce.  It 
requires perfect timing, actors who understand that reality, not overdone 
gestures and feigning characterizations.  That is what makes this type of script 
work. 

 
Some of the cast do well.  Kelli Ruttle as Essendine’s wife, Liz, is 
delightful.  She creates a real person.  Kim Krane, as the secretary, shows a 
flair for sarcasm and uses her face and voice well to convey clear meanings.  
The talented Andrew Gorell has excellent comic timing and is a hoot as a bizarre 
writer with an obsession for Essendine.  TJ Gainley, as Fred the butler, flits 
in and out with a nice flair.   

 
On the other hand, shouting and wandering accents summarize the  performances of 
Yan Tual (Morris Dixon) and Michael Herbert (Hugo Lyppiatt) as Essendine’s 
friends.  Erin Bunting, with a fake electric cigarette clinched between her 
teeth and an accent that was indiscernible, overdid the role of Miss Erickson, 
the housekeeper.  Caroline Santa, as a young ingénue and Eva Gil, as Hugo’s 
philandering wife, never did seem to find their characterizations.  

 
And then there was Dan Hendrock as Essendine.  He feigned facial and vocal 
expressions and overdid the character to the degree that instead of real, he 
became surreal.
 
To add to the problems, set designer Jill Davis so overstocked the tiny Brooks 
Theatre stage that there was little room for the actors to walk around.  Huge 
furniture, though it was period correct, was everywhere, everywhere, everywhere!
 
Kristine Davies’ costumes were era correct and fit the mood of the script as did 
the musical interludes.
 
CAPSULE JUDGMENT: Case Western Reserve University-Cleveland Play House Graduate 
Ensemble has done some excellent work.  PRESENT LAUGHTER isn’t one of the good 
ones.  This is a graduate acting program, with professional staff.   The 
audience should expect and get high level theatre, not a sub-quality production.
 
PRESENT LAUGHTER runs through April 2 at the Brooks Theatre at Cleveland Play 
House.  For tickets call 216-795-7000 or go to www.clevelandplayhouse.com. 
Roy Berko's blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2001 through 
2011, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at 
http://royberko.info.  His reviews can also be found on www.coolcleveland.com 
and www.NeOHIOpal