“No matter what mood you’re in when you arrive at the St. James Theatre, you’ll go home grinning with delight.”
PLAYREVIVALCLOSED
Present Laughter
Opened Apr 5, 2017 · Closed Jul 2, 2017 · Ran for 3 months
18 Rave
13 Positive
5 Mixed
1 Negative
Critics' Take
Critics praise Kevin Kline's bravura performance in this stylish Coward revival, calling him perfectly cast as the aging matinee idol. While some find the play dated or the production uneven, most celebrate Kline's physical comedy and the witty ensemble work.
This show has closed. Tickets are no longer available.
Critic Scorecard
37 reviews18 Rave
13 Positive
5 Mixed
1 Negative
Sort:
“With Kevin Kline stepping in to lead the company, Present Laughter is a pièce de résistance this theater season.”
“However, it is Kline who anchors the production, in a performance of exceptional clarity that wears the heavy mantle of light comedy with ease.”
“He's a brilliant comedian in a leading man's body, and he fits the role like a Savile Row suit.”
“Kevin Kline is the best Essendine that I’ve seen.”
Audience Scorecard
714 audience reviews
B+
Liking It
Awards Scorecard
2016-17 season67
Honored
Won Best Actor (Play)
Drama Desk:1 win / 5 nomsOuter Critics:1 winDrama League:1 nom
Box Office Scorecard
source · Broadway League, publicAll Time
Frequently Asked Questions
What do critics say about Present Laughter?
Critics praise Kevin Kline's bravura performance in this stylish Coward revival, calling him perfectly cast as the aging matinee idol. While some find the play dated or the production uneven, most celebrate Kline's physical comedy and the witty ensemble work. (CriticScore 80/100 from 37 reviews.)
Is Present Laughter worth seeing?
Yes. Present Laughter earns strong reviews from critics (80/100 from 37 reviews). Most theatergoers will have a great time.
What is the CriticScore for Present Laughter?
Present Laughter has a CriticScore of 80/100 based on 37 professional reviews. This is a "Recommended" show.
Is Present Laughter still running on Broadway?
No, Present Laughter has closed. It played at St. James Theatre and closed on July 2, 2017.
Theater Scorecard
Typical VenueThe St. James Theatre offers good sightlines for most seats, though the lack of a solid rake can be an issue if someone tall sits in front of you. The sound quality is generally good, but the tight legroom can be uncomfortable for taller patrons. The theater's ambiance is enhanced by its historic and grand interior, while facilities are average with standard amenities.
Seating Scorecard
5 sections2 best2 good1 risky
Closest and most direct view of the stage at St. James Theatre, with the fullest sound. The standard top pick for any show here.
Based on aggregated audience reports and editorial judgment. Sightlines vary by show and seat.
Original Broadway Cast
- Kevin KlineGarry EssendineWinner: Actor (Play)
- Kate BurtonLiz Essendine
- Kristine NielsenMonica Reed
- Cobie SmuldersJoanna LyppiattBroadway debut
- Matt BittnerFredBroadway debut
- Ellen HarveyMiss Erikson
- Peter Francis JamesHenry Lyppiatt
- Tedra MillanDaphne StillingtonBroadway debut
Creative Team
- Moritz von StuelpnagelDirector
- Noël CowardPlaywright
Quick Facts
- CriticScore
- 80/100 (37 reviews)
- Status
- Closed
- Opened
- Apr 5, 2017
- Closed
- Jul 2, 2017
- Run Length
- 3 months
- Synopsis
- Noel Coward's sparkling backstage comedy about a charismatic but self-absorbed actor fending off the amorous advances of starstruck admirers, a seductive young playwright, and his own tangled personal life. Kevin Kline stars in this 2017 revival at the St. James Theatre, directed by Moritz von Stuelpnagel.
- Data Last Updated
- October 7, 2026
