FOLA will stream the classic comedy, "Present Laughter", starring Kevin Kline, on Saturday, November 10 at 7 PM in Heald Auditorium in Ludlow Town Hall.

Present Laughter is a comic play written by Noël Coward. The plot follows a few days in the life of the successful and self-obsessed light comedy actor Garry Essendine as he prepares to travel for a touring commitment in Africa. 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 impending mid-life crisis (since he has recently turned forty). The story was described by Coward as "a series of semi-autobiographical pyrotechnics".

A Broadway revival opened in April 2017 at the St. James Theatre, starring Kevin Kline as Garry, Kate Burton (who played Daphne in the 1982 revival) as Liz, Reg Rogers as Morris, Cobie Smulders as Joanna, and Kristine Nielsen as Monica, with direction by Moritz von Stuelpnagel. The production team included producer Jordan Roth, scenic design by David Zinn, costume design by Susan Hilfrety, lighting design by Justin Townsend, sound design by Fitz Patton, and hair design by Josh Marquette.

The play all takes place in Garry's apartment. Present Laughter follows Garry Essendine, a self-indulgent actor who receives a visit from a young admirer, initiating a parade of intruders and interruptions, including his ex-wife, his manager and an aspiring playwright - all as he prepares for his tour in Africa.

The play was first produced in London in 1942; contrary to Noel Coward's wishes, Winston Churchill decided he would be of greater value to the war effort as a playwright and performer rather than as a soldier. Coward played the role of Garry in that producion.

The play is open to everyone and is free; donations to support FOLA are appreciated. For information, call (802)228-7239 or visit the FOLA web site at www.fola.us.