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The Citizen, 2003-08-27, Page 27THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2003. PAGE 27. Entertainment Leisure Theatre review Stratford’s ‘Laughter’ hilarious GRADUATION By Janice Becker Citizen staff From the opening curtain as it revealed a Frank Lloyd Wright- inspired set to the quick rear stage exit at the conclusion, the presentation of Noel Coward’s Present Laughter, at the Avon Theatre in Stratford is hilarious and luxurious, depicting the elegance of the wealthy just before World War II, and the ludicrous light in which they often see themselves. The audience was so impressed with the set that applause rang through the theatre before an actor appeared on stage. Designed by Michael Yeargen, the sumptuousness of the “studio” struck one immediately. From the elegantly carved staircase to the ample velvet drapes and lovely furniture, one could easily imagine the starlets and leading men of the 1930s luxuriating in those surrounding. And the exquisiteness of the production only began with the setting. Under his own direction, Brian Bedford was outstanding as Garry Essendine, an aging actor trying desperately to hold onto his ability to entice women to “stay in his spare room” while his circle of friends tried to convince him his time had passed. It was not just the wonderful script with which he had to work nor his convincing portrayal of such a man, but the physical and facial expressions which brought uproarious laughter from the audience. One of the favourite scenes comes late in the production when Essendine fears he will be discovered with a certain guest hidden in his spare room. Reacting to the potential discovery with a sound of dismay, then realizing no one else in the room would know why he had emitted such a noise, he hilariously performs a dance of sorts to cover up his unintentionally blurted sound. It was also quite apparent that those acting with Bedford were thoroughly enjoying themselves as there was more than one smile from a background actor. Seana McKenna was fantastic as Essendine’s wisecracking, “take-no- crap” secretary. Her deadpan delivery and straight-forward view of the world was just what was needed by the “over-acting, melodramatic” Essendine, as she reminded him. Bedford played well off Domini Blythe, who portrayed his estranged wife of many years. Though they each led their own separate lives, it was evident Liz Essendine still cared for her husband and was the driving force behind trying to get him to act his age, much to his chagrin. The supporting actors of Tim MacDonald, hilarious as the somewhat “mad” Roland Maule, Shane Carty as Dixon, Raymond O’Neill as Lypiatt. Michelle Giroux as Daphne Stillington were very strong in their roles, a perfect backdrop for Bedford to play off. Even the small roles filled by Patricia Collins as the housemaid and Brian Tree as the manservant were played perfectly for their humorous effect. The only weaknesses to be found, and they are minor and may be only due to this reviewer’s personal perceptions were in the casting of two of the characters. Though Carty did a fine job as the jilted manager, it was difficult to picture him as a contemporary and life-long friend of Essendine’s, he just look too young. The other was Sara Botsford as a conniving siren, out to steal any man she set her eyes on. Though attractive, the “siren” aspect did not play well. However, her character did need maturity to present the self-assuredness of the vixen. Neither of these two minor points detracted in anyway from the overall excellent production. Present Laughter runs through Nov. I. 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