(LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) — You’re invited into a world of wit, glamour, and delightful chaos as the curtain rises on Present Laughter at Music Mountain Theatre (MMT). Running from April 24 through May 10, 2026, this sophisticated comedy by legendary playwright Noël Coward brings one of theatre’s most charming and complicated leading men to life.
Coward, one of the most influential voices in 20th-century theatre, is celebrated for his razor-sharp wit and stylish comedies, including classics such as Blithe Spirit, Private Lives, and Hay Fever. First performed in 1942, Present Laughter is often considered one of his most personal works, offering a humorous and insightful reflection on fame, identity, and the theatrical life.
At the center of the story is Garry Essendine, a celebrated stage star whose larger-than-life persona has made him the object of admiration, affection, and constant attention. As he prepares to leave for an overseas tour, his carefully balanced world begins to unravel. Admirers arrive unannounced, relationships blur, and emotions run high, turning his final days at home into a whirlwind of love, laughter, and self-reflection.
With Coward’s signature quick-paced dialogue and sophisticated humor, Present Laughter captures both the sparkle and strain of life in the spotlight. Beneath the comedy lies a thoughtful exploration of celebrity, desire, and the complexities of human connection, making the play as meaningful as it is entertaining.
Louis Palena takes on the role of Garry Essendine, joined by Molly Chase as his wife, Liz, alongside a talented cast that brings energy, elegance, and comedic precision to this beloved work.
Present Laughter has a running time of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one intermission.
Performances take place Fridays at 7:30pm; Saturdays at 3:00pm & 7:30pm; and Sunday at 3:00pm. Tickets are available for purchase online or by calling the box office at 609-397-3337. The theatre is located at 1483 Route 179 in Lambertville, New Jersey.
The children’s theatre production of Disney’s 101 Dalmatians will open Saturday May 2 and run through May 23. Showtimes are Saturdays at 11:00am & 1:00pm.
The mission of Music Mountain Theatre is to enrich, educate, and entertain our community through the study, performance, and appreciation of the arts.
The company began as Downtown PAC in 2001, offering classes and performances in local venues. In 2010, they took up residence at the Washington Crossing Open Air Theater, where they produced more than 150 shows as Curtain Up Productions. They moved into their own venue and opened their doors on October 6, 2017, as Music Mountain Theatre and The Theatre School at MMT with their inaugural production of Phantom.
Today, as the largest and most active performing arts center in Hunterdon County, they’re recognized as a community leader in theatrical entertainment and education, consistently named Best of the Region by The Bucks County Herald.
They offer about 30 adult and youth shows each year and a score of workshops, homeschool programs, and summer camps in a welcoming, inclusive environment. About 55,000 adults and children see their shows each year, which provide performing opportunities for more than 500 local adult and youth artists, while some 300 students enroll in their school programs each year across a range of disciplines including acting, musical theatre, and dance.
