Main Street Theater-Rice Village

Directed by Claire Hart Palumbo

Noël Coward’s Present Laughter follows self-obsessed actor Garry Essendine in the midst of a mid-life crisis. Juggling his considerable talent, ego and libido, the theater’s favorite leading man suddenly finds himself caught between fawning ingénues, crazed playwrights, secret trysts and unexpected twists.

When Joel Sandel last played Garry Essendine, 15 years ago, the reviews were ecstatic:

Everett Evans of the Houston Chronicle: “Joel Sandel has never been better than he is in the bravura, showcase role of egocentric matinee idol Garry Essendine…the character's mercurial moods change ‘petulant and demanding to self-pitying and vulnerable’ Sandel exudes charm and humor.”

DL Groover of the Houston Press: "'I'm always acting, watching myself go by,' emotes protagonist Garry Essendine, played by the incomparable Joel Sandel. Everything is pitch-perfect, led by the outstanding Sandel, who lounges, pouts and poses while he laps up his fawning press and basks gloriously in his own klieg light."