No need to brave the big city for Coward classic

A good laugh is like a tiny present, and you’ll find plenty at the National Theatre production of Noël Coward’s “Present Laughter,” on screen in ultra-HD at Newport Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, June 18.

Recorded live on stage at The Old Vic in London, Coward’s intriguing comedy is given a revelatory and surprisingly modern refresh by award-winning director Matthew Warchus.

Actor Andrew Scott, known for “Fleabag” and “Vanya,” returns to the stage as Garry Essendine, whose colorful life is in danger of spiraling out of control as he prepares to embark on an overseas tour. Engulfed by an escalating identity crisis as his many and various relationships compete for his attention, Garry’s few remaining days at home are a chaotic whirlwind of love, sex, panic and soul-searching.

Best known for his highly polished comedies of manners, Coward drew the title of this play from the line “present mirth hath present laughter,” from the song in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, "O Mistress Mine." Coward described his 1939 play as “a very light comedy…written with the sensible object of providing me with a bravura part” and admitted that the plot was semi-autobiographical. Due to the outbreak of World War II interrupting rehearsals, the play was not actually produced until 1942. Coward himself starred as Garry during the original run, reprised the role in the first British revival and later reprised the role again in both the United States and Paris.

The production begins at 7 pm at the Newport Performing Arts Center is located at 777 W Olive Street. Tickets range from $16 to $22. For more information, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-2787.