The Wild Throes of a Midlife Crisis
Present Laughter is a borderline farcical tale centering around Garry Essendine, whose last name is also an anagram for “neediness,” a major theme in his story arc. Over the course of the show, he attempts to dodge a wild series of events alongside his chosen “family” that resides in and around his household, all while making his way through a midlife crisis. Fun fact: the production derives its name from lyrics featured in William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night — “present mirth hath present laughter.”
 
A Comedy Classic for a 21st Century Audience
As times change, an update here and there to classics like Present Laughter, written in 1939 and first performed in 1942, help make a stronger connection with modern audiences. Head of Upper School Theater Productions and Director of the Master Theater Program Terry Christgau took the opportunity to rethink a few elements of the original show. The character of “Mo,” for instance ⎼ originally known as Morris, but renamed Margaret in our updated production ⎼ was changed from male to female to better reflect a more timely “chosen family” that Essendine surrounds himself with. 

Setting the Scene
Even though all the world’s a stage, a little top-notch set design and costuming never hurts — especially when it comes to immersing both actor and audience in the whirlwind midlife crisis at the heart of the show. In order to welcome us into the life of Essendine, Christgau, acting as director, lighting designer, and set designer, and his assistant director and costume designer, Colleen Durham, carefully crafted a striking vision. 

For the set, the team created a beautiful scene inspired by the upscale London flats of the 1930s, with a surprise or two built in to help the actors pull off their door slamming silliness with ease and quickness. 

When it came to garb, the actors donned every manner of swanky suit and jewel-toned dress to reflect their standing in society, the upper middle class. On the flip-side, Essendine’s household caretakers (excluding Ms. Erickson, who is clad in a brighter, more eccentric garb) are more often adorned in neutrals. “Mo,” our gender-swapped character portrayed by Frances Gindi-Chuafullo ’24, does break the traditional mold, sporting a stronger, more masculine style in structured jackets and slacks as a nod to the play's origins. All in all, the sets and costumes transported the audience through time and fully involved them in the wild life Essendine lives.

 
A Mighty Congrats to All
Christgau said, “Many believe that this type of material is too challenging for High School students, but given the chance, they can really entertain and rise to the occasion to create something truly great!” 

That continues to be the case with Dwight’s Theater Program. After countless hours of rehearsals, this incredible cast of actors worked tirelessly to rise to new heights and make this challenging, comic timing tour-de-force extraordinary. We tip our hats to the incredible cast and crew of actors, set designers, stage managers, lighting techs, and many more who helped bring this year’s fall play to life. Bravo, bravo, bravo!

Daphne Stillington ........................................................................... Olivia Mitchell-Burrell ’24
Ms. Erickson ...................................................................................................Oliver Wyatt ’26
Fred...................................................................................................................Olivia Beal ’25
Monica Reed ......................................................................................Brooke Radosevich ’24
Garry Essendine ................................................................................Guilherme Sequeira ’24
Liz Essendine.................................................................................................Maysa Souri ’24
Roland Maule............................................................................. Sebastian Arbeiter-Hoole ’24
Maureen “Mo” Dixon..................................................................... Frances Gindi-Chiafullo ’24
Hugo Lyppiatt.............................................................................................Kumayl Badami ’24
Joanna Lyppiatt ..............................................................................................Acadia Colan ’24
Lady Saltburn...................................................................................................Esme Tublin ’25