Huntington Theatre Artistic Director Nicholas Martin has announced that the final show of the company’s 25th Anniversary Season will change to a new production of the classic Noël Coward comedy “Present Laughter,” starring Broadway, film and TV star Victor Garber, and directed by Martin.  The previously announced revival of “Streamers” will be presented in the Fall of 2007.
 
“Laughter” is the comic story of self-absorbed aging matinee idol Garry Essendine (Garber), whose agents, managers, house staff and paramours create a dysfunctional surrogate family. The show debuted on Broadway in 1946.  The original and three popular revival productions featured some of the theatre world’s greatest actors including George C. Scott, Nathan Lane, Frank Langella, Kate Burton, Alison Janney and even Coward himself. 

 Best known for his role as Agent Jack Bristow on the popular television series “Alias,” Victor Garber is a four-time Tony nominated Broadway veteran who originated roles in many hit shows including “Deathtrap,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Arcadia,” “Art” and “Noises Off,” and the revivals of “Damn Yankees” and “Little Me.”  Additional casting information will be announced later.

This switch was made necessary by the changing schedule of director Scott Ellis. Ellis originally brought the “Streamers” project to the Huntington, however, his production of the new Kander and Ebb musical “Curtains” is going to Broadway with an opening date that overlaps the original schedule of “Streamers.” 

“Streamers” will move to the Huntington’s November - December 2007 slot with Ellis at the helm.

Performance dates and times for “Present Laughter” are the same as those originally set for “Streamers” (May 18-June 17) and all original tickets will be honored.

For further information, contact the box office at 617-266-0800.

-- OnStage Boston

12/21/06