Kevin Kline in "Present Laughter"-No Great Gift with Few Laughs

Noel Coward (b UK 1899-1973) is regarded as one of the most elite playwrights pre-WWII.  After WWII, Coward became better known for his acting/directing/screenwriting & songwriting; a man of many talents and honors.  Sir Noel Coward was Knighted in 1919 and inducted into the Royal Society of Literature.  In the US, Coward won an Academy for Best Picture for "Calvacade at Danbury," (1933) & received a Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement (1972.)  "Present Laughter" is in revival on B'wy starring American acting royalty, Kevin Kline (b 1947) and veteran Welsh-American thespian Kate Burton (b Switzerland 1957.)  Kline has received an Acad Award & 2 Tony Awards.  Burton, the daughter of legendary actor Richard Burton, has earned several Tony nominations & is formidable figure on the B'wy stage.   Both actors do admirable work in their roles as estranged but attached spouses in this frivilous romantic, slap-stick comedy.  Garry Essendine (a debonair Kevin Kline) plays a self-absorbed actor who looks dapper in dozens of silk dressing robes.  Liz Essendine (a triumphant Kate Burton) is his wife.  Separated, but not divorced, the couple can't separate themselves from being emeshed in each other's life.  There are several ingenues that flit in & out of Garry's place.  (It seems they've accidentally locked themselves out of their own apartments.)  Added to the mix is a dour, cigarette smoking housekeeper, an unflappable secretary and a random, bizarre male admirer who can't extracate himself from Garry.  This broad comedy which includes the omnipresent hidden characters behind closed doors.  Simply put, I was bored.  "Present Laughter" is a light fluff of cotton candy. Kline makes an excellent dandy. Burton & Kline pair perfectly.  Still, I just didn't care for this stale, dated production.   Coward would abhor to think his play a bore.  "Consider the public.  Coax it, charm it, stimulate it, shock it now and then if you must.  Make it laugh, make it cry, but above all never, never bore the living hell out of it." (N Coward)