Poster for Present Laughter, featuring blue curtains, a suited silhouette holding a comedy mask, and the academy emblem.
Rental Event

GPAA presents: Present Laughter

Nov 20 - Nov 22, 2026 Multiple Times $24 Main Stage, Building 11-A

Step into the dazzling, chaotic world of Noël Coward’s Present Laughter—a sparkling, laugh-out-loud comedy about fame, love, and the art of always being on display.

Meet Garry Essendine: charismatic, hopelessly vain, and the undisputed star of London’s West End. Garry is preparing for a whirlwind tour of Africa, but his biggest challenge isn’t getting ready—it’s getting out the door. In his final week in London, Garry’s stylish apartment becomes a whirlwind of hilarious high drama.

As he tries to pack, he finds himself dodging a parade of colorful characters all vying for a piece of him: a smitten young debutante, an outrageously persistent aspiring playwright, his best friend’s seductive spouse, and a revolving door of secret romantic entanglements. Caught in the middle are his delightfully unbothered ex, his sharp-witted secretary, and his exasperated manager, all trying to save Garry from himself before his life completely unravels.

Loosely inspired by Coward’s own larger-than-life personality, Present Laughter is a hilarious, affectionate send-up of the theatrical world. Packed with rapid-fire wit, slamming doors, and endless charm, it’s a classic farce about a man who simply cannot stop acting, even offstage.

Don’t miss your chance to experience one of Noël Coward’s greatest and most beloved comedies. Book your tickets today!

Performance Dates

Friday
Nov 20, 2026 7:00 pm
Venue: Main Stage, Building 11-A
Tickets: House: $24
Saturday
Nov 21, 2026 2:00 pm
Venue: Main Stage, Building 11-A
Tickets: House: $24
Saturday
Nov 21, 2026 7:00 pm
Venue: Main Stage, Building 11-A
Tickets: House: $24
Sunday
Nov 22, 2026 2:00 pm
Venue: Main Stage, Building 11-A
Tickets: House: $24
  • 00

    days

  • 00

    hours

  • 00

    minutes

  • 00

    seconds

Rental Presenter logo

Event Essentials

Only Authorized Ticket Seller

Tickets purchased through GruninCenter.org are guaranteed authentic. GruninCenter.org and the Grunin Center Box Office are the only authorized ticket sellers for this performance.

Ticketing Policy

All sales are final. Policies, programs, artists, dates, times, and prices are subject to change without notice. Members may be eligible for exchanges and refunds based on their membership level. A complete listing of ticketing policies can be found on our Ticketing Policies page.

Accessible Seating & Services

Accessible seating is available through all ticket sales channels on a first-come, first-served basis. Accessible seating locations include a space suitable for a patron-provided wheelchair. Patrons requesting accessible seating acknowledge that they, or a member of their party, require accessible seating due to a mobility disability (visible or non-visible) as defined by the ADA, or require the features of an accessible seating location.

Requests for interpretive services or braille programs must be made at least three weeks prior to the event; more advance notice is appreciated. Assistive listening devices are available for the Main Stage by visiting the Box Office prior to each performance. Please call (voice) 732-255-0500 or email (text) grunincenter@ocean.edu with accessibility requests beyond wheelchair accessible seating. 

Venue Information – Mezzanine Access

All seats in row AA – DD of the Mezzanine require stairs to access. Row EE does not require stairs. There are 2 central stairs in the Mezzanine, and no aisles against the walls.

Date
Nov 20 - 22 2026
Time
7:00 pm - 2:00 pm