A sexy comedy, taking place in downtown London in 1946, offers a sneak peek of a theater star’s life and raises the thoughtful question of what love really is.

City College’s revived version of Noël Coward’s play, “Present Laughter,” had its opening night Friday, March 8. R. Michael Gros, co-chair of the theater department, directed the comedy.

The play hinges on the life of Garry Essendine, a flashy character reflecting Coward himself as he goes through a midlife crisis. As he plans a tour to Africa, Essendine has to deal with his mistresses and estranged wife, who’s trying to get back with him.  This creates hilarious, awkward situations in the living room of Essendine’s studio.

Essendine is played by Arthur Hanket, a guest actor from New York.

The actors skillfully demonstrated the crazy, unsolvable love affairs and made the audience burst into laughter throughout the show. The play is full of surprises yet relaxing and easy to follow.

Besides Hanket, theater arts major Katherine Bottoms (Daphne Stillington), professional actress Jenna Scanlon (Liz Essendine) and former City College student, Sean Jackson (Roland Maule) also stand out in the play.

Dialogues spoken with a British accent may puzzle the audience in the first few minutes but once they get used to it, the accent is no longer a problem.

Delightful classic melodies written by the playwright intermingles throughout the play and eases the tension of the complicated love affairs.

Costumes chosen by City College’s costumes and make up artist, Pamela Shaw, suit the characters’ personalities and the setting perfectly. Essendine’s dressing gowns are ridiculously flamboyant.

Scenic and lighting designer Patricia Frank does a fabulous job. Every piece of lighting effect is compatible with the gaudiness of Essendine.

Main lighting colors range from pink, purple, yellow to blue to create a sense of fancifulness, coziness and lust. The transition from daytime to nighttime lighting is truly impressive.

The play runs from March 8 through 23 in the Garvin Theater. Ticket price ranges from $8 to $23.