Noel Coward's comedy Present Laughter was first presented on Broadway in 1946, seven years after its London premiere. Because he was busy directing another play in London, the author was unable to attend the opening. When he finally saw the New York production he called it "a gruesome evening" and blasted the director for his lack of taste and imagination.

No such lapses are to be found in the light and lively staging being offered by Stage Centre Productions at Fairview Library Theatre. Director L. Garth Allen has assembled a terrific cast who deliver Coward's sparkling dialogue with aplomb.

Leading the proceedings with a hilariously broad performance is Edward Karek as Garry Essendine, the successful and self-obsessed actor who never stops acting. Karek also has the requisite looks to be believable as a star that attracts the amorous attentions of just about everyone he meets - male and female.

He is well matched by Debbie Yuen as his ex-wife, Jason Martorino as a devoted fan and Heather Goodall as the wife of one of his producers whose unexpected visit one evening sets off a delicious farce. Goodall in particular has a fine flirtatious quality that balances poise with determination. She knows what she wants, and it's Garry!

As the devoted secretary who manages Garry's business affairs, while taking a dim view of his romantic ones, Varda Shomrony uses cool crisp professionalism to make her quips generate hilarity. It is a performance that is just one of the many delightful turns in this production.

Adding to the mix are top-notch performances by Sara VanBuskirk, Roger Kell and Rita Lynham, whose frantic housekeeper brings down the house moments after the curtain goes up.

Allen keeps the play trim and taught with excellent attention to detail. The design elements are beautifully co-ordinated with some strikingly beautiful gowns for the ladies.

If there is a flaw in the evening, it is the fault of the playwright who brings down the final curtain rather suddenly leaving a few loose ends. Still with so much that precedes, it is so delightfully funny; you'll forgive the quick wrapup.

This is the perfect opener for Stage Centre Productions' 30th anniversary season, and a production that Coward himself would happily endorse. I know I do.

Present Laughter is presented by Stage Centre Productions at Fairview Library Theatre, 35 Fairview Mall Dr. until Oct. 7. Evening performances are at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Oct. 1. Tickets are $25 and available by calling the box office at 416-299-5557.