Photographer Jenny Anderson (who shot our fabulous Classic New York Films photos) brings BroadwayBox backstage for an exclusive new series capturing Broadway companies getting ready to take the stage. Recently Jenny was backstage at Broadway’s St. James Theatre to capture the cast of the glorious, Tony-nominated revival Present Laughter
as they prepared for a Saturday matinee.
Before the Saturday matinee, Bhavesh Patel takes center stage at the St. James Theatre to stretch. He plays the (possibly) insane young playwright, Roland Maule.
Tedra Millan, who makes her Broadway debut as young socialite and actress Daphne Stillington, arrives early to do some yoga in her dressing room.
After yoga, Tedra begins makeup.
Tony nominee Kristine Nielsen is an absolute laugh riot as Garry Essendine’s secretary/right hand woman, Monica Reed.
Her pre-show process begins in the wig room.
After the wig is set, Kristine knocks out some autographs on posters and playbills.
Oh hey, Obie and Lortel Award winner Peter Francis James!
Kristine’s process then includes some sensible prayer to the image of co-star Kevin Kline.
Dressing roommates Bhavesh and Reg Rogers each have their own pre-show going on.
Bhavesh enjoys some reading.
While Reg strums the ukulele.
Peter Francis James has an entire hot beverage set up happening over in his dressing room pre-show.
Newcomer Matt Bittner gets plenty of laughs each night as Mr. Essendine’s lovable valet, Fred.
Now it’s time to visit Cobie Smulders, who makes a hilarious Broadway debut as Joanna Lyppiatt.
Cobie, best known to TV audiences as Robin Scherbatsky on the iconic sitcom How I Met Your Mother, was awarded a 2017 Theatre World Award for her performance in Present Laughter.
Of course, no pre-show is complete without a few laughs.
Three-time Tony Award nominee Kate Burton visits the wig room next to become the fabulous and assured Liz Essendine, the ex-wife of Kevin Kline’s character.
Josh Marquette received a 2017 Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Wig and Hair for his work on Present Laughter.
Kate is assisted into her wig by associate hair designer, Sabana Majeed.
Fun fact: in 1983 Kate Burton won the Theatre World Award for her debut performance as Daphne Stillington opposite George C. Scott as Garry Essendine.
Give it up for Sandra Shipley who wears diamond broaches on her robe as begins her process to play Lady Saltburn.
Ellen Harvey gets in her fabulous Susan Hilferty costume to play the deadpan housekeeper Miss Erikson.
#Stunning
It’s time for Kristine Nielsen to make her way to the wings for her entrance. Don’t miss Kristine and the gang in Present Laughter at the St. James Theatre through July 2.
