The story of a man loved by too many will take center stage in Nelsonville as the Athenian Players Theatre and Berean Community Players perform "Present Laughter" at Stuart's Opera House tonight.

Director Lonny Fraze said the play, written by Noel Coward, is set in the 1940s and focuses on a romantic comedian named Garry Essendine, who is overwhelmed by the attention he receives from others - among them a young playwright, a 21-year-old lady and the wife of one of his partners. The more he tries to escape them, the more they pursue him.

Fraze said some interesting points of the show include the costumes, which are older and represent the time, and the fact that it plays out somewhat like a situation comedy, yet was written before television.

"It is very much a light-hearted comedy," Fraze said. "It's... a sitcom like Friends or Veronica's Closet."

The timing of the show was no accident. Fraze said the show is a good pick for a Moms' Weekend activity, not to mention a treat for Mother's Day next weekend.

The play kicks off with shows tonight and Saturday at 8 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. The show will continue next Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Stuart's Opera House is in the Public Square in Nelsonville.

Tickets are $8.00 in advance, $7.00 for students and seniors and $10.00 at the door. For tickets or more information, call (740) 753-1924.

- by J. Martin Poston