L-R Joel Ottenheimer, Shannon Bachelder, Melody Rowland, Elizabeth Bushell (Standing), and Philip J. Macaluso. (Photos by North Shore Camera Club)
Four Stars
You practically need a score card to keep track of who is doing “it” with whom even though two brothers and their current and past lovers and spouses all makeup somewhat of an extended family. They all pop into “The Cottage,” a small but attractive country house 90 minutes outside of London.
The year is 1923. The tone is that of a British farce but don’t expect a strong English accent or a lot of popping in and out different doors. Guests properly enter from the front door.
What we have is a very funny play by Glenview native Sandy Rustin that has come to Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest straight from its Broadway run.
At first, we see the morning after a once-a-year affair between Sylvia (Elizabeth Bushell) and her brother-in-law, Beau (Philip J. Macaluso). Before Beau can dress and leave for his office others in this casual, but unanticipated gathering come knocking at the door.
First to pop in is Beau’s regular lover, Dierdre (Melody Rowland) because Beau’s office told her he could be found at the family Cottage. Next to stop by are Beau’s brother, Clarke (Joel Ottenheimer), with his sister-in-law, Beau’s wife, Marjorie (Shannon Bachelder). Sylvia, who’s slightly ditsy, thinks she may have sent a telegram to Clarke about wanting a divorce.
They hear Diedra’s husband, Richard (John Dooley), knocking on the door. The problems now is that Sylvia said her first love was called Richard but she believes he died and Diedra admits that her Richard keeps killing her lovers.
And so, Act I ends with everyone hiding and Richard coming in with a gun.
Well directed by Jack Hickey, the entire cast is terrific. In addition, there is superb scenic design by Eric Luchen and properties design by Audrey Tieman. The house is charming and those cigarettes that Beau keeps snagging turn up everywhere.
No letting on here what happens in Act II. Go see this wonderful, comic play but don’t tell anyone else what happens.
Details: “The Cottage” is at Citadel Theatre, 300 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest, IL now thro0ugh Oct. 13, 2024 Running Time: Two hours. For tickets and other information visit Citadel Theatre.
Jodie Jacobs
For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago.