Midtown Direct Rep Announces THE COTTAGE Reading, 4/21

Midtown Direct Rep will present a reading of the play The Cottage by Sandy Rustin as part of Midtown Direct Rep's recently launched play development series focused on new and innovative American theatre.

Following on the heels of MDR's successful development of Rated P (for parenthood) (also written by MDR's Co-Artistic Director, Sandy Rustin) MDR's new program, Theatre in the Loft, aims to do the same for other previously unseen material. MDR presents monthly readings of new plays or musicals one Sunday night a month at 7 PM in the SOPAC loft. With a cash bar and post show discussions with the casts and creative teams, MDR fosters a fun and collaborative environment that nurtures the development of top notch theatre right here at home.

The Cottage by Sandy Rustin will be directed by MDR member, Adam Dannheisser (Rock of Ages) and performed by MDR members, Catherine Brunell (Mary Poppins), Adam Dannheisser (Rock of Ages), Bradley Dean (Evita), Stephanie Kurtzuba (Billy Elliot), Jamie LaVerdiere (Motown), and Sandy Rustin (Rated P ... for parenthood).

About the play ...

The creator of Rated P (for parenthood) proudly presents a new comedy in two acts: The Cottage, a rollicking farce inspired by the works of Noel Coward. Set in the English Countryside in 1923, this tale of love, sex and betrayal begins when Sylvia Van Kipness decides to expose her love affair with her husband's brother. The true meanings of fate, identity, and marriage are all called into question as a surprising and hilarious web of secrets unravel in this ridiculous, potentially murderous, romantic comedy.

Tickets are now on sale to the public and can be purchased by calling 973-313-ARTS(2787) or by visiting SOPACnow.org. Tickets for this series are $15.

Upcoming Sunday at 7 PM Theatre in the Loft date:

Sunday, May 19th: IMAGINARY LOVE by Kait Kerrigan

About Midtown Direct Rep (MDR)

With perhaps more professional theater artists than any suburb of NYC, Maplewood/South Orange (NJ) is "where Broadway comes home to sleep." MDR, a theatre company created by and for these NJ-based artists, develops and presents relevant, world-class theatre for its community. www.midtowndirectrep.org.

Midtown Direct Rep company members include two- time Tony Winner, Norbert Leo Butz, Tony Nominee, Christiane Noll, and "Law & Order; SVU" regular, Joel de la Fuente, among others. The Company is managed by Co-Artistic Directors Sandy Rustin and Jeremy Dobrish, Managing Director Jeffrey Shubart, and Producing Director Evan Fleischer.

This program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/ Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts and administered by the Essex County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs.