The Cottage at Barn Theatre

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Barn Theatre Kicks Off 98th Season with Sandy Rustin's Hilarious Comedy, "The Cottage"

MONTVILLE, NJ – The Barn Theatre is proud to announce the opening of its 98th season with the witty and charming comedy, The Cottage, by acclaimed playwright Sandy Rustin. The show, hailed as a modern take on a classic Noël Coward comedy, will be directed by Todd Mills and opens on September 12, 2025. It will run for three weekends, promising laughter, surprise, and farcical fun.

Set in a charming English cottage in 1923, The Cottage follows a seemingly simple tryst that quickly descends into delicious chaos. The play's events spiral into delightful absurdity when a series of unexpected arrivals—the husband of the adulterous woman and the wife of the adulterous man—lead to a hilarious web of mistaken identities, concealed secrets, and unexpected twists.

The show's success rests on its cast of six brilliantly flawed and funny characters. Making her debut at the Barn, Lisa Cortney Benke of Westfield, NJ, plays Sylvia Van Kipness, a romantic and impetuous socialite. Her lover, Beau, played by Dan Maceyak of Garwood, NJ, also in his Barn debut, is a handsome but cynical man content with the status quo. The comedy ramps up when Beau's pragmatic and eight-month pregnant wife, Marjorie, played by Emily Bonaria of Mt. Arlington, NJ, arrives with Sylvia's kind-hearted, though perhaps naive, husband, Clarke. The role of Clarke is performed by newcomer Nathan Scott Hancock of West Milford, NJ. The insanity is compounded by the unexpected entrance of Deirdre, played by Danielle Pennisi Christianson of Elmwood Park, an "awfully pretty, sometimes wise, nincompoop" who happens to be Beau's other mistress. Finally, there's Richard, played by Joseph Christianson of Elmwood Park, a "murderous yet gentle soul" with a penchant for finding and keeping his true love... no matter the cost.

Director Todd Mills expressed his excitement about the production. "I am thrilled to kick off our 98th season with The Cottage," says Mills. "This cast has truly embraced the zany energy of this farce, and it's been a joy to watch them bring these characters to life. We are especially excited to welcome three remarkable actors who are making their Barn Theatre debut with this production. Their talent and fresh energy have been a revelation in rehearsals, and I can't wait for our patrons to see the fantastic work they've done."

Performance dates for The Cottage are:

Friday September 12th, 19th, and 26th at 8:00PM
Saturday September 13th at 2:00PM
Saturday September 20th and September 27th at 8:00PM
Sunday September 14th, September 21st, and September 28th at 2:00PM

Barn Theatre, located at 32 Skyline Drive, Montville, NJ.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at www.barntheatre.org or by calling the box office at (973) 334-9320.

About The Barn Theatre
For nearly a century, The Barn Theatre located in Montville, NJ, has provided high-quality, live theatrical productions to the public. As it enters its 98th season, the Barn continues its tradition of excellence and community engagement through the performing arts.
Contact: boxoffice@barntheatre.org