<body><div>It is always fun to see a comedy that keeps the audience in the dark about where the plot is heading. North Coast Repertory Theatre’s hilarious production of The Cottage is one such show, due to its unpredictable narrative and growing conflicts in the script.In the English countryside of 1923, an unhappily married woman, Sylvia (Katie Karel), cheats on her husband, Clarke (Jacob Caltrider), with “perhaps, the best looking man in Britain,” Beau (Taubert Nadalini). Sylvia reveals to Beau, at his family-owned cottage, that she left a breakup letter to Clarke, at their home, admitting their affair. However, Beau is unsure whether he really wants to eventually marry Sylvia, and their morning gets increasingly complicated when Clarke unexpectedly arrives at the front door. If it seems like a lot has been revealed about the story, this all takes place during the first 15-ish minutes. Shortly after Clarke’s entrance, twists frequently transpire as more characters are introduced, including Richard’s wife, Marjorie (Lauren Weinberg), a seemingly innocent Englishwoman, Dierdre (Abby Leigh Huffstetler, whose more casual personality is expressed perfectly from costume designer Shirley Pierson), as well as a potentially dangerous man, Richard (Josh Cahn). Taking inspiration from Noël Coward plays, Sandy Rustin’s script blends classic screwball comedy with a modern sensibility. Rustin gives Sylvia plenty of agency as she solves various issues when the stakes rise at the “quaint” home.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=16xc1c_1GouZ3nx00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=16xc1c_1GouZ3nx00" width="400" height="267" ><figcaption>Lauren Weinberg, Katie Karel, and Abby Leigh Huffstetler. Photo by Aaron Rumley.</figcaption></figure>Everyone at the abode either hides secrets or lies, and Rustin emphasizes how their happiness will improve if they decide to be honest and open. This message is handled wonderfully by director, Shana Wride.Wride stages situations that range from witty to extremely silly. What makes some of the lowbrow material funnier is how unanticipated it is, as the well-mannered visitors take part in absurd, and occasionally downright crass and crude gags. The storyteller’s work, as well as contributions from scenic designer, Sean Fanning, sound designer, Melanie Chen Cole, and props designer Zachary Elliott (his over-the-top incorporation of cigarettes and lighters results in several of the biggest laughs), are key to the lighthearted tone at the Solana Beach venue.In addition to the crew, there is strong comedic timing from all six performers. Each of them is unafraid to come across as ridiculous, and the artists create empathetic portrayals, especially as theatregoers learn about their unusual lives. A section of the tale that could be a little tightened, is the final one, which spends a good amount of time wrapping things up. It is not a major flaw, because humorous and meaningful exchanges continue to occur, and the last couple of minutes resolve in an emotionally satisfying way.The Cottage delights audiences at North Coast Rep with its consistently funny jokes. Even if you know the basic premise of the evening, a lot of surprises remain in store in Wride’s staging.Show times are Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m, Thursdays at 7:00 p.m, Fridays at 7:00 p.m, Saturdays at 2:00 p.m and 8:00 p.m, and Sundays at 2:00 p.m and 7:00 p.m. North Coast Repertory Theatre987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Suite D Solana Beach CA 92075 USA Work Phone: (858) 481-1055 Work Email: [email protected] Website: North Coast Repertory Theatre websiteA fan of theatre from a young age, David Dixon began writing reviews while in middle school, for Union Tribune’s Rated G column and sdcnn.com. He was the Entertainment Editor for SDSU’s The Daily Aztec. He has won several San Diego Press Club Excellence in Journalism Awards. David is a San Diego Theatre Critics Circle member, an American Theatre Critics Association member &amp; Regional Theatre Tony Award voter.</div></body>

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It is always fun to see a comedy that keeps the audience in the dark about where the plot is heading. North Coast Repertory Theatre’s hilarious production of The Cottage is one such show, due to its unpredictable narrative and growing conflicts in the script. In the English countryside...

Hilarious Surprises at North Coast Rep

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It is always fun to see a comedy that keeps the audience in the dark about where the plot is heading. North Coast Repertory Theatre’s hilarious production 

Hilarious Surprises at North Coast Rep

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