Citadel Theatre, which was recently honored with Jeff Award nominations for Best Productions and Directors in the Midsize Play and Musical categories, will open its 2024-25 season with the comedy THE COTTAGE. Citadel’s production will be the first of that comedy since its Broadway engagement in 2023, where it was directed by Jason Alexander and starred Eric McCormack. THE COTTAGE was written by Sandy Rustin, who grew up in Glenview and graduated from Northwestern University.
With THE COTTAGE, Rustin says, “I was really looking to create something kind of in the style of Noel Coward, but with a feminist twist.” The play begins with Sylvia and Beau on an erotic escape to their cottage in the English countryside. The audience soon discovers that the pair are married to other people and are having a wild affair. But Sylvia winds up questioning her views on marriage and social status when the deceived spouses arrive at the house with affairs of their own. THE COTTAGE will be directed by Jack Hickey, the former long-time Artistic Director of the Oak Park Festival Theatre. THE COTTAGE will open Saturday, September 14 at 7:30 pm, following previews on September 11 and 12, and continue through October 13, 2024.
The role of Beau, played on Broadway by McCormick, will be taken by Chicago actor and comedian Philip J. Macaluso. Macaluso, who last appeared at Citadel in IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY, has appeared in comedy venues across Chicago, and is a founding member of Lemon Drops Comedy. Beau’s paramour Sylvia will be played by Elizabeth Bushell, who appeared in Citadel’s holiday comedy JUNIOR CLAUS. Beau’s wife, Marjorie, will be Shannon Bachelder, who understudied the role of Ruth Bader Ginsburg in PrideArts’ WHEN THERE ARE NINE. Marjorie’s secret lover Clarke, who besides being married to Sylvia is the brother of Sylvia’s illicit lover Beau, will be played by Joel Ottenheimer. Joel Ottenheimer, who has performed at Oak Park Festival Theatre in THE AFRICAN THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS RICHARD III. Rounding out the cast as two additional cottage guests with romantic complications are Melody Rowland (A CHORUS LINE at Drury Lane Theatre) and John Dooley (MACBETH with The Artistic Home). Understudies are Bailey Angel (Sylvia), Stephanie Boyd (Deidre), Mary Margaret McCormack (Marjorie), Connor Scott (Richard), and two additional understudies to be named.
Top row L-R: Shannon Bachelder, Elizabeth Bushell, John Dooley
Lower row L-R: Philip J. Macaluso, Joel Ottenheimer, Melody Rowland
The production team, in addition to Hickey as Director, includes Jeff Award winners Eric Luchen (Set Design), Rachel Sypniewski (Costume Design), and Bob Knuth (Technical Director). Knuth additionally has two 2024 Jeff Award nominations. Also on the production team are Alexa Wiljanen (Lighting Design), Maya Reter (Sound Design), Katelyn Boerke (Props Design), Sheryl Williams (Intimacy Design), Megan Lorie (Dialect Coach), Caitlyn Girtin (Scenic Charge), Abby Truett (Stage Manager), and Scott and Ellen Phelps (Production Managers).
Season subscriptions are available for the full four-show season at $120.00, or as flex passes that can be used for the patron’s choice of either three shows for $100.00 or two shows for $70.00. Preview flex passes are also available for $40 two shows), $50 (three shows), or $60 (four shows). Subscriptions and single tickets priced at $45 are now on sale at www.citadeltheatre.org.
Citadel Theatre is in residence in the West Campus of the Lake Forest School District at 300 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest. Further information and ticketing is available on the company’s website at www.citadeltheatre.org.
LISTING INFORMATION
THE COTTAGE
by Sandy Rustin
Direct from Broadway – First Production in Illinois
Directed by Jack Hickey
Saturday, September 14 – Sunday, October 13, 2024
(Previews September 11 and 12 @ 7:30 pm)
PRESS OPENING Saturday, September 14 at 7:30 pm
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sunday matinees at 3 pm, Wednesday matinees at 1 pm on September 25 and October 9. No performances Fridays September 13 and 27
Preview ticket prices $20. Regular run prices $45.00. Discounts available for groups, seniors and students.
Citadel Theatre is located in the West Campus building of the Lake Forest School District, 300 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest, IL.
Tickets available online at www.citadeltheatre.org or by phone at 847-735-8554, ext. 1
Straight from Broadway, this recent hit directed by Jason Alexander starring Eric McCormick (WILL AND GRACE) is a brand-new, side splitting romp. This outrageous tale of sex, betrayal, and desire is one woman’s attempt to expose her latest affair to both her husband-and to her lover’s wife. Surprising and hilarious web of secrets unravels in this ridiculously funny romantic comedy.
BIOS
Jack Hickey (Director) Jack returns to Citadel Theatre, where he appeared as Tony Reilly in 2023’s OUTSIDE MULLINGAR. Jack has been a member for over 20 years of the Oak Park Festival Theatre, where he served as Artistic Director for 15 of those years. He has acted in or directed over 25 productions with the company, most notably as Falstaff in HENRY IV, Henry Drummond in INHERIT THE WIND, and Cyrano in CYRANO DE BERGERAC. Jack was nominated for an Equity Jeff Award playing Michael in SOMEONE WHO’LL WATCH OVER ME.
Jack is also a former company member of ShawChicago, performing in over 20 productions with them. Favorite roles there include The Devil in DON JUAN IN HELL, and Andrew Undershaft in MAJOR BARBARA. TV credits include CHICAGO MED and UNSOLVED MYSTERIES. He was in two commercials with Michael Jordan and appeared briefly (uncredited) in the film CONTINENTAL DIVIDE with John Belushi.
Sandy Rustin (Playwright). One of the most produced playwrights in America, Sandy penned the adaptation of the cult-hit film, CLUE which has enjoyed over 3,500 productions worldwide. Sandy’s original comedy, THE COTTAGE, directed by Jason Alexander (SEINFELD) ran at the Hayes Theatre for a limited engagement on Broadway. Her musical adaptation of MGM’s film, MYSTIC PIZZA, directed by Casey Hushion, premiered on the West Coast in January 2024. For television, Sandy is working with Sidney Clifton of the Jim Henson Company on developing a new family dramedy for television that utilizes their newly patented HDPS (Henson Digital Puppeteering System) and with the Australian company, JC Media Consulting, on a Broadway musical series for children.
Scott Phelps (Artistic Director) is in his 23rd year as the Artistic Director at Citadel. He’s acted in and directed dozens of Citadel productions over the last decade and a half since founding this North Shore theatre in 2002 with his friend and lifelong companion, Ellen. In 2023, he starred in the leading role of Pastor Paul in THE CHRISTIANS. He has acted/directed in NYC, and in his home state of California, trained as an actor at the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts in Santa Maria, CA, received his BFA from the University of Utah, and did an apprenticeship at the Actors Theatre of Louisville in KY. For 18 years Scott worked for a promotional company and raised his three daughters and his son in Lake Forest. Recently he has been taking on the next chapter of his life — the role of “Beepa” to his grandchildren. Although he is unsure if he is old enough to play that part, he’s been enjoying the challenge.
Citadel Theatre is one of Chicagoland’s premier live theatres, producing hundreds of performances annually and inspiring audiences for nearly 23 years. The company was recently honored with four Equity Wing Jeff Award nominations for the 2023-24 Season - for Best Midsize Play and Director (SILENT SKY, Beth Wolf) and Best Midsize Musical and Director (SHE LOVES ME, Matthew Silar). Founded by Scott and Ellen Phelps in 2002, Citadel Theatre is comprised of its Main Stage performances and its theatre acting classes for children. A proud member of the League of Chicago Theatres and the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff ArtsLink, Citadel Theatre offers a unique intimate theatre experience that transports you to another setting and leaves you feeling exhilarated and wanting more. A recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Citadel can accept tax-deductible donations. For more information, ticketing, and to donate, please visit Citadel online at www.CitadelTheatre.org or call 847.735.8554.