by Joanne Engelhardt

There’s likely only one kind of germ you might enjoy getting — and that is a joy germ. That’s an appropriate phrase for the Palo Alto Players’ production of “The Cottage,” under the astute and memorably British direction of Katie O’Bryan Champlin.

Playwright Sandy Rustin has created a charming mix of high British humor and slapstick that is enhanced by a satisfying cast of actors as well as the gorgeous set design created by Kevin Davies.

One of the many appealing surprises in this production is Davies’ creative use of hidden cigarettes, tucked away in unexpected places throughout the cottage.

The delightfully droll script is alive with the sound of jokes, sight gags, and lightly tossed-off lines like “You stifle me” and “No murderers here. Only lunatics.” One extended sound gag in particular defies description here, but it will stick with you.

Yet, for all the raucous humor, by play’s end audiences may discover they’ve witnessed a thoughtful commentary on marriage, infidelity, identity, and love.

In the course of two hours, with one intermission, “The Cottage” manages to engage and delight with its rapid-fire line delivery and gorgeous set, thanks to Davies, scenic artist Greet Jaspaert, scenic painter Neil Sahami, and a hard-working carpentry team.

Major props are due dialect coach Brennah Kemmerly, because the actors definitely sound like Brits — at least most of the time.

There’s also the elegant clothing created by costume designer Jenny Garcia and her costume crew, especially the outfits beautifully worn by McGrath. As Sylvia, McGrath brings style, confidence, and comic assurance to a role that asks a great deal of her physically.

As Deirdre, Natalie To throws herself into the farcical demands of the role. As Marjorie, the nine-months pregnant wife of Clark, Michelle Skinner tackles her role with determination and gusto.

Clark, played by Brandon Silberstein, and his brother Beau, played by a rather subdued Steve Althoff, often go to the lovely little cottage owned by their mother. Beau frequently uses it for sundry romantic dalliances — some one-nighters, and some of a longer duration.

Overall, “The Cottage” has a tad too many convenient coincidences, and the ending seems a bit rushed.

Nevertheless, it’s a fun romp, featuring a gorgeous set that adds to the delight.

“The Cottage,” presented by Palo Alto Players through June 28, 2026 at Lucie Stern Theater. For further information, click here. 

Rating: ****
(For an explanation of TheatreStorm’s rating system, click here.)

“The Cottage,” by Sandy Rustin. Director: Katie O’Bryan Champlin. Scenic & Properties Designer, Master Carpenter: Kevin Davies. Costume Designer: Jenny Garcia. Hair/Makeup Designer: Karen Althoff. Lighting Designer: Samantha Schroeter. Sound Designer: David Hobbs. Sound Supervisor: Jeff Grafton. Scenic Artist: Greet Jaspaert. Specialty Props/Tobacconist: Steve Garcia. Dialect Coach: Brennah Kemmerly. Stage Manager: Cayleigh Spikes. Assistant Stage Manager: Joel Best. Master Electrician: Darbus Oldham. Scenic Painter: Neil Sahami. Wardrobe/Dresser: Gurpreet Manotra. Fly Rail Operator: Hanna Lubinsky. Deck Crew: Alanna Bardell, Keith Brown, Amelia Dobkin, Hanna Lubinsky. Social Media Coordinator: Natalie To.

Cast:

Sylvia: Katie McGrath. Beau: Steve Althoff. Marjorie: Michelle Skinner. Clark: Brandon Silberstein. Deirdre: Natalie To. Richard: Lysander Abadia. Oscar/Male Swing; Richard 6/21: Patrick Rivera.