Ottawa Little Theatre is currently staging 'The Cottage,' a farce by Sandy Rustin that turns a quiet countryside retreat into a tangle of confessions and comic chaos. The production opened September 23 and runs through October 10, 2026, with evening performances Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m.
The plot
The play follows Sylvia, who has decided that today, of all days, is the day she'll leave her husband for her lover, appropriately named Beau. What starts as a getaway at the title cottage quickly spirals as more characters arrive and secrets start unraveling one after another. It's the kind of setup built for door-slamming, misunderstanding-driven comedy, and the Ottawa cast leans into that energy.
Cast standouts
Sylvia is played by Karine Charland, opposite Jonathan Morel as her husband Clarke. Beau's wife, Marjorie, is played by Kate Salmon. Among the ensemble, particularly strong performances come from Steven Wright as Beau, Manon Barré as Deidre, and Grant Moore as Richard, all of whom help carry the show's escalating absurdity.
Behind the scenes
The production is directed by Brian McManus, who brings a fun, high-energy evening to the Ottawa Little Theatre stage. Set design by Chelsey Prince and costume design by Peggy Laverty establish an early-1920s setting for the cottage and its visitors, grounding the farce in a specific time and place even as the plot gets increasingly ridiculous. The show runs 120 minutes total, including a 20-minute intermission, making it a manageable night out for Ottawa theatregoers looking for something light without a long commitment.
'The Cottage' isn't a new script. It had a run on Broadway in 2023 before making its way to Ottawa Little Theatre's stage this fall, giving local audiences a chance to catch a show that's already had its moment in New York.
Why it works as an antidote to modern life
There's something to be said for a play that asks nothing more of its audience than to watch people behave badly in an elegant countryside setting. 'The Cottage' doesn't deal in prestige-drama heaviness or topical commentary. It's pure farce, built on timing, reveals and performances that commit fully to the bit. For Ottawa audiences looking for an evening that's more about laughing than reflecting, this production delivers exactly that.
If you go
'The Cottage' runs at Ottawa Little Theatre through October 10, 2026. Tickets are available online at purchase.ottawalittletheatre.com or by calling the box office at 613-233-8948. With performances happening most nights of the week, there's a fair bit of flexibility for anyone looking to catch it before the run ends.
Sources: Ottawa Life Magazine, Apartment613, Ottawa Little Theatre (official)
