Theater News

Hay Fever Kicks Off Olney Theatre Center’s 78th Season

Noël Coward’s classic comedy begins performances tonight.

Valerie Leonard plays Judith in Olney Theatre Center's production of Hay Fever, which begins tonight.
Valerie Leonard plays Judith in Olney Theatre Center's production of Hay Fever, which begins tonight.
(courtesy of the production)

Hay Fever, a farcical comedy by Noël Coward, starts this evening at Olney Theatre Center.

Novelist David Bliss and his wife, Judith, a "retired" actress, have gone away for a quiet weekend in the countryside. They’ve invited a few guests for their days of rest and relaxation, and everything seems set for them to spend some calming time together. However, when their high-spirited children, Simon and Sorel, appear with guests of their own, the whole weekend is upended. Between Judith’s new flame and David’s newest literary "inspiration," the house is crowded even without the children. With tempers running hot and misunderstandings running amok, comedic chaos ensues.

Artistic associate Eleanor Holdridge directs the play. Featured in the cast are Olney Theatre Center veterans and newcomers, including Valerie Leonard as Judith, Matt Sullivan as David, Chris Dinolfo as Simon, Audrey Bertaux as Sorel, Jon Hudson Odom as Sandy, Michael Russotto as Richard, Susan Lynskey as Jackie, Beth Hylton as Myra, and Carol Randolph as Clara.

The creative team includes John Coyne (set design), Kendra Rai (costume design), Nancy Schertler (lighting design), Christopher Baine (sound design), Nancy Krebs (dialect coach), and Josiane M. Lemieux (stage manager and artistic associate).

Performances will run through September 27.

For tickets and more information, click here.

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