A classic British comedy is afoot at The Little Theatre in Newtown. Noel Coward’s Hay Fever is being delightfully played out with superb mastery of the disingenuousness and drama essential to this theater genre in which “none of us ever really means anything.” The spot-on cast of Town Players of Newtown, who is presenting this show weekends through July 18, is serving up hilarity and chaos with its playful and overly theatrical carrying on.

The experienced and creative director, Ruth Anne Baumgartner, has infused the piece with a light hearted, pitch perfect tone. It is staged beautifully on a set designed by Al Kulscar, which emanates British polish with an element of silliness.

Judith Bliss, an aging thespian played by Marguerite Foster, is the matriarch of a family of social dilettantes who cavort and game with unsuspecting visitors, as she mourns her diminishing beauty and allure. Judith’s husband David (Rob Pawlikowski), a successful author, and their two children Sorrel (Tess Stofko) and Simon (Sam Bass) have all invited guests for a weekend at their country home.  The arrival of these visitors marks the onset of outrageous entertainment as seduction and ruse rule the gathering.

Judith has invited a young fop named Sandy Tyrell (Benjamin de Seingalt) to compliment her astonishing yet waning beauty and talent. Jackie Coryton (Kate Truini), a young flapper type arrives, at the behest of David, for reasons unclear.

Sorrel, an ingénue in her early twenties, is besotted with Richard Greatham (Timothy Huber), a diplomat of sorts, while Simon fancies a certain sophisticate, Myra Arundel (Sheri Bresson).

The cast of characters is rounded out by the maid, housekeeper, cook and antidote to the antics of the upper crust, Clara, portrayed by Laurel Lettieri.

Apparently unaware of the guests each family member has invited, the four strangers are subjected to a cockamamie performance by the Blisses. Round and round the evening goes as one game evolves into another. The Bliss family is absolutely committed to raising the stakes only to desert them and take a new tack. 

Marguerite Foster is delightful as the ringleader of her family. She gives off an air of wistful frailty as she realizes her aging is unrelenting, yet she is determined to be the center of attention. Her anticipated return to the stage is accomplished in her own living room.

Rob Pawlikowski is always good and does not disappoint here. He is equally elegant and befuddled as he rails against, yet participates in, the action.

Newcomer Tess Sofko gives Sorrel a delicate ingénue vibe with a testy teenage defiance. Sam Bass imbues Simon with an artistic soul and a duplicitous character. It is just these dual traits that are required to pull off this piece in which nothing is as it seems.

The audience is kept guessing, and laughing, throughout. The Bliss family actors hit just the right notes in accomplishing this feat.

The crew of unsuspecting visitors is more caricatured as they play the foils for this crazy family. Sandy Tyrell is a riot with his one word answers and constant smile.  Sheri Bresson is perfect as the sophisticated socialite Myra, who balks as the game gets into her personal space. Tim Huber is delightfully proper yet perplexed as he valiantly tries to keep up with the action. Kate Truini is incredibly cute and lovable as the completely baffled and easily startled Jackie.

Laurel Lettieri plays a small yet essential role as Clara, the cranky-yet-knowing housekeeper. She earns a lot of laughs with her innuendo and eye rolls.

Props to costume designers Ruth Anne Baumgartner, Mary Kulscar and Mary Poile. The results of their efforts are gorgeous.

Town Players performs in a jewel box of a theater, and this production uses every inch to provide a thoroughly enchanting night at the theater. Pay a visit to the Bliss Home, because they really know how to entertain!

As mentioned above, Hay Fever will continue weekends to July 18, including Independence Day weekend. Curtain times are 8 pm Fridays and Saturdays, with one remaining Sunday afternoon matinee on July 12. The Little Theater is at 18 Orchard Hill Road.

Tickets are $22 for evening shows, and $18 for the matinee performance.

Reservations may be made by calling the box office at 203-270-9144 or by sending an email to reservations@newtownplayers.org.

For further information, visit www.newtownplayers.org.