The Sopris Theatre Company has been around for over 50 years at Colorado Mountain College (CMC). “The Cottage,” written by Sandy Rustin, is the play closing out their 2025–26 season, performed at the New Space Theatre at CMC’s Spring Valley campus (3000 County Road 114) in the Quigley Library building. The play is a mischievous romantic comedy about affairs, desire, betrayal and finding oneself. The director, Brad Moore, has been with the Sopris Theatre Company for over 20 years and his dedication to the performing arts is reflected in the details of the show.
“We need to be able to sit back and be silly,” Moore said when asked what his favorite part of putting on the play was. He talked about the importance of community, connection, and how everyone deserves to have a fun night of laughs to break up the seriousness of the current times.
“I just want us to giggle,” he added.
Well, there was more than giggling on opening night. There were full belly laughs and happy tears from members of the audience. The show was a deep breath of air, a sip of tea, and a collective sigh –– those who saw the performance will understand. “The Cottage” is a much needed moment of playfulness that brings balance to the uncertainty of real life.
After the performance, cast members revealed that they put on this incredible show with only about two months of rehearsals. The enjoyment of the craft could be felt from all six actors. The talented and hardworking crew, mostly current CMC students, made this show possible. Moore gave a shout-out to scenic designer Tom Ward for bringing the cottage in “The Cottage” to life and repurposing the set from “Rumors,” a performance from Aspen Community Theatre.
The cast in order of appearance: Julia Whalen plays Sylvia, the catalyst of the chaos; Joshua Adamson plays Beau, the well intended playboy; Pax Wild plays Marjorie, a woman who knows what she wants; Gerald DeLisser plays Clarke, the dapper older brother of Beau; Marie LaBrecque plays Deirdre, the lady caught in between the family; and Michael Banks plays Richard, a man of many secrets and talents.
LaBrecque said her favorite part of being involved in the show was getting to perform with her friends. DeLisser agreed and they laughed at saying the same thing. This was also LaBrecque’s first acting role with the company. She said she was previously involved with stage management and tech.
At intermission, sweet treats were offered from Annie’s Bakery. This was a highlight of the night because it allowed a moment for audience members to mingle and reflect on the first half of the show. The laughter continued even while the play was on pause.
The show is mature in content, creating comedy from affairs and sex, but anyone can attend.
Tickets are available at $15 for students and seniors and $20 for adults. The next showings are on April 17 and 18 at 7pm and April 19 at 2pm. There is also an option to livestream the performance on April 17. For tickets, visit tinyurl.com/CMCtheCottage or pick them up at the box office.