'Restrictive and thrilling!' Jason Alexander's star-studded Broadway variety 'The Cottage' brings old-fashioned comedy

Jason Alexander spearheads Broadway's "The Cottage", an early 20th-century comedy of manners bubbling with reveals of infidelity at a tony country estate. Despite offering a grand setscape and lively performances, the show skimps on novelty and intensity.

"The Cottage" fancifully uncorks the idea of heterosexual marriage being constrictive yet electrifying to defy. The merriment derived from these transgressions is served up bountifully but tastes too familiar, shallow, and transient. The skillful comedic deftness of Laura Bell Bundy as Sylvia, a mistress to Eric McCormack's Beau, unfortunately meets with dampened applause. Their momentous post-romp glow dissipates as the treacherous carousel of infidelity among multiple characters comes full circle.

While humorously prodding societal norms on monogamy and desire, "The Cottage" doesn't reach far enough to provoke deep sentiments. Lingering questions on sexuality, gender dynamics, patriarchy, and capitalism are not explored, leaving the audience hanging amidst the hearty chuckles. Its most profound musing - the existence of soulmates- is abruptly quashed, squandering potential for a heart-tugging, thought-stirring narrative.

"The Cottage" endeavors to empower women but bafflingly relegates them to yearning for nothing beyond satisfaction of their earthly desires. This omission of women's agency and fulfillment is a key chink in the Broadway's play armor, subtle yet evident.

Under Alexander's diligent direction, the production strives relentlessly to tease out laughter with repetitive slapstick and boisterous playacting. Standouts include Eric McCormack's squandered gigolo portrayal and Laura Bell Bundy's sterling performance that harks back to the venerated Hollywood sirens of yesteryears. Yet, the lack of character depth tender the performances enjoyable but not impactful.

"A feast for the eyes," Paul Tate dePoo III's delicately constructed set design is the unrivaled star of the show. The ornate amalgamation of vibrant wallpaper and quaint trinkets draws gasps and applause as the curtains lift. Regrettably, this visual marvel is the only significant offering in an otherwise foreseeable comedy.

Even though "The Cottage" offers some chucklesome escapism, its dearth of depth and unique narrative could keep it from leaving an indelible mark on viewers. It seems Broadway’s ‘The Cottage’ boasts energetic performances and a visual spectacle but struggles to threads together complex themes and question societal norms effectively.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)