The Barley Sheaf Players of Lionville are presenting the opening production of their 2016-2017 season, "Hay Fever" by Noel Coward. This comedy mixes the best of farce with a British comedy of manners.

The setting is 1920s England. The four members of the Bliss family each invite a guest to the family’s summer cottage for the weekend, without telling anyone else. When they all show up to the cottage on the same weekend, the resulting vacation is anything but blissful for the guests.

Director Michele Bolay notes that this comedy is primarily suited for adults, mostly because the dialogue and humor may be difficult for children to relate to, and not due to any inappropriate material. She said that she loves the show, not just because of how funny it is, but because it provides a wonderful opportunity for the nine actors to showcase their talents.

Bolay also said there are many actors in the cast who have never been seen on the Barley Sheaf stage before, including Ben Hyson of Phoenixville, who plays the patriarch of the Bliss family.

"Hay Fever" runs Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m., from Sept. 9 to 24, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Sept. 18. The Barley Sheaf Players are located at 810 N. Whitford Road in Lionville. Tickets may be purchased online at www.barleysheaf.org, or by calling the box office at 610-363-7075.

Following Hay Fever, the Barley Sheaf Players will present the thriller, Wait Until Dark, opening October 21.