MONMOUTH – The Theater at Monmouth continues its 35th anniversary season with Carlo Goldoni’s “The Liar” running Friday, July 9, through Aug. 21.

David Greenham and Bill Van Horn’s original adaptation of Goldoni’s comedy transforms Cumston Hall into 18th century Venice. Originally performed as street theater, “The Liar” is an evening of rollicking entertainment and delight. The performance encourages the audience to sit back, laugh and maybe even take part.

Two sisters, Rosaura (Jessica Drizd) and Beatrice (Kathryn Cleveland), are in their prime years for marriage. When Florindo (Andrew Towler) begins composing songs and leaving anonymous gifts for Rosaura, the two sisters can’t figure out who is being courted or who’s doing the courting. Complications arise when the mischievous Lelio Bisgnosi (Tommy Schoffler) returns to Venice and poses as a marquis who sent Florindo’s proclamations of love. As Lelio weaves his lies, everyone around him is affected by his pranks.

Fast-paced and lively, “The Liar” is a hilarious romp not to be missed, according to a spokesman for the theater.

Directed by Greenham, the theater’s producing director, “The Liar” is appearing for the first time on Cumston Hall’s stage.

“I’ve been thinking for a while now that I no longer laugh enough,” Greenham said in describing why he chose this play. “Like you, I work hard at my job, and at keeping my house together, bills paid, etc. I take time for my family, and sometimes for myself, but I really don’t take time to laugh. So here’s a chance…to laugh a little. Carlo Goldoni, one of my heroes, knew how important it was for us to laugh. When planning this season, it seemed to us that one of his plays … was just the thing we needed in these serious times.”

“In addition, ‘The Liar’ is being performed in honor of Old Fort Western’s 250th anniversary,” Greenham said. “We were fortunate that we were able to choose a play that takes place during the same time period as the development of Old Fort Western.”

The July 22 performance of “The Liar” will be Old Fort Western Night, and Old Fort Western members will receive a 20 percent discount.

“The Liar” opens Friday, July 9 at 7:30 p.m. A free opening night celebration with light refreshments will be held at Cochrane’s Restaurant immediately following the show.

Regular season performances are July 10, 15, 17, 22 and 28, and Aug. 4, 6, 14 and 18 – all at 7:30 p.m. The Sunday shows on July 11, July 18 and Aug. 8 are at 7 p.m., while the matinees are at 2 p.m. Aug. 11 and 21. The performance on Sunday, Aug. 8, will be followed by a post-show discussion with the cast and crew.

In the last several years, Cumston Hall, a Victorian-style opera house, has had a $2.5 million revitalization, which included a new addition, air-conditioning, an elevator, new restrooms and new theater seats. A group of artists and craftsman has been working to restore and renew the theater’s original murals and artwork.

Tickets are $26 for opening night, $22 for general admission, $20 for seniors and matinees, and $18 for students. People can order tickets by calling the theater’s box office, (207) 933-9999.