By MaryAlice Nelson
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, the 2013 Tony Award-winning play is being presented by the Mesa Encore Theatre in Mesa, Arizona. This 2012 play written by Christopher Durang is delightful in the lovely little theatre at the Mesa Arts Center. Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike is a fun mashup of styles varying between absurd and eccentric to the more traditional style of Anton Chekhov. For those unfamiliar with Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, the story follows middle-aged siblings Vanya (Rob Stuart) and Sonia (Stephanie M Hart) in their childhood home in Pennsylvania. These dynamic siblings, named after Chekhov’s characters by their theatre enthusiast professor parents, come to the realization that after spending the last 15 years caring for their recently-deceased parents, these adult siblings have failed to grow up and do something with their life. Their famous, attention-starved, actress sister Masha (Suze St. John) has provided for them. When she arrives to show off her drastically younger, handsome yet dim-witted boyfriend, Spike (Chase Zeiner), the calm house is thrown into a tizzy. The siblings push each other in ways that force them to see past their differences and grow closer to one another.
Stuart and Hart have great chemistry, the sibling love and support through their daily complaining makes you instantly fall in love with them both. Stuart delivers Vanya’s lines so believably you can’t help but feel his longing for the good ol’ days. Vanya is understated but it is in wonderful contrast to the sisters, yet can hold his own in his 5+-minute rant that just flies by with a flurry of emotion, want, and longing for how things used to be, and how things have so drastically changed with media and communication over the years.
Hart starts with a smash, immediately grabbing your attention with her glum demeanor while smashing things. She makes you pity her as she sits and waits away the day after day, alone and loveless. You see Sonia struggle with her strained relationship with Masha, striving to live up to her famous sister and just waiting to be heard. She makes the audience realize we have all felt as sad, lonely, and forgotten as Sonia.
St. John enters in a whirlwind, demanding all attention immediately be placed on her. Masha’s complete inability to accept someone else’s life might be worse off that hers is amazing to watch. St. John’s 50 years of acting shows as she oozes talent and joy, she is so believably confident. Masha is one of those characters you love to hate, and hate to love. Masha is so conceited and self-pitying she can’t see that she is the only one in the room that actually has a life outside the childhood home; she shows us just how fragile and complex we all can be at times and that even the people that live the picture-perfect life aren’t always happy.
Zeiner comes off great as Masha’s good-looking dim-witted lover . He takes Spike to a whole new level of pride and self-love, always looking for a reason to take his clothes off. His confidence and comedic timing are impeccable.
Nina (Aubrey Kretz), however, is the polar opposite. She embodies innocence and sincerity, shy yet still facing her fears. She is generous and kind, and builds others up. Kretz is amazing to watch and absolutely entrancing, showing us that there still is goodness in the world.
Cassandra (Susan Schlesinger), the eccentric cleaning lady who lives up to her namesake by constantly making dire prophecies that no one believes. Schlesinger brings a hilariously quirky over-dramatized performance, which is perfect, You can’t help but love Cassandra with each new prediction she makes, always seeming to be lurking in background to tell you she was right. Her large motions and dramatics steal the show with her contagious energy.I wasn’t familiar with Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike before attending Friday night’s performance. I had heard the name from the Tony Awards a few years back, but beyond that I was clueless. I came not knowing what to expect, but found myself laughing and crying. It was a wonderful mix of emotions, showing different aspects of life and distinctive personalities.
The set design by Suze St. John and Cheryl Briley brings you right into the morning room, from the furniture to the windows and little items that simply make it feel like home with the added touch of Paul Filan’s scenic painting. Clare Burnett’s simple yet well-crafted lighting design round everything out for a positively homey feel. Jesus Betancourt’s wonderful costume design and cosmetology skills are a great finishing piece. Each outfit and characters style has been carefully thought out and is accented perfectly for each individual. The sound design by Van Rockwell was well thought out and the timing of the effects are spot on.
The theater is located inside the Mesa Arts Centre. The staff is friendly and quickly aid with any questions and allow you to choose your own seat. It is a small theatre and seats are first come first served. I would suggest arriving early to snag your favorite spot.
On a final note, this show might not be suited for younger audiences as it features adult themes and strong language. It is a fun and entertaining show that is intended for adults that can understand the themes and conversation. With such a talented cast, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike is a delight to experience. It’s hilarious, yet the incredibly relatable characters make you think and dig within yourself.
Please come see Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike at the Mesa Arts Center and look out for their upcoming shows and events. I know I’ll be back.
Mesa Encore Theatre presents Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike by Christopher Durang
Mesa Arts Center, 1 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201
January 11- 27 Friday-Sunday 7:30 PM
Tickets: $28
Contact: 480-644-6500
Mesa Encore Theatre Facebook Page
Sonia and Masha and Spike Facebook Event
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