“Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” cleverly examines tangled family ties in a modern way, that seeds in elements of classic literature from (mainly) Anton Chekhov to Moliere for a satisfying evening of theater.
DeSales University Act 1 presents a solid, memorable production of Christoper Durang’s comedy through Oct. 5 on the Main Stage Theatre, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley.
Sonia and Vanya are two middle-aged siblings who have spent 15 years taking care of their late parents, and now without jobs or significant others, both are at loose ends in their family home (which even has a minimalist cherry orchard ala Chekhov) in Bucks County.
When their sister Masha, who is a famous actress and who has been supporting them and the house, arrives with a much younger boyfriend in tow, sparks fly.
Ryan Plunkett is well cast as a gentle, introverted Vanya, who seems resigned to his monotonous life, gazing at the pond and hoping to catch a glimpse of the blue heron. For more of the play, Plunkett’s Vanya steadfastly tries to maintain peace among the siblings, only to let it all out in a glorious second act tirade in which he expresses his yearning for a past of typewriters, rotary phones, puppet shows “Ed Sullivan” and “I Love Lucy.”
In complete opposition to her brother’s quiet acceptance, Harley Roach’s Sonia is restless, lonely and unhappy with her lot in life and she isn’t shy about letting others know. Roach skillfully expresses Sonia’s frustration without making her shrill, and her jealousy of her sister’s success is understandable.
As the imperious Masha, Nicolette Keddie deftly exposes both the character’s denial of and her insecurities as she faces the inevitable forces of aging. To that end, she is accompanied by her much young hunky boy-toy Spike, played with hilarious glee by Xander Charles. Charles’ Spike is shallow and self-serving, and seemingly desperate for attention, ripping off his clothes at any chance to tease both Masha and the closeted gay Vanya.
A highlight of the show is Roach as Sonia in an eye-catching sequined dress she wears to a costume caterparty at the nearby Dorothy Parker House. The selfish Masha has dictated she is going as Snow White and everyone else should “match” her. Vanya dutifully dresses as a dwarf only asserting himself by insisting he’s Doc and not Grumpy.
However, Roach’s Sonia refuses to dress as Dopey and instead is transformed as she decides to play the Evil Queen and pretending to be Maggie Smith on her way to the Oscars. The scene, in which she even earns jealousy from Masha, is triumphant.
India Profitt is funny and over-the-top as the energetic soothsaying housekeeper Cassandra, who steals scenes as she does incantations and voodoo dolls.
Rounding out the cast, is Sophia Twohig, delightful as Nina, a sweet, earnest, young neighbor who is starstruck by Masha and an object of lust for Spike.
Scenic designer Andrew Mannion has created an impressive country home for the family and
Asaki Kuruma’s costumes are just right.
Megan Bellwoar’s direction keeps the 2 hour plus play moving briskly.
Audiences are invited to attend Act 1’s The Cherry On Top After Party after the performance Oct. 3.
After the curtain falls, join the cast in the Labuda lobby to sip on a Masha’s Meltdown mocktail, snack on Chekhovian-inspired treats, and get a picture in the photo booth,. Take part in crafty activities and a raffle.