“Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” opened Thursday afternoon at the Bravo Theatre. This is the kind of play that ultimately scores humorous points while simultaneously commenting on our society. If you are a fan of theater you will recognize the characters’ names from works by Chekhov. In this play, the writer Christopher Durang has taken a blender and whipped up a story that includes themes from “The Cherry Orchard” and “The Three Sisters.” Uncle Vanya’s play within a play becomes a commentary on global warming and the shallowness of our electronic communications.
The story revolves around three siblings. A brother and sister who remained at home to care for their aging parents and the other sister who went off to Hollywood to become a big star and support everyone financially. She comes home to visit with her new “boy toy” and to announce that they have to sell their ancestral home. (The loss of the ancestral home part is from “The Cherry Orchard”.)
As the sad, ignored, discounted Sonia, Deborah Kloegman does a fine job. Her imitation of Maggie Smith is all in good fun but her character’s frumpy side versus her dazzling Maggie Smith side seems to be at war with her happiness. The characters’ pain is poignantly real, but never loses sight of the fact that the angst is meant to be funny. She provides a wonderful foil for her sister, the flashy, beautiful Masha played with finesse and honesty by Diana Rowland. Rowland carries off the role of the beautiful, selfish but vulnerable and lovable sister with professional skill and when she is upset you get caught up and feel a catch in your throat too.
This production has found a new, young Mexican star. Christian Garcia Duran is energetic, charming and sexy in his role of the young “boy toy” Spike. When he grabs Masha and smothers her with kisses there was not a moment’s hesitation. His energy lights up the stage and the play.
We must congratulate the director, Lynn Phelan as well. The blocking in this production is beautiful to watch and in fact all of the direction in the play especially the casting is superb.
Appearing in “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” are, from left: Christian Garcia Duran, Diana Rowland, Amaranta Santos, David Wharff, Tina Leonard, Deborah Kloegman. The set is designed by Rob Stupple.
The set is simplicity itself. Rob Stupple is one of the best local set designers and this set reminds one of the Chekhov sets in previous period productions but with live flowers in the garden. He is also running the sound for the show. The costuming is especially fun as they are all off to a masquerade that evening. Designed by Jayme Littlejohn, the Snow White and dwarves outfits were very authentic and Deborah Kloegman looked stunning in a sequined evening gown and shawl. Don Pruitt runs the lights and Emma Berg-Apton designed the sound.
David Wharf is true to life as the sad, gay brother who is constantly stopping the fighting between his sisters, humorously observing and commenting on their foibles. There’s excellent work from Amaranta Santos as the psychic maid who tries to save the family from disaster, and in the supporting role of Nina, the ingénue, Tina Leonard is pretty and believable.
Shows run through Sunday, March 19, on Thursdays and Sundays at 4 p.m.; and on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are 250 pesos and are available at Diane Pearl, Mia’s Boutique or by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..