Welcome to dysfunction junction
“Our lives are over aren’t they,” Sonia tells Vanya. “Yeah, I think so,” he replies.
This line comes in the middle of Sierra Classic Theatre’s most recent production, Vanya, Sonia, Masha, and Spike, opening Thursday April 9 at the Edison Theater in Mammoth.
The dark comedy chronicles a weekend in the life of siblings Vanya (Chuck Scotolini) Sonia (Kathy Steele) and Masha (Allison McDonnell Page), as they navigate their middle-aged angst in rural Pennsylvania. Masha is by far the most narcissistic character, constantly talking about her mediocre acting career and life in New York City. All are named after characters from Anton Chekhov plays; the siblings battle the expectations of their deceased parents while fighting for each other’s attention.
Director Allison McDonnell Page said she appreciates the Chekhov references, as the characters are a lot like old Russian aristocracy “wallowing in their misery.”
“In the New York Times review, they said the plot was a little thin. But it’s not about that,” Page continued. “It’s about laughing at people that we can all recognize and poking fun at people who take themselves too seriously.”
The fourth title-character, Spike (Jimmy Davoren), accompanies the much older Masha to Pennsylvania for the weekend to visit Vanya and Sonia, who still live at their childhood home. A self-promoting young actor who has yet to land a majorl part, Spike spends most of the play talking about himself or taking off his clothes. “He’s so attractive, except for his personality of course,” describes next-door neighbor and aspiring actress Nina (Cassie Burgenbauch).
The most animated of all the characters, housekeeper Cassandra (Pricilla Toledo) sways between sharing her dramatic psychic advice and poking fun at the self-involved siblings. The play ends on a positive note, as the siblings come together with a relative appreciation for each other.
Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike won best play at the 2013 Tony Awards. Playwright, Christopher Durang wrote the part of Masha for his long-time friend Sigourney Weaver, who was in the original production opposite David Hyde Pierce.
The small cast of six brings Durang’s characters to life, adding humor and over the top antics, to solidify the apparent dysfunction.
The Sierra Classic Theatre production runs April 9-19, Thursday through Saturday at 7pm and Sundays at 4 p.m. Tickets $20.
