Review: A Cape Cod Chekhovian Cacophony

Is there any way to understand what it is like for a person to sit at home, living in a personal hell of a cocoon and watching the world turn while there seems little hope or chance for that one person? If only for a day or as long as ten years, the time spent waiting in despair, hoping for the anticipated change that never comes, is the existential hell that many people cannot comprehend, but may only observe in others without so much an as explanation as to why or how to help. So saying, Chekhov's plays are filled with downtrodden characters facing an array of issues - inescapable sorrow rooted deep in the core of their beings that cannot comprehend anything but sadness and the gradual decay of their lives - lives so sought after and now left so bitterly complacent. So, instead of mulling over the misery of Chekhovian characters and their somewhat pitiful lives, The Cape Playhouse has decided to present to its audience a tour-de-force of Chekhov's world in a happier, more enjoyable light: through Christopher Durang's Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play. To say that Durang's talent in writing a play that showcases all that Chekhov can convey through his writings while allowing people to laugh at the misfortunes of others in a lighthearted way is profound, and to hereby present it on a Cape Cod stage is a treat that everyone is bound to enjoy.

Written by Durang and directed by Bruce Jordan, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike is an attempt to make the sad world of a certain set of characters into something not necessarily happy, but more so "righted" in the attempt to change a person based on some sort of circumstantial epiphany that occurs. Even if a person is not familiar with the works of Chekhov, the opening few moments of Durang's play bear the responsibility of introducing the audience to a microcosm of people who have not witnessed any sort of change in their mundane lives for some time. They are beyond complaisant, to the degree that they find humor in the absurdity of their situation and what makes them excited in the humdrum nature of their existence. The audience becomes suddenly aware of the fact that two of the five characters involved in this show are incapable of doing something with their lives, which of course instantly implies that something earth shattering is bound to happen; of course, with characters trapped in an existential crisis, others are needed to bring about the possibility of change where it can otherwise not happen. What Durang does in the opening few moments really sets the stage for what themes arise in future ones: themes of sarcasm, truthfulness, acceptance, hope and elements of the absurd (of course) that bring the two remaining characters (as the housecleaner has already arrived) into the play without so much as an hour's notice.

The plot goes something like this: Vanya and Sonia are adult siblings that live together in a beautifully serene farmhouse in Bucks County, PA. During the time after their parents' deaths, the two have sat at home with little to do to pass the absurd amount of free time they have; Sonia even makes a joke that they have no time to plan anything because their time is spent trying to decide how to pass their time...to no avail. In their hire is Cassandra, the housekeeper who is debatably psychic and each morning warns them of her premonitions that are sometimes pretty accurate, no matter how wacky they at first seem. When their sister Masha one day comes to visit, they already know that their household will be quite affected by their ego-toting star of a sister, and right they are. Sonia brings with her a much younger boyfriend, Spike, and with these five characters in one house do things get interesting. Sonia and Vanya witness a variation to their humdrum lives when the possibility of hopeful change comes about, Sonia becomes a bit worried about Spike and the chipper girl next door (something Cassandra has foretold) and the truth comes out in heated discussions amongst the siblings that brings out the true Chekhovian nature of this play; fortunately, that is what makes this show so riveting to watch.

The Cape Playhouse has done a wonderful job putting this production on its feet, and it shows by the many laughs received by what occurs on stage. Durang's play about a rather serious issue but perceived in a comical light really brings out the concept of humanity and what it means to each of us; the characters on stage each have his or her own perception of themselves, and to make them all clash is really something the world deals with every day, only this time within a microcosm and with some pretty interesting specimens of the human race. Vanya (played by the very impressive John Scherer) is a man who is fueled by the passionate Sonia, taking life in a rather easy going manner until he is given reason to just let it all out; this reason is Spike, and Vanya's monologue about how the world has changed for the worse in comparison to what it used to be is simple awe-inspiring; it merited its own massive applause. Margaret Reed plays a very vivacious and somewhat insecure Masha but either way does it very well. She is faced with a multitude of problems: from her declining stage and movie career to her failing relationship with the young and erratic Spike, her character takes a major hit to the ego in this play, and the way that Reed handles this with such grace and energy (all the while harboring deep within her feelings of insecurity and woe) is really masterfully done. Toni Dibuono as Sonia does a spectacular job retaining that extreme sense of hope that is always abundant in existential works, but never seems to bring itself to any sort of fruition; her hopes are rewarded in the long run, and it is just so beautiful to watch DiBuono become so excited by the prospect of change; I was able to empathize with her, and in turn can I say she played her role beautifully.

Gregory Isaac Stone as Spike is quite interesting to watch on stage (and not simply because he has his shirt off for half the show). His character is rather simple and unfortunately without much depth to his being, but Stone really does a great job making his character simple but not stupid, as some would see him played; Spike becomes the game changer in this show, and without really acknowledging that fact does he go about his ways; without the attractive Spike, many things would not happen. Danielle Lee Greaves as Cassandra is quite funny. Every time she arrives on stage, there is always some fortune or premonition she has to tell, and the way in which she delivers such news is hilarious; she is the comic relief in this show (funny, as the show is a comedy, so she sort of fits right in), and she truly plays the part well. Finally, Maren Bush as Nina, the girl next door who gets the chance to visit her favorite movie star during her three-day visit to Pennsylvania, is a breath of fresh air. Her excitement and joy really bring something to the show, and there does not seem to be a bad intention in her heart: very different from those around her. Bush's radiance is something special, and bringing it to this show causes not a few little issues (particularly to Sonia), but to everyone else she is charming!

The Cape Playhouse's production of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike is fantastic and should definitely be seen, both by those who are familiar with the high quality and riveting Playhouse productions, and by those who have yet to witness the beauty that happens on this stage. Please make every effort to see the second-to-last show of the 2015 season, especially if you'd like a good laugh!

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike began performances at The Cape Playhouse (located at 820 Main Street, Route 6A in Dennis, MA) on August 11th and will continue thru August 22nd. Ticket prices vary and may be purchased either in person at the box office, by calling 508.385.3911 or by visiting www.capeplayhouse.com.

Enjoy the show!

Photo Credit: Mimi de Quesada

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