Sierra Stages to Present VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE, 3/5-28

Sierra Stages opens its 2015 season with the hilarious Broadway comedy VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE, winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play. Written by Christopher Durang, VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE plays at the historic Nevada Theatre in Nevada City from March 5-28. The play is directed by Jeffrey Mason, with set design by Pamela Hodges, lighting design by Erin Beatie, and costume design by Jill Kelly. The cast includes local Nevada County actors Casey Burke, Susan Mason, Robert Rossman, Karen Leigh Sharp, Rachel Wellman, and Sharon Winegar.

Vanya and his adopted sister Sonia are living a quiet life in the Pennsylvania farmhouse where they grew up, while their sister Masha travels the world as a movie star. Just as their cleaning woman issues a warning about terrible events in their future, Masha returns for an unannounced visit with her 20-something boy toy Spike in tow - and so begins an unforgettable weekend building to a fever pitch of rivalry, regret and racket.

"We're excited to open our 7th season with VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE," says Sierra Stages Board Member Peter Mason. "When I first read the play, I knew immediately that it would be perfect for Sierra Stages and perfect for our audience -- it is funny, accessible, and poignant, and moreover, I was certain that pretty much everyone in our audience would recognize their own family dynamics as the characters of Vanya, Sonia and Masha (all in their mid to late 50's) are thrown together for a weekend reunion and forced to confront changes in their lives. In addition, it's a wonderfully theatrical and smart play that can be enjoyed by all audiences. One does not need to be in the least bit familiar with the plays of Anton Chekhov (or even know who Chekhov was) to enjoy VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE."

Since its debut, VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE has been one of the most widely produced contemporary plays across the country, with 27 regional productions currently being performed. In addition to his Tony Award for VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE, Christopher Durang has been recognized with multiple awards and prizes for his plays, which include Sister Mary Ignatius, Beyond Therapy, and The Marriage of Bette and Boo. Characterized by a combination of absurdist humor and satire, his style has influenced an entire generation of playwrights. With VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE, Durang has given us his most enjoyable comedy to date.

Performances of VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays (March 15 & 22) at 2 PM, with a preview on Thursday March 5 at 7 PM. General Admission tickets are $25 ($15 for the preview on March 5). Reserved Seating is available for $35 (in advance), and is a great way to provide additional financial support for Sierra Stages. For tickets and information, visit www.SierraStages.org or call Sierra Stages at 530.346.3210.

To post a comment, you must register and login.