BWW Reviews: VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE Surpasses Warm Welcome

After recently moving to South Bend, IN, and being an aficionado of all things artistic, I was eager to jump into the theatre scene here and see what a seemingly small town could offer for someone who just left Orlando, FL, one of the larger entertainment locations in the world.

Let me tell you, VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE did not disappoint.

Forget that South Bend is a proverbial Smallville. The South Bend Civic Theatre's production of Christopher Durang's stupendously hilarious comedy under the direction of Jim Geisel (who has directed over 150 productions) packed quite a punch that could easily share the limelight with some of the much larger theatres that I've attended. While I was only able to catch the show during its closing weekend, it was the perfect introduction to the new area and absolutely praiseworthy troupe of actors, crew, and everyone who works at the South Bend Civic Theatre.

VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPKE by American playwright Christopher Durang, tells the sobering story of siblings Vanya and Sonia who still live in their childhood home after their parents passed away. Their eldest sibling, Masha, continues to pay the bills thanks to her high-profile (albeit atrophying) job as an actress. When Masha returns home for the weekend with a new boy-toy in tow, her siblings along with a few others spend the weekend arguing about life, love, and what's next for each of them.

Actors Bill Svelmoe (who plays Vanya) and Melissa Manier (who plays Sonia) had such tangible harmony that I could have sworn the two characters were a couple rather than siblings. They had impeccable comedic timing and despite their characters being on the older side and having timid dispositions, both had consistent youthful energy and resounding projection.

Actor Lucinda Gary Moriarty (who plays Masha) seemed a little nervous at the top of her first entrance, but eased into character for the rest of the show and played with such ferocity that I have dreams of playing Masha one day on stage myself. Moriarty made bold and diverse character choices, always had engaging facial expressions, and was just down-right hilarious.

Marybeth Saunders played Cassandra, the maid who characteristically comes to clean the house but has an uncharacteristic ability of a soothsayer. While Saunders was enthusiastic and definitely an onstage force to be reckoned with, my only advice would be to work on enunciation... especially if your character talks loud, fast, and spastically.

The younger actors, Sam Blevins, (who played Nina, a young neighbor) and Brian Wells (who played boy-toy Spike) held their own with the more seasoned actors. Each hit homeruns with their comedic timing; they were cast perfectly and stayed true to the spirit of their characters. However more onstage confidence could benefit them, as sometimes they were hard to hear and the occasional flubbed line seemed to throw them for a loop or two. Luckily, such confidence is a product of time and experience, so these two are off to a good start!

The only thing that can be said for the costumes designed by Melissa Fruscione was that they were vivid, appropriate to the play's themes, and great fun to see onstage. Each party costume improved as characters made their entrances, and of course, when Sonia came out as the Evil Witch (needless to say before she became ugly!). I was blown away. The lighting by Seyhan Kilic was warm, inviting, and flawless in its precision. Jacee Rohlck did an amazing job with the set, going above and beyond with the stone wall's detailing and I was floored by how beautifully the tile was painted. I'm sure Darcy Waters, a first time prop master, had an enjoyable time with throwing the mugs each night!

It's hard to find any faults with South Bend Civic Theatre's production of VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE. I was impressed as a first-time audience member and even though the show is closed, I encourage everyone in the area who reads this article to continue to watch out for the South Bend Civic Theatre's upcoming productions. If they are anything like VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE, you won't want to miss it.

The building is charming, clean, well decorated, and the talent overflowing from the volunteers who make up almost the entire workforce in the South Bend Civic Theatre is inspiring. You can tell the South Bend Civic Theatre goes the extra mile for their patrons. They have a well-developed and easily navigable website, fresh baked cookies and popcorn at concessions, an education program, and much, much more.

VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE and the South Bend Civic Theatre truly did surpass a warm welcome for its newest theatre lover.

Keep checking back in for more articles on local, professional, and community theatre in the South Bend, Indiana area!

PS. Don't forget to book your tickets now for the upcoming musical Miss Saigon at the South Bend Civic Theatre opening this Friday! The show will be running from October 2-25!

http://sbct.org/shows/2015/miss-saigon/

Photo Credit:

1) Brian Wells and Lucinda Gary Moriarty - Photo courtesy of Jon Gilchrist Photography

2) Bill Svelmoe, Sam Blevins, and Melissa Manier - Photo courtesy of Jon Gilchrist Photography

3) Melissa Manier, Bill Svelmoe, and Marybeth Saunders - Photo courtesy of Jon Gilchrist Photography

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