BWW Reviews: The Rep's Hilarious VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE

Although a handful of playwrights have used elements from Anton Chekhov's canon of classics (such as Neil Simon's The Good Doctor), I can't think of any other writer who's displayed such ingenuity in incorporating bits and pieces from his work the way that Christopher Durang has in his play Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. Referencing Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters, The Seagull, and The Cherry Orchard, Durang has put together a show that's so absurdly funny it hurts! It's not a parody of Chekhov, but instead neatly walks a tightrope that utilizes these traces in enjoyable and amusing ways that act to provide an intelligent depth that engages while it entertains. The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis closes their season on a gloriously high note that will make you wish their productions continued year round. Don't miss this hilarious show!

The story concerns three siblings, two of whom (Vanya and Sonia) are sharing an abode financed through the generosity of the third (Masha). A visit from Masha stirs up bad feelings that result in a threat from her to sell the house, which in keeping with the Chekhovian theme, features a cherry orchard. Masha brings along her latest boy toy, Spike, who constantly uses any opportunity to put his chiseled physique on display. Masha has returned in order to attend a friend's costume party, and has the clan dress up as characters from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. After this riotous diversion, an incident occurs during the reading of a Vanya's new interpretation of The Seagull, which features their neighbor's distractingly pretty niece Nina. As all hell breaks loose, a change takes place that provides an upbeat closure to the situation that Vanya and Sonia are facing.

John Feltch does splendid work as Vanya, and his enraged rant when the reading of his play is rudely interrupted, is a comic highlight that covers a broad range of seemingly unrelated topics. Suzanne Grodner is equally sharp as Sonia, repressed and anxious about her future, she defies Masha by dressing up as the Evil Queen, as portrayed by famed actress Maggie Smith on her way to the Oscars. Elizabeth Hess does fabulous work as the egocentric Masha, who initially arrives with an agenda that she is intent on carrying out. Jefferson McDonald has the right look and attitude to make Spike a truly attractive and despicable character. He's riding on Masha's coattails to try and make it as an actor, but he too has his own agenda. Shinnerrie Jackson shines as the spooky, voodoo-practicing housekeeper Cassandra, and Gracyn Mix is lovely as the niece of a neighbor who has her own acting aspirations.

Michael Evan Haney does a wonderful job bringing all these characters to the stage, and makes sure to thoroughly mine the text for the richness its comedy provides. He's assembled a top notch cast as well. Paul Shortt's scenic design really conjures up the setting with style, and he's aided by Anne Kennedy's great costumes (particularly those worn for the costume party). Rusty Wandall contributes yet another terrific sound design that makes brilliant use of The Beatles to end the show on an up note.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis continues to provide our region with terrific productions, and Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (running through April 12, 2015), is no exception. It's a wacky delight that will have you leaving the theatre with a smile on your face. This is another example of the kind of must-see entertainment we are privileged to witness year end and year out from this superb theatre company.

Photo Credit: Jerry Naunheim, Jr.

To post a comment, you must register and login.