Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike @ Allen Contemporary Theatre
—Rickey Wax
Allen Contemporary Theatre delivers a delightful performance with Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, proving that even in the quiet suburbs, you can find world-class theater. Not only was I already enticed by the great acting, but I also found out they even offer free concessions—however, I’d recommend slipping a little donation their way. After all, we need to keep supporting the arts—where else will you find such a perfect blend of Chekhov and comedy… with popcorn on the side?
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, written by Christopher Durang, is a witty, heartfelt comedy that breathes new life into the classics of Anton Chekhov, blending past and present into a thought-provoking yet wildly entertaining experience. Durang, well-known for his absurdist humor and sharp social commentary, weaves together a modern homage to Chekhov’s themes of family, existential ennui, and the passage of time. In doing so, he both celebrates and parodies the great Russian playwright’s works. For those familiar with Chekhov, the names Vanya and Sonia are a clear nod to Uncle Vanya and The Three Sisters, while Masha’s namesake comes from the tragic heroine of The Seagull. However, while Chekhov’s characters often suffer quietly under the weight of life’s disappointments, Durang’s characters, in contrast, express their frustrations.
The set (credited to Katy Hill, Kasey Bush, Eddy Herring, Bill Wash, and Bob Fleck), an old rustic farmhouse interior, has subtle and not-so-subtle nods to Chekhovian symbolism (the cherry orchard outside, for instance), which pairs perfectly with the characters of Vanya (Robert San Juan) and Sonia (Molly Bower), who seem stuck in the past. The lighting (designed and operated by Melinda Cotton) utilizes warm, natural lighting to create a sense of calmness and a peaceful morning (or so we think). The play opens on said “peaceful” morning in the living room, where Vanya and Sonia, two middle-aged, unmarried siblings, are seated in their robes, sipping coffee and gazing out at the cherry orchard. Their conversation is a delightful mix of banality and existential dread until Sonia abruptly breaks two cups against the wall. She laments their uneventful lives, complaining about how they’ve spent their entire adulthood caring for their now-deceased parents, while Vanya calmly reminds her that the choice was mutual. San Juan portrays this Vanya with an understated brilliance, exuding a quiet, simmering frustration that builds throughout the show. He eventually delivers a showstopping monologue about “simpler times” which is both hilarious and deeply poignant. Bower, too, delivers a standout performance, embodying the characters neurotic, self-pitying energy while adding layers of vulnerability. Her comedic timing is flawless, especially with an impression of the late, great Maggie Smith which had the audience in stitches.
The morning is interrupted by their housekeeper, the hilarious Cassandra (Maxine Frauenheim), a wild and eccentric character who believes she has prophetic powers. She bursts in with cryptic warnings of doom, prophesying that “bad things” are coming and to beware of “Hootie Pie”— in true Chekhovian style, these prophecies do indeed usually foreshadow the drama about to unfold. Soon after, Vanya and Sonia receive news that their movie-star sister Masha (Kelly Moore Clarkson) is coming to visit with her much younger, new boyfriend, Spike (Benjamin McElroy). Clarkson beautifully captures Masha’s vanity and insecurity in a way that’s both laugh-out-loud funny and painfully relatable. McElroy plays the dim-witted boy toy with superb physical comedy. His exaggerated poses, and the way he blissfully misses social cues are a joy to watch. Exhausted from the trip, Spike decides to go take a swim, strips down (literally) to his underwear and then heads to the pond. This is all fun and games to Masha until she spots the younger, beautiful, “luminous” Nina (Caitlyn Cole) conversing with Spike. It’s at this moment that we see Masha’s insecurities— the aging Hollywood star.
Cole brings a refreshing innocence and sincerity to the stage, gliding fairy-like through the scenes and perfectly capturing Nina’s naïve admiration for the older, more jaded characters. Masha then invites her siblings, along with Nina (whom she secretly despises), to a costume party. This excites them, but the smiles quickly fade when, just before the party, Masha reveals her intentions to sell their family home, thus introducing the play’s central conflict: Masha, as the successful sibling, feels she has the right to make decisions about their family’s future, while Vanya and Sonia fear losing what little they have. Everyone begins to get ready for the costume party in which they will dress as characters from Snow White per Masha’s demands. The costume pieces (from designer Shanna Threlkeld) are a lot of fun and very whimsical. It all culminates in a night of chaos that you surely do not want to miss.
This is Chekhov for the 21st century, a play that examines the widening gap between generations and questioning whether there’s any hope of bridging it. Director Chris Berthelot deftly balances comedy and pathos. The show keeps the audience laughing while also reflecting on themes of aging, family, and the passing of time. Each scene serves to unravel the characters’ fears and frustrations, resolving in the end with a hopeful reminder that, while life inevitably changes, it’s still possible to find beauty and peace amid the chaos.
WHEN: October 4- October 20, 2024
WHERE: 1210 E Main St #300, Allen, TX 75002
