Carpenter Square’s Flair With “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike”
By Jillian Pritchard Ball
1) Sibling rivalry reaches comic heights in a scene from “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” which plays at Carpenter Square Theatre June 23-July 15. Pictured from left to right are J. Christine Lanning, Terry Veal, and Laurie Blankenship.
Carpenter Square Theatre, in its 33rd season, presents “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” written by Christopher Durang. The Tony Award winning play is a modern American homage to the character of Chekhov and the dramedy of Russian life, much like American life but set in rural Bucks County. Siblings Vanya and Sonia have spent so many years taking care of their Alzheimer’s ridden parents that they forgot to start living lives of their own. Brother Vanya seems to have accepted life as is and just wants to keep peace. Sister Sonia, however, is put out. She begrudges their sister Masha’s acting career and freedom, while despising her lack of concern for family matters other than sending money for the bills. A visit from Masha, and her boy toy Spike, reveals her intent to sell the house and leave her unlucky siblings to fend for themselves.
Terry Veal portrays sanguine, intellectual Vanya. His almost childlike sensitivity to the role as someone who’s never really been able to explore more out of life, let alone his own sexuality, outside of his rural surroundings is quietly passionate and felt, even in slightly weak moments. Laurel Blankenship’s piteous performance of Sonia is both convincing and comical, despite evoking a more compelling sadness for her unadventurous and desired life. J. Christine Lanning’s histrionic Masha is both attention-getting and humorously headache-inducing to those around Masha. Even stars have their woes, and Masha’s vulnerabilities and failings even in the limelight are sensed and even a little pitied through Lanning’s expression. One of Masha’s weaknesses is her abtastic boy toy Spike, performed by Craig Musser. Musser plays the millennial ‘up and coming actor’ with ease. He has the assets and he uses them to get where he wants, and who he wants….typical. One of his sights of interest becomes the girl next door, Nina, played by Carpenter Square newcomer Claudia Fain. Fain’s Nina is as pure and sweet as sugar, making Lanning’s Masha only more sour. De’Onna Prince debuts as Cassandra. A part time housekeeper and medium with a penchant for bad news, and a little bad timing, Prince brings energy and passion and fun to the play, as well as her character. Prince will be a delight to see in more productions to come.
3) The hapless, and sometimes happy, “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” joined by Cassandra and Nina, will play at Carpenter Square Theatre June 23-July 15. Pictured from left to right are: Craig Musser, J. Christine Lanning, Claudie Fain, De’Onna Prince, Terry Veal, and Laurie Blankenship.
The talented Rhonda Clark not only directs these wonderful actors with simplicity, but is Artistic Director and costume designer, all done well and precisely. An audience adept in Chekhov and Durang might appreciate a more broadened range of emotion and execution from this cast, but they perform it well and with realistic, relatable charm. The production team does an effortless job with set and sound.
Additionally, the two lobby artists are worth attention. Notice the beautiful work of Betty Fox and Thelma Ingram adorning the lobby before the show or during intermission. Their work brightens the space with interesting paintings many of them oil on porcelain.
“Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” is endearing, relatable, and poignant. Just a tweak of variations in tone through small drags in the monologues, and then expanding their emotions will connect. Why go to Moscow when you have Carpenter Square?
For tickets and information visit www.carpentersquare.com or call the box office at 405-232-6500. Carpenter Square Theatre is located at 800 W. Main in downtown Oklahoma City. “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” runs through July 15, 2017 with an 8:00 o’clock curtain and a 2:00 o’clock Sunday matinee. Performances of Christopher Durang’s award-winning comedy are at 800 W. Main. For more information, visit www.carpentersquare.com and for tickets, call 405-232-6500.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….Jillian Pritchard Ball