Liesel Allen Yeager News

The four-time Emmy winner David Hyde Pierce stopped by to talk with Tavis Smiley about his latest projects, including directing the L.A. production of the Tony-winning VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE, as well as the possibility of acting in the show in London. Pierce told Smiley: 'And in the fall the plan is to take Vanya to London, the original production, and I'll go back to acting in it.' Watch the full interview below!

Christopher Durang loves to take a somewhat placid environment and turn it upside down, inside out. What doesn't happen matters just has much if not more than what does and the characters let out their feelings at the slightest provocation. Sound like it's right out of Anton Chekhov? When Sonia gives coffee to her brother Vanya and he seems displeased with it, she takes the cup away from him in anger and throws it against the wall. It's not the coffee comment that has upset her, it's the way she feels inside, at the overall way her brother neglects her, takes her kindness for granted. She's sad and is not afraid to tell him so. Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike, now onstage at the Mark Taper Forum and last year's Tony winner for Best Play, is one hilarious ride from moment to moment with wonderfully surprising twists and an eclectic mix of characters that would make any world dysfunctional. Dysfunctional is the new normal, and that's what makes Durang's work shine. Akin to drama queens, misery forms their best company. It's as if everyone were totally smashed...they say and do what they feel; they're so brutally honest, you can't stop laughing.

The Actors Fund is holding a Special 'Producer's Picks' Fundraising Evening at tonight's, February 11th performance of Christopher Durang's award-winning comedy, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. In addition to enjoying the show, guests will receive an autographed program and enjoy an exclusive post-performance dessert and wine reception with director, David Hyde Pierce, and cast members.

Christopher Durang's Tony Award-winning comedy 'Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike' opened last night, Sunday, February 9 at 7 p.m. at the Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum. BroadwayWorld brings you a look back at the opening night festivities with the cast, crew, and attendees below!

Christopher Durang's Tony Award-winning comedy 'Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike' opens today, Sunday, February 9 at 7 p.m. at the Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum.

The Actors Fund is holding a Special 'Producer's Picks' Fundraising Evening at the Tuesday, February 11th performance of Christopher Durang's award-winning comedy, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. In addition to enjoying the show, guests will receive an autographed program and enjoy an exclusive post-performance dessert and wine reception with director, David Hyde Pierce, and cast members.

Christopher Durang's Tony Award-winning comedy 'Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike' opens Sunday, February 9 at 7 p.m. at the Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum. The hysterically funny and affecting new play is directed byDavid Hyde Pierce, based on the Broadway direction of Nicholas Martin, and has performances through March 9, 2014. 'Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike' is currently in previews. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Christopher Durang's Tony Award-winning comedy 'Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike' opens Sunday, February 9 at 7 p.m. at the Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum.

Rehearsals are underway for Christopher Durang's 2013 Tony Award-winning comedy, 'Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,' directed by Tony Award and Emmy Award-winner David Hyde Pierce, based on the Broadway direction of Nicholas Martin. 'Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike' will be presented at the Mark Taper Forum, January 29 through March 9, 2014. The opening is scheduled for February 9. Check out a first look at the cast in rehearsals below!

Today, check out part one of this year's curtain call highlights 2013, and catch up on anything that you might have missed within the last 12 months!

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK: Chenoweth takes over LA, Shakespeare is back on Broadway, VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA ANS SPIKE takes a final bow, and so much more!

Christopher Durang's new comedy, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, which won the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play, ended its extended premiere on Broadway at the Golden Theatre last night, August 25. BroadwayWorld brings you photos from the final curtain call below!

Christopher Durang's new comedy, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, which won the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play, ends its extended premiere on Broadway at the Golden Theatre today, August 25. BroadwayWorld brings you a look back at the much-lauded production below!

Christopher Durang's new comedy, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, which won the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play, will end its extended premiere on Broadway at the Golden Theatre today, August 25.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK: MATILDA gets a cast album, ONCE performs outside, MENAGERIE meets the press and so much more!

Just yesterday, the beloved Broadway tradition continued when Sardi's added the caricature of Kristine Nielsen to its legendary walls in a surprise unveiling by David Hyde Pierce. BroadwayWorld was there for the special event and you can check out photos below!

The Public Theater's production of the new musical LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST, the second show of The Public's 2013 free Shakespeare in the Park season at the Delacorte, recently began previews on July 23. Directed by Alex Timbers, LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST features songs by Michael Friedman with book adaptation by Timbers and will run through Sunday, August 18, and opened last night, August 12. BroadwayWorld was there for the festivities and you can check out photos from the red carpet arrivals below!

Just yesterday, Tony Award-winner Julie White stepped into the role of 'Masha' in Christopher Durang's new comedy, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. The show began performances on Tuesday, March 5 and opened on Thursday, March 14. BroadwayWorld brings you photos from White's first curtain call below!

Tony Award-winner Julie White steps into the role of 'Masha' in Christopher Durang's new comedy, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, tonight, Tuesday, July 30. Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike began performances on Tuesday, March 5 and opened on Thursday, March 14. BroadwayWorld has a first look at White in action below!

Tony Award-winner Julie White steps into the role of 'Masha' in Christopher Durang's new comedy, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, tonight, Tuesday, July 30. Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike began performances on Tuesday, March 5 and opened on Thursday, March 14.