BWW Reviews: VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE Brings Laughter to Tucson

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, playwright's Christopher Durang's 2013 Tony Award winning best play, opens the Arizona Theatre Company's 2014/2015 season with boastful laughs ringing throughout Tucson's Temple of Music and Art. Although this comedic play draws themes from Anton Checkhov's own works, being familiar with the Russian writer is not required in order to enjoy the story of the three middle-aged siblings: Vanya (Charles Janasz), Sonia (Suzanne Warmanen), and Masha (Suzanne Bouchard).

The play takes place in the living room of the siblings' family home in rural Bucks County, Pennsylvania, which scenic designer Todd Rosenthal created beautifully on the theatre's stage. It is here where both Vanya and Sonia still live after their parents' deaths, all whilst being supported by their movie star sister, Masha. Vanya and Sonia's usual daily lives normally go on with complaints about missed opportunities and their inability to actually live fulfilling lives. On cleaning days, they are graced by their housekeeper, Cassandra (Isabell Monk O'Connor) and her dire prophecies, until one weekend when there seemingly terribly dull existences are disrupted by Masha's trip home with her new, young lover, Spike (Joshua James Campbell). Also added to the dramatic mix is Nina (Ali Rose Dachis), their neighbor's niece who unwittingly provokes different reactions and emotions in the other characters.

The unique and wonderful ensemble of talented actors works extremely well and everyone's comedic timing is perfect. Hilarity quickly arises and everyone will find a reason to laugh continuously throughout both acts. One very much believes the hate-love relationship between all three siblings. Each actor in the cast is worth noting and enhances the show in their own ways, but standouts include Warmanen as Sonia and Janasz as Vanya. As Warmanen stands alone on stage in act two while on the phone with a potential new friend, you can feel the audience silently routing for her to accept the offered dinner date. You can also feel the audience gasp in despair as she first decides to decline. Warmanen gave us a credible, relatable character who we believe deserves a chance at happiness and at having a life. Not to mention, her impersonation of Maggie Smith is hilarious, perhaps even Oscar worthy (and in that case, Warmanen should dress as the Evil Queen to accept the award).

Janasz also conjures a super charged reaction from the audience during his monologue in act two. Fed up by the antics of Campbell's Spike, Janasz unleashes a rage filled rant that causes an uproar throughout the entire theatre. As Janasz trashes about, shouting about the good old days, you can hear the older audience shrieking as they perhaps, too, recall familiar tirades or even just all the old memories Janasz is rapidly bringing to the forefront. Mixed in are the confused chuckles of the younger audience, but they soon, as well, become loud bellows as everyone watches Janasz stand at the edge of the stage, nearly on the edge, shouting at the top of his lungs, "WE LICKED POSTAGE STAMPS."

Tucsonans need to be prepared to laugh at the misfortunate and antics of these characters and, ultimately, have their heartstrings tugged as Vanya, Sonia, and Masha come together to support each other in the end. This brilliant production of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike can be seen at the Temple of Music and Art, located at 330 S Scott Ave, until October 4th. The price of tickets ranges from $32 to $67, with discounts available to active military members and seniors. Student rush tickets are also available for $10 for all performances. Total run time is 2 hours and 30 minutes, with a 15 minute intermission. This production contains strong, mature language.

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