Interview: VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE To Debut at Old Opera House

By: Sep. 02, 2015
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Family reunions can often be stressful with just your typical, everyday family. But add in two crazy actresses, a physic maid and a sexy young boyfriend, and you have a perfect evening of heartfelt hilarity in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, opening September 4 at the Old Opera House in Charles Town, WV.

In Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, written by Christopher Durang and directed by Steven Brewer, middle aged siblings Vanya and Sonia share a simple home in Pennsylvania where they normally bicker about the circumstances which brought them together. But one day when their famous movie star sister, Masha, drops in for a visit with her significantly younger boyfriend Spike, the old sibling rivalry resurfaces and eventually leads to threats to sell this house in this comedy about family matters.

The cast enjoyed exploring the relationships between the family members and drawing from their own real life experiences.

"The most enjoyable part of the rehearsal process, besides getting to work with old friends and meeting some new ones, was discovering the wonderful subtle humor that Durang injects into his writing" said Amy Hebb, who plays sassy, physic maid, Cassandra.

"Exploring the relationships among the three siblings is enjoyable. Like with many families, there is both rivalry and love in the mix - based on lots of shared experience" said Bill Taylor, who plays Vanya.

"I love figuring out a character, where they are coming from and why they do what they do. I enjoy learning their voice, their mannerisms and quirks. Masha is a challenge because she is not like me at all and only slightly like other characters I've played" said Christine Brewer, on playing Masha.

"The most challenging factor for me was (and continues to be) understanding my character's long monologue near the end - he has a lot to say (much of it quite funny) about how awful the modern world is. He's frustrated and disappointed because he sees so much potential, both in himself and in the world" said Taylor.

"It's not a typical comedy or drama. It's somewhere in a weird in-between. It has some dramatic, touching parts, but we don't want to get it bogged down in seriousness. At the end of the day, it is just about these three siblings and their crazy relationship" said Brewer.

Audiences are sure to enjoy this hilarious and heartfelt comedy about the not-so-typical American family.

"It's a comedy with a heart. There's lots of laughs, but the characters' struggles and evolution are still quite moving" said Taylor

"I think audiences will be surprised by how much they relate to [the show], particularly those with siblings or older parents to take care of. I think they will laugh and agree with each characters' feelings. They will have a good time" said Brewer

"It is an opportunity to see a show that is truly poignant and has not been done in this area before. It touches on the everyday fears we all face, whether we admit it or not, and just how important the bonds of family are" said Hebb.

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike also features Karen Heyser-Paone as Sonia, Henry deBuchananne as Spike and Elizabeth Rickets as Nina. Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike will run September 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13 at the Old Opera House, located at 204 N. George Street, Charles Town, WV. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8:00 PM and Sunday matinee performances are at 2:30 PM.. Tickets are $19 for adults at Friday and Saturday evening performances, $17 for adults at Sunday matinees and $12 for students at all performances. Please call 304-725-4420 or visit www.oldoperahouse.org to make reservations.

Photo Credit: Old Opera House



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