Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike - You Are Never Past Your Prime

by Elizabeth Holzworth

Karen Johnston opens her director’s note with “there don’t seem to be many ‘coming-of-middle-age’ stories.” While seeing the show this past Sunday November 1st, I sat in the audience and tried to think of one off the top of my head. I couldn't. That is precisely why I walked out of their production of this Christopher Durang show so inspired. It was nothing like I thought it would be, in the best way possible. Directed by Karen Johnston and produced by Julie Zaffarano, The Player’s Club of Swarthmore’s production of “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” was absolutely heartwarming and unforgettable. A combination of loosely based Chekhov characters and concepts thrown into one world, one family. Sounds like one big depressing mess, right? But what Durang’s play does best is walk the fine line of big comedy and truth, allowing the audience to enjoy the beautiful hilarity of humanity, while also relating to the pain that comes with change and growing older. 

In Bucks County, Pennsylvania, middle-aged siblings Vanya and Sonia are sitting in the living room of their childhood home, waiting for life to begin. Their stillness is shaken with an unusual visit from their sister Masha and her young new beau, Spike, who are looking to attend an exclusive Halloween party down the street. After a series of insane events, it is revealed that Masha’s intentions entail more than an average home visit. The prophecy their cleaning lady Cassandra had envisioned was true, and Masha is selling the house. The catastrophe that follows is heartbreaking, funny, and relatable all at the same time. The siblings and their unexpected guests must navigate how to balance letting go of what’s past while still holding onto the magic that brought them to where they are now. 

This cast shares a particular kind of magic within their chemistry. I was immediately drawn into their little world and felt like a fly on the wall of their home. I believed in their family. Thomas-Robert Irvin was stellar as the only brother, Vanya. His physicality and articulation were so specific and brilliantly crafted to show how Vanya moves about the world and how he contrasts to his sisters. His performance brought such a grounded energy to the cast dynamic. Susan Bolt as Sonia was hilarious, and bittersweet. An absolute “wild turkey.” Within every scene, you could see her fight to make something of her life. You had no choice but to root for her. Kathy Gilbert, who portrayed the big-time movie actress Masha, is an absolute firecracker on stage. Hilarious and buzzing, she was always on, and always present. It’s easy to take that character in the wrong direction, but Gilbert managed to do it just right, making her relatable and genuine. No matter how conceited she may seem, you could see the weight of her mistakes, and pain in letting go of her youth, making for an incredibly nuanced performance. Matthew Carter shines as a standout playing Masha’s new piece Spike, a young actor looking to make it big in New York. The role requires a performer who can go all in, someone who can make daring choices with no reserve. Hilarious and fearless, Carter laid it all out on that stage, making for an unforgettable performance. Jennifer Trimble’s performance as Cassandra, the psychic cleaning lady was nothing short of wonderful. Through her physicality, a brilliant accent, and big heart, she brought Cassandra’s protective role in the play to life. Her personality on stage was big, bright, and never unbelievable. Her genuine nature as a performer was riveting to watch; she is a natural. Nina, an aspiring actress and niece of the neighbors, is played by Miriam Walton. Walton is a joy on stage. Her bubbly, delightful and inquisitive performance brought a much needed energy to the room and rounded out the cast quite nicely. 

Director Karen Johnston and Assistant Director Elizabeth Clarkin-Breslin knocked it out of the park with the staging and shaping of the show. Nothing felt drawn out or slow. Things were still when they needed to be and moved authentically when the story called for it. Her staging highlighted the great contrast in the moments of chaos, and the moments of reflection. With tighter, well-paced transitions, her storytelling ability could be the real deal. These moments worked beautifully on the set cultivated by Scenic Designer Ed Robins and Scenic Artist Karlayna Steward. A lovely, lived-in Pennsylvania house with cobblestone walls and elegant décor, it felt like home to these characters, and really tied the aesthetic of the production together. Suzette Krausen’s Property Design was stellar. Every object utilized was well thought out and crafted with love. Highlighting the beauty of this home was Bruce Nutting’s wonderful Lighting Design. The audience was able to bask in the beauty of a natural lit Pennsylvania morning. Supporting this atmosphere was the authentic Sound Design by John B Hedges and Madison Claus. The costumes, designed by Reba Ferdman, Betsy Berwick and Assistant Costumer Dot Kowal were well thought out and lively. Each character’s spirit was upheld by their wardrobe (or lack thereof). Backstage contributions from Stage Manager Ellen Taylor and Production Assistant/Assistant Stage Manager/Dramaturg Madison Claus helped things run smoothly, and brought this story to life. Intimacy Coordinator and Producer Julie Zaffarano cultivated hilarious and steamy moments, specifically between Spike and Masha. Other wonderful behind the scenes contributions include: Master Electricians Brian Papa and Alan Stamford; Set Construction by Greg Cream, Haze Dixon, Allison Miller, George Mulford, Joe Selfridge, Bill Trimble and Dave Zaffarano; Light Board Operator Ellen Taylor; Sound Board Operator Dave Zaffarano; Painting by Ellen Taylor, Miriam Walton and Julie Zaffarano; Deck Crew member Abigail Gorman; Marketing team Anne Marie Scalies, Kat Wilson, and Julie Zaffarano; and Production Photographers Jeff Martin, Abby Schechter and Rose Azrael. 

Good theater does not preach at you or tell you how to feel. PCS’s production of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike allows you to walk away with thoughts and questions that you may not have been prompted to ask before. It inspires you to take control of your own destiny and understand that you are never past your prime. As long as we are on earth, we are all constantly growing and changing. At the same time, this show asks you to rely on the people who know you best, most importantly family, and know that in order to move forward you must also connect to the roots that you are tied to. Through an incredibly loveable cast, creative and lovely crafted moments, and an authentic, buzzing design, this production was one that will stay on my mind for quite some time. I hope that I can inspire you all to buy yourself a ticket and treat yourself to a wonderful experience. The show runs through November 7th, at The Players Club of Swarthmore. Tickets can be purchased at https://ci.ovationtix.com/117/production/1273307 .