Producing wave after wave of belly laughs, chuckles, and giggles, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike opened successfully at the Southampton Cultural Center. This play by Christoph Durang, directed by Bob Kaplan and produced by Bonnie Grice, opened on October 10th and runs until October 26th. The play contains very clever writing, which is what live theater is all about. That being profound dialogue delivered with a panache that provokes deep thoughts and makes you laugh, smile, and leave knowing you were totally entertained.
There are many moments in this production when each cast member shines with a great line, provocative action, or strikes a hilarious pose that induces the audience to react, usually with laughter. Director Kaplan brings playwright Durang’s written lines to life through the talents of his cast.
Bonnie Grice, founder of Boots on the Ground Theater, plays “Sonia,” and brings her usual high energy and stage talents crashing into her role. Once again, Grice proves how she can bring a stage character to life via her abilities. This is another fantastic performance by the East End icon. It must be noted that her facial expressions help set up so many lines for others in this production. Grice always adds her touch of professionalism to every stage production she is in.
Then there is the delicate role of “Vanya,” played by Randall Hemming. Congratulations to Mr. Hemming, who does a special, heart-warming, stated-dignified, totally effective, and at times most humorous portrayal of the complicated but lovable “Vanya.” Mr. Hemming, at times, controlled the narrative in a way that might bring recollections of acting legend James Mason, with soft but firm delivery of lines, and eyes that twinkled, capturing and drawing in the audience. One would hope to see more of Randall Hemming on stage in the future.
Kristin Dougherty delivers a marvelous performance in her role as “Cassandra,” the clairvoyant house-cleaner. Ms. Dougherty has showstopping moments that showcase her array of talents. She delivers clever lines and at times her ability to walk about and command a stage without uttering a word is awesome. She was easily one of the audience’s favorites.
The sweet role of “Nina” is played by Leah Kerensky. Ms. Kerensky, through her strong performance, brings the forward thinking , vision, and optimism of youth to this show to offset some of the playful agism of the other characters. One could not help but feel the audience embraced her performance while she was glowing on stage.
It takes a certain type of talent to successfully fill the role of “Masha,” an aging iconic stage/film star in this play. Aly Friedman totally has that talent. Friedman draws from her arsenal of huge stage power to project while she is commanding the stage. For whatever reasons the role of “Masha,” seemed to resonate with the SCC crowd as if they personally know that kind of character in real life. Kudos and accolades to Aly Friedman as “Marsha.”
Thaddeus C. Plezia zooms into the show in his role portraying “Spike.” The young, well-toned Mr. Plezia seems to have been born to play this role. The audience enjoys how he brings the character of “Spike” to life on the SCC stage. His poses, obvious youthful energy, and comedic talents added electricity to the stage when he was out there.
The play takes place in the morning room of a lovely farmhouse in Bucks County. The set designed by Director Kaplan and lit by Lighting Technician Chris Buckout adds so much to the show. Dennis Milone handled the sound flawlessly. Thank you to Stage Manager Evelyn Lubrano.
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike is presented in two acts with a fifteen-minute intermission. For ticket and information, visit Bootsonthegroundtheater.com
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