At the rise, Vanya is joined by his adoptive sister Sonia, both in their night robes. They bemoan their plight of having spent the best part of their lives taking care of their aged parents, now deceased. Other than being schooled by their theatrical father in Chekhov, they are ill prepared for the future as we see in “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” now playing at The Melon Patch in Leesburg.
Sister Masha (Laney Lavine-Clark) has escaped her sibling’s conundrum through a career as a reasonably successful actress. She inherited the family home and kept maintained it, also giving Vanya (J. Scott Berry) and Sonia (Mary Rose Gray) a modest stipend. She enters with boy-toy Spike (Jakob Preston) and announces that she is thinking of selling the residence. And the fun begins.
Psychic housekeeper Cassandra (Charlotte Jardine) nicely adds dimension to the comedy with her wacky predictions. Ingénue Lauren Morgan (Nina) and Preston are excellent examples of great casting for their roles well done (check out Preston’s 30 pushups and Morgan’s gliding in a flowing white costume.)
Lavine-Clark gives the performance of her life. Some might say she isn’t acting: It smacks reality. Either way, she is convincing.
Top laurels go to Berry and Gray for their magnificent, lengthy monologues in the second act where their characters ‘let it all out.’
Playwright Christopher Durang pulls no punches in this comedy-drama and might have written his penultimate play that won the 2013 Tony Award. Known for his blunt, sometimes crude scenes, “Vanya…” is much more sophisticated and humorous. However, the script begs to be truncated. Some adult language is used.
The set equals the level of the performance with a looming stone fireplace as its centerpiece. Lighting and sound are good. Voice projection in the muffle of a full audience gets a passing grade.
The Melon Patch Theatre is fortunate to have the artistry and enthusiasm of Director Derek Wallman to bring Leesburg the best show of many seasons. “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” garners my highest Must See rating. The show runs through weekends through Oct. 19. For ticket prices, availability, and directions, visit www.melonpatchtheatre.com.
Villager Jack Petro reviews local theater for Villages-News.com
