Family can be a lot to deal with. Especially when dealing with your sister turned famous actress who has decided to drop by for a visit …
Adelaide University Theatre Guild presents the South Australian premiere of “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike”. A clever, emotionally wrought, and funny piece which draws inspiration from some of Anton Chekhov’s works, weaving a tale around the relationships between three siblings who may or may not be experiencing personal success and emotional turmoil. To help the siblings discover their next steps in their personal lives, they find some unanticipated guidance in the form of a gypsy house cleaner, a confident – if not slightly oblivious – boyfriend, and a neighbour’s visiting niece. Together they lift each other up, discover some unexpected alliances and friendships, and rediscover their zest for life.
With an engaging cast who each bring their own zest for acting to the stage, “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” is full of well-timed jokes, cringe-worthy second hand embarrassment, and heart wrenching monologues. Be sure to keep a close eye on Cassandra and her predictions. Not only is her wardrobe on point, but so is her attitude and background work. Nina floats around the stage with an ethereal elegance you can’t help but watch – a wholesome character who the siblings desperately needed in their lives. Meanwhile Spike prefers to wander around in his underwear, but his naivety is important for a pivotal moment in the story. Masha is the overly emotional actress of the three siblings, and just doing her best in the world of Hollywood, and, ultimately, what is right for her two siblings. Vanya is the sensible and steadfast sibling, supposedly content with his morning bird watching and living with his adopted sister, Sonia. Sonia despairs for her life, seeking therapy and assurance from her brother, and wishing for love in her life.
“Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” showcases a set that encapsulates a well-lived in country home, with plenty of space allowing for movement, party costumes, and adjustments that don’t interfere with the flow of the story, or the characters. This authors personal favourite addition to the set was the LED “windows” representing the sunlight outside the house where the story was taking place. No need for guessing the time of day, but the costumes and characters did a wonderful job of showing the audience, even without the LED assistance.
Each character’s wardrobe is a wonderful reflection of their own personality, and each costume change is simple but well-planned for the particular scene, as well as for the character themselves. From the hair and makeup to their socks and shoes, even the noise-making talismans are all perfectly suited and clearly well-considered. Which can also be said for the lighting and sound. For there were no faults with the lighting and sound – every text click, light being switched on, and scene change was like clockwork. Perfectly timed, clear, and, once again, well-suited and planned for each scene and location.
Be prepared to leave with many memorable moments to recall and chuckle at. Keep in mind that every Disney Princess needs to have a good cry before the turning point in the story. And … we are all wild turkeys.
You do not need to understand the specific Chekhov references within “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” to enjoy it, but if you would like an overview of the works that are mentioned, the program kindly provides a summary.
“If everyone took antidepressants, Chekhov would’ve had nothing to write about!” – Sonia.
To book tickets to Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, please visit https://www.trybooking.com/au/event/1476483.
Photographer: Richard Parkhill