Cheryl Butler has directed Christopher Durang’s “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” excellently, delivering a night of theatre from Arts Theatre Cronulla that is both funny and sweet. A family (and the people in their orbit) descend on a Pennsylvania farmhouse over a weekend, and end up exploring the frustrations and search for meaning that aging in our rapidly-paced world induces. The play is littered with Chekov references, but even for a Chekov novice like this reviewer, there were things to connect to and laughs to be had. To draw humanity from characters making what are (often, throughout the show) dubious or childish decisions, takes a skilful hand, and Butler has done it with aplomb.
The ensemble cast are a delight, with each finding the light and shade in their characters. Michael Barlow gives Vanya a still and quiet depth, which gives real weight to moments where he voices his frustrations and desires. The excellent hair and makeup to turn Barlow into a believable 57 year old is paired with subtle physical choices that mean his struggle feels very real, and his grumbling is forgiven.
The high points of emotional investment from the audience came from across the cast, but the one that drew out audible exclamations was Lynda Leavers’ Sonia alone onstage taking a phone call; all the squabbling and self-doubt and tension that Sonia has been part of until that point is honoured and explored, and we saw Sonia begin a new chapter of her life in that moment. Leavers did an excellent job throughout.
Suzy Wilds as Masha is the energetic core of the show; Masha is a bit of a whirlwind of both personality and emotion, and Wilds’ performance means you also care about her, even with her strops and vanity. Masha’s physical presence in the farmhouse and in relation to the others shifts the air around her; a lot of great comedy and genuine regret and longing are brought into the open through the magnet of Wilds’ Masha.
Angela Gibson, who is consistently excellent in ATC productions, imbues Cassandra, the witchy fortune-telling house keeper, with flowing movement. Her timing made for some of the comic highlights of the show. Tamara O’Rourke gives the plucky girl next door Nina a real heart, and makes it clear how smart this character is from the start. The voice she gives Nina is wise beyond its years, which gives real comedy to the interactions with Samuel Chapman’s bouncy and oblivious Spike. Spike has some of the most out and out gags, and Chapman does well to give hints of the additional layers (good and otherwise) of the pretty-faced boy Masha brings to the house.
All the elements of this production are skilfully done. The set design from Cheryl Butler and Michael Gooley is full of clever details; a glimpse of the cherry orchard through the window, and a calm green-walled setting for the meditative moments and playfulness this play contains. The set construction team has done an excellent job at transforming the space, setting us believeably in a rural setting, assisted by Craig Oberg’s lighting design. The stage management and changes are all done smoothly and imperceptibly, which is a credit to the work of stage hand Kathryn Bray and stage managers Michele Potter and Ann Sayegh. Gary Clark’s sound design is similarly subtle and lovely, and timing is perfect for any moments that come to the fore as part of scenes.
Costuming was excellent in this show – whether its Nina’s consistent palette of white and blue carrying into her fancy dress or Sonia’s transformation from wallflower to movie star in a scene, Carol Smith and Lesley Tinker have nailed the characters’ energy in the choices they’ve made about their clothes. Masha’s floaty caftans contrast with Spike’s sneakers and constant stripping to his underwear in a way that underscores their dynamic perfectly, and the pyjama-clad dynamic between Vanya and Sonia that begins the play sets the tone of the whole piece; homely, thoughtful and sweet.
This is another strong production from Arts Theatre Cronulla, who seem to have a knack for picking interesting work and creating productions that are dripping with both heart and humour, delivered with skill and verve.
To book tickets to Vanya And Sonia And Masha And Spike, please visit https://www.artstheatrecronulla.com.au/vsms.
Photographer: Mark Phillips
