By Mandi Johnson
“Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” brings the audience into the East Coast living room of an aging pair of unemployed siblings. It sounds mundane but is far from it. The characters are vivid and differ wildly, each adding their own piece to the ensemble’s puzzle.
Vanya, played beautifully by Frank Michels, is gentle, sincere and at time has the best facial expressions. Michels gives a passion-filled, nostalgic monolog which can make anyone long for the 1950s yet again, even those who were not present for it originally.
The role of Sonia is depicted wonderfully by Lisa Spesand, who had only 2.5 weeks to learn her lines. Spesand played Sonia so well, you’d think she had as much time as the rest of the cast to get into the role. Sonia is sometimes heartbreaking in her self-depreciation but is also scarily relatable thanks in much part to Spesand’s heartfelt performance.
Masha busts into the room and radiates an obnoxious air of superiority. The character is so unlikeable and played perfectly by Luann Pamatian. She is bombastic, pretentious and so abhorrent you can’t imagine a worse character. Then Spike comes on stage.
Spike is the epitome of all things wrong with Hollywood. Self-absorbed, ostentatious, as bright as a burned out lightbulb and often only half dressed. Although, that last one may not bother some audience members.
Spike is played by island newcomer, Chris Dalla Santa. His embodiment of the character is so believable it’s sickening and fantastic.
The polar opposite of Spike is the demure Nina, played by Adia Dolan. Nina is intelligent, sweet and someone you just want to hug. Dolan’s smile and soft talk adds to the validity of the character.
Lesley Liddle steals the show with her humorous portrayal of Cassandra, the clairvoyant Russian housekeeper. Her predictions on point, and often given with such hilarity, are a welcomed reprieve from the sometimes heavy undertones.
“Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” will make you laugh, make you think and will draw a plethora of emotions out of you.
The show will be performed once again on February 26, 27 and March 4, 5 and 6.
