Gales of laughter blow through Weston Playhouse in V&S&M&S

By David Lampe-Wilson

From left, Susan Haefner as Masha, David Bonanno as Vanya and Amelia White as Sonia in Weston Playhouse’s hilarious presentation of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. Photo by Hubert Schriebl.

You would be hard-pressed to find a more stellar evening of summer theater than Weston Playhouse’s hilarious production of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, the Tony Award-winning comedy by Christopher Durang.

The play revolves around a trio of eccentric siblings who, having reached middle age, find that they have little hope of changing their circumstances. This is a bright comedy of gloomy people, as well as an exploration of Chekhovian themes as viewed through Durang’s absurdist mind. Borrowing from Chekhov, not only the names Vanya and Sonia and Masha but also the country setting, the self-pity, the unhappiness and the frustration, Durang’s comic confection doesn’t rely on our knowledge of Chekov’s work, although some basic background spices hilarity. Note: Expect more Chekov later this season when the Playhouse does a new version of Uncle Vanya – yep, that Vanya.

The first thing you notice is Howard C. Jones’ detailed set — a Bucks County, Penn., farm house that is both airy and grounded and it primes our expectations for things to come. The detailed set serves as a suitable backdrop to director Steve Stettler’s impeccable production, and this fast-paced comedy is even able to mine laughs from its pregnant pauses.

From left, Amelia White, Susan Haefner, Haley Bond, David Bonanno and Deonna Bouye.
Photo by Tim Fort.

Stettler has assembled a fine cast offering a host of multilayered performances, and his actors are adept at balancing the sitcom one-liners with their characters’ despair. David Bonanno is the uptight, closeted Vanya, who has resigned himself to his unfulfilled life. Amelia White plays the passive/aggressive Sonia, Vanya’s adopted sister, who wallows in her discontent. As this dysfunctional duo quibbles over coffee in the morning room and attempts to spot a blue heron on the pond below the house, their sister Masha, played by Susan Haefner, arrives. Masha is a superficial, insecure and dismissive Hollywood actress on the decline who arrives with boy toy in tow and with the intention of selling the family home from under Vanya and Sonia. Hilarity ensues. Misery, it seems, loves comedy.

Director Steve Stettler has assembled a fine cast offering a host of multilayered performances, and his actors are adept at balancing the sitcom one-liners with their characters’ despair.

Bonanno, White and Haefner are fine farceurs and sear every laugh in Durang’s well-marbled dialogue. They effortlessly careen from self-absorbed loopy to heartfelt tender and back again, exposing layer upon layer of hurt, self-pity and regret to the unending pleasure of the audience.

The comedy is enhanced by Deonna Bouye as Cassandra, a housekeeper troubled by disastrous visions and who intones predictions as if she were in a Greek tragedy; Brandon Drea as Spike, a feckless, self-absorbed actor with a penchant for disrobing at any given moment; and Haley Bond as Nina, a sincere star-struck wannabe actress who innocently stumbles into the craziness.

Technical support is up to Weston Playhouse’s usual high standards: Kirche Leigh Zeile’s costumes suit the characters perfectly; Ann G. Wrightson’s lighting sets the right mood; and sound design and original music by Rob Milbur and Michael Bordeen is refreshing and playful.

The only downside to this production is its short-lived run. Enjoy it while you can.

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike continues through Saturday, July 26 at the Weston Playhouse, 703 Main St. in Weston. Performances: Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; matinees Wednesday and Saturday at 2 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m. For tickets and information, call 802-824-5288.