LEWISTON — The Public Theatre is serving up a deliciously wacky comedic concoction called “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” for its first production of the new year.

“This play is a perfect escape for the winter,” said Christopher Schario, TPT’s Executive/Artistic Director and director of this show. It runs Jan. 23 to Feb.1, and Schario calls it “a great change of pace” with a cast of six “wacky, crazy people.” It won the Tony Award for best new play of 2013.
Vanya and Sonia are middle-aged brother and sister living a quiet life in the Pennsylvania farmhouse where they grew up. In contrast to their uneventful lives, their self-absorbed movie-star sister, Masha, gallivants around the world. Her announced arrival, accompanied by her 20-something boy-toy, Spike, throws the household into an uproar.
Throw in a young wanna-be actress named Nina and a clairvoyant housekeeper named Cassandra, and the impromptu reunion stirs up an unforgettable weekend of rivalry, regret and uproar.
Vanya, Sonia and Masha were named by their hyper-educated parents after characters in Russian playwright Anton Chekhov’s works from more than a century ago. This play mirrors many of the signature Chekhovian characteristics. In a study guide prepared for this TPT production, Martin Andrucki, who is the Charles A. Dana Professor of Theater at Bates College, says, “Not only does the title of the play allude to Chekhov, but its emotional atmosphere, much of its dialog, and important elements of its plot all bear the Chekovian stamp.”
Andrucki’s study guide unlocks a wealth of information for those who may want to delve into this play’s literary allusions. It can be accessed on The Public Theatre’s Web site (www.thepublictheatre.org), but that’s not necessary in order to enjoy this play’s madcap action and humor, including a delightful rant about the joy of life before cell phones.
The six cast members of TPT’s have impressive credentials.
Jonathan Hadley plays Vanya. Hadley appeared most recently on Broadway as Bob Crewe in “Jersey Boys,” a role he then played for six years on the First National Tour. Other national tours in his resume include “Into the Woods” with Cleo Laine, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat” with Donny Osmond and “Fiddler on the Roof” with Theo Bikel. Vanya’s movie star sister, Masha, is played by Robyne Parrish. She is artistic director of North Carolina’s Gilbert Theatre and she appeared two years ago as Ana in TPT’s production of “The Book Club Play.”
Playing Masha’s boy-toy Spike is Jarid Faubel. He has been seen in “X-Men: First Class” and “Jack Reacher” with Tom Cruise. Faubel also appeared this past summer at Maine State Music Theatre in “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.“
Playing Sonia the adopted sister of Vanya and Masha, will be Janet Mitchko. She appeared last year at TPT as Margie in “Good People.” New York actress Jamie Rezanour portrays the wacky Latina housekeeper, Cassandra, and Maine native Anna Doyle plays Nina. Doyle is a senior at Colby College and she appeared this past summer at The Theater at Monmouth.
The family home in Bucks County, Pa., where the play takes place, is designed by Judy Stacier. Lighting is by Bart Garvey and costumes, including an appearance by Snow White, two dwarves, Prince Charming and Maggie Smith on Oscar night, are designed by Jonna Klaiber.
Schario said he and Janet Mitchko, TPT’s co-artistic director, had their eyes on this new comedy by Christopher Durang even before its first performances. He said they read the script and “we were bowled over by it. They knew it would be a good fit for TPT’s audiences, and they weren’t surprised when “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” garnered rave reviews on Broadway.
This show contains some adult language and one hot guy in his underwear.
The Public Theatre continues its program which connects solo theatre-goers with other solo theatre-lovers when they join the Play Pal club and attend the 3 p.m. Saturday matinee performance.
Performances of “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” are Jan. 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, 31 and Feb 1. Thursday and Friday performances are at 7:30 p.m., Saturday shows are at 8 p.m., and Sunday shows are at 2 p.m., with an added matinee at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31.
For tickets, call The Public Theatre Box Office at 782-3200 or go online to www.thepublictheatre.org.
The Public Theatre is located at 31 Maple St. in downtown Lewiston.