AP+Review+of+Vanya,+Sonia,+Masha+and+Spike

Ally Parker Richmond Theatre 2000 6 February 2017 Critique of Vanya, Sonia, Masha, and Spike Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike is about three siblings, Vanya, Sonia and Masha, and Masha’s young boyfriend. Vanya and Sonia live together in their late parents’ house, and Masha is a famous actress that sends them money to support the other two siblings. The siblings have a broken relationship and that relationship is challenged and then mended when Masha comes home to visit with her boyfriend, Spike. I loved this show. I think the author accomplished telling his story so well. As far as I know, the plot of the story was clearly and professionally conveyed. This is a show that has a plot that can relate to so many people while also being a little ridiculous for comedic relief. I loved what the author did with this show. The subject matter of this show was more simple and realistic. While still having some moments of exaggerated humor, the subject stays pretty constant and practical which is refreshing for an audience. I think the subject matter is definitely worthwhile. It is a show that, I believe, can speak to many people. Through their facial expressions, purposeful blocking, vocal tones, and interactions with each other, the cast kept the audience fully aware of the plot throughout the show. Being such a simple plot with a normal, day-to-day style storyline, the show could have easily gotten slow and mundane. However, the actors did an amazing job of keeping your interest and your emotions wrapped into the show while also making sure to continue the story and stay with the plot line. The physical production of this show is definitely realistic. Every prop in the show was a real, tangible object, and the set was incredibly realistic. Everything about the set looked just like the inside of a house and was very helpful in advancing the plot and developing the depth of the show. I would personally say that the physical production of this show was superb. It was so professional and could have the been the set and props of a paid company’s show. The audience absolutely loved the show. We stayed laughing throughout the show and were touched by the sentimental moments. This show was so “typical life” that that is why I think we all could relate to it so much. For me, when the siblings would fight, that really hit home because I am one of four kids; I know the importance of treating my siblings with respect and love and the consequences if you do not. During the intermission, not many people in the audience actually left the auditorium or even their chairs, so I did not have the chance to interact with other people that much; however, I could definitely hear people saying that they were enjoying the show so much and thought it was hilarious and so well cast. I also think that not many people left during intermission because they were excited to see the next act. I would absolutely recommend this show to anyone and everyone. I loved it so much and would definitely go see it again. I think that this is a show that can relate to so many people, so in turn, it’s a show that many people would enjoy. Being a person who loves theatre and have done this for several years, I am very accustomed to talking up a show after I’ve seen it. Even if I did not love the show, I still like to encourage people to go see them because you never know how someone else will about a show, and also because the arts are so underappreciated in my hometown. My interest in a certain show that I loved would definitely lead me to read other shows by the same author. Like I said, I have always been involved in theatre, ie performing in shows, working shows, taking courses on theatre, etc. So I am all about reading a new play if I loved one by that specific author. This show was definitely one of those, and I’m excited to see what other shows Christopher Durang has up his sleeve.