Vanya and Sonia have lived in the house in which they grew up their entire lives, through caring for their ailing parents and never venturing out to create lives for themselves. When their movie-star sister Masha arrives one day with her much younger beau, Spike, the ensuing havoc helps to reinvigorate their lives.
With a mix of young and old characters, this Tony award-winning comedy by Christopher Durang provides a script that is both comedic and engaging, and nostalgic and heartwarming. The setting is homey and personable, and much more present than many of the Belfry productions.
The middle aged siblings are rather dull, but that’s the way their life is. Sonia fusses and worries over everything while her brother Vanya calmly glides through life. That is, until their cleaning lady predicts catastrophes, a friendly neighbour brings out Vanya’s creative side, and their sister arrives ready to sell the house. Deborah Williams’ Sonia is an understated foil to her sister Masha (Brenda Robins) with a full heart that helps to ground the production. Lee Majdoub (Spike) is hilarious as the frequently mindless and always hilarious boytoy.
The first act brings many of the laughs, allowing a subtle emotional buildup that the second act is able to focus on. Although the play certainly seems to be intended for the middle-aged, and Vanya’s monologue went a little long, it still delivered through comedic timing and a stunning group of actors.
Ticket Information
Tickets for Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike range from $23 to $52 (plus GST). Tickets for High School Students are 50% off and 25% off for University & College Students. Tickets are available at 250-385-6815 or online at tickets.belfry.bc.ca.
Performance Schedule (April 14 – May 17, 2015)
Tuesdays – Saturdays at 8 pm
Wednesday Matinees at 1 pm (April 22 & 29)
Saturday Matinees at 4 pm
Sunday Matinees at 2 pm
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