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Tony Award-Winning "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike" Serves Up Chekhovian Comedy Cocktail

Posted March 9, 2015 in Press Releases

CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE PRODUCTION OF Christopher Durang’s Tony Award-Winning Comedy VANYA and SONIA and MASHA and SPIKE

APRIL 3-26 IN THE ALLEN THEATRE

Press Opening Night: April 8 at 7:30 pm

CLEVELAND, OHIO (March 9, 2015) Siblings Vanya and Sonia are contentedly discontent to pass into their twilight years sipping coffee and watching for blue herons. However, their unremarkable but stable lives are about to be upended when their fading B-movie-star sister Masha descends upon their quiet country home with a revelation - and sexy boy toy Spike - in tow. Existential, Chekhovian despair and family-squabbling have never been as funny as in Christopher Durang's zany, Tony Award-winning comedy that questions our ability to age gracefully in an era of selfies and Twitter. Directed by Bruce Jordan, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike will run from April 3-26 in the Allen Theatre at Playhouse Square.

A clever contemporary comedy, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike will delight audiences with its universal themes of family dysfunction and the generation gap. Avid theatregoers will also be amused by the play’s subtle allusions to the works of Anton Chekhov, including character names, the presence of a cherry orchard, and the possible loss of an ancestral home.

CPH Artistic Director Laura Kepley comments: “Durang says that when he was writing the play he put several ingredients into a ‘comic blender,’ and the intoxicating cocktail that comes out of that blender is a real treat for audiences. Our CPH production of this Tony Award winner will take it up a notch with our own special ingredients: comic genius director Bruce Jordan and this hilarious cast. It is a powerful concoction that will leave audiences giddy and refreshed. The only hangover effect will be the desire to reconnect with loved ones - even those who drive you crazy.”

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike is recommended for ages 14+. Play contains adult situations and innuendo.

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike Cast

Maren Bush (Nina), Toni DiBuono (Sonia), Danielle Lee Greaves (Cassandra), Margaret Reed (Masha), John Scherer (Vanya), Gregory Isaac Stone (Spike).

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike Creative Team

Christopher Durang (Playwright), Bruce Jordan (Director), Bill Clarke (Scenic Designer), Mimi Maxmen (Costume Designer), James C. Swonger (Sound Designer) and Ann G. Wrightson (Lighting Designer). The Stage Manager for this production is John Godbout. The Assistant Stage Manager is Tom Humes.

Full bios available at clevelandplayhouse.com, or by request.

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike Special Events - InsideCPH

Behind-the-Scenes: Show Me the Funny

Saturday, March 28, 2015 @11:00 am-12:30pm

Playwright Christopher Durang’s comedy about a trio of contentedly discontent siblings may feature a sexy boy toy named Spike, but solid comic acting chops are as important as solid abs for its cast. The play’s director Bruce Jordan (creator of the legendary Shear Madness), gives us a look at what it takes to get a laugh, and you’ll have a chance to flex your comedy muscles, too.

RSVP required clevelandplayhouse.com/inside-cph

Tech Night

Tuesday, March 31, 2015 @ 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Hear from the director and designers, then sit in on a technical rehearsal (“tech”) to see how set, lights, sound, costumes and actors all come together as opening night nears!

RSVP required clevelandplayhouse.com/inside-cph

CPH Script Club

Wednesday, March 25 @ 7:00-8:15pm / Cleveland Heights Library

Wednesday, March 25 @ 7:00-8:15pm / Medina County Public Library- Main Branch

Thursday, March 26 @ 7:00-8:15pm / Cuyahoga County Public Library – Beachwood Branch

Thursday, April 9 @ 7:00-8:15pm / Rocky River Public Library

RSVP required. Registration with participating libraries opens one month before each event. Visit clevelandplayhouse.com for details

Pre-Show Conversation

These fun and interactive 25-minute conversations happen right before the show in the Allen Theatre Complex. Pull back the curtain early and connect with the play in an engaging and relaxed setting, beginning 45 minutes before every subscription performance.

Free post-show TalkBacks will be held after the Sunday, April 12, Tuesday, April 14 and Sunday, April 19 performances.

Ticket Information

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike will take place April 3-26 in the Allen Theatre at Playhouse Square. Tickets range in price from $39-$79 each. Students under the age of 25 with a valid ID will be offered a special $15 ticket price. Tickets are also just $25 for anyone under age 35, sponsored by Scene Magazine. To order single tickets please call 216-241-6000 or visit clevelandplayhouse.com

Groups of 10+ save up to 40% off single ticket prices; call 216-400-7027.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR FOR INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES CONTACT:

Pam Menhenett

pammenhenett@gmail.com

#216-288-4551

Founded in 1915, Cleveland Play House is America’s first professional regional theatre. Throughout its rich history, Cleveland Play House has remained dedicated to its mission to inspire, stimulate and entertain diverse audiences in Northeast Ohio by producing plays and theatre education programs of the highest professional standards. It has produced more than 100 world and/or American premieres, and over its long history more than 12 million people have attended over 1,300 CPH productions. Cleveland Play House looks toward its centennial while performing in three state-of-the art venues at Playhouse Square in downtown Cleveland.

The Ohio Arts Council helps fund Cleveland Play House with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. We also thank the residents of Cuyahoga County for supporting Cleveland Play House through Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.

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