Woy Woy Little Theatre (WWLT) is set to bring the Tony award-winning comedy Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike to the Peninsula Theatre for three weeks from July 25.
It has been the cross to bear for the Hardwicke siblings that their theatre-mad parents named them after characters in the works of Russian playwright Anton Chekhov.
But that is the least of their concerns.
Now in their sixties, brother and sister Vanya and Sonia have settled into a humdrum existence following the deaths of their parents, for whom they were carers.
Breaking the peaceful if boring routine, their sister Masha arrives for the weekend with her much younger lover Spike – the latest in a string of men in the life of the exotic theatre and movie star.
With dire predictions of calamity to come from psychic housekeeper Cassandra and the arrival on the scene of the Hardwickes’ attractive young neighbour Nina, the stage is set for much hilarity and a good deal of soul searching.
Director Terry Collins has been wanting to present the play since she came across it some five years ago.
“When I first read it, I thought it was one of the funniest plays I had ever read,” she said.
“Every time we applied for the rights they weren’t available – until this year.
“The name of the play might not be well known but I think it is going to delight our audiences.
“What appealed to me most was that although it is a comedy with some hilarious lines, it is also a beautifully crafted look at the relationships of three siblings who are getting older and the various people in their lives.
“It is a touching and poignant examination of sibling relationships as we get older.
“An added bonus for me was the Chekhov references sprinkled throughout; these are sure to delight anyone who knows his work.
“But even if you’ve never heard of Chekhov, there’s plenty to please audiences of all ages from 16 up.”
Collins has assembled a top-notch cast to bring Christopher Durang’s award-winning script to life.
Durang is known for his outrageous comedies that, underneath the absurdity, have profound searches for optimism and connection with others.
The story told by the endearingly eccentric characters in this play show us why Durang is a member of the American Theatre Hall of Fame.
Playing Sonia and Vanya are WWLT stalwarts Darienne (Daz) Knight and Andy Kabanoff.
Due to a cast injury, director Collins stepped into the role of Masha less than three weeks from opening.
Versatile favourite Chris Cherry plays the wacky Cassandra and regular audiences will also remember Jake Cain-Roser as he plays a character unlike any he has played before in Spike.
Rounding out the cast is a delightful newcomer to WWLT- NAISDA student Alicia Medbury, who brings a freshness and delightful naivety to the role of Nina.
With a stunning set by Steve Pembroke, complemented by clever lighting by Lloyd Grounds and a music track featuring the music of Rachmaninoff (plus one surprise which audiences will just have to wait for), the show promises a hilarious and thought-provoking theatre experience.
Audiences will be the first to experience the theatre’s new carpet and seating, with more accessibility seats available.
There will be 10 performances, including four matinees, over three weekends from July 25, with bookings available at woywoylt.com.au
