Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike sends up Chekhov in Style
Curtain Call!
Christopher Durang sends up Anton Chekhov, or sends him to the woodshed for a good thrashing, in “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” which continues this weekend at the Porter Meeting Hall at Skidompha Library. Under the direction of Allison Eddyblouin, River Company’s summer offering is a hoot. Pack away your snobbery and drag out your sense of humor and enjoy the fun and frolic.
The cast is a delight, from Stephen Wallace, bearded and vaguely brilliant to Christine Andersen who transforms herself from maudlin to magnificent, they each bring their characters or caricatures fresh eyes. Tamara Lily throws herself headlong into the ‘famous’ actress role bringing both funny and touching moments to surprise the audience. Tyson Bailey gives the gigolo younger man a twist with his obvious infatuation with... well.... himself making for some hilarious stage moments you will not soon forget, even if you try. Thalia Eddyblouin, as the housekeeper Cassandra, stopped the show for applause after two exits on Friday night. Her over-the-top and unexpected speeches skewered Greek tragedy in the midst of “deep deep” Chekhovian moments. Brittany Wallingford as the wanna be actress made a River Company debut not to be missed. The sweetly vacant character was the icing on the cake.
It’s not meant to be deep. It’s Durang. He makes his points in other ways and does it so well that audiences leave laughing and thinking. No small accomplishment. Bravo to all.
River Company is a gift. It is a gift to the community. It is the last standing true community theater in Lincoln County. They celebrate 20 years of fun, education and courageous choices this August. Go and celebrate with them this weekend. Pack up your worries for an hour or two and enjoy the show.
“Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” plays three more times in the Porter Meeting Hall at Skidompha Library, 184 Main St., Damariscotta: Friday and Saturday, Aug. 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 13 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 for River Company members, $17 for nonmembers, and $5 for students. For tickets : 315-0547.
Curtain Call!
Stephen Wallace and Thalia Eddyblouin
Stephen Wallace as Vanya in his costume, chosen by his sister for a party.
Brittany Wallingford was a One Celled Creature. ( You need to see it, I’m not explaining)
Christine Andersen as Sonia.
Tamara Lily and Tyson Bailey
United States
About this blog:
What's the Buzz" covers what's happening, what might be happening, and what should be happening in the opinion of the author.
Eleanor Cade Busby is an unpublished award-winning writer, photographer and blogger & simply loves writing about herself in third person.She published this absolutely all true bio.
Busby grew up all over New England,a preacher's kid who set out to destroy every single stereotype about a "Minister's Daughter."
She attended Goddard College, The Rhode Island Conservatory of Music and The School of Life, majoring in everything she could stuff into her head. She once had her own office and a red stapler. Her employees learned quickly never to touch it.
Much of her very long life has been spent on or back-stage at theaters. She penned a couple of plays, directed many more and acted in scores of productions. She's done it all except hanging lighting. You can't make her climb a ladder.
She won awards locally & nationally for social services and customer care. Most recently she was awarded the PEN/Toni and James C. Goodale Freedom of Expression Courage Award along with 3 million of her closest personal friends for "galvanizing a potent global movement to resist infringements on the rights and dignity of women and many other groups."
Busby has been a theater, art and dance reviewer and commentator for several publications, including CRACKED magazine.
Opinionated, obstinate, much-abused, and under-appreciated, she believes that if it isn't funny or relevant, it isn't worth it.
Eleanor Cade Busby lives in Midcoast Maine with two cats who like to stand on her head at 3 AM demanding a sacrifice, often her sanity.
Suggestions for topics and comments are always welcome at eleanorcadebusby@hotmail.com
