Theater Review: “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” by CCP

Meriden - Castle Craig Players in Meriden is presenting the Christopher Durang comedy “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” a title I always have difficulty getting right, through May 22. Oliver Kochol, who has been involved in various roles with Castle Craig since 2014, directs the cast, with Katie Kirtland as assistant director

The story is set in Bucks County, Penn., where Vanya and Sonia share a country house and fret endlessly—and amusingly—about their hapless lives. When Masha, their self-absorbed movie-star sister, and Spike, her much, much younger boy toy, visit for the weekend, the entire household gets upended. Rivalries are rekindled, resentments rage, the housekeeper blurts out strange prophecies and then Masha announces she's selling the family home.

The cast of six (despite the title) work well as a unit and make the most of every funny line. Mike Zizka, who I just saw as Salter in “A Number” with Backyard Theatre Ensemble and has been part of more than 100 theatrical productions in Connecticut, plays “Uncle” Vanya in his Castle Craig debut. Although his character really comes alive in the second act, this actor made it all look easy.

Barbara Gallow returns to this stage to play the adopted sister of the family, Sonia. Gallow has performed throughout the state, but calls Hole in the Wall her primary theatrical home. With a gray wig and a twinkle in her eye, she plays the lonely sister very well.

Lisa Carroll, who covers the role of the house cleaner/psychic Cassandra, is an English/drama teacher turned school librarian who will embark on a new journey in the fall as the theater teacher at the new Bristol Arts & Innovation Magnet School. Carroll, under the direction of her godson Oliver Kochol, is a natural with this quirky role.

Adrianne Giammatteo also makes her debut with Castle Craig in the role of Masha, an actress with a big personality. This performer plays up all of the comedy in her role and has a mighty stage presence. Giammatteo, who directed and produced over 14 shows with Southington Summer Youth Theater, is a third grade teacher in West Hartford.

Stephen Koehler returns to the Castle Craig stage to play Spike and he certainly makes the most of his role. Koehler was a delight as Snoopy in the 2021 outdoor performance of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” and played Gabe in “Next to Normal” in 2020.

Elisa Albert makes her CCP debut as the young neighbor Nina and is just adorable. Albert played Starveling in Elm City Shakespeare Company’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

The lighting designed by Dusty Rader works well for the space and the set, featuring wallpaper and French doors, set the scene of a lovely, present-day farmhouse in Bucks County. Jennifer Del Sole serves as stage manager.

There is some foul language and the performance is presented with one intermission. Masks are strongly encouraged and proof of vaccination is required.

The show runs for two weeks only – May 13-22 – at the Almira F. Stephan Memorial Playhouse, 59 West Main Street, Meriden. Presented Cabaret Style with table seating, patrons are invited to bring their own dinner, drinks and snacks to enjoy.

All seats are $25 ($20 for Seniors ages 65+). Seating is extremely limited - so patrons are encouraged to buy in advance! Tickets are sold exclusively online at www.CastleCraigPlayers.org.

Coming this summer with the Castle Craig Players is the Connecticut premiere of “Clue On Stage,” July 29 - August 13.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. She recently became a contributor to the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column and theatre reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the paper.

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