Chekhov Siblings Resurrected, Outrageously, in “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike”

— a review by Margie Doyle —

Cassandra (Lesley Liddle) warns Nina (Adia Dolan), Masha (Luann Pamatian), and Spike (Chris Dalla Santa)

What does it say about a play when the pinnacle of hilarity among dozens of riotously funny scenes is when two competitive sisters dissolve in each others’ arms, sobbing in self-pity?

It says that “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” is cleverly written, brilliantly directed, excellently managed — and then there’s the acting! What a collaborative, fun-loving, inspired and zany troupe! It’s like a three-ring circus all combined in one living room with non-stop drama, parodies, angst, in-jokes and off-the-wall references.

It starts with Frank Michels and newcomer Lisa Spesard sharing morning coffee, and in this play, anything that’s shared is disputed. They evoke a spirit of low-level disappointment and fear of living life, with the family dynamics played out in the exchange of insults followed by compliments, or vice versa. That’s for starters.

Frank and Lisa, who stepped into her role just two and a half weeks ago, project the feelings and the moods of their characters to exquisite perfection. Then the inimitable Lesley Liddle vamps into the room as Cassandra, with the ominous warning, “Beware the Hootie Pie!” among other prophecies. Lesley’s impeccable comedic timing is matched by her broad Slavic accent and her liquidly graceful physicality.

Masha (Luann Pamatian), Sonia (Lisa Spesard), Vanja (Frank Michels) and Nina (Adia Dolan) watch Spike (Chris Dalla Santa) recreate his audition.

Then Masha the actress sister, played by Luann Pamatian with an unrecognizable, outsize ego, enters with her gigolo, newcomer Chris Dalla Santa whose character, Spike, is so slickly icky and arrogant in his mediocrity that you want him tied down and devoured by ants. Luann characterizes Masha’s uber-narcissism and insecurity with every flick of the wrist or toss of the head not to mention tempo and tone of her lines.

For those who have been watching young Adia Dolan mature on stage, both at the Grange and at Orcas Center, it was with awe and pride that we watch her take on the role of the innocently enthusiastic neighbor girl who brings out the true nature and ultimately the best in the siblings and Spike. Adia commands her role with a poise and natural ease that many actors acquire only after years of being on stage.

The two-hours plus performance gives each of these actors more than one star turn that is wickedly delightful, witty and more than a little outrageous. Special mention to Frank Michels, who near the end of the production, gives an expansive monologue that builds to an unexpectedly nostalgic catharsis as the spirit of Chekhov is recalled, right along with Ed Sullivan and Mickey Mouse.

In the midst of a drizzly, uninspiring and often contentious winter, bravo to Doug Bechtel and the cast and crew of Actors Theater. This too is an important and rewarding part of life on Orcas Island. Be sure to see it.

Actors Theater of Orcas Island will perform “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” by Christopher Durang at the Grange on Saturday, Feb. 20 and the next two weekends, Feb. 26 and 27 and March 4, 5, and 6.