HSU Theatre production starts April 13 
Critic Ben Brantley describes Christopher Durang’s 2013 Tony Award-winning play, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, as “scattered bits of Chekhov run through a contemporary plot processor.” Included are a voodoo prophetess, Snow White, a narcissistic actress, a male bimbo, and a dewy young thing.
Henderson State University Theatre will present seven performances of Durang’s irreverent comedy on April 13, 14, 15, 17, 20, 21, and 22. All performances start at 7:30 p.m. A reception will follow the opening night performance.
Vanya and Sonia have never left the confines of their childhood home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, while their sister Masha has been gallivanting around the world as a successful actress. A surprise visit from Masha and her 20-something boy toy, Spike, throws the normally quiet household into utter upheaval as its residents and visitors get swept up in an intoxicating mixture of lust, rivalry, regret, and the sudden possibility of escape.
The cast of the Henderson production includes: Georgeann Burbank of Benton; Matthew Burnett of Prattsville; Damien Freeman of Sheridan; Madi Moore of Newport Beach, California; Savannah Reynolds of Monticello; and Jacey Russell of Morrilton.
The play is under the direction of Claudia Beach, director of theatre, with scenic design by Doug Gilpin, professor of theatre. Lighting design is by Jennings Johnson of Heber Springs; costume design by Tyler Felton of Batesville; hair and makeup design by Dakota Mansfield of Benton; and sound design by Courtney Palsa of Searcy. The stage manager is Magee-Lee Preston of The Colony, Texas.
The HSU Theatre Box Office in Arkansas Hall will be open for advance ticket sales from 1-4 p.m. beginning Monday, April 10. All seats are reserved. Admission is $8, or free with an HSU student ID, courtesy of the Student Activities Board.
The play is recommended for mature audiences.
For more information or reservations, call 870-230-5291 or e-mail theatre@hsu.edu.