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.