蜜桃视频

The 蜜桃视频 School of Performing Arts will open its 2024-2025 Theatre Season with Christopher Durang’s award-winning comedy “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” directed by visiting professor of theatre and New York City actor, Sara Hymes. Performances run Oct. 3, 4, 9, 10, and 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre at the Stephens Performing Arts Center.

On opening night, Oct. 3, patrons are invited to stay after the show for a celebratory Afterglow reception, where they can meet the cast, crew, and artistic team, and hear reflections from director Sara Hymes. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

Set in present-day Pennsylvania, Durang’s Tony Award-winning comedy follows siblings Vanya and Sonia, who have spent their lives caring for their aging parents in the family home. When their glamorous movie-star sister Masha returns–along with her much younger boyfriend, Spike- old resentments, responsibilities, and rivalries bubble to the surface in a hilarious and heartfelt story of family dynamics.

“This play is a bit absurd, but also offers a joyful way to navigate hard conversations, showing how multiple truths can coexist even when values and perspectives clash in small-town America,” said Hymes. “Pocatello is a lovely example of multiple values being upheld, from the many community theatres and artists, to the wide range of outdoor activities, and the creative zaniness of staples like the Museum of Clean and annual Bigfoot Symposium. Nostalgia, regret, pressure, respect, family, and growth are all showcased in this play, and I think our community will certainly relate to it.”

Hymes, who has worked as a professional actor in New York City since 2012, brings a wealth of artistic experience to ISU. She notes that “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” is both deeply theatrical and wonderfully accessible: “I was so impressed with Durang’s joyful tackling of genuine and hard family dynamics, giving a huge nod to the brilliance of Chekhov’s writing. The play is full of Chekhovian easter eggs, but no love of Russian literature is required to enjoy the broken coffee cups, Dame Maggie Smith impressions, and flurry of princess dresses that give this play its sincerity and charm.”

Working with ISU’s theatre students has been a highlight of the process. “The dedication, professionalism, and joy in the room is very impressive. They look out for each other and aren’t afraid to offer their ideas and ask questions, which makes my job so joyful and pleasant,” said Hymes. “I hope that they take away a sense of pride in their hard work and brave collaboration, as well as a reminder from these characters to look for joy and love–especially when things are feeling rough.”

Hymes also sees this production as an opportunity for the community to come together: “Post-pandemic and amid so much divisive political angst, reminding folks that they can create boundaries and speak to their needs while still having compassion for others who are going through a different struggle is exciting to me. We could all offer a little more grace and compassion while still holding onto our values.”

Tickets for “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” are available now at the ISU Stephens Performing Arts Center Box Office or online at . ISU students receive a free ticket when a valid Bengal ID is presented at the Box Office.

*Content Advisory: This production is rated PG-13 for language, adult situations, and innuendo.