YSU offers interesting look at siblings

By Eric McCrea

entertainment@vindy.com

Youngstown

When Anton Chekhov makes a wrong turn at Albuquerque, you get Christopher Durang’s “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.” YSU opened its latest season with this hilariously absurd comedy about middle-aged siblings and the different paths their lives have taken.

Brother and sister Vanya, played by James McClellan, and Sonia, played by Molly Galano, live together in their old family home in Bucks County, where they spent years caring for their ailing parents. When Masha (Theresa Leonard) their other, much more successful and famous sister visits, she shakes things up a bit. Dragging along her young boy toy, Spike (Quincy Carrier), she has been invited to a neighbor’s costume party, and needs her siblings to complete her costume. When Masha is met with resistance and competition, her insecurities begin to show, and the diva shows her true colors. After she threatens to sell the house, Vanya and Sonia are left feeling unstable.

Director Lisa Ann Goldsmith cast two of the area’s most beloved actors to team up with students in this production, creating an interesting mix of youth and experience.

Galano and McClellan had amazing chemistry together. Galano can turn a show on a dime, and made great use of this from the start. She was bold and tender, provoking fear and sympathy at the same time. McClellan was no slouch, either. He flows like a tide – gentle and calm, then furious and unstoppable. His epic rant in the second act was a show-stopper. The pair added their years of experience before an audience to the collective cast, creating a great mix.

Mia Colon was riotous as Cassandra, the second-sighted part-time housekeeper. She showed great, lively character skills and was able to steal some spotlight, even from her more experienced co-actors. She was energetic and animated, showing great potential.

Carrier was a blast to watch as the vapid but mischievous Spike. His role didn’t have a ton of range, but he made up for it with physical presence.

Jessica Joerndt was a delight as the sweet and endearing Nina. Through no fault of her own, however, her character seems to be somewhat frivolous. Nina doesn’t seem to serve much purpose, other than to create continuing jealousy and set up some Uncle Vanya jokes. Subsequently, her role isn’t given much substance for Joerndt to tackle.

Durang is well known for some of the best modern comedies, mixed with very raw and powerful emotions. His shows tend to start out with strong humor, but at a certain point they turn, becoming saturated with drama, but with a focus on finishing in a neatly tied bow. This play is light on the heavy parts, making it feel less derivative, but the ending still has a slight feeling of being forced. In any case, Durang has always proved to be a crowd pleaser and a great experience.

“Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” runs at 2 p.m. today and next Sunday and at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For reservations, call 330-941-3105 or visit www.ysu.tix.com.