Fall Play Preview: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
A look at the theater department's upcoming fall production
With Fall Fest coming up this weekend, Professor Klassen and the theater department have been preparing a play titled Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike by Christopher Durang.
This play is set in an old, crumbling, farm home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Vanya and Sonia are siblings who have taken over the farm since their parents passed away.
When Vanya and Sonia’s sister, Masha, comes home to visit, conflict ensues. We meet Spike, who is Masha’s young lover, along with many other characters.
“This leads to nothing short of a wild weekend at the farmhouse,” said Professor Damon Klassen, director of theater at Bethel College.
Klassen has been working for Bethel College for eight, going on nine years. For four of those years, he was the technical director and directed one play, and he is now in his third year of being the full-time director of theater.
When asked about play preparation, Klassen spoke about the student commitment needed.
“Students only get four weeks to prepare themselves for the plays, leaving little downtime. We meet every weeknight for two to three hours. Within these four weeks, students memorize lines, build stage props, and learn stage directions,” said Klassen.
Vanya is played by Preston Vicenzi, Sonia is played by Selphie Collins, Masha is played by Kyra Linenberger, and Spike is played by Isaiah Smith.
This play is a mix of comedy and drama with highbrow and lowbrow moments throughout the scenes. It has also been a long time coming. “I have wanted to direct this play since it came out in 2013,” stated Klassen.
There will be three performances of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.
Performances will be held on Friday, Oct. 3 at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 4 at 3:00 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 5 at 2:00 p.m. All performances will be held in Krehbiel Auditorium in the Luyken Fine Arts Center.
Tickets can be purchased at the Thresher Shop or at (316) 284-5205.