Theatre

Flagler College Stages Tony-Winning Family Comedy ‘Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike’ Nov. 11–15

A little Chekhov, a lot of comedy, and a dose of Wes Anderson aesthetic. Flagler College returns with a memorable look at family, fame and reconciliation.

By Teddy Regis

Vanya and Sonia (Mason White and Nora Moukhliss) glare at each other while debating who has had a harder life. Photo by Molly Johnson

"We used to lick postage stamps back then...We used typewriters...And Wite-Out for corrections. And carbon paper for copies." -Vanya. If this impassioned monologue excerpt speaks to your inner nostalgia, you'll want to reserve a seat at Flagler College's production of Christopher Durang's award-winning Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. The observant peacemaker of the fictional family who delivers the above line lives a quiet, simple life in rural Bucks County Pennsylvania.

A thousand miles away, in our centuries-old city full of vintage charm, it's no wonder that his message strikes a familiar chord. This Chekhovian production with comedic heart and a Wes Anderson aesthetic shares profound parallels to St. Augustine living. Both sit right where historic charm and modern growth intersect. A family home bound by history becomes as much a character as the squabbling adult siblings inhabiting it. The present-day applications don't stop where historical heritage and modern disruption meet, though.

When it comes to nostalgia and generational clashes, the St. Augustine you know and love inherently favors tradition over modern noise. At our core, we want to pay homage to history while keeping the peace with family and friends.

It's that very blend of classic depth and lighthearted resolution that brings the saga to Lewis Auditorium's stage. "We needed a contemporary comedy and this one, with the influence of Chekhov, gives the students a chance to become familiar with the work of the Russian playwright, but through a lens of comedy," notes director and Flagler College professor, Andrea McCook.  "Where Chekhov's characters are left with problems that are unresolved, the characters of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike come together in love and reconciliation. "

flagler-college-s-production-of-vanya-and-sonia-and-masha-and-spike-1
Vanya and Sonia (Mason White and Nora Moukhliss) glare at each other while debating who has had a harder life. Photo by Molly Johnson

The cast features Mason White as Vanya, Nora Moulkhliss as Sonia, Angel Hart as Masha, Ian McCasilin as Spike, Jewel Ramos as Cassandra and Adahlia Friedlander as Nina. Opening night is on November 11th at 7:30pm with additional showings running through November 15th. General admission is $20, and complimentary for Flagler faculty, staff and students. Prepare to laugh, gasp, smile and travel back home reflecting on just how beautifully art imitates this local life.

Box office: 904-826-8600

Venue: Lewis Auditorium, 14 Granada St