Henderson State University Theatre to present award-winning play

ARKADELPHIA — Henderson State University Theatre will present seven performances of “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” April 13-15, 17 and 20-22.

All performances start at 7:30 p.m. A reception will follow the opening night performance.

Critic Ben Brantley describes Christopher Durang’s 2013 Tony Award-winning play as “scattered bits of Chekhov run through a contemporary plot processor,” a news release said. Included are a voodoo prophetess, Snow White, a narcissistic actress, a male bimbo, and a dewy young thing.

Vanya and Sonia have never left the confines of their childhood home in Bucks County, Pa., while their sister Masha has been gallivanting around the world as a successful actress. A surprise visit from Masha and her 20-something “boy toy,” Spike, throws the normally quiet household into utter upheaval as its residents and visitors get swept up in an intoxicating mixture of lust, rivalry, regret and the sudden possibility of escape.

The cast of the production includes Georgeann Burbank, of Benton; Matthew Burnett, of Prattsville; Damien Freeman, of Sheridan; Madi Moore, of Newport Beach, Calif.; Savannah Reynolds, of Monticello; and Jacey Russell, of Morrilton.

The play is under the direction of Claudia Beach, director of theater, with scenic design by Doug Gilpin, professor of theater. Lighting design is by Jennings Johnson, of Heber Springs; costume design by Tyler Felton, of Batesville; hair and makeup design by Dakota Mansfield, of Benton; and sound design by Courtney Palsa, of Searcy. The stage manager is Magee-Lee Preston, of The Colony, Texas.

The HSU Theatre Box Office in Arkansas Hall will be open for advance ticket sales from 1-4 p.m. beginning Monday. All seats are reserved. Admission is $8, or free with an HSU student ID, courtesy of the Student Activities Board.

The play is recommended for mature audiences.

Call 870-230-5291 or email theatre@hsu.edu for more information or reservations.