From now until opening night on Feb. 24, The Livingston Post will be profiling cast members of the Hartland Players’ production of “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.”
Hartland Players kicks off the 2018 year with “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” winner of the 2013 Tony award for Best Play. The hilarious blockbuster from noted playwright Christopher Durang begins Saturday, Feb. 24, and runs for four performances.
Set in Bucks County, Penn., adult siblings Vanya and Sonia reside in their old family home, mourning their lost dreams and missed opportunities. When their often-wrong, fortune-telling maid warns of impending dangers, and their movie star sister, Masha, arrives unexpectedly with young, sexy, boy toy Spike, the family is launched into a rollicking weekend of one-upmanship, exposed nerves, and a lot of broken mugs. If you’ve ever had a competitive sibling, this play should resonate with you.
Here’s a closer look at Cary Kalowick:
How did you get involved with the Hartland Players and what shows have you been involved with in the past? What are some of your favorite roles from the past, either with the Hartland Players or other groups?
This is my fourth time performing with The Hartland Players. Each time has been such a fun and unique experience. I was previously in “The Odd Couple,” “Love, Loss and What I Wore,” two vignettes in the 50th Anniversary Gala, and most recently “The Game’s Afoot.” Until this role, I would have to say that my role as Madge, in “The Game’s Afoot,” was my favorite. It was a murder mystery, and who doesn’t love those? I got to pretend to be possessed and spit blood, so that’s a lot of fun.
What do you most enjoy about doing shows with the Hartland Players?
In this production I play Masha, the eldest of three siblings and a successful, aging movie star who is desperate to fight the inevitable sands of time. Masha is extremly ego-centric, condescending, often unpleasant, insecure and determined to hold on to her 20-something year old boyfriend Spike. All of which makes her an extremely fun character to play.
I originally auditioned for my first role with The Hartland Players as a way to challenge myself, meet new people and have fun. I have succeeded in all three goals. Theater allows me to express myself in creative ways that are so very removed from my normal life as a nurse.
What can audience members expect when they see the show?
I think audiences will be thoroughly entertained by this show. I admit, I had never heard of the show when I saw the call for auditions. After reading the script, I couldn’t wait to be a part of it.
The Hartland Players’ production of “Vanya and Sonia and Mosha and Spike” takes the stage Feb. 24-25 and March 3-4 at the Hartland Music Hall, 3619 Avon St., Hartland, 48353. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday each weekend.
Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, available online at www.hartlandplayers.com, at the Cromaine Library, or by calling (810) 632-5849.
