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.
Shyrl Cone, who plays Sonia, is a local elementary teacher who also teaches private music lessons. Active in theatre, Cone serves as president of Hartland Players, a parent mentor to the Hartland High School Drama Club, and secretary to the Community Theatre Association of Michigan.
She has two teenaged children, and her husband is producing this show.
Here’s a closer look at Shyrl Cone:
How did you get involved with the Hartland Players and what shows have you been involved with inthe past? What are some of your favorite roles from the past, either with the Hartland Players or other groups?
I became involved with the Hartland Players because my good friend Mary Jo Bell convinced me to try out for Nunsense several years ago. I was hooked, and since then have been involved in most shows produced by Hartland Players as well as Encore Youth Theater, acting, directing, or producing. My favorite roles include Sister Amnesia in “Nunsense,” Mary in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” and Jeri Neal in “Dixie Swim Club.” I am enjoying my current role of Sonia immensely.
What do you most enjoy about doing shows with the Hartland Players?
I enjoy the family aspect of Hartland Players. We as a group are very close.
What’s been your favorite part of the “Vonya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” experience?
By far, the laughter has been the best part of this show! We laugh through every rehearsal.
What can audience members expect when they see the show?
Audiences can expect to laugh hysterically, but they can also expect to see poignant moments and witness family bonding (as well as a young man in his underwear!).
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.
