Waterworks is holding auditions for its October production of Christopher Durang’s Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, winner of the Tony Award for Best Play and Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play in 2013. Set in the family farmhouse in rural Pennsylvania, Vanya and his adopted sister Sonia contemplate their lives, full of angst and regret and the prophecies of their housekeeper. Enter their sister Masha, the self-centered movie star, along with her boyfriend Spike, and the stage is set for a contentious weekend with hilarious consequences.

Waterworks Players’ Artistic Director Dudley Sauve will direct this production that contains many Chekhovian themes of relationships and yearnings, as well as the characters namesakes. “While the some of the play’s references will be enhanced with knowledge of Chekhov,” notes Sauve, “everyone will find this production very funny.”

We are seeking 6 actors (2 men and 4 women) for the following roles:

• Vanya (male) early 50s to early 60s, lives with his step-sister Sonia. He took care of their aging parents and didn’t do much of what he’d like to have done with his life, but is resigned, more or less.
• Spike (male) mid-late 20s, an aspiring actor and Masha’s new companion. Sexy, self-absorbed boy-toy. Friendly, charming, always seductive, attractive and is very well built.
• Sonia (female) early to mid 50s, Vanya’s step-sister living with him. Discontent, upset, regretful. Never had a romantic life. Volatile, and angry that her pretty sister, Masha, has had a life.
• Masha (female) early 50s to early 60s, Vanya’s other sister. Glamorous and successful actress who goes gallivanting around the world. A bit grandiose, but also charming. Has had five failed marriages and has recently taken up with a young actor, Spike.
• Nina (female) early to late 20s. Lovely, sincere would-be actress, visiting her aunt and uncle next door to Vanya and Sonia. Star-struck and energetic in her enthusiasm.
• Cassandra (female) early 30’s to mid 50’s. Cleaning lady and soothsayer, she often bursts into prophecy, her diction sounding like Greek tragedy mixed with contemporary thoughts and references.

Auditions will be held at 7:30 pm on September 4th and 5th at the Waterworks Theater. There will be cold readings from the script. In addition to the cast of six, we need a number of stage hands to assist during technical week rehearsals and the four public performances.

The show runs October 14, 15, 21, 22.

For more information or to volunteer, contact the Waterworks Players at 434-392-3452 or info@waterworksplayers.org.