Past and Present Vanya

This world premiere of Vanya on the Plains written by Jason Hendrick is a contemplative theater experience.

Set in a future totalitarian society, the main character of Elijah (lovingly and expertly played by Frank Nall) tries to get his family connecting again by assembling and directing them to perform Chekov’s Uncle Vanya in their own home. He is the heart of this production. Natural and moving with grace Mr. Nall is amazing. His family is detached from reality and do not interact well or not at all sometimes. The younger family members do not know what a play is or and have no concept of acting. Like a small town community theater director with very limited casting options, he forges on with rehearsing, blocking, and introducing a some basic human/stage connection techniques: like just looking into someone’s eyes when you speak.

The “plains” in the title refers to an area in which the family lives. An area without any discernable landscape other than just bleak. Just beyond the “plains” is the “outland”, which is even more desolate than where this family currently lives. The action takes place in the home of the family, using the main living area as the set and for this production of “Uncle Vanya”.

Who will they perform for? Well, themselves of course, with the wish and hope to invite people once the show’s rehearsals are over and they are ready for an audience. The trouble is it never really stops rehearsing; well, that is, until something happens at the end of the play that was predictable, but still emotional as well.

It is delightful to watch as the characters of the family emerge on the scene one by one. They move into their parts with preconceived notions of what they should do or sound like based on their own life experiences. This frustration by the director Elijah is evident, but his patience and awe at the progress makes you smile. How long before he snaps at them for not understanding acting and pretending or how the characters should interact with each other?

The family is challenging in many ways.

As Anka, Katherine Schwartz is the steady but emotional sister who continues to rely on a virtual version of her husband who went to the Outlands and never came back. Are they expecting him? No, but she is. Her emotional turn to connect to anyone besides her virtual husband over and over is both frustrating and sad. She longs for something different, but doesn’t know how to break free. Ms. Schwartz gave a lovely performance for a difficult character.

The young daughter, Sophia, played by Ariana Lopez makes an attempt to figure out what grandpa Elijah is up to while he coaches her through her scenes. She has her own feelings as a young maiden and a girl friend from the “outlands”. She goes willingly along with the play and learns something vital about herself along the way.

Kathy Scambiattera as Gayle, gives an excellent turn as the vodka drinking, turban wearing, sardonic mother-in-law. This role is life-blood for this show. Ms. Scambiatterra’s timing and banter were perfection and showed her experience and command. You will really lean in to the scenes with Mr. Nall and herself, as they wonderful to observe together. Her final “wrap up” at the end of the play sends the audience off with quiet contemplation.

Mark Pracht’s portrayal of Carl at times seemed coldly robotic, but with a deep heart of sadness. His commitment to his role in the Uncle Vanya show, was oddly cathartic and let the audience see a glimpse of him vulnerable and frustrated with his job in the “outands”. He has a large stage prescience and used it wisely for the benefit of his character.

The youngest of the lot and Sophia’s annoying brother was played by Ben Zarbock. Mr. Zarbock brought a pleasant presentation of youth and mistrust in the show. I thought he did and admirable job as this was his first show outside of high school. He certainly was not afraid to explore the full dimensions of this sweet but misunderstood person.

An intriguing outsider that gets to be in the show is the lovable Barry, played by Eric Simon. Mr. Simon was entertaining as he was empathetic. Perhaps closest to a true “clown” of this theater production.

This play was entertaining, but got inside your head. What would my future look like? Will I know what I know if the world changes around me and doesn’t take me with it? How far is too far in this digital world and the “connections” we make?

Directing this piece, commenting on the past, but made in the future was no easy task. Kayla Adams colored outside the lines and it payed off. The actors all seemed to be with her and committed to the absurdist language running throughout its scenes.

The set was simple and effective ( Kevin Hagan) and the costumes were coordinated without being too obvious (Zachary Wagner).

At just over two hours, the show’s first act can drag down this otherwise entertaining play. The first act script needs some editing as it can feel a bit drawn out towards the end of it. The pace of act two seemed more appropriate. I really enjoyed the small monologues each actor gives as they report to the primary government or overseers. These quiet moments were well acted and care was taken to reach out to the audience to share something about each character you had not seen before. The NCTP officers from the “outlands” always seemed to be a sense of dread for the players. A sort of – Von Trapp Family trepidation at the final concert – feel.

I think you would gain deeper appreciation if you knew the play “Uncle Vanya” but not a deal breaker. You will enjoy without knowing the Chekov play completely.

“Vanya on the Plains” runs through October 27th Thursday through Sunday at Artistic Home at 1376 W Grand Ave. For tickets call 866/811-4111 or visit www.theartistichome.com Tickets are $28 for Thursday and Sunday and $32 for Friday and Saturday. Seniors and Students are $20.

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Reviewed by Lazlo Collins