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Sarasota News Leader January 17, 2014 Page 130 2013 TONY AWARD-WINNER TO OPEN AT ASOLO REP JAN. 22 Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, "the hysterically twisted, Chekhov-inspired 2013 Tony Award winner for Best Play," will continue Asolo Repertory Theatre's 2013-14 season with previews Jan. 22-23 and opening night on Jan. 24, the theatre has announced. The show will run through April 13. "Named after Chekhov characters by their theater-loving, professor parents," middle-aged siblings Vanya and Sonia still live in their parents' upscale farmhouse in Bucks County, PA, a news release explains. "When their world-traveling movie-star sister, Masha, makes a surprise visit with her sexy, 20-something 'boy toy' Spike, chaos rapidly ensues," the release adds. "The weekend reunion is compounded by sibling rivalry, envy and jealousy. While the family's prophetic cleaning lady, Cassandra, warns of the foreboding events to come, this tornado of mayhem and fun simply cannot be stopped," the release says. Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike will open at the Asolo Rep on Jan. 22. Contributed image "Durang, who is well known for his absurdly comical plays, is one of the funniest dramatists writing today," the release adds. His other works include Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You, The Marriage of Bette and Boo and Miss Witherspoon. He has received numerous Obie Awards as well as a Tony Award nomination for Best Book of a Musical for A History of the American Film. Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike will continue the second season of Asolo Rep's five-year American Character Project "and its focus on the truly extraordinary American Family," the release notes. "The play is packed with subtle and not-sosubtle Chekhovian references, but audience members by no means need to be avid Chekhov enthusiasts to enjoy this fun-filled play," the release continues. "Most references are explained by the characters themselves Tickets start at $21. To purchase them, call 351-8000, go to www.asolorep.org or visit the or the moment is funny on its own." Asolo Repertory Theatre box office, located "Chris Durang's new play is quite simply one of in the lobby of the theatre. Asolo Repertory the happiest theatre experiences I've ever had," Theatre is located at 5555 North Tamiami Michael Donald Edwards, producing artistic Trail in the Florida State University Center director of the Asolo Rep, says in the release. for the Performing Arts. FOR ADVERTISING INFO Sales@SarasotaNewsLeader.com • (941) 227-1080