CPH’s ‘Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike’ is a delightful diversion

Bob Abelman

Cleveland Jewish News, The News Herald, The Morning Journal

Member, International Association of Theatre Critics

Imagine hearing the words of 19^th century Russian playwright Anton Chekhov – a man who proclaimed that his work was meant to tell an audience “Have a look at yourselves and see how bad and dreary your lives are!” – with a laugh track.

That is the disorienting but absolutely delightful experience of sitting through Christopher Durang’s uproariously funny “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” currently on stage at Cleveland Play House. 

The laugh track comes courtesy of the audience.