NSU Drama presents “Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike” by Christopher Durang - Oct. 23-26

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Northeastern State University’s Drama department is preparing for their next show at NSU’s Playhouse. The show, which premiers during homecoming week, also serves as a fundraiser for current NSU Drama students.

“Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike,” winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play, is a dark comedy written by Christopher Durang.

The show is directed by Dr. Scott Pursley, professor of drama and NSU alumnus. The comedy will feature performances by three NSU drama alumni, Michael Gaffney, Robin Kemp Robinson and Robyn Pursley, performing alongside current NSU drama students.

Dr. Robyn Pursley, assistant dean to the College of Liberal Arts, said the show is a way to celebrate the legacy that is NSU Drama. She said it is a fun show and she is excited to have the opportunity to be on stage with other alumni and her students.

“It really is a special experience to be working directly alongside them,” Pursley said. “Having various generations of drama alumni come together to work directly with current students is an invaluable experience for all involved. We see over and over again that alumni of our program have found so much value in their degrees in so many ways. It is a great way of showing our current students that they are not wasting their time.”

Pursley said she is also excited to be offering an event during homecoming and is looking forward to seeing alumni back on campus.

“I know we will have many alumni returning to visit our college family home, the Playhouse,” Pursley said. “Many of us had the pleasure of knowing and working with incredible NSU drama mentors like Charles Seat and C.H. Parker. It is a very special moment in time for us to honor their memories and acknowledge their legacies.”

Pursley said this production is extra special because it also functions as a scholarship fundraiser, with all proceeds from the show going into the Ray Heinicke Scholarship fund that supports NSU drama students.

“Our students are asked to give so much time to our program,” Pursley said. “We try to provide as much financial assistance to them as possible and our foundation scholarships become extremely important in that effort.”

“Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike” premieres at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, at the NSU Playhouse. Shows for Oct. 24 and 25 also start at 7:30 p.m. followed by a 4 p.m. showtime on Saturday, Oct. 26.

Tickets are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit nsuplayhouse.ludus.com. 

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