McCarter Theatre’s Production of `Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike’ Receives Six Tony Award Nominations

Sigourney Weaver and David Hyde Pierce in "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike." Photo: T. Charles Erickson.
Sigourney Weaver and David Hyde Pierce in “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.” Photo: T. Charles Erickson.

McCarter Theatre Center’s production of Christopher Durang’s play “Vanya and  Sonia and Masha and Spike” has received six Tony Award nominations, including best play.

Director Nicholas Martin was recognized for his work on the production. So were cast members David Hyde Pierce and Kristine Nielsen in leading role categories, and Billy Magnussen and Shalita Grant for their featured roles. The production also starred three-time Oscar nominee Sigourney Weaver and Genevieve Angelson.

A McCarter Theatre commission and a recipient of the Edgerton Foundation New American Plays award, “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” had its world premiere at McCarter from September 7 through October 14 of 2012.

Artistic Director Emily Mann and McCarter’s artistic staff provided Durang with several readings and ongoing support that allowed him to refine his play via the McCarter Lab, McCarter’s new play development program. McCarter’s efforts in developing the world premiere led to a co-production with the Lincoln Center Theater. The production, with the same cast and creative team that launched the play at McCarter, is now playing on Broadway at the John Golden Theatre.

Christopher Durang’s plays include “A History of the American Film”, “Sister Mary Explains It All For You”, “Beyond Therapy”, “Baby With The Bathwater”, “The Marriage of Bette and Boo”, “Sex and Longing”, “Laughing Wild”, “Miss Witherspoon” (a McCarter commission and world premiere), “Betty’s Summer Vacation” and “Why Torture is Wrong, and the People Who Love Them”.

The Tony Awards ceremony will be broadcast live from Radio City Music Hall, on CBS-TV on June 9.