A packed house took in the preview of Butler Little Theater's “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” by Chris Durang which opens this weekend and runs through May 12.

With several Chekhov references and the siblings named for characters in Anton Chekhov's works it is not surprising that tones of his spread throughout the production. It is hard to believe so much laughter can be had in a show about some seriously dreary people. Chalk it up to good acting and witty dialogue.

Strong performances entertained the audience whose heads nodded in agreement and rewarded the actors with robust laughter and awkward silences at the right time.

The cast is a blend of young and seasoned actors bringing the Tony Award winning show to life. While the play is billed as a comedy, a finely woven thread of sentiment intertwines the characters.

Rik Medic as Vanya skillfully played his mild discomfort saving up his energy for a powerful, compelling and dynamic monologue at the second half. The tirade was seemingly so out of character from the placating brother he'd shown himself to be. He's the brother who stayed behind to care for his aging parents and lost himself in the process. His rant covers in great detail all that he feels was lost as time marched on.

Sister Sonia is portrayed by the always enjoyable Katy Closkey Wayne. Her character was a frumpy firecracker hidden in a marshmallow sort of role that had audiences empathizing with her one moment and fearing the swearing coffee throwing shrew the next moment. She was quite the chameleon and seemed to move effortlessly between the two. Most entertaining was watching Sonia emerge from a dwarf to a diva with sequins and a tiara.

Heidi Nicholls Bowser owned the role of Masha the aging movie star and drama queen. Though financially supportive of her siblings she was emotionally absent during the toughest moments of their lives. Her presence evokes feelings of resentment and hostility from her siblings.

Her young boy toy, Spike, was played by Kyle DePasquale who was extremely energetic and comfortable in his own skin and his underwear, which we saw a lot of. Their chemistry was fun, yet his role called for him to have chemistry with just about everyone.

This production featured the most entertaining cleaning lady of all time. Later Hazel brings on the Greek drama quoting Cassandra played by Renee Dialesandro. Her energy, expression and delivery were on point and it was always exciting when she entered a scene. Her outlandish dire predictions and warnings of doom were hilarious.

Little neighbor Nina was played by the adorable Laila Tyler who capably portrayed the star struck and endearing eager to learn budding actress. She created tension with Masha and Spike but shared a sweet connection with Vanya.

The pacing of the show, which was a tad over two hours, was generally good and the scene changes quick but there were a few slow points where the author elaborated a bit and the audience glanced at their watches.

The show focused on growing older and seasons of change. Learning how to embrace the changes and grow together as opposed to growing older apart. Durang makes middle aged despair deliciously delightful. Some adult language and content make the show not family friendly.

Tickets are on sale now for $13 available online at www.bltgroup.org. Limited tickets available at the door 45 minutes before each performance. The show runs through May 12 at Butler Little Theater at One Howard Street.

WHO: Butler Little TheaterWHAT: “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” by Chris DurangWHEN: 8 p.m. May 5 and May 11; 12. 2:30 p.m. May 6; and 7:30 p.m. May 8 and 12WHERE: Butler Little Theater, One Howard Street, ButlerTICKETS: $13 Available online at www.bltgroup.org