SCT's September production features stellar alumni cast - Theatre and Dance Blog

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SCT’s September production features stellar alumni cast

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VSMSSpringfield will be star-studded this month as Missouri State alumni and notable television and film actors Tess Harper and Jack Laufer take the stage for Springfield Contemporary Theatre’s “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.”

The Christopher Durang comedy won the 2013 Tony Award for best play.

Strong MSU influence in cast, crew

The MSU ties don’t stop there. The pair will be joined by MSU alumni Terry Bloodworth, director, Julie Bloodworth, playing Masha opposite Harper’s Sonia and Laufer’s Vanya, Whitney Russell-Ice, as Nina, and Teresa Ayres, the production’s costume designer.

Theatre and dance junior Matt Murphy will play Spike; and Helen Groves, a former Missouri State instructor, will take on the role of Cassandra.

The SCT production is co-sponsored by the College of Arts and Letters and theatre and dance department.

Show is culmination of 40 years of friendship

Terry Bloodworth said Laufer approached him about doing the show.

“We all have maintained close friendships over the past 40-plus years. When Jack saw an L.A. production of the show, he wrote me a note and asked if I would like to direct him, along with Tess and my wife, in an SCT production of the show. I jumped at the chance, of course,” he said.

Tess Harper graduated in 1972. She recently had reoccurring roles in “Breaking Bad” and “Crash.” She has won awards for her acting in movies such as “No Country for Old Men” and “Tender Mercies.”
Tess Harper graduated in 1972. She recently had reoccurring roles in “Breaking Bad” and “Crash.” She has won awards for her acting in movies such as “No Country for Old Men” and “Tender Mercies.”
Jack Laufer, who graduated in 1976, just wrapped up his third season in the Showtime series “Masters of Sex." He is also known for his roles in “Star Trek Into Darkness,” “Mad Men” and “And the Band Played On.”
Jack Laufer, who graduated in 1976, just wrapped up his third season in the Showtime series “Masters of Sex.” He is also known for his roles in “Star Trek Into Darkness,” “Mad Men” and “And the Band Played On.”

About the show

Middle-aged siblings Vanya and Sonia share a home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where they bicker and complain about the circumstances of their lives. Suddenly, their movie-star sister, Masha, swoops in with her new boy toy, Spike. Old resentments flare up, eventually leading to threats to sell the house.

“VSMS is a very funny and heartfelt play about families falling apart and coming back together, and the cast is a mix of gifted amateurs and remarkable pros,” Terry Bloodworth said.

Dates: Sept. 11-13, 17-20, 24-27
Times: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m.
Location: Springfield Contemporary Theatre, 431 S. Jefferson Ave #136
Admission: Tickets go on sale through the Springfield Contemporary Theatre.