"Sylvia" will open at the Birdcage Theatre in Oroville on Friday, Jan. 20 and run through Feb. 5. The comedy/drama was written by A. R. Gurney and first appeared at the Manhattan Theater Club in 1995.
"Anyone who has dogs and loves them would love this play," said Director Sarah Bartlett-Pierce. "Dog lovers will see some familiar scenes in 'Sylvia.'"
The play is set in a present-day apartment in Manhattan, New York City. It is the home of Greg (Dennis Perri) and his wife Kate (Cheryl Turnbough). The middle-aged couple are in an adjustment period having just moved back to the city from the suburbs now that their children are grown and gone. Kate's job as a public school English teacher is taking her to new heights of achievement, while Greg has lost interest in his career as a financial trader.
"This is basically a mid-life crisis for Greg. Kate describes his depression as, 'A male menopausal moment,'" Bartlett-Pierce said.
The play opens in late afternoon when Greg returns home accompanied by a beautiful, playful young dog he picked up in the park. Her only identity is a name tag bearing her first name.
Greg shares a mutual admiration with Sylvia (Soey Mahjour), but is worried about Kate's reaction to her presence in the apartment. Especially since Kate has declared
When Kate meets the "take over the house" Sylvia, she has an immediate dislike for her and demands Greg find her another home. The adoring Sylvia has become such a crucial part of his life Greg is torn between his two loves.
During one of their walks in the park, Greg and Sylvia meet Tom (Dennis Ashley) who shares a philosophical approach to Greg's problems.
Phyllis (also played by Ashley), Kate's old classmate and friend, offers advice. Leslie (Ashley again), a marriage counselor of undetermined gender, tries to resolve their problems and ends up just as bewildered. Greg finally faces his obsession and tells Sylvia when it comes to choosing between his wife and his dog — he chooses his wife.
He decides to give Sylvia to another family. At the last minute, Kate has a change of heart and welcomes Sylvia to their home permanently. Greg and Kate resolve their differences, Greg finds a job he likes better and they live happily ever after. Good girl, Sylvia, good girl.
The title role of Sylvia is portrayed by a newcomer to the Birdcage Theatre, Butte College student Mahjour. Another newcomer is Ashley, aptly playing three roles.
The "Sylvia" concept is that the title-role is played by an actor who talks, projecting the thoughts of humans in her life. She doesn't look like a dog and doesn't walk on all four legs. Her, "Hey, hey!" sounds like an excited barking. She jumps onto the sofa, clings to people, lays her head on knees and focuses adoring gazes into Greg's eyes.
"Soey was instantly a very good dog," Bartlett-Pierce said. "She is adorable and puts a lot of energy into the part. We have to top rehearsal sometimes because we are laughing so hard."
During all of the performances there will be a Northwest SPCA booth in the Birdcage lobby. People attending the play are welcome to drop off monetary donations, as well as dog food, kitty litter and other pet necessities. All donations go to the SPCA, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Northern California. People running the booth will be from the Oroville Humane Society.
"Sylvia" tickets are $15 adults, preteens $7. For ticket information, call the Birdcage Theatre Box Office, 533-2473 or go online www.birdcagetheatre.net.
It’s A Dog’s Life
“Sylvia,” by A. R. Gurney, is a hilarious play about a man and his dog, oh, and his wife. Directed by Sarah Bartlett-Pierce, Sylvia is being performed at the Birdcage Theatre from January 20 – February 5, 2012. Our first show of 2012 is surely one you won’t want to miss! Everyone that has lived with a dog in their heart will relate to this play and walk away laughing! The North West Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will have a booth in our lobby accepting donations (no pets please) during the performances. Showtime is 7:30pm on Friday and Saturday nights; 2:00pm for Sunday matinees. Adults are $15.00 and pre-teens are $7.00. The Birdcage Theatre, located at 1740 Bird Street since 1984 in downtown Oroville, is a non-profit community theatre. Tickets are available in advance at Bartlett’s Hearing Aid Center, 2450 Oro Dam Blvd, Ste C and at Betty Jean’s, 1920 Bird Street.