Theatrical Review: “Sylvia”

SYLVIA
Written by: A. R. Gurney
Directed by: Daniel J. Gaouette
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA is currently their presenting their production of A. R. Gurney‘s “Sylvia.” The play is basically about a man, his dog, and his wife. However, there’s a lot more to this comic romp as it explores human and interspecies relationships with a great deal of hilarity.

The play begins with Greg (as portrayed by Jimmy Helms) brings home a stray dog named, “Sylvia” (as portrayed by Julie Abner). Yes, the dog is portrayed by a human actor which makes for some very interesting and revealing conversations. Upon her arrival home, Greg’s wife Kate (as portrayed by Beth Ann Baker) points out their pets should not be a part of an urban residence and immediately begins to dislike the animal. This dislike soon turns to jealousy as her husband’s attention is often focused upon it.

The play begins on a highly energetic note which can be largely attributed to Ms. Abner’s performance and echoed by that given by Mr. Helms. The early scenes of bonding between master and pet sets the fun filled tone of the play for the audience allowing them to know what is in store for them throughout its duration. Ms. Baker’s performance is equally as good as her role balances the play’s frivolity with a more serious temperament. This is especially seen in the delivery of a line in which there is a noticeable tear in her voice thus exploring a down side of pet ownership in which some human inhabitants of a household can feel displaced by the object of everyone’s affection. Rounding out the play are the roles Tom, Phyllis, and Leslie (all portrayed by a very versatile Kyle Donahue) in whom their very diversities add new comedic textures to the overall production.

The production is filled with a great deal of humor and insights to the characters presented on stage. Presenting the dog, “Sylvia” in human form allows such insights and humor to develop as well as providing the audience with an opportunity to suspend some very challenging disbeliefs. In fact, at one point of the play, the cast breaks out in a song. Many members of the audience were wondering where did this come from but were too amused by the situation to really care. It proved to be very enjoyable in spite (or maybe because) of it’s lack of logic in reference to the rest of the play.

Reflecting upon this, this reviewer begins to see how the relationship of this production and the audience is very much like that between a beloved pet and his/her master. A playfulness exists between the two and the audience is overwhelmed with joy as the cast tosses them a ball which they enthusiastically catch and brings back awaiting to discover what they’ll do next. The Audience’s willingness to go back and forth several times in this delightful exchange is enhanced every time it takes place because a loving rapport is developed early in the play and remains steadfast throughout. However, unlike the relationship between a pet owner and his/her pet, there comes a time when the audience seeks more meaning to the exchange then simply fetching what its thrown to them. But, when the time for this arrives, the play promptly delivers it and the treat is deeply appreciated.

The Shawnee Playhouse* production of “Sylvia” by A. R. Gurney was Directed by Daniel J. Gaouette and Staged Managed by Anthony DiMichele as assisted by Stephen Wovna. The Company’s Stage Manager was Byrdie Jacques*. The Set Designer and Master Carpenter was Scot Cleveland with Sound done by Lydia Watson*. The Costumer was Jenell Anne Manzi* with Dawn Rother at the production’s dresser. The Production’s properties were handled by Luke Swierczek*. The Shawnee Playhouse* producers are Ginny and Charlie Kirkwood while group Sales of their productions are handled by Mary Horn* (who also serves as a member of the Box Office Staff as assisted by Becky Haskell.) The Box office staff included Barbara Ross, Christina McManus, Areil Hudak*, and Melinda Clemente. The Shawnee Playhouse publicity is handled by Amy Cramer*. Midge McClosky* serves as The Shawnee Playhouse* Executive Director.

This production of “Sylvia” by A. R. Gurney continues its run at The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA until August 30th. I would recommend this production to anyone who would like to examine the many aspects of pet ownership while have a very fun time doing so. This is even true for those who do not have or ever wish to own a pet. The next Shawnee Playhouse* presentations will be their Children’s Theatre production of “The Jungle Book” which continues until August 22nd. “The Mousetrap” September 25th through October 25th, and “The Gin Game” October 30th through November 8th. Those who enjoy the Passionate Art Lover level of membership in The Forwardian Arts Society are offered a $2.00 discount off the admission fee of The Shawnee Playhouse* Productions (excluding Children Theatrical Productions and those presented by non Shawnee Production Companies). Please contact The Shawnee Playhouse* at 570-421-5093 for more information and to reserve your ticket.

Photograph provided by The Shawnee Playhouse depicting Jimmy Helms and Julie Abner from their production entitled, “Sylvia.”

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.