Play Review for "Sylvia"

"Sylvia"
By A.R. Gurney


The Sierra Madre Playhouse is nestled in the middle of a community, which has its own strange niche in Los Angeles.  Sierra Madre is a small town, in a big city.  The city can boast ties to Hollywood, is home to a widely varied people, and doesn't make a pretense at the hyperbole graffitied over antiquated buildings, and peeling paint that other towns nearby attempt.

It is perhaps for this reason that the Playhouse itself is uncomplicated and direct.  Not being surrounded by ostentation, it is simply a place to see a show. 

On Friday, February 4th, I sat down in this simple, but elegant show place, to watch an 8:00 pm showing of A.R. Gurney's famed play, Sylvia.  On a mission from my Program Manager at Artists On Demand Radio, I knew only two things about it.  The play had something to do with dogs, and one of the lead characters was the kind soul who would be plied into an interview by me following the performance.

I'm embarrassed by my lack of familiarity with the play, but I can't pretend I'm not pleased by my own ignorance.  I walked into the performance thoroughly unjaded by past experience, and as a result was uninhibitedly delighted by it.

"Sylvia' is the story of a man and his dog, but there is so much more to that relationship than those dry, parochial words can convey.  "Greg" is that man, he is a man who has reached a plateau in his life, which he stands on, looks around at the valley below and realizes it just isn't what he thought it would be.  His dissatisfaction is salved by his sudden discovery of a friend, a canine friend, Sylvia.  Through the course of the story, Greg develops a close, blindingly singular affection for Sylvia to the extent that it ends his career, and threatens his marriage.  Oblivious to all except his abiding affection for the animal, Greg makes fascinating leaps of conscious thought, but ultimately realizes that Sylvia is forcing him to choose between two incompatible lifestyles.

Having been completely beguiled by this story, I do not wish to divulge too much of the story here in my review.  I will only say that Tanna Frederick; a delightful, extraordinarily talented actress, plays Sylvia.  Between the dual images of Sylvia finding a "good crotch", and her later experience going through "heat", there are many moments of ridiculously hilarious malarky.

If you have, or have not seen "Sylvia", be sure to watch this show, Tanna Frederick gives Sylvia something I'm not sure anyone else could have.  She morphs fluidly and hilariously from shabby to shine.

Stephen Howard as Greg is the man anyone would want as their "owner", and Cathy Arden is so perfect as Kate, she makes you empathize with her plight, keeping you from entirely giving in to "Sylvia's" infectious sweetness.  Also Frank Dooley tackles several characters, and manages to make each one recognizable, yet fresh at the same time.  Well directed, well acted and eminently well written, I recommend Sylvia to anyone, but most particularly if you are yourself, a dog owner.  "Sylvia" will be playing at the Sierra Madre Playhouse until Saturday, February 19th, 2011.

The Sierra Madre Playhouse
87 West Sierra Madre Boulevard
Sierra Madre, CA 91024-2462
Reservations and Information: (626) 355-4318
www.SierraMadrePlayhouse.com

By: LRilea