A guy in both midlife crisis and a stale marriage is an old story, but throw in a rambunctious adopted dog—played by an insouciant and lovely actress—and you have a play that is both poignant and laugh-out-loud funny. A. R. Gurney’s Sylvia is currently playing at the Edgemar Theatre in Santa Monica, a delightful local venue, and whether you love theatre, love dogs, or are simply looking for an evening of raucous entertainment, this production is a winner. Tanna Frederick, a former WLT cover girl (April/May 2010) has great acting chops, but here she gives free rein to camp—sniffing, cavorting, and freely anthropomorphizing a stray that our hero, played by Stephen Howard (Greg) brings home to the chagrin of his discombobulated wife Kate (Cathy Arden). Punctuating the fun is Tom Ayers in two roles that will have you practically rolling in the aisle.
Sylvia previously played in New York with a different cast, though it’s difficult to imagine anyone but Frederick in the part. Theatre is all about suspending your disbelief, but her flirtatious antics give new meaning to the phrase “It’s a dog’s life.”
Through July 10. Thur. Fri. & Sat. at 7:30pm & Sun. at 5pm, Edgemar Center for the Arts, 2437 Main Street, Santa Monica 90405. 310.392.7327
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The play was so awsome.I was laughing so hard my side was hurting.This was a very great play I wish I had a dvd of it to share with my family.
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