Sylvia
by A R Gurney, Albert Ramsdell Gurney

Name: Sylvia
Brand: A R Gurney
SKU: 9780822214960
Rating: 3.76 (445 reviews)

BroadwayOff-Broadway

Highlights

Small Cast

Female

Male

120 minsPresent DayExpandable CastingFlexible Cast SizeUnit Set/Multiple SettingsContemporary Costumes/Street ClothesAmerican Comedy

What readers are saying

Readers find 'Sylvia' to be a delightful and amusing exploration of relationships, particularly the bond between humans and their pets. Many appreciate its clever writing and humor, along with its capacity to evoke profound emotions. However, some feel the play's themes haven't aged well and note a few pacing issues.

Clever and humorous dialogueTouching portrayal of pet relationshipsEngaging and unique premisePerfect for dog loversA tad long in placesEnding feels abrupt or cheap

Synopsis

Greg and Kate have moved to Manhattan after twenty-two years of child-raising in the suburbs.

Greg’s career as a financial trader is winding down, while Kate’s career, as a public-school English teacher, is beginning to offer her more opportunities.

Greg brings home a dog he found in the park or that has found him – a pup bearing the name “Sylvia” on her name tag.

A street-smart mixture of Lab and poodle, Sylvia becomes a major bone of contention between husband and wife.

She offers Greg an escape from the frustrations of his job and the unknowns of middle age, but to Kate, Sylvia is a rival for affection.

The marriage is put in serious jeopardy until, after a series of hilarious and touching complications, Greg and Kate learn to compromise, and Sylvia becomes a valued part of their lives.

The twist in this crowd-pleasing comedy is that Sylvia is played by a woman, making her rivalry with Kate for Greg’s affection feel all too human.

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Press Reviews

"Dramatic literature is stuffed with memorable love scenes, but none is as immediately delicious and dizzy as the one that begins the redeeming affair in A.R. Gurney’s new comedy, Sylvia."
— The New York Times

"Gurney’s mad comedy is the most endearing good time to trot down the pike in many a moon. Howlingly funny."
— BackStage

Characters

Character	Gender	Age	Description
Greg	—	—	—
Kate	—	—	—
Tom, Phillis, Leslie Preferably to be played by one other actor	—	—	Preferably to be played by one other actor
Sylvia	—	—	—