The Department of Music and Theatre Arts at Monmouth University has announced a production of A. R. Gurney’s play Sylvia. The production runs February 28-March 4 and March 6-8 with all shows at 8 PM except for the Sunday matinee at 3 PM.
Sylvia is one of A. R. Gurney’s funniest plays, starring a dog that changes the lives of two New York City residents. Recent empty-nesters Greg and Kate decide to move back to the Big Apple after raising their two children, to take advantage of the excitement that the city has to offer. While on a walk in the park, Greg finds Sylvia the dog and decides to take her home. Sylvia becomes a member of the family, causing trouble and even testing the limits of Greg and Kate’s marriage. While Greg develops an instant affection for the pup, Kate’s hesitance toward Sylvia creates tension being the couple.
As time goes on, Sylvia helps Greg and Kate adapt to their new life in the big city. Over the span of 11 years, she touches the couple’s life in funny and heartwarming ways, and reminds the audience of how a dog can truly change a family’s life. Monmouth University Department of Music and Theatre Faculty, Dr. John J. Burke is the director of the University’s production. His goal in presenting this production is to stress, “the psychological need for us all… even adults… to have a pet in their lives, especially a dog.”
Sylvia first premiered Off-Broadway in 1995. Playwright A. R. Gurney has been heralded for writing the narrative to observe middle class life, as the audience watches Sylvia bring Greg and Kate back on track in their new but lonely city situation.
This production of Sylvia stars Monmouth University students Kara D’Antoni as Sylvia, Mark Cayne as Greg, and Samantha Truglio as Kate.
Sylvia is a production of the Department of Music & Theatre Arts at Monmouth University, and is sponsored by the university’s Center for the Arts. Tickets are available for $20/adults; $15/seniors; $10/non-MU students and free for students. For more information on this event, or to purchase tickets, please call the University Box Office at 732-263-6889 or visit www.monmouth.edu/mca.
