My relationship with a 50-pound German shepherd puppy named Woofles is probably what A.R. Gurney had in mind when he penned his comedy “Sylvia.”
During Christmas break last year, my friend Annie returned home to New Hampshire to enjoy the holidays with her family. The problem was her puppy Woofles couldn’t fly with her.
Instead of leaving him alone in her apartment with a potty pad and a mound of puppy chow, Annie left Woofles in my care. For the next month, Woofles and I did everything together – we shared our secrets with one another and laughed together when there was really nothing funny to laugh at.
When Annie came to pick him up in January it was as if I was losing the best part of who I was and found myself starting statements with, “When Woofles and I would … “
I and the countless others who have experienced this dynamic will find solace as Loyola’s Department of Theatre Arts and Dance commences its 2007-2008 season with “Sylvia,” which explores the relationship between a man, his dog, and the other woman: his wife.
Greg and his wife Kate have moved to Manhattan after raising their children in the suburbs for 20 years. After living as a homemaker for two decades, Kate now wants to focus on her career, and Greg, going through a mid-life crisis, is looking for something missing in his life. What he finds is Sylvia, a street-smart Labrador and poodle mix.
Sylvia not only barks, but walks, talks, quotes Homer and sings Cole Porter.
While Greg is absolutely smitten with Sylvia, his wife is resentful of the menage a trois.
As a hilarious result, the marriage becomes strained. Kate grows distant and Greg becomes obsessed.
The New York Times, in its review of the New York opening, described “Sylvia” as being “critic-proof.” It opened in 1995 and starred Sarah Jessica Parker as the title character.
In fact, the character of Sylvia was written for her exclusively and is dedicated to her in the script.
After more than 10 years of success, “Sylvia” moves to New Orleans (without Sarah Jessica Parker) as part of the Loyola University New Orleans Montage Series, starring drama junior Patrick Anthony as Greg, mass communication senior Anna Toujas as Kate and drama sophomore Rebecca Hollingsworth as Sylvia.
The series strives to exhibit some of the top performing arts events in the South and dedicates itself to provide educational and entertaining performances.
Benjamin Clement, who returns to Loyola after the success of last season’s production “Bright Ideas,” directs the play. In addition to directing, Clement has performed in numerous productions and has worked with the prestigious Southern Repertory Theatre. Clement is a 1993 graduate of Loyola and holds a master’s in fine arts from DePaul University.
“The physicality of this production was fun – pushing the actors to go beyond reality, especially when one is a dog,” Clement said.
“Ben’s fantastic to work with,” said Adam Alonso, a theater arts sophomore and the play’s assistant costume designer.
“He’s conceptually there and is able to visualize things,” he said. “He knows what he wants and how to achieve that.
“On the surface it’s a good, heartfelt story, but there are deeper implications. The show’s about relationships and finding one’s self through them, whether it be through concurrence,” he said.
“Gurney has given us a great examination of our lives,” Clement said. “He doesn’t force us to believe anything. He puts ideas on the table for us to ruminate in our own minds. Sylvia’s a comedy, but a thoughtful comedy.”
According to Loyola’s Department of Theatre and Dance, it’s dedicated not only to producing quality art, but also building character both onstage and off.
A portion of the proceeds from each ticket purchased will benefit the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Additionally, there will be a deposit box at the theater entrance for anyone wishing to make a donation.
After Hurricane Katrina, the SPCA shelter on Japonica Street was destroyed, and while the temporary structure on the West Bank is an improvement, it’s far from ideal.
According to a statement on the College of Music and Fine Arts Web site, “There is an adage that says hardship builds character. We hope the hardships, and more importantly, the hardships the animals in our community have endured, will build an improved animal ethic. Loyola University Department of Theatre Arts and Dance is dedicated to helping the animals find a home and have a better life.”
Justin Templet can be reached
