Theatre department unleashes laughter with “Sylvia”
How do you choose between the loves of your life, especially if one has two legs and the other four? The Hanover College Theatre Department will delve into this dilemma with its springtime presentation of the celebrated comedy “Sylvia,” Friday-Sunday, March 31-April 2.
Penned by American playwright and novelist A.R. Gurney, “Sylvia” is a heartwarming comedy about Greg, a down-on-his-luck businessman who finds an abandoned dog in the park. He befriends the stray animal, which wears a tag with Sylvia on it, and brings her home. The decision begins a string of issues for this newly created romantic triangle, including a wife who loathes dogs, mounting tensions, compromise and, ultimately, saying good-bye. Must Greg decide between divorce or the pound?
Hanover’s presentation of “Sylvia” will be staged at The Other Place, located between Donner Hall and Ide Hall. The March 31 and April 1 shows will start at 7:30 p.m. The April 2 show will start at 2 p.m.
The production, featuring an all-student cast, is directed Gabriel Vanover, assistant professor of theatre.
General admission tickets are free and available in advance. Reservations of tickets are required due to limited seating in the venue. Tickets may be printed or scanned upon entry from a barcode on a mobile device.
Please note, due to language and adult humor, this production is not suitable for children.
Gurney, who died June 13, 2017, is best known for his Pulitzer Prize-nominated play “Love Letters.” He also penned noted works “The Dining Room,” “Sweet Sue” and “The Cocktail Hour” during the 1980s.
“Sylvia” premiered Off-Broadway at the Manhattan Theatre Club in May 1995. The original production, which ran for 167 performances, included Sarah Jessica Parker (as Sylvia), who earned a Drama Desk Award nomination for outstanding actress. The play also received nominations for outstanding play and outstanding costume design.
“Sylvia” made its Broadway debut at the Cort Theatre in October 2015. The cast included Matthew Broderick with costuming by Academy Award-winning designer Ann Roth.
