PCPA Theaterfest Presents
Sylvia
A story of a man, his dog, and his wife

Sylvia
By A.R. Gurney
June 24 – July 3, 2010 – Marian Theatre -- July 9 - 25, 2010 – Festival Theater

This summer PCPA unleashes a howlingly funny and touching tale that takes the term “animal lover” to a whole other level.

Greg brings home a dog he found in the park—or that has found him—bearing only the name "Sylvia" on her name tag. A street-smart mixture of Lab and Poodle, Sylvia (Stephanie Philo) becomes a major bone of contention between husband (Peter S. Hadres) and wife (Catalina Maynard).

Sylvia offers Greg an escape from the frustrations of his job and the emotional turmoil of middle age. To his wife Kate, Sylvia becomes a rival for affection and puts a strain on the couple’s 22-year marriage. Greg begins spending less time at work and more time with Sylvia, increasing tensions in this love triangle. Sylvia thinks Kate just doesn't understand the relationship between man and dog. Kate protests that she’s not prejudiced against dogs…after all, she watches Snoopy.

"I can only call it one of the most involving, beautiful, funny, touching and profound plays I have ever seen…" —NY Daily News.
"Gurney's mad comedy is the most endearing good time to trot down the pike in many a moon. Howlingly funny…" —BackStage.

PCPA’s production of Sylvia is directed by Patricia M. Troxel with Scenic Design by Dave Nofsinger, Costumes by Juliane Starks, Lighting by Michael Frohling, and Sound by Walter T.J. Clissen.

Troxel says this play offers audiences a clever paradox -- a classic love triangle of two women and a man with their divided loyalties and passions coupled with a not so classic love triangle of a man, his wife and his newly adopted dog. Or is it a man, his wife and his new fascination – part partner/part mistress/part soul mate? While delighting audiences with its double entendres, both visual and verbal, this comedy explores desire and disappointment, refuge and redemption, wit and a good walk in the park. It’s also about how we experience the second thirty years of life. This is not a play about youth; it is rather a play of middle age and the discoveries both good and bad we make when we are forever over 35.

A.R. Gurney, who also brought us Love Letters, opened Sylvia in 1995 featuring Sarah Jessica Parker in the title role. It was nominated for three Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Play, Actress (Parker), and Costume Design.

Also playing this summer… Curtains, West Side Story, Songs for a New World, and the world premiere of Invierno. Visit www.pcpa.org for photos, multi-media, calendars, program notes, casting, and more.

For the best seating, lowest prices, and exclusive privileges become a season ticket holder. Subscription packages start with as few as 4 plays, or see all 8 throughout the season for the ultimate theatre experience. Call the box office to receive a subscription brochure or email: boxoffice@pcpa.org.

For tickets call 805-922-8313 between 1 and 7pm Wednesday through Sunday, or purchase single tickets for the current season online anytime at www.pcpa.org.
Information about Group Sales for 12 or more patrons may be obtained by contacting groups@pcpa.org or by calling 1-800-PCPA-123.
Now in its 46th season, PCPA Theaterfest is the Central Coast’s Resident Professional Theatre Company, and has infused the national theatre scene with thousands of trained actors and theatrical technicians over the years in its conservatory.

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The Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts (PCPA) of Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria, California supports a unique, fully-accredited vocational training program for aspiring actors and theatre technicians. PCPA is the only training program of its kind offered by a community college in the United States.