Newnan Theatre Company Announces Production of SYLVIA

Mark Twain once said that, the more he was around people, the more he loved his dog. Newnan Theatre Company's new production of A.R. Guerney's "Sylvia" tests Twain's theory. Opening April 14, the show concerns a man, his wife, and a stray dog that comes into their life, causing no end of stress for all concerned.

Director Tony Daniel jumped at the chance to direct this show. "I have been a dog person my whole life, and to be a part of a show that allows a dog's thoughts to be spoken is amazing. Everyone talks to their dog as if they fully understand what is being said, and, well, who's to say they don't?"

"The whole show brings a new angle into things. A lot of the story is told from the point of view of the dog. We have our main human characters, of course, but by adding a voice to Sylvia, we get a look at things from her perspective. Fear of being alone, the conditions at a dog pound, the feelings a dog has that we only have vague ideas of. It really will give you cause to go home and think a bit more about the life of your dog."

Megs Free, a newcomer to the NTC stage, plays Sylvia, a streetwise stray dog who wanders into the life of a married couple. John Caldwell III and Michelle Mason play Greg and Kate, the Manhattan couple who find themselves on either side of the argument over whether or not they "need" a dog. "It is so much fun," Free says, "studying my own dog and suddenly noticing things in his personality that I have never paid attention to. The way he demands my attention, the way he cocks his head when he hears particular words. And then I get to bring all that into how Sylvia acts."

Also in the production are Megan Wiggins as Phyllis, Kate's society friend who stops in to visit, only to meet the 'terror of the apartment," Sylvia. Janet Wyche plays Leslie, the therapist who tries to get Kate and Greg past their fighting over the dog. Rob Stowe plays Tom, a fellow dog owner who becomes Greg's ersatz councilor on all things "dog related' as they meet in New York City's Central Park dog park.

"I think this show taps into all those emotions, good and bad, that surround having a dog in the family," Daniel says. "There is something so perfect about having a dog sit beside you, almost like a natural tranquilizer. But then, there's the going outside with them, no matter what the weather is like. Dogs love to be a part of whatever is going on with their humans, and their excitement often puts them underfoot, usually at the most inopportune times. And a dog's sense of comfort often tests their human companion to the very limits. I have a Shih Tzu, a relatively small dog, but, somehow, she always seems to be able to force me to the edge of a queen-size bed. But I would not trade her for love or money. That's what dogs do, they love you unconditionally, and everyone needs that from some source, no matter what."

A.R. Guerney's "Sylvia" opens in the Newnan Theatre Company's Black Box arena on April 14th, 2016 and runs through April 24th. Tickets are available by visiting the Newnan Theatre Company's website, www.newnantheatre.org , or by calling Newnan Theatre Company at 770.683.6282. If there are any questions about the show, please call Tony Daniel, Artistic Director of Newnan Theatre Company, for more details.

Photo Credit; Newnan Theatre Company's website.

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