Sylvia at Theatre Workshop of Nantucket

Nantucket, MA — Theatre Workshop of Nantucket (TWN) is delighted to announce its

upcoming production of A.R. Gurney’s beloved comedy Sylvia, running September 10 through

October 5. Directed by Abbey O’Brien, this witty and heartwarming play explores love, loyalty,

and the chaos that ensues when a stray dog comes between a husband and wife.

About the Play

When middle-aged Greg brings home an energetic dog named Sylvia—played, of course, by

a woman—his marriage is thrown hilariously off balance. For Greg, Sylvia is a loyal

companion and an escape from midlife discontent. For his wife Kate, she’s a rival for affection

and attention. As tensions rise, the couple navigates jealousy, devotion, and the blurred lines

between pets and people in this laugh-out-loud comedy with a surprisingly tender bite.

Cast & Creative Team

Erica Knight (Sylvia)

Erica Knight stars as Sylvia, the lovable and mischievous dog. A TWN favorite, she has

previously appeared on the TWN stage in Sense and Sensibility and the holiday favorite

Winter Street.

John Shea (Greg)

Emmy Award–winning actor John Shea portrays Greg, the middle-aged husband whose world

spins delightfully out of control when he brings home Sylvia. Shea’s career spans stage, film,

and television, including Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (Lex Luthor),

Dynasty, and Mutant X; films such as Missing (with Jack Lemmon and Sissy Spacek), Hussy

(with Helen Mirren), and Windy City; plus numerous Broadway and regional appearances. He

is a beloved artistic presence at TWN.

Ellie Gottwald (Kate)

Ellie Gottwald plays Kate, Greg’s sharp, adoring (and often exasperated) wife. She has

appeared in several standout TWN productions including Steel Magnolias, Black Tie, The

Odd Couple (Female Version), and the smash hit Terms of Endearment. On screen, she is

widely recognized for her role as Rachel Carruthers in the cult-classic films Halloween 4: The

Return of Michael Myers and Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers. Ellie is also an

accomplished watercolor artist and the creative force behind Front Porch Studio on

Nantucket.

Amy Griffin (Tom, Phyllis, and Leslie)

Amy Griffin brings sharp comedic flair to three wildly distinct characters—Tom, the streetwise

dog owner; Phyllis, the polished socialite; and Leslie, the therapist. Her credits includeBroadway: How the Grinch Stole Christmas; Off-Broadway: Once Upon a Mattress, The

English Bride.

Directed by Abbey O’Brien

Abbey O’Brien is a New York–based director/choreographer with more than two decades in

the industry. Broadway/NY credits include Waitress (Associate Choreographer; later

Restager) and Jagged Little Pill (Associate Choreographer), as well as performing in

Spamalot and Pal Joey. Regional directing/choreography highlights include The Rocky Horror

Show, Dreamgirls, Smokey Joe’s Café, Big Fish, Rock of Ages, American Idiot, and Mamma

Mia!; TV/film work includes The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show Starring

Jimmy Fallon, and NBC’s Smash.

Performance Information

Sylvia will run from September 10 through October 5 at Bennett Hall, Theatre Workshop of

Nantucket’s home in the heart of town. Tickets are available at www.theatrenantucket.org or

by calling (508) 228-4305.

Authors

• DJ Walde
• Josh Cohen
• Kate Prince
• Priya Parmar