Every dog has its play

“Sylvia” by A. R. Gurney is a howling commentary on mid-life angst and the role dogs play in our lives.  An empty-nester couple is faced with a jumbone of contention when the husband Greg brought home a stray dog named Sylvia.  Sylvia is cute, frisky, loyal yet outspoken.  She quickly establishes herself as Greg’s constant companion, which offers the escape he desperately needs but complicates the life of his wife Kate.

“Sylvia” is one of several plays produced by Blackhorse Village Players this season.  Director Lynn Kehrli and her cast and crew put together a hilarious and touching performance enhanced by the charm of a countryside playhouse in Caledon.

On the canine side of things, Kierston Drier, who plays Sylvia, is but a young pup packed with talent and energy.   In one of the scenes, her portrayal of a dog’s confrontation with a cat is outrageously convincing.

On the display board in the lobby of the theater, the cast readily credits their dogs as their inspiration, which I am sure, partially contributes to the howling success of this production.