NextStop Theatre’s "Sylvia" small cast: Phil Bufithis (as Greg), Sherry Berg (Sylvia) and Gayle Nichols-Grimes (as Kate). Photo by Jaclyn Young/NextStop Theatre
Where and When
NextStop Theatre presents "Sylvia" at the Industrial Strength Theatre, 269 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon. Performances: Thursdays, Oct. 23, Nov. 6 and Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays, Oct. 24, Oct. 31, Nov. 7 and Nov. 14 at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, Oct. 25, Nov 1 at 8 p.m., Nov. 8 at 2 and 8 p.m., and Nov. 15 at 2 and 8 p.m.; Sundays, Oct. 26 at 2 p.m., Nov. 2 at 2 and 7 p.m., Nov. 9 and 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets: $28. Information and tickets call: 866-811-4111 or visit: www.nextstoptheatre…. "Sylvia" contains adult language and situations that may not be appropriate for all audiences.
NextStop's upcoming comedy "Sylvia" is by master American dramatist A.R. Gurney whose work has not been performed before at the Industrial Strength Theater. The comedy looks at a middle class couple, now empty-nesters, who move back into the city, leaving their comfortable suburban life. Oh what surprises are in store for them.
For Evan Hoffmann, NextStop's artistic director, "Sylvia" is an appropriate choice to create.
"It will resonate with audiences, especially those who have seen their children grow up and now they are entering a new phase of life," Hoffmann said.
So what is so special about a couple moving back into the city? First there is a stray, quite talkative, energetic, flirty girl dog named Sylvia. She totally upends things when husband Greg brings her home to wife Kate in their small apartment and new urban life. Add an assortment of fascinating female and male characters who make their share of comments and observations on the situation and all played by one male actor. There is even a bit of Cole Porter music and his "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye.”
What audiences will have is an evening that moves from the joys and woes of owning an energetic dog to issues of making one's way through love and marriage. Of course, tempers flare as all things are tested in rather a very dog-centered world.
To helm "Sylvia" is Doug Wilder with his flair for directing material about modern life. He is director of education at the National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts.
"'Sylvia' is more than just a dog-lovers play, it is also a terrific look at what holds a marriage together once the kids leave the nest, and how sharing the things you love with your partner can hold the marriage together..."
NextStop's cast includes Sherry Berg, a "terrific physical comedian" to bring "the character of Sylvia to life." Phil Bufithis and Gayle Nichols-Grimes bring "believability and realism to their roles, with tremendous vulnerability, and a great sense of strong comedy skills," said Wilder. Christopher Herring is "a chameleon, and he knows how to change physicality and characterization to maximize the three roles he plays."
NextStop audiences are also in for a visual feast as the Industrial Strength Theatre will be transformed into both a city apartment with roof and an urban park all through the work of a talented veteran design team. Let good times roll.