A.R. Gurney's Acclaimed Comedy 'Sylvia' At Florida Rep

Witty and Intelligent Comedy, SYLVIA, Opens at Florida Rep

Florida Repertory Theatre announced the opening of, Sylvia, a witty and intelligent comedy about a man, a woman and the mutt who threatens to put their marriage in the doghouse.

Opening Jan. 7, with discounted previews Jan. 4, 5 and 6, Sylvia is a funny look at marriage and growing older, and has become somewhat of a classic since its Broadway run in the early 90s.

Written by A.R. Gurney, author of Love Letters, A Cocktail Hour and Florida Rep hits, The Middle Ages and Indian Blood, Sylvia follows Greg and Kate, two recent empty-nesters, through a mid-life crisis of sorts. After years of blissful suburban life, they move to Manhattan as Kate's career picks up and Greg's winds down. Things get interesting when Greg brings home a frisky young blonde named Sylvia. She quickly becomes the object of his misplaced affection, and a definite 'bone' of contention between Greg and his wife.

"In Sylvia, A.R. Gurney examines marriage, aging and the complexities of human nature through the eyes of a dog," said Producing Artistic Director, Robert Cacioppo, "and not only is it a terribly funny play, but it sneaks up on you as a beautifully written romantic comedy. Our audiences always love Gurney's work, and this play is a classic example of why."

Sylvia brings together a true all-star Florida Rep cast that includes Michelle Damato in the title role, Carrie Lund, Chris Clavelli and, after a 10-year absence, Gordon McConnell, a Florida Rep regular from the company's early days.

Carrie Lund, Florida Rep's Associate Producer, was seen earlier this season in Noises Off and Gaslight, while Clavelli makes his first appearance of many this season after directing the special holiday engagement, The Santaland Diaries. McConnell, an award-winning actor and director from Florida's east coast, was seen last by Southwest Florida audiences in some of Florida Rep's first productions, including Noises Off, Breaking Legs and Spider's Web.

Michelle Damato dons a collar and leash to make her fifth appearance with Florida Rep in the title role of Sylvia. She was seen most recently in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Almost Maine, Rabbit Hole and Dancing at Lughnasa.

Maureen Heffernan, a regular guest artist at Florida Rep, directs the production and is joined by Ray Recht (set designer), Matthew McCarthy (lighting designer) and Roberta Malcolm (costume designer) - the same creative team she worked with on last season's Opus and Florida Rep's nationally acclaimed 2009 production of Dancing at Lughnasa. Joining the team are Amy L. Massari (production stage manager) and Florida Rep's resident sound designer, Kate Smith.

Sylvia by A.R. Gurney plays at Florida Rep Jan. 7-23, with discounted previews on Jan. 4 at 8pm, Jan. 5 at 2pm and Jan. 6 at 8pm. Regular performances are Tues. - Sat. at 8pm, with 2pm matinees on Wed., Sun. and selected Saturdays. The run also features a Special 7pm Twilight Performance on Sun., Jan. 9.

Sylvia is sponsored by FineMark National Bank & Trust and The News-Press.

Subscriptions and single tickets are now on sale through the box office at 239-332-4488. Single tickets are priced at $44/$39 and $25/$20 for discounted previews. Subscribe Now and see 5 shows for just $99 with the 5-Show Rush Pass. 6-Show Packages are available that include The Lady with All the Answers, a special engagement playing in the New Florida Rep Studio Theatre in Feb. and Mar., but seating is limited in the Studio. (Order fees apply to subscription pricing.)

Florida Repertory Theatre performs in the Historic Arcade Theatre on Bay St. between Jackson & Hendry with free parking in the Fort Myers River District. Visit Florida Rep online at www.floridarep.org or on facebook at facebook.com/FloridaRep.

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