The play is in Caledon, but there are several performers in it from Wellington County.
The first play of the Caledon Townhall Player’s season is A. R. Gurney’s Sylvia, directed by Pamela Niesiobedzki-Curtis and produced by John Carter, both of Erin. Musical director is Irma Proctor, of the Sweet Adelines.
Sylvia is a hilarious commentary on mid-life angst, and the role pets play in people’s lives. Because Sylvia is a lost dog, the second week of the play will be dedicated to the Erin and Orangeville Humane Societies, with $2 from every ticket sold going to help other dogs in the area.
The play is a story of empty nesters who have moved from the suburbs into Manhattan for the extras the big city can provide. Wife Kate’s career as an inner-city English teacher is finally taking off; husband Greg, a disgruntled stockbroker, desperately wants out of a job that he feels is no longer real. Is it mid-life crisis that brings Sylvia and Greg together?
Never before has an eternal triangle taken such form. Instead of a young, buxom blonde, this home wrecker is a four-legged, shaggy labradoodle with big, soulful, brown eyes. The loving Sylvia intrudes on every occasion. She even sleeps in the same room on a weekend outing to celebrate their anniversary. Will Kate and Greg split over a dog?
The dog is played by Kierston Drier, 17. She progresses from lost dog or street waif to the chic mistress as her relationship with Greg, Jeff Bathurst of Orangeville, progresses.
Kate, played by Heidi Kachel, of Rockwood, is driven to extremes in her frustration with Greg losing his job and putting all their plans at risk.
The cast is rounded out by Patrick Nye, of Fergus, who is a revelation in three roles.
Sylvia is not suitable for children. It has an adult theme, the play is peppered with adult language..
For tickets please call the box office at 519-927-5460. The curtain time for evenings is 8:15pm and matinees at 2:15pm. It opens on Oct. 30 with a wine and cheese reception at 7:30pm. It runs Nov. 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, and 15 at $15 a ticket. Matinees are Nov 2, 9, and 15 at $12. On Nov. 8 there is a church dinner at Knox United church with the show for only $28.
The theatre is 10 minutes from Erin on the old Highway 24 in Caledon village, at the corner of Hurontario and Charleston Sideroad (old Highway 24).
