WILMINGTON, DE - October 14, 2010 - There will be barks of laughter from dog lovers and loathers alike when Delaware Theatre Company (DTC) opens its 32nd season with A.R. Gurney's comedy, Sylvia, running from October 20 to November 7, 2010.  Sylvia tells the hilarious story of Greg, who brings home a dog he's found in the park, and the ensuing adjustments that he's forced to make to his life and marriage.  The show is directed by David Stradley and stars Dave Jadico, Maggie Lakis, Hollis McCarthy, and Kurt Zischke. The creative team includes scenic designer Adam Riggar, costume designer Janus Stefanowicz, lighting designer Shelley Hicklin, sound designer John Stovicek, and stage manager Danielle B Rose.

Tickets are $35-$49 and may be purchased by calling the DTC Box Office at 302.594.1100 or in person at 200 Water Street, Wilmington. Tickets may also be purchased online at DELAWARETHEATRE.ORG.  Due mature language, this play is best enjoyed by audiences ages 15 and up.

Sylvia examines the complicated relationships between husbands and wives, and the pets that love them.  Empty-nesters, Greg (Kurt Zische) and Kate (Hollis McCarthy), have moved to Manhattan after twenty-two child-raising years.  While Kate finds her career flourishing, Greg finds that financial trading no longer interests him. What does interest him, however, is the new woman in his life-a dog named "Sylvia" that finds him in the park and soon becomes a bone of contention between husband and wife. "I consider this play to be a variation on the plot of the menopausal married male falling in love with an enticing young girl," Gurney has said of his play. "Only in this case, the girl happens to be an adorable stray dog named Sylvia, or 'she of the woods.' The man's affection for her costs him his job and almost his marriage."  Maggie Lakis, of Philadelphia, plays the "homewrecker" in question, but audiences shouldn't expect her to wag a tail.  "The play works best when the dog is played straight, with no attempt to be arf-arf or cutsie-poo," says Gurney. "After all, this is first and foremost a love story and should be treated as such."

Seeing to this, is director David Stradley, who returns to DTC after directing Picasso at the Lapin Agile, 'Art', The Retreat From Moscow, Underneath the Lintel, and The Drawer Boy. "It's a real pleasure to welcome David back to our stage," says Mary Ann Ehlshlager, DTC Executive Director.  "Audience members who enjoyed Picasso at the Lapin Agile two seasons ago will recognize his special talent for marrying a laughter-filled night at the theater with a charming exploration of what makes us human-our relationships with others. While he and this excellent cast have been exploring that laughter and those relationships in the rehearsal room, we've been working with partners like the Delaware Humane Association who know that sometimes, it takes a dog to remind us what it means to be human."

Speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves, the Delaware Humane Association (DHA) is Delaware's first no-kill animal shelter and adoption center.  Founded in 1957, DHA is committed to providing for the needs of the community's homeless dogs and cats.  Serving over 5,000 companion animals annually through direct intervention and many more through advocacy, DHA continues to promote the humane values of protection, care, and compassion for all living things. The organization relies on the support of the community in the form of volunteers, private donations, memberships, and their popular Guardian Angel Program.  Fundraising events also help their animals in need: DHA will host "Sips with Sylvia" on Wednesday, October 27, 6:30pm, at Delaware Theatre Company. Sip and slurp in support of the animals at this special humans-only happy hour, while mingling withDHA staff, volunteers, and a couple of their canine friends.  This happy hour will be followed by the 8pm performance of Sylvia.  The evening is $53, and includes happy hour drinks, a ticket to Sylvia, and a $10 donation to DHA.

DHA will also make an appearance with their canine friends at DTC's Young Professionals Night on Thursday, November 4. Young professionals ages 21-35 will enjoy a fun and casual pre-show cocktail hour in the DTC Gallery at 6:30PM, followed by the 8PM performance of Sylvia.  Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door, and include the reception and a ticket to the show. To order, call 302.594.1100 or visit DELAWARETHEATRE.ORG.

IF YOU GO

What:   Sylvia by A.R. Gurney

When:   October 20 - November 7, 2010

Opening Night is Saturday, October 23. 

Evening performances are Wednesday through Saturday at 8PM

Matinee performances are Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 2PM (except 10/20 and 10/23)

Price:   $35-$49 (depending on the performance day and time)

Special discounts for students, seniors, and groups of 10 or more. 

To Order: Call 302.594.1100 or visit DELAWARETHEATRE.ORG

Delaware Theatre Company's 2010-2011 season is sponsored by Chase. Artist housing provided by Pettinaro Relocation. Artist transportation provided by Amtrak. Programs are made possible, in part, by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency committed to promoting and supporting the arts in Delaware.  The Delaware Division of the Arts provides technical and financial assistance to artists and arts programs and serves as a clearinghouse for information on the arts.
 
Delaware Theatre Company, Delaware's premier professional theatre, is located at 200 Water Street, on Wilmington's Riverfront.   Delaware Theatre Company is a member of the League of Resident Theatres, Theatre Communications Group, the Wilmington Arts Coalition, the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia, the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, the Arts & Business Council of Greater Philadelphia, the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and the Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau.

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