Rory Sheridan, Jason Podplesky as Greg, Alex Sunderhaus as Sylvia & Jennifer Joplin as Kate. Publicity photo courtesy of Immobulus Photography.
The Human Race continues its 32nd Season with A. R. Gurney’s Sylvia, April. 25 – May 12, 2019 at the Loft Theatre
“Sylvia was first produced by The Human Race in our 10th season,” said Artistic Director Kevin Moore. “And it has now been four years since the Broadway production. And what is clear is our relationship with our pets does not change. It is a commitment that we take very seriously. And is why we can find so much humor in it still.”
(Dayton, OH) —Middle-aged Greg brings home a dog he found–or rather, one that found him–in the park. With no other identification other than “Sylvia” on her nametag, she’s a street-smart mutt with a mind of her own and no shortage of opinions. Sylvia quickly becomes a major bone of contention between Greg and his wife, Kate. To him, she’s a welcome escape from an unhappy job and a loss of purpose. To Kate, Sylvia’s a slobbering, hairy rival for her husband’s affection. This ingenious take on a twisted love triangle leads to plenty of laughs and revelations on love and marriage… and a dog.
Sylvia is rated PG-15. Parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under the age of 15.
Sylvia will be Marya Spring Cordes’ (Director) 4th show she has directed at HRTC. Marya’slast show at the Loft was Neil Simon’s semi-biographical comedy, Brighton Beach Memoirs.
CAST AND DESIGN TEAM
Our stellar cast of four are all veterans of The Human Race.
Jennifer Joplin, playing Kate, is a Resident Artist and has worked with HRTC for more than 25 years! Joplin last appeared as Erma Bombeck in At Wit’s End. Jason Podplesky, playing Greg, is thrilled to be returning to HRTC having last appeared on stage under the direction of Cordes in Becky’s New Car. Rory Sheridan has his hands full as he juggles three different characters: Tom, Phyllis, and Leslie. Rory made his HRTC debut in Brighton Beach Memoirs, which was also directed by Cordes. Alex Sunderhaus is back for her 5th production at HRTC having played Lindsay in last years hit comedy, The House. Alex will play the role of Greg’s furry friend, Sylvia.
A.R. Gurney (Playwright) was an American playwright, novelist and academic. He is known for works including The Dining Room, Sweet Sue, The Cocktail Hour, and for his Pulitzer Prize nominated play, Love Letters. Sylvia premiered in 1995 featuring Sarah Jessica Parker in the title role. It was nominated for three Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Play, Actress (Parker), and Costume Design.
Eric Moore (Scenic Designer) returns to design his 7th show for The Human Race Theatre. Moore’s last production design was An Act of God. Jessica Pitcairn (Costume Designer) is excited to be back at HRTC for her third season after designing costumes for A Christmas Story and 26 Pebbles. Resident Artists John Rensel (Lighting Designer) and Jay Brunner (Sound Designer) round out the design team. Jacquelyn Duncan is the production stage manager.
Biographies on the cast and creative team can be found on The Human Race Theatre Company’s website under Sylvia.
The preview performance of Sylvia is Thursday, April 25. Opening night is Friday, April 26.
On May 7 at 5:30 p.m., round up your friends, come early for the show and enjoy craft beer while you meet some furry friends up for adoption at our Puppies & Pints event! Sponsored by the Humane Society of Greater Dayton and Toxic Brew Company. Additional information can be found on our Facebook page under events.
The Human Race Theatre Company’s production of Sylvia is sponsored by Barbara O’Hara, Barbara Schenck and an anonymous dog lover.
Cast of Sylvia
Jennifer Joplin, Jason Podplesky, Rory Sheridan and Alex Sunderhaus
PERFORMANCE AND SPECIAL EVENT INFORMATION
Tickets for Sylvia start at $14. Prices vary depending on the day of the week and seating location. Group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more. Student tickets are available at 50% off regular adult prices and a student I.D. must be presented when picking up at the Box Office. The Sunday, April 28 7:00 p.m. performance is “Sawbuck Sunday,” when any available seat can be purchased in person for just $10 at the Loft Theatre box office two hours prior to the show. Discounts are subject to availability and some restrictions apply.
All performances are at the Metropolitan Art Center’s Loft Theatre, located at 126 North Main Street in downtown Dayton, Ohio. Show times for Sylvia are 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Performances on Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings begin at 7:00 p.m., and at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday matinees.
Tickets and performance information for Sylvia are available at http://www.humanracetheatre.org or by calling Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630, and at the Schuster Center box office.
# # #
2018-2019 marks the 32nd season for The Human Race Theatre Company, “Dayton’s Official Professional Theatre Company.” Founded in 1986, The Human Race moved into the Metropolitan Arts Center in 1991, taking up residence in its current home, the 212-seat Loft Theatre. In addition to the Eichelberger Loft Season, The Human Race produces new works development and special event programming. Under the direction of Executive Director Kappy Kilburn and Kevin Moore, Artistic Director, the company also maintains outreach programs, as well as artist residencies in area schools and a summer youth program. Human Race organizational support is provided by the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District, Culture Works, the Shubert Foundation, the Erma R. Catterton Trust Fund, the Jesse & Caryl Philips Foundation, the Virginia W. Kettering Foundation and the Ohio Arts Council, which helped fund this organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The 2018-2019 Sustainability Sponsors are the ELM Foundation, Anne F. Johnson, Steve and Lou Mason, and Morris Home. The 2018-2019 Loft season sponsor is the Jack W. and Sally D. Eichelberger Foundation of the Dayton Foundation.
CALENDAR EDITORS, PLEASE NOTE:
The Human Race Theatre Company presents
Sylvia
by A.R. Gurney
directed by Marya Spring Cordes
April 25 – May 12, 2019
Performed at the Loft Theatre
Metropolitan Arts Center
126 North Main Street (between First and Second streets)
Dayton, Ohio 45402
Middle-aged Greg brings home a dog he found–or rather, one that found him–in the park. With no other identification other than “Sylvia” on her nametag, she’s a street-smart mutt with a mind of her own and no shortage of opinions. Sylvia quickly becomes a major bone of contention between Greg and his wife, Kate. To him, she’s a welcome escape from an unhappy job and a loss of purpose. To Kate, Sylvia’s a slobbering, hairy rival for her husband’s affection. This ingenious take on a twisted love triangle leads to plenty of laughs and revelations on love and marriage… and a dog.
For tickets:
Ticket Center Stage box office phone: (937) 228-3630 or visit www.humanracetheatre.org or www.ticketcenterstage.com.
Box office hours: Mondays – Fridays, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Saturdays, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Schuster Center; and two hours prior to each performance in the Loft Lobby.
Ticket prices start at: $37 – $55 for adults, $34 – $48 for seniors and $19.50 – $27.00 for students. Prices vary depending on performance date.
Discounts: Select side-area seats available for $14 and $27 at all performances; “Sawbuck Sunday” April 28 at 7:00 p.m. – $10 seats available for walk up sales only.
Student Discounts: All adult priced tickets are discounted at 50% for students. *A student I.D. must be presented at the box office.
Military Discount: U.S. Military members (active duty & retired) can receive 50% off a Full Priced Adult Ticket with Military ID. *Limit 2 per performance.
Group sales: contact Betty Gould at (937) 461-8295 or Betty.Gould@victoriatheatre.com
Sylvia performance dates:
- Wednesday, April 24 8:00 p.m. Pay-What-You-CAN open rehearsal
- Thursday, April 25 8:00 p.m. “Inside Track” pre-show discussion/Preview performance
- Friday, April 26 8:00 p.m. Opening night with post-show lobby party
- Saturday, April 27 8:00 p.m.
- Sunday, April 28 2:00 p.m.
- Sunday, April 28 7:00 p.m. “Sawbuck Sunday” – $10 tickets at the door
- Tuesday, April 30 7:00 p.m. Lite Fare at the Loft pre-show lobby dinning
- Wednesday, May 1 6 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, May 2 8:00 p.m.
- Friday, May 3 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday, May 4 8:00 p.m. Audio Described/Sign Interpreted performance (reserve by April 25)
- Sunday, May 5 2:00 p.m. “While We’re on the Subject” post-show talk-back
- Tuesday, May 7 7:00 p.m. Puppies & Pints – 2nd floor rehearsal hall from 5:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 8 13 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, May 9 8:00 p.m.
- Friday, May 10 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday, May 11 16 8:00 p.m.
- Sunday, May 12 2:00 p.m. Closing performance
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