A.R. Gurney’s ‘Sylvia’ @ Theatre Frisco
—Jan Farrington
Playwright A.R. Gurney’s 1995 Sylvia (at Theatre Frisco through May 17) is definitely a dog story, shaggy or not. But more than that, it’s a charming comedy-drama about a Manhattan couple facing lots of life changes—and how a stray dog comes between them.
“Ah, Sylvia,” says husband Greg.
“Oh, Sylvia,” says wife Kate.
And that about sums it up. These are two smart, opinionated people, and no matter how things come out, they’re always going to have two different stories to tell about “what happened” when Sylvia came into their lives. Can they work things out? That’s where playwright Gurney’s deep sense of people comes in; his version of their story manages to be both lighthearted and honest about the ways we get tangled up in our needs and emotions.
Greg (Shane Beeson) and Kate (Stacia Goad-Malone) have recently sent their youngest off to college, sold the house, and moved into a Manhattan condo. That’s plenty of change to handle, but they’re also at challenging points in their lives. Greg is unhappy with his long-time company, trying to switch him from his comfort zone into a new slot. And Kate is full of “start-up” energy and ideas—she’s finally teaching, after spending so many summers as a Mom taking part-time courses.
Frustrated and playing hooky from work, Greg meets a lost dog in the park (Skyler Malone plays the pooch); her collar reads “Sylvia” and nothing more. For him, it’s fate; for Kate, it’s an unhappy surprise. “The dog phase of my life is over,” she says, swatting Sylvia off the couch. (“Hey, hey, hey!” barks Sylvia.) But for now, she stays—and over the next weeks and months, Kate is more and more upset by Greg’s growing obsession with Sylvia. “When’s the last time you called me ‘sweetheart’?” she asks.
Directed by Frisco artistic head Andi Allen, the production finds just the right pace and tone, for both drama and comedy. Malone’s Sylvia (Kate calls her “Saliva”) is hilariously, shamelessly doggy in her movements, and we’re increasingly tickled by Gurney’s ability to create a vibrant “dog speaking” character who almost steals every scene she’s in. He also finds the right language and temperature for Greg and Kate’s growing disagreements, and words both odd and funny for the small group of very un-helpful other characters (played by Ken O’Reilly, a hoot) who liven up this city neighborhood. Gurney knows his stuff: even at the hottest moments, the Kate and Greg’s quarrels are fine-tuned to leave us feeling they do still love one other, even as naughty Sylvia works every situation to get her way.
Gurney slipped one song into his script for Sylvia, an American classic by Cole Porter that becomes a tender, touchingly sung trio for the actors. It will make dog owners mist up; I shed a tear or two myself, and I prefer cats, thank you. Director Allen does the fine, clear sound as well (hooray for body microphones), and the costumes by Jessie Wallace, especially Sylvia’s detailed and colorful outfits, are quite revealing of those who wear them.
In short, Theatre Frisco’s Sylvia is a find, just like the little stray dog it’s about. Only this weekend and next to catch this four-legged show, so get your two feet moving!
WHEN: May 1-17, 2026
WHERE: Frisco Discovery Center, 8004 North Dallas Pkwy, Frisco TX
WEB: theatrefrisco.com
