By Renee Poke
For The Scene
The Forest Park theater department will stage “Sylvia” next month as its second performance after a three-year hiatus.
The comic play, written by A.R. Gurney, first premiered off Broadway in 1995.
“‘Sylvia’ is a play about relationships, a man whose marriage is upended by a dog, a woman who is trying to better New York schools and a plethora of fun characters who make the play enjoyable and add many laugh-out-loud moments,” said Stage Manager Renee Poke.
The play will be performed Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 5-8, in the Mildred E. Bastion Center for the Performing Arts on campus. Admission is free.
The script was chosen by Theater Manager Jeff David, who described it as “fun and lively.”
“I saw this play a long time ago, and I’ve always liked it,” he said.
With an extensive background in theater, David has helped jumpstart not only Forest Park’s theater department but also the one at St. Charles Community College.
Darrius Lane plays Greg, a clueless husband who brings home a dog that gives him a whole new perspective on life. It’s a challenging role.
“(Greg) has a lot of lines that are hard to remember,” Lane said.
“Sylvia” is Lane’s first production. He’s been struck by how close the cast and crew have become during the rehearsal process.
Lane encourages students to see the play.
“You should come if you like dogs and comedy,” he said. “And it’s free, so duh.”
Peter Santen plays Tom, a lively dog owner with lots of “hot takes.” He’s also taking the stage for the first time.
“I auditioned because I wanted to try theater and couldn’t fit a theater class into my schedule, so doing a show was the next best thing,” he said.
Regina Pancella plays Kate, a teacher, mother and Greg’s wife.
“The biggest challenge definitely is learning lines,” she said. “Every show has a really unique culture, and it has been really fun getting involved.”
Felicity Ogier plays Leslie, a quirky couples’ therapist who counsels Kate and Greg through their declining marriage.
“I auditioned because I’m an aspiring actor and wanted to expand my acting portfolio,” she said.
Roya Porshahidy plays Philis, Kate’s eccentric friend, who delivers many funny one-liners.
Taylor Gardener plays Sylvia, the dog that Greg brings home. She, too, is a theater newcomer. She’s also a first-year student attending Forest Park on a soccer scholarship.
Gardener is hoping for a good crowd at performances.
“It’s free, so why not come?” she said.
Interesting things are happening backstage, too.
Odin East, who is doing sound for the production, is making music with other Forest Park students. That includes a recording of “airport jazz” that will be played during one of the scenes.
“I’m a composer, producer, and I record as well,” he said.
“Sylvia” will be performed at 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8.