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Comedy about a man, a woman and a dog on stage at MAC

The last child is in college.

In the empty nest at home, Dad is bored with his career, but Mom’s job is exciting.

Enter Sylvia.

Sparks fly!

“Sylvia” is the adult comedy on stage at Mineral Area College at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Reserved seating tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for students and senior citizens and may be purchased at MAC’s bookstore or at the door.

Sylvia is a Labrador-poodle, portrayed by Breann Aubertin, Fredericktown.

“This part has really been a lot of fun!” said Aubertin. “I have always loved dogs and this has been an awesome opportunity. This cast is so much fun to work with. This play has been one of my favorites —  it’s funny with just enough drama.”

Fred Fitzgerald, Farmington, plays Greg, the husband who is not happy with his career as a financial trader and who finds Sylvia in the park and brings her home to Kate, played by Jennifer Stokes, Farmington. 

“Greg is high strung and a nervous wreck,” Fitzgerald explains of his character. “Then Sylvia comes into his life and begins to give his life new meaning.  As Greg begins to unwind he also begins to get a little obsessed with his ‘new found love.’”

His wife is less than thrilled with the new addition to the family and begins to see the cuddly canine as a rival for her husband’s  affection. The marriage is put in serious jeopardy until, after a series of hilarious and touching complications, Greg and Kate learn to compromise.

Stokes admits she didn’t have to stretch too much for her role as a Junior High English teacher. She’s a teacher in real life. But, on stage, she does things she would normally never do.

“There a a lot of funny scenes, at times it is hard not to die laughing,” she said. “I enjoy acting, it is my temporary escape from reality.”

Gary Jones, Middlebrook, rounds out the cast as Tom, Phyllis and Leslie. Yes, he’s playing three characters. Tom’s a  man, Phyllis is a woman and Leslie, well, is left to the audience’s imagination.

“The hardest part is probably keeping Phyllis’ character semi-hysterical,” said Jones.

Director Rick Giles said, “This is a laugh-a-minute comedy with bits of drama thrown in for good measure.”

He said the show contains graphic language which may be considered vulgar and offensive to some.  It is not suitable for children.

Donna Hickman is a reporter for the Daily Journal. Contact her at 431-2010, ext. 138 or at dhickman@dailyjournalonline.com.

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