Sylvia

Greg and Kate have moved to Manhattan after twenty-two years of child-raising in the suburbs. Greg’s career as a financial trader is winding down, while Kate’s career, as a public-school English teacher, is beginning to offer her more opportunities. Greg brings home a dog he found in the park—or that has found him—bearing only the name “Sylvia” on her name tag. A street-smart mixture of Lab and poodle, Sylvia becomes a major bone of contention between husband and wife. She offers Greg an escape from the frustrations of his job and the unknowns of middle age. To Kate, Sylvia becomes a rival for affection. And Sylvia thinks Kate just doesn’t understand the relationship between man and dog. The marriage is put in serious jeopardy until, after a series of hilarious and touching complications, Greg and Kate learn to compromise, and Sylvia becomes a valued part of their lives.

By A. R. Gurney
Directed by Jared McVay
June 16-26, 2022

Ramya Hipp

Sylvia

Ramya is pawsitively delighted to be appearing in her second CTC production. You may have seen her as Cecily in the Importance of Being Earnest, or performing standup comedy at various local venues. She would like to thank Dottie and Nala for sharing their kibble dish in preparation for this role… and her boyfriend for giving her plenty of belly scratches. Needless to say, this experience has been transfurmational.

Richard Mueller

Greg

So excited for the opportunity to bring life to Greg. This hilarious comedy will thoroughly entertain the “dog lovers” of Central Oregon. My goal is to develop a character that is naive , yet thoroughly loving and sensitive to his vital relationships, his wife “Kate” and his dog “Sylvia”. So fortunate to be directed by Jared and a part of an amazing cast of exceptional actors. From gut wrenching laughter to tear jerking drama “Sylvia” has it all. Thank you for the opportunity to present this to our supporters throughout Central Oregon. Richard Mueller

Melinda Jahn

Kate

Melinda moved to Bend in 2004, relocating from Copenhagen, Denmark with her husband and two children. Melinda is an Air-Force Veteran, registered nurse and a Medicare specialist at InsureBend.com. Melinda enjoys spending time in her garden, walking her four dogs and trying to reduce her somewhat high golf handicap. Melinda is grateful for the opportunity to play on the stage here at CTC and hopes you enjoy the show!

Jonah Mercer

Tom

Jonah is a 19 year old on his 2nd year of acting. This is his second show with CTC, having previously played the roles of Ryan/Mike in Theory of Relativity. He is also an aspiring voice actor and singer.

Kay Clements

Leslie

Kay loves theatre. Audience loves theatre? Good, good. Kay will tell you of their many roles. Kay was a serial murderer in Communicating Doors, MacBeth and Richard III. Kay was a victim of circumstance in Ah, Wilderness, Push, 1984 and Wilderness of Mirrors. Want to know more? Ask Kay after show, and the mystery shall be revealed.

Desi Thrower

Phyllis / Assistant Director

Desi has performed in, directed, and produced over 45 productions. In Bend, she performed in CTC’s The Importance of Being Earnest(Lane/Marie) and Murder on the Orient Express (Helen Hubbard). She also produced Cascades 10. You can see her next in this summer’s Spamalot. Desi thanks her family for their ongoing patience and support.

Jared McVay

Director

Jared has been around since before dirt and got his first acting job in 1952. Besides being an Actor and Director, Jared is also a novelist, with 28 novels to his credit. He is most fortunate to have a strong, talented cast for Sylvia and is looking forward to presenting Sylvia for your entertainment.

Joshua Billeter

Stage Manager

Joshua has been a part of numerous productions at CTC, mostly as an actor. He directed his first production during the Cascades 10 weekend and is now being a Stage Manager for the first time. He would like to thank his wife Breanna for helping him with this play.

Breanna Billeter

Assistant Stage Manager

This is the first production that Breanna has been a part of. Breanna is very appreciate that she gets to be a part of such a fun and wonderful play. She would like to thank her husband for finally convincing her to be a part of a production at CTC.

Raechel Gilland

Sound & Lights

Anita Hoffman

Costumer

A retired teacher and full time farmer now, Anita is thrilled to be working on costumes for Sylvia.


Reviews

“Gurney’s mad comedy is the most endearing good time to trot down the pike in many a moon. Howlingly funny…”

BackStage

A modern romantic comedy about a marriage and a dog. “Dramatic literature is stuffed with memorable love scenes, but none is as immediately delicious and dizzy as the one that begins the redeeming affair in A.R. Gurney’s new comedy, SYLVIA…”

NY TIMES

“I can only call it one of the most involving, beautiful, funny, touching and profound plays I have ever seen…”

NY Daily News