Review: A Dog's Life – Funny and Poignant 'Sylvia'

A.R. Gurney's "Sylvia" depicts an unusual love triangle between a man, his wife, and their dog.

The concept may seem absurd, but the performers in Barker Playhouse's production are so convincing that we buy the story.

Greg (Tom DiMaggio) finds a dog named Sylvia one day in Central Park and brings her into the posh apartment he shares with his wife Kate (Becky Minard), a teacher.

Of course Sylvia isn't really a dog at all, but an actress being required to embody the behavioral traits of a canine. Sylvia also displays very human qualities: Jealousy, loneliness, and lust.

"You saved my life," Sylvia says to Greg in the opening scene.

The unconditional love Sylvia has for Greg creates resentment in Kate, who keeps an immaculately clean home and is driven to distraction by Sylvia's lack of hygiene. Even worse, her relationship with Greg is fractured by the love and attention he lavishes on Sylvia. After visiting a therapist, Greg is forced to choose between Sylvia and Kate.

The warm relationships we have with our canine friends is taken to an extreme by Greg, who regards Sylvia almost as a surrogate wife. When Sylvia romps with a male dog in the park, Greg becomes pathologically jealous and punishes her.

Director Joan Dillenback ("The Lion in Winter") stages the action effectively and maintains a crisp pace throughout.

As Sylvia, Morgan Salpietro is an engaging performer, creating a multi-dimensional character who tugs at the heartstrings. Salpietro handles Sylvia's profane tirade against cats with gusto.

DiMaggio is sympathetic and likable as a man struggling with a job he hates and a marriage on the verge of destruction.

Minard ("The Enemy of the People") expertly conveys Kate's jealousy and helplessness as she watches the man she loves being slowly taken away from her.

Kate blames Sylvia for her marital troubles but it's apparent her relationship with Greg was already in turmoil long before he brought the dog into their lives. The couple make excuses for their unhappiness and have to learn how to communicate with each other.

JP Cottam is hilarious in three roles: as Tom, a fellow dog owner who befriends Greg; Kate's friend Phyllis, and a gender-neutral therapist named Leslie.

"Sylvia" is frequently funny and sometimes poignant, as the frailties of these characters result in heartbreak.

The Players have teamed up with the Providence Animal Rescue League and the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RISPCA) in an effort to place dogs like Sylvia in loving homes. A bulletin board in the theater's lobby features photos of the dogs up for adoption.

Sylvia runs through December 12. The Players at Barker Playhouse. 400 Benefit St., Providence, RI. For tickets, call 401-273-0590 or visit www.playersri.org.