Players raise money for humane society

If you have been around the old town hall in Caledon Village lately you would be wondering about the goings on there — not the road construction, but all the dogs and their masters posing on the lawn for pictures.

The first play of the Caledon Townhall Player's season is a heartwarming musical comedy by A. R. Gurney, called 'Sylvia'. It is directed by Pamela Niesiobedzki- Curtis and produced by John Carter both of Erin. Musical director is Irma Proctor of the Sweet Adelines.

'Sylvia' is a hilarious commentary on mid-life angst, and the role pets play in our lives. Because Sylvia is a lost dog, the second week of the play will be dedicated to the Erin and Orangeville Humane Societies, with two dollars from every ticket sold going to help other 'Sylvias' in our area.

Sylvia is a story of empty nesters who have moved from the suburbs into Manhattan for the extras the big city can provide. Wife Kate's career as an inner-city English teacher is finally taking off, while husband Greg, a disgruntled stockbroker, desperately wants out of a job that he feels is no longer real.

Is it midlife crisis that brings Sylvia and Greg together? Never before has the eternal triangle taken such form. Instead of a young, buxom blonde, this home-wrecker is a four-legged, shaggy labradoodle with big, soulful, brown eyes. As this 'other woman' moves in Kate starts to feel threatened and the battle begins.

"Give a dog a woman's name and you'll begin to think of it as a woman," writes Gurney, and Greg does. The loving Sylvia intrudes on every occasion. She even sleeps in the same room on a weekend outing to celebrate their anniversary. The very idea of the 'other woman' living in the same house right under the wife's nose provides some of the funniest moments in the play. Will Kate and Greg split over a dog? Should Greg follow his passion to the exclusion of everything else?

'Sylvia' is a tour-deforce for actors. She is played beautifully by, not a labradoodle, but by Kierston Drier, a 17-yearold resident of Caledon. Kierston progresses from lost dog or 'street waif' to the chic mistress as her relationship with Greg, (Jeff Bathurst of Orangeville), progresses.

Greg is full of surprises and we marvel at this man as he explores his world with his trusty companion trying to discover how to restore fun to his life now that the children are gone. He is the perfect foil to Drier's antics, and together they push the relationship to its outer bounds.

Kate, played by Heidi Kachel of Rockwood, is driven to extremes in her frustration with Greg losing his job and putting all their plans at risk.

At times she seems the villain, but who really is the interloper in this 22- year-old marriage?

The cast is rounded out by Patrick Nye of Fergus who is a revelation in his three roles. He brings down the house as 'Phyllis', a society matron whom Sylvia insists upon checking out (you know where).

She is a dog after all! Patrick's 'Tom' is full of humour as he and his dog Bowser cross paths with the lovely Sylvia and her overprotective owner. The marriage counsellor, Leslie, is certainly a sight to behold and really doesn't know what to make of this man who insists upon Sylvia having a session as well.

Unlike anything else that Caledon Townhall Players has done before, this play helps to keep theatre fresh and challenging. It is perfectly suited to the pocket-sized Caledon player's space.

With the help of stage manager Christina Paris of Caledon Village, the director moves her actors, and her swinging setchanges seamlessly.

Alton's Andrew Welch's lighting creates wonderful spaces for the action and Orangeville's Rick Swartzl's musical choices add depth to the scenes.

This is a must-see play not only for the excellence of the production, but also for the clever commentary on life and love in the middle years.

One brief word of caution. Although delightful and funny, 'Sylvia' may not be suitable for children. Aside from its adult theme, the play is peppered with adult language. Four-letter words notwithstanding, this play is a 'don't miss!'

For tickets, call the CTHP box office at 519- 927-5460 . The curtain time for evenings is 8:15 p.m. and matinees are 2:15 p.m.

'Sylvia 'opens on October 30 with a Wine & Cheese Reception at 7:30 p.m. in the basement green room. Evenings also include Nov. 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, and 15 at a cost of $15 a ticket. Matinees are Nov 2, 9, and 15 at a cost of $12.

On Saturday, Nov. 8 there is a great church dinner at Knox United church with the show for only $28. Come out and enjoy a delightful show. You will never look at Fido or Fifi the same.