October 31, 2015 – The A.R. Gurney (11/1/1930 – ) play Sylvia is at the Shubert Organization’s Court Theatre and directed by Daniel Sullivan. It was previously performed by the Manhattan Theatre Club in May 1995 starring Sarah Jessica Parker (Matthew Broderick’s wife). Opening Night – October 27, 2015; Closing January 3, 2016

The story is about a financially well off family that lives in an affluent neighborhood of New York City. All seems very normal until a dog, Sylvia comes into their lives. The husband Greg, is so taken by the dog that it becomes an overwhelming and all encompassing obsession. Wife, work, wealth and general stability take a back seat to “man’s best friend”. Despite daily walks in Central Park where Greg is warned of the dog taking over his life, he disregards and dismisses the allegation, but soon falls into the trap. Greg’s wife Kate is totally against the dog and reluctantly accepts her presence. The play explores the human interaction both in a marriage, friendship and with others with emphasis on human / canine interdependence.

One would think that after so many Broadway performances that Matthew Broderick could act as something more than Matthew Broderick. There is no difference between Greg in Sylvia, Leo in The Producers, Jimmy in Nice Work …, Peter in It’s only a Play, all are Mr. Broderick, the pleasant chap that has no energy. He is particularly shown up by the brilliant and super energetic Annaleigh. She portrays the dog with coy fun, exhuberance and canine simulation. Seeing her performance is worth the price of admission. Kate also does a good job as the confused wife who reluctantly takes the role of second fiddle.

Sylvia – Annaleigh Ashford (You Can’t Take it With You [Tony], Kinky Boots, Hair, Legally Blonde, Wicked); Greg – Matthew Broderick (It’s only a Play, Nice Work if you can get it, The Philanthropist, The Odd Couple, The Producers, Taller than a Dwarf, Night must Fall, How to Succeed in Business without really Trying [Tony], Biloxi Blues, Brighton Beach Memoirs [Tony]); Kate – Julie White (Airline Highway, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Ann, The Little Dog Laughed [Tony], The Heidi Chronicles);

In Summary, it could be a good performance if Broderick were replaced with an actor with energy and emotion.