The Sharon Playhouse is thrilled to announce the cast of Sylvia, A.R. Gurney’s beloved canine comedy, live on stage from August 29–September 7, 2025. This heartwarming and hilarious production pairs Broadway favorites with talented local artists for an unforgettable celebration of love, loyalty, and laughter. Tickets are on sale now at SharonPlayhouse.org
Sylvia, is directed by Colin Hanlon (Kowalski, Submissions Only, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at George Street Playhouse). Leading the cast is Jen Cody (Disney’s The Princess and the Frog; Something Rotten, Steel Magnolias at Sharon Playhouse) as Sylvia, the charming canine with boundless spark and spunk. Jonathan Walker (The Divine Sister, The Assembled Parties, The Lifespan of a Fact at Sharon Playhouse) brings warmth and complexity to Greg, the empty-nester whose world is turned upside down by a stray dog. Returning to the Playhouse alongside Walker is Jennifer Van Dyck (Ibsen’s Ghost; The Confession of Lily Dare; The Lifespan of a Fact at Sharon Playhouse) as Kate, Greg’s pragmatic and scholarly wife, navigating her own reactions to Sylvia’s arrival. Rounding out the company, Sienna Brann tackles the delightfully eclectic trio of Tom, Phyllis, and Leslie, delivering versatility and infectious comic energy.Casting by ARC, Duncan Stewart, CSA is the resident casting director for The Sharon Playhouse. The show will feature scenic design by Christopher and Justin Swader, costume design by Kathleen DeAngelis, wig design by Bobbie Zlotnik, lighting by Wheeler Moon and sound design by Graham Stone. Kristine Schlachter and Cameron Fleck are the stage management team.
A.R. Gurney’s hit comedy Sylvia follows Greg, a middle-aged man at a crossroads, whose life is transformed when he brings home an exuberant stray dog—much to the dismay of his wife, Kate. As Greg’s bond with Sylvia grows, her spirited antics and surprising insights challenge their marriage, priorities, and ideas about love and loyalty. Premiering Off-Broadway at Manhattan Theatre Club in 1995 with Sarah Jessica Parker in the title role, the play quickly became an audience favorite. Beloved for its quick wit, warmth, and inventive twist of having a human actor portray the dog, Sylvia has enjoyed numerous productions worldwide and made its Broadway debut in 2015, featuring Annaleigh Ashford.
“With wit, warmth, and a truly stellar ensemble, Sylvia will be a joyous highlight of the season—both laugh-out-loud funny and deeply touching. I can’t wait for audiences to fall in love with this story, and this cast!” – Carl Andress, Artistic Director
Next month, the Playhouse will present a special star-studded benefit staged reading of Charles Busch’s outrageous comedy Die, Mommie, Die!, on September 12, starring the author, Charles Busch, who will be joined by an all-star cast. The 2025 Mainstage season continues with Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap (September 26-October 5) directed by Hunter Foster and the fifth annual presentation of Writers Playground, a ten-minute play festival of new works written by local playwrights (September 18-19). Tickets for all events are available at SharonPlayhouse.org
The Sharon Playhouse, led by Carl Andress (Artistic Director), Meghan Flanagan (Managing Director) and Michael Kevin Baldwin (Education and Community Director), is a professional, regional, nonprofit theater producing high-quality performances with Broadway-caliber actors as well as talented local community members. Its mission is to entertain the community of Northwest Connecticut and beyond, while also serving as a teaching theater to encourage aspiring actors and other theater artists of all ages to develop their craft.