The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
‘SYLVIA’: A LOVE STORY
A.R. Gurney’s play explores human, canine connections
The Goshen Players will present the wonderfully written comedy, “Sylvia,” by AR Gurney, a play dedicated to Sarah Jessica Parker who originated the titular role. At the cozy theater with cabaret seating, the Goshen audience will be invited into the home of Greg (Scott Stanchfield) and Kate (Catherine Thoben Quirk), empty nesters who have moved back to Manhattan after living in the suburbs.
While experiencing a midlife moment of crisis, Greg stumbles across Sylvia (Kate Buffone), a Labrador/poodle mix — and the connection they create tests his other relationships when he brings her home.
“Sylvia” represents the directorial debut of veteran actor and broadcaster John Ozerhoski. Having visited the set during rehearsals, I noted the warm, family-like atmosphere that has helped form a tight bond between all the members of the team producing and performing the show.
“I think we’ve assembled an incredible cast and a crack crew,” said Stanchfield.
Lead actress Kate Buffone, who portrays the part of Sylvia, travels more than an hour each way for rehearsal and performance to take on this “bucket list” role.
“I love that she’s a strong female lead, she’s funny and there’s a lot of physicality to the role,” she said. “It’s a rare breed.”
Director John Ozerhoski specifically sought out Buffone to portray this role, a decision that had its origins from more than a year ago. Buffone often performs in southern Connecticut but has found roles in the northwest corner at the Phoenix Stage Company, Landmark Community Theater and the Warner Stage Company. Notably, she held a role in Landmark’s production of a live radio play of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” That’s where she met her husband, Jim Buffone, who portrayed George Bailey. “Sylvia”
is Kate Buffone’s first foray onto the Goshen stage.
Stanchfield is a regular at the Goshen Players and has had roles in “Over the River and Through the Woods”, On Golden Pond and “Lend me a Tenor”, among others.
In “Sylvia,” Stanchfield plays Greg with humor and heart, as a man struggling to find his center. The interplay between Stanchfield and his co-stars is funny and, at times poignant and destined to be a high watermark for his extensive resume.
Catherine Thoben Quirk marks her return to the Goshen stage since the 1983 production of “South Pacific,” playing the part of Nellie.
She laughs when she asks if I’ll note we’re not related — which we’re not — but I have been a great admirer of her work, most notably when she performed musical numbers with the Thomaston Jazz Orchestra at the end of last year.
Quirk and the director John Ozerhoski have worked together many times in the past including the Warner Stage Company’s production of “Hairspray” and the extraordinary Warner Stage Company’s production of “A View from the Bridge”
In “Sylvia,” Quirk takes on the challenging role of Kate, who in another’s hands might be portrayed as a villain, but in her capable hands, as Ozerhoski notes, Quirk creates a three dimensional person whom the audience can empathize with and understand.
Stanchfield, Buffone and Quirk are joined by character actors Chuck Stango and Eileen Epperson, and together they bring AR Gurney’s work to life. The lovely set design was created by Lynne Peterson, Ingrid Smith and Devon Marie, and there are homespun touches that brings the audience into their world.
“At the heart of this play, it’s a love story,” said Ozerhoski. And it is — a love story that will engage and warm the heart.
Performances of “Sylvia” are Friday and Saturday, June 16-17 and June 23-24 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, June 18 and June 25 at 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.goshenplayers.org/ or at the door based on availability.