Seeing Sylvia on Broadway was the dog lovers equivalent of going to Comicon or a Grateful Dead show. It was a beautiful production and charming play, but more than anything it was sharing the collective laughs with so many like minded dog lovers made the show so special for me and my 12 year old son.
I still remember how fluffy and winsome Sarah Jessica Parker was originating the role in the Manhattan Theatre Club production 20 years ago. So much has changed in two decades: Sex and the City for her. Motherhood and Jetson, my King Charles Cavalier, for me.
Now to exchange elbow jabs of recognition with my son as we enjoy the new Sylvia, coquettishly played by Annaleigh Ashton, was a real family moment we will remember. Jokes about sharing ice cream with your dog: guilty. The way Sylvia makes a complete disarray of the couch to nestle in the perfect spot: guilty. The way she scotched her butt on the beautiful rugs: guilty. Even how the three characters sang 'Every Time We Say Goodbye' was evocative because I spontaneously hummed that song when I dropped my son with my ex. But once we got Jetson, that aching tune was replaced with the sound of a tail thumping on the floor.
Playwright A.R. Gurney captured the dog owners experience perfectly. Like Sylvia's owner (played by Matthew Broderick), everywhere I go, strangers approach me to talk about my dog - on the sidewalk, in the subway, and of course in Central Park. Jetson even inspired me to have doggie slumber parties at my family's beautiful country inn, The Wilburton Inn in Manchester, Vermont.
My son was excited to recognize Matthew Broderick's distinctive voice live on the Broadway stage, yet he puzzled how high school hero, Ferris Bueller was suddenly playing a lost middle age man with a belly. The adults in the audience understand that transformation all too well. We see our ourselves in Broderick's older, wiser, sadder role and if Ferris Bueller can lose his way, doesn't that give us all a free pass?
I have struggled to find a way to pass along my love of Broadway to my son. My grandparents took me to see Broadway musicals every time I visited New York City. I grew up to write two off Broadway musicals thanks to that inspiration. Yet when a producer gave my son house seats to Annie, he refused to go! And I don't think he will ever forgive me for dragging him to a production of Cabaret this summer. Sylvia made Broadway fun and relatable. It was a delightful theatrical experience that we both enjoyed equally.
The scrolling photos of dogs projected on the curtain at the end of the show was an extra cute touch. Who knows, maybe Jetson will make his Broadway debut.
I was very sad to hear that Sylvia is closing on January 3, 2016. I truly encourage you to take your dog loving friends, parents and kids and enjoy the show. Sylvia reminded me what a wonderful resource it is to be a New Yorker and have Broadway - as well as a pooch - in our city's back yard.
