PR2011 Apr U1

Theatre Tuscaloosa

9500 Old Greensboro Rd #135

Tuscaloosa, AL 35405

205.391.2277

www.theatretusc.com

Contact:

Adam Miller

amiller@sheltonstate.edu

205.391.2277

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THEATRE TUSCALOOSA PRESENTS A “HOWLINGLY FUNNY” COMEDY – SYLVIA BY A.R. GURNEY

TUSCALOOSA, AL – Theatre Tuscaloosa goes to the dogs April 8-17 as it presents A.R. Gurney’s “howlingly funny” Sylvia in the Bean-Brown Theatre on Shelton State’s Martin Campus.

Sylvia follows the story of an empty-nester couple, Greg and Kate, whose lives are turned up-side-down by the arrival of a new canine friend, Sylvia. When Greg (Charles Prosser) decides to keep Sylvia (Sara-Margaret Cates) against the wishes of Kate (Molly Page), one doggone funny situation leads to another as Kate and Sylvia struggle to be “top dog.” Hilarity ensues as Greg and Kate tell their sides of the story to their friends and even a marriage counselor (all played by Vincent Shakir).

“Anyone who has a pet can relate to how the pet becomes part of the family,” said director Guy Fauchon. “Our feelings for our dogs can sometimes be stronger than our feelings for a human. In this play, the dog is played by a ‘younger woman’ so we can see how a relationship with a dog can threaten our relationships with other people.”

Sylvia marks the first time that Fauchon has directed a Theatre Tuscaloosa production. Fauchon earned his MFA in Directing from The University of Alabama in 2010, but he has over 20 years’ experience as a theatre artist on stage, on screen, and behind the scenes. His on-screen credits include roles on the television series Millenium, among others.

“I was honored when [Theatre Tuscaloosa Executive Producer] Tina Turley offered me the opportunity to direct this production,” said Fauchon. “As a recent UA grad, it’s been wonderful getting to come back to Tuscaloosa.” Fauchon, based out of Vancouver, Canada, has most recently been working in New Mexico as an Artistic Associate at Duke City Repertory Theatre as both a stage manager and director.

For this production, Theatre Tuscaloosa is partnering with T-town Paws to raise awareness about animals needing adoption and the importance of spaying and neutering pets. An information table and special lobby display at performances will be available for audience members to learn more, and photos of dogs needing good homes will be posted in the lobby.

Theatre Tuscaloosa’s 2010-11 season is presented in cooperation with Shelton State Community College and sponsored by Alabama One Credit Union and the City of Tuscaloosa. Additional sponsorships include Bank of Moundville, Jamison Money Farmer, Mercedes-Benz, First National Bank of Central Alabama, BFGoodrich, and D. Harkey Design.

Sylvia will be presented April 8-17 at the Bean-Brown Theatre on Shelton State Community College’s Martin Campus. Performances will be at 7:30 pm Thursdays through Saturdays and at 2pm on Wednesday and Sundays. All proceeds of a pay-what-you-can final dress rehearsal on Thursday, April 7, at 7:30 pm, will benefit the Charlie Dennis Memorial Scholarship Fund. Tickets to the regular performances are $17 for adults, $14 for seniors, and $10 for students and children. Special rates are available for groups of 10 or more. Tickets can be purchased online at www.theatretusc.com or by phone at 205.391.2277.

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Media Note: If you would like to arrange to cover a performance of Sylvia, a limited number of complimentary press passes are available. Contact Adam Miller at 205.391.2277 to make arrangements.

Theatre Tuscaloosa is a not-for-profit community theatre located on the Martin Campus of Shelton State Community College. Theatre Tuscaloosa has been enriching the greater Tuscaloosa community since 1972 through quality theatrical productions and educational outreach.