The Great American Melodrama in Oceano announced the production of its newest play, A.R. Gurne’s Sylvia, accompanied by a new vaudeville revue, The 1940s USO Show.
For the production, the Melodrama is partnering with both Woods Humane Society and the Santa Maria Valley Humane Society to raise awareness of the many pets in local shelters and rescues in need of homes.
In the play, Greg and Kate live a relatively happy life in New York City. Then Greg finds a dog in the park with a name tag inscribed with “Sylvia.” A Labrador retriever and poodle mix, Sylvia becomes a major bone of contention between the husband and wife. The dog offers Greg an escape from the frustrations of his job and the angst of middle age. To Kate, Sylvia becomes a rival for affection, while Sylvia thinks Kate just doesn’t understand the relationship between man and dog. The production includes four actors returning to the Melodrama: Mia Mekjian (Sylvia), Nicholas Wilder (Greg), Eleise Moore (Kate), and Eb Madson (various roles).
The 1940s USO Show follows, featuring the music of WWII-era shows, such as the Andrews Sisters, Glenn Miller, and Benny Goodman. Joining the acting company for this revue is Sarah Raines of Lompoc and Vandenberg Air Force Base.
A.R. Gurney’s Sylvia and The 1940s USO Show runs March 8 through April 22. Performances are Wednesday through Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 3 and 7 p.m., and Sundays at 6 p.m. There is no show on Easter Sunday. Tickets are $21 to $28, with discounts available for groups, seniors, students, active military, and children. For more information and to purchase tickets, call the Melodrama Box Office at (805) 489-2499, or visit americanmelodrama.com.
This article appears in Mar 1-8, 2018.