Tanna Frederick stars in Sylvia at Edgemar Center

Mar 27, 2011
Edgemar Center

Earlier this year, Tanna Frederick was a hit with audiences and critics in the popular comedy "Sylvia," when it was presented at Sierra Madre Playhouse. Now, she brings her starring performance to the Westside, where the play will be given a different directorial perspective by its new director, Gary Imhoff; and a new look from its award-winning production designer Joel Daavid.

In this 1995 comedy by A.R. Gurney ("Love Letters," "The Dining Room"), Greg and Kate are empty-nesters in the big city. On a walk in the park, Greg is adopted by Sylvia, a bouncy, frisky poodle mix. But Kate comes to feel that she is losing Greg to his adoring new best friend who just loves to be petted, scratched, and talked to. This imaginative twist on Greg's midlife crisis leads to lots of laughs and some thoughtful insights into the nature of love, marriage, jealousy, and dogs.

Tanna Frederick stars as Sylvia. She has also starred in several films directed by Henry Jaglom, including "Hollywood Dreams," 'Irene in Time," "Queen of the Lot," and the upcoming "Just 45 Minutes From Broadway," based on the play which concluded a ten-month run at Edgemar Center in 2010. Her other stage credits include "Always....But Not Forever" (which also played at Edgemar), "Echoes," "Toussaint: For The Love Of Freedom," "Why We Have A Body," "The Maids," and more. Tanna was awarded the 2009 Maverick Award by the Los Angeles Women's Theatre Festival. Also engaged in philanthropic pursuits, she is co-founder of Project Save Our Surf and founder of the Iowa Independent Film Festival.

Stephen Howard plays Greg and Cathy Arden portrays Kate.

Gary Imhoff directs . His other directing credits include the plays "Just 45 Minutes From Broadway," "Always....But Not Forever," "The Devil and Daniel Webster" and "The Dearly Departed," as well as the upcoming films "Break," "Scottish Dreams," and "Wildflower." Also an actor, he portrayed Charlie Brown in the original production of "Snoopy!," starred in "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" (L.A. and N.Y.), "Assassins" (West Coast Premiere), often appeared in films and frequently in television episodes of "Falcon Crest" and "Eight Is Enough."

If you love comedies or love dogs, "Sylvia" is the show for you. If you love both, then you will be doubly blessed.