December 07, 2015
See a play about a dog, help an actual dog. That is essentially the idea behind the Tuesday, Dec. 8, Broadway performance of "Sylvia," where attention will be brought to several animal welfare organizations, including Gladwyne-based PACT (People + Animals = Companions Together).
PACT arranges long-term foster homes for pets of servicemen and women who are deployed for periods of time or for those who have a medical crisis and will be in the hospital for an extended period of time. Often, animals will come from across the country for placement, since the organization is the first of its kind in the country. Since PACT arranges foster care for animals, fewer pets end up in shelters, and there is a better chance of owners being reunited with their animals.
Brannon Wiles, a producer of "Sylvia" and a professor at Drexel University, established the connection between the Broadway play and the Philadelphia-area organization. He met the founder of PACT, Buzz Miller, and found it fitting to benefit the organization through the pet-themed play.
In the humorous play, Matthew Broderick stars as a man going through a mid-life crisis when he finds a stray dog in Central Park and brings her home. He names the dog Sylvia and eventually becomes attached. His wife, however, does not want a new pet. Their children are adults now, and she wants to enjoy the empty nest.
“Sylvia” debuted off-Broadway 20 years ago. This version will feature an actress playing the role of the dog - introducing a character similar to "the other woman."
Ticket sales for the performance on Tuesday will benefit PACT, however, those who cannot make a trip to New York on a weeknight are invited to donate the day of the play instead. For those who attend the show, there will be a post-show “meet-and-greet” with members of the cast, the production team and members of the animal welfare organizations.
"Sylvia" runs until Jan. 3.
Tuesday, Dec. 8
7 p.m. | $32-$201
Cort Theatre
138 W. 48th St.
New York, N.Y. 10036
