Recently, Oconomowoc's Theater on main did "Love Letters," the Lake Country Players did "The Dining Room," and both the Sunset Playhouse and Waukesha Civic Theatre produced "Sylvia."

Next Act Theatre is the latest to present the "Sylvia" offering. This company put on this play once before in 1996. Gurney's plays have wide appeal and seem to crop up everywhere. I'm happy to experience its revival. It is one of those shows that keeps on giving no matter how many times one encounters it.

Many people have a love affair going on with their pets, but the degree of attention and devotion given to that cat or dog in their life is staggering. Animals are far easier to deal with than people, which may account for their popularity.

"Sylvia" explores the relationship between a man and his dog, a man and his wife, and his wife and his dog. In order to make this story work, Gurney had to use a person to play the part of the dog, which really isn't such a stretch after all, considering that most people treat their pets as people, probably better than people.

The three main characters are Greg, a rather discontented middle-aged man who happens upon a stray dog in the park during one of his self-appointed "breaks" from work; his wife, Kate, a serious scholar-schoolteacher, diligently pursuing a lofty career after rearing their children (she's hoping to unite the children of Harlem with Shakespearian studies); Sylvia, the beloved stray dog adopted by Greg; and several other minor characters who drift in and out of these characters' lives.

Sylvia, masterfully portrayed by Georgina McKee, is lovable, petulant, and free-spirited as most pets are. She doesn't overdo parodying the movements and behaviors of a dog, but imitates them just enough to be a credible dog-person. Her antics elicit most of the laughs, but Greg, her obsessed owner, gets his share, too.

David Cecsarini, who usually plays serious roles, is obviously quite adept at comedy as well. His painful facial expressions as he watches his beloved Sylvia engaging in a tryst behind a bush with another dog in the park are precious, indeed.

Mary MacDonald Kerr, who played Sylvia in the 1996 production, has taken on the role of Greg's jealous wife Kate in this version. Her character feels threatened by Sylvia, almost displaced by her. Kerr effectively conveys her feelings of dislocation in this unusual love triangle.

Tom, the dog philosopher; Phyllis, Kate's friend; and Leslie, a marriage counselor they consult to save their marriage, are all adeptly rendered by Ryan Schabach, who proves himself quite versatile in his multi-gender roles.

The show is a delight from start to finish. It's light, but meaningful. Rich Rasmussen's simple and very functional set design makes its contribution. The costumes designed by Rachel Laritz reveal the personalities of the characters. Those chosen for Sylvia are particularly appropriate.

This play will entertain all dog lovers and even those who are not so inclined; in other words, everyone.