Sylvia NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (411)
See it if you have an imagination & can handle the fantastical talking-dog premise. A Ashford's brilliantly funny. M Broderick's completely miscast.
Don't see it if a little raunch upsets you. Very warm & touching script. A Ashford is totally worth the price of admission. Wish it had run a little longer.
See it if you're in the mood for a lighthearted romp with a fantastic physically-creative performance from Annaleigh Ashford.
Don't see it if you hate dogs.
See it if If you want an amazing cast and just really great dog humor.
Don't see it if If you don't like dogs or plays.
See it if you have ever owned a dog. Enjoy light-hearted and heart-warming comedies with great performances.
Don't see it if you prefer more resonant and profound theater.
See it if You are an animal lover and have a pet.
Don't see it if You don't like animals or don't have a pet. A lot of the jokes are based off the funny things pet-owners do.
See it if you like Annaleigh Ashford - she's delightful, you like shows about having pets, you are looking for a sweet and funny play
Don't see it if you don't like seeing humans play animals, you want something extremely intellectually challenging
See it if you don't mind the fact that an excellent first act is followed by a weaker second act.
Don't see it if you would mind the above problem. This would have been better as a fast 90 minute one-act.
See it if You have or have ever loved an animal. You have ever been in love, in a long term relationship or have experienced empty nest syndrome.
Don't see it if Not for children as they do curse (a lot). You can't appreciate a story with an epiphany & happy ending
Critic Reviews (49)
"In this slick, brassy revival by director Daniel Sullivan, 'Sylvia' is in the extremely capable hands of Annaleigh Ashford, an adroit physical comedienne...Perhaps Sullivan felt that Gurney's paper-thin play needed embellishing and so has Sella overact to the detriment of the small-scale joke at the play's center. But that isn't enough to derail this minor but entertaining comedy from one of our true living masters."
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"'Sylvia' is A.R. Gurney's most obvious (and probably only) crowd-pleaser...Whenever Ashford barks—'hey hey hey hey!'—it could be love, hate, anger, affection or irritation, and Ashford varies her tone and timbre to suit the occasion. The actress's showiness is out of necessity since it's a show-offy role, but Ashford smartly underplays as much as possible, and it's to her credit that she makes Sylvia (pooch and play) funnier and more affecting than it has any right to be."
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"Sullivan’s direction is stilted and unimaginative. The interesting underbelly of this theatrical beast is never itched. Only White’s exemplary efforts and Ashford’s winning guile lift this above the litter tray."
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"The amusing concept is dependent upon the Sylvia actor’s immersion and believability as a canine – and on keeping the 'love story' this side of weird. Thanks to Ashford’s agility and brightly-clipped manner, the former requirement is met. Her naughty Sylvia is lovable...The latter boundary is fuzzy, due to the now-dated script and Broderick’s juvenile demeanor."
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"Ultimately, 'Sylvia' is a hilarious, screwball play with energetic performances. The costumes, set designs, and acting are all on point, crafting a memorable Broadway experience. Director Daniel J. Sullivan has brought A.R. Gurney’s 'Sylvia' to Broadway with colorful fun."
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"How can anyone not fall in love with Sylvia? Especially as portrayed by Annaleigh Ashford who is well on her way to fetching another Tony for her full immersion in doggy behavior and brilliant comedic timing…'Sylvia' is extremely funny…Daniel Sullivan has directed with a steady leash…As they say 'Every dog has its day' and Sylvia is the mutt of the moment. Highly recommended."
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"Whether you love tiny little dogs that you can carry in your purse or the really big kind that scares everyone away, you will love 'Sylvia'... Among the many laughs I had, I also cried. But, I won’t spoil that for you. Just be sure to stay when the ‘run the credits.’ You’ll be happy you did. "
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"Ashford does a remarkable job combining animalistic qualities and their humanistic counterparts. If dogs could talk, Ashford would be barking up the right tree.
A large part of that is Gurney’s writing. His script is worded so well that the brute honesty comes off light-hearted and funny, aside from the few scenes where seriousness matters. In those, the words are so striking that they take a second to sink in before you realize how strong they are."
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