Annaleigh Ashford to star in Sylvia on Broadway

Tom Millward
Tom Millward

Two-time Tony nominee Annaleigh Ashford will star in the title role of the Broadway premiere of A.R. Gurney's comedy Sylvia. Previews begin on 25 September 2015 at a yet-to-be-named Shubert Theatre.

Joining Ms. Ashford in the cast will be Tony Award winner Julie White as Kate, and Drama Desk Award winner Robert Sella as Tom/Phyllis/Leslie. Additional casting will be announced at a later date.

Synopsis: "Has your pet changed your life? Have you ever wondered what she's thinking when she stares up at you and tilts her head? Could she have the secret to understanding the world at large and your place in it? Or is she just more interested in how your shoe tastes? The world of a middle-aged New York couple is turned topsy-turvy when the husband brings home an exceptionally engaging canine running loose in Central Park. This look into the complexities of love and commitment asks what it truly means to be devoted to your partner... and how do you choose between the love of your life and man's best friend?"

Sylvia is directed by Tony Award winner Daniel Sullivan and produced on Broadway by Jeffrey Richards, Jerry Frankel, and Daryl Roth.

The creative team features scenic design by David Rockwell, costume design by Ann Roth, and lighting design by Japhy Weideman.

Sylvia was originally produced off-Broadway in 1995 by the Manhattan Theatre Club at New York City Center's Stage I. Sarah Jessica Parker starred in the title role alongside Blythe Danner and the production ran for 167 performances, earning Drama Desk Award nominations for Outstanding Play, Outstanding Actress in a Play (for Parker), and Outstanding Costume Design.

Annaleigh Ashford received a Tony nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical for 'Kinky Boots' (2013) and was nominated this year for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play for 'You Can't Take It With You' (2015). Her other Broadway credits include 'Hair,' 'Legally Blonde,' and 'Wicked.'

Julie White won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for 'The Little Dog Laughed' (2007). She also received a nomination this year for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play for 'Airline Highway.' Her other Broadway credits include 'Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,' 'Ann,' and 'The Heidi Chronicles.'

Robert Sella last appeared on the Great White Way in 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' (2005). His other Broadway credits include 'Side Man,' 'Cabaret,' and 'My Fair Lady.'

- by Tom Millward

Originally published on

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