A man and his dog...and his wife. It's a triangle that produces tension and comedy in Willits Community Theatre's next production, "Sylvia," by playwright A.R. Gurney.

Sylvia is a stray pooch found by Greg, a man whose life seems to be going to the dogs. Although Kate, his wife of 20 years, puts her foot down about a dog in the house, this guy is in puppy love with his new canine friend. Over the next few days, Greg spends more and more time with Sylvia, and less time at his job or with his wife. Greg and Sylvia go on long walks. They discuss life and astronomy. "Sylvia" blends truth and humor from beginning to end.

Popular WCT veteran Christopher Martin plays Greg, a former engineer who is forced into a job he hates. Rescuing a homeless dog makes him feel like a hero as he discovers that happiness is a warm puppy. Greg's wife, Kate (Sandy Madrigal) is looking for something more meaningful in her life than a wet nose. Sylvia the dog is played by Marge Artlip. Advice is offered by Phyllis (Jan Michele), an old Vassar classmate of Kate's. The cast also includes Tom, a philosophical dog-lover in the park (played by Matt Holzhauer) and a marriage counsellor whose therapy is based on his/her being utterly androgynous (also played by Matt Holzhauer). Produced by Jane Camp, directed by Margie Loesch and stage managed by Karen Seydel, "Sylvia" is one of WCT's most entertaining plays of the year.

Performance dates for "Sylvia" are Sept. 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23 (benefit performance) 24 and 25. Thursday shows begin at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday shows raise the curtain at 8 p.m., and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Reserve seating tickets are on sale at Mazahar, 38 South Main St. in Willits (phone 459-3034) and at the door. Willits Community Theatre is located on West Van Lane in Willits, one block south of Commercial St. For additional information, call WCT at 459-0895 or online at WillitsTheatre.org.