The Goat, Or Who Is Sylvia?

Seneca Community Players launches its 37th season with the local premiere of Edward Albee's Tony Award-winning, "The Goat, Or Who Is Sylvia?," an adventurous drama about the unraveling of the perfect family when the father engages in an elicit affair of an unspeakable nature. This powerful, comic and unsettling play is directed by Becky Bly, the show is produced locally by Donna Russell.

Edward Albee has been an icon of the American stage since his play, "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf?," opened on Broadway in 1963. With a style that embraces existentialism, absurdism, as well as the metaphysical, Albee has enjoyed a successful career, highlighted by winning an astounding three Pulitzer Prizes and countless other awards.

Provocative as ever, Albee's latest, "The Goat, Or Who Is Sylvia?" is a daring and controversial play that has entertained and stunned audiences and critics, alike. The winner of the 2002 Tony Award for Best Play, "The Goat" was also voted Best Play of 2002 by the New York Drama Critics Circle, received a New York Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play, and was a finalist for the 2003 Pulitzer Prize in Drama. 

At the center of "The Goat" is Martin (Ed Scutt), a renowned architect and family man. He is also a man on the edge. In the same week he turned fifty, earned a prestigious award and received a lucrative commission, Martin is consumed by a forbidden passion. At a time he should be celebrating his life, Martin is distracted and forgetful because of the secret he is carrying and unburdens himself on his oldest friend, Ross (Paul Wenderlich). Overwhelmed by the revelation, Martin's secret is revealed. As the truth is told and Martin's wife Stevie (Pam Bryan) and son Billy (Jason Parker) find out, his life disintegrates in a disastrous and eye-opening way. "The Goat" is not so much a play about one man's mid-life crisis, but about how the decisions people make affects the lives of everyone around them.

A moderated talk-back follows each performance. Audiences are invited to stay after and learn about the creative process that brought this unique piece of theatre to fruition and to ask questions of the cast and crew about the show.

Tickets available at WomanMade Products in Seneca Falls, Area Records & Music in Geneva, by calling 315-568-9364, and online at www.SenecaCommunityPlayers.org . "The Goat" contains adult themes, sexual situations and strong language. It may not be suitable for all audiences.