ELKHORN — The stage has long been the place where the heart-warming love scenes found in romantic literature come to life.

None of these love scenes, however, has quite the same warmth as those in “Sylvia,” a comedic romp about a three-way love triangle between a husband, his wife and a stray dog.

A.R. Gurney’s play premiered in 1995 with Sarah Jessica Parker as the pooch, and now is being staged by the Lakeland Players Saturday (March 7) and today, and Friday through March 15.

The costuming is simple and modern, and Sylvia, the mixed-breed mutt, takes on a human form.

The husband, Greg, played by Mark Drinnenberg of McHenry, is in the throes of a midlife crisis when he finds the stray, delightfully portrayed by Debbie Gustafson of Lake Geneva.

He brings her home, much to the chagrin of his wife, Kate, played by Mina Miller of Mukwonago.

The story goes on to follow these recent empty-nesters as they navigate their way through rough marital seas.

When Sylvia arrives, she makes even more waves.

Dog lovers secretly wish for two-way conversations with their four-legged friends, and Sylvia provides just that. She speaks — and not just for treats.

The play is produced by Wendy Koehnke of Elkhorn, and directed by East Troy’s Mary Hubbard-Nugent.

It also features Tim Glowicki of East Troy as Tom, Amy Brancel of Elkhorn as Phyllis and Julie Patten of Lake Geneva as Leslie.

Shortly before a recent rehearsal, Gustafson spoke about the unique play, and what it’s like to play man’s best friend:

Did you ever think you’d play a dog?

“No, it wasn’t what I thought I’d end up doing. But I saw this show a few years ago. Mary (Hubbard-Nugent) directed it in Burlington, and ever since, I’ve wanted to play Sylvia. She’s fun to play. She has a real potty mouth. She says things you can’t print.”

Do dogs have it as easy as we think?

“No, and that’s a very good question. You know, it’s a pretty difficult life, because they’re always looking for that approval and they really just want to please, where humans just don’t care as much about pleasing others.”

What’s the best thing about being a dog?

“The best thing about being a dog is you get a lot of down time, and it really is just about playing, relaxing, eating. Those are your main worries in life.”

What’s the worst?

“That all you get do is play and eat (laughs). You don’t have any control over your destiny. You have to let someone else speak for you, and you have to depend on the kindness of strangers, and some aren’t so kind.”

Why do dogs and humans have such a close relationship?

“Dogs, their main goal is to please. They’re part of a pack, and humans want to lead and be in control of something, and dogs fit into that well. It’s companionship, too. They each give the other something they really need.”

Sylvia drives a wedge, so to speak, between Greg and Kate. Is she a home-wrecker?

“I don’t think Sylvia is a home-wrecker. Their relationship was already in trouble. They were empty-nesters who stopped talking.”

Do dogs really have that much power over us?

“I think they do. I know exactly what I’m doing to Greg. I’m fully aware of the fact that he adores me, and I take advantage of that. I lay on the couch, even though it annoys Kate. I make him happy because I please him, but I’m definitely in charge of his schedule, and him, too. We talk a lot. I’m really his confidante. I know all his secrets, and I use them later on as a power play.”

Tags: Lake Geneva