Mathew Sicko knows the theater company’s history well; he’s been an integral part of it since he was in middle school.

Sicko first became involved with the company in sixth grade, and by the end of seventh grade, he became their technical director. These days, the 31-year-old serves as president of SPAO’s board of directors and executive producer of their Spring 2008 show, “Sylvia.”

Written by A.R. Gurney, “Sylvia” centers around a couple, a dog and the drama that ensues once they adopt her. First produced in 1995 with a cast that featured Sarah Jessica Parker and Blythe Danner, the play ran for 167 performances at Stage I of the Manhattan Theatre Club and was nominated for a number of awards.

SPAO’s production of “Sylvia” is being directed by Brian Gronczniak, and associate produced by Jason McClements and Linda Yurschak. The show will run from April 18 to May 3 at the Stillwater Parish Center Theater in Stillwater.

Sicko said SPAO puts on two shows each year; one in the spring, the other in the fall. The pieces the company performs are chosen by a play selection committee based on their relevancy and whether the audience will have a good time with them.

“We mostly do comedies and romantic comedies,” he said. “We cater to what the audience enjoys, what they want to see.”

In “Sylvia,” Greg and Kate have moved to Manhattan after twenty-two years of child rearing in the suburbs. Greg’s career as a financial trader is winding down, while Kate’s career, as a public school English teacher, is beginning to offer her more opportunities.

One day, Greg finds a dog in the park bearing only the name “Sylvia” on her name tag. Sylvia offers Greg an escape from the frustration of his job and the unknowns of middle age. He immediately takes a liking to the dog, and decides to bring her home.

When Kate arrives home, she reacts negatively to the pooch. She wants Sylvia out of the house, and views the dog as a rival for affection. Sylvia, on the other hand, believes Kate just doesn’t understand the relationship between a man and his dog.

Tension builds between the husband and wife, and their marriage seems to be in jeopardy.

Through a series of hilarious interactions with some unusual characters Greg and Kate find a way to resolve their differences and live happily ever after.

Initially, SPAO’s shows only ran for one weekend. However, over time their dinner theatre productions have expanded to three weekends to accommodate the growing audience support.

Sicko believes “Sylvia” will be quite popular. He said over the course of a show’s run they generally see between 700 and 750 people, but he’s optimistic they will draw roughly 850 people with this production.

“We have a lot of regulars. We have at least 500 people who come out to at least every other show we do,” Sicko said.

Every performance is opened by standup comedian “Grandpa” Willis White. Aside from a full evening of entertainment, Sicko said the dinner provided by Panza’s Restaurant and Catering is also a large portion of the appeal.

“There’s good food and good entertainment,” Sicko said. “It’s a unique experience. This isn’t something you can do all the time. I think it’s a really good, fun night out.”

The Stillwater Players Among Others present: “Sylvia”

When: Show dates will be April 18-20, April 25-27 and May 2 and 3. Doors open at 6 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. on Sundays. Dinner is served from 6 - 7:15 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 3 - 4:15 p.m. on Sundays.

Where: Performances will be held at the Stillwater Parish Center Theater, located in the Village of Stillwater.

Admission: The cost for dinner and the show is $40, with a $5 discount for senior citizens, military personnel and veterans. Group rates are available, as is an early bird special for the opening Friday and Saturday only.

Contact: For more information, call 664-5068 or visit www.spaotheater.org.