Kate and Greg are a happily married couple until Sylvia comes along.

Sylvia is a stray dog that Greg falls in love in "Sylvia," a comedy by A.R. Gurney ("Love Letters" and "The Dining Room") that is performed at the Scottish Rite Little Theatre starting Friday.

The play will show how an animal can take over a marriage.

Ed Summey is directing the show and playing Greg.

"It's challenging (but directing) is something I've been wanting to do for a long time," he said.

It's been 25 years since he had his first role at the Springer Opera House, but this the first show he'll direct.

He's surrounded by veteran actors Sandy Dawson, Jean Morris and Bonnie Hagerty and one newcomer: Nick James, a U.S. Army captain stationed at Fort Benning.

Dawson plays the title role of Sylvia the dog who changes the lives of Kate and Greg. Hagerty is Kate, who simply doesn't like the dog.

Morris plays two roles -- Kate's friend, Leslie, and their psychotherapist. James is a dog owner Greg meets in the park, who offers advice about dogs and life.

"Sandy's a great dog," Hagerty said. "I'm the heavy in this one."

Before rehearsals began, Dawson thought it would be easy to play a dog.

"It's not easy," she said.

While each character is different, Morris said the cast is truly an ensemble. "And dog lovers in this town will love this show," she said.

There's even a plea for responsible pet ownership.

"The real message in this play is for animal lovers to spay and neuter their pets," Summey said.

The show is for a PG-13 audience.