NOW PLAYING: Boulder's Devil's Thumb Productions' DOG SEES GOD

Boulder's Devil's ThuMB Productions Presents 

Dog Sees God  

Devil's ThuMB Productions is pleased to announce the run of Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead by Bert V. Royal, as the final show of their second season. Recently voted the "most anticipated spring show in the Denver metro area" by He Said/She Said Critics and Colorado theatergoers, this production will play in Theatre O (5311 Western Avenue, Suite O, Boulder) May 19-21 and May 26-28, 2011.

Royal's Dog Sees God, winner of the New York Fringe Festival's Excellence Award for Best Overall Production, is an "unauthorized parody" of the iconic Charles Schulz comic strip, Peanuts. Still reeling from the recent death of his beloved beagle, high school aged "CB" begins to question the existence of an afterlife. Turning to his long-time friends for answers, he quickly realizes they are in no position to offer guidance. His best friend is too burnt out to offer any rational speculation; his sister is dealing with an identity crisis of her own; his ex-girlfriend is locked away in an institution; and his other friends are too inebriated to offer any guidance or support. It is only a chance meeting with an outcast friend that offers CB any comfort and allows him to find closure at last. This haunting yet hopeful look into the teenage psyche explores love, friendship, and the basic human desire to belong.
 
The production marks the final show of Devil's Thumb's second season, with varying artistic roles being filled by founding company members Alex Hughes, Anja Hose, and Laura Kruegel, all of who were involved in the company's first production, Jack and Jill: A Romance by Jane Martin.
 
"I was drawn to this show because I felt like it was something every audience member would be able to relate to," says Devil's Thumb Artistic Director Alex Hughes, who is also directing the show. "The Peanuts characters are so recognizable, everyone sees a little bit of themselves in each of them. This recognition doesn't change when they 'grow up' a little and hit high school. Who among us hasn't struggled to find meaning in death? Been an outcast? Felt a love that would never be reciprocated? By using characters that are so easy to relate to, Royal allows us to experience the story as it is being played out in front of us; emotionally we stop being viewers and step into the characters' world and experience exactly what they are feeling."
 
While this show is prominently advertised as a parody of Peanuts, it has never been authorized by Charles M. Schultz or the United Features Syndicate. Because of this, all the original character's names have been changed: Charlie Brown is now CB, Schroeder is Beethoven, and Lucy is simply referred to as Van's Sister. Despite this controversy, the show is still easily identifiable with anyone who follows Peanuts and Royal's writing builds on this foundation. At the same time, however, Royal manages to create a piece that stands alone. It resonates with both the devoted followers of the comic strip and also those unfamiliar with Peanuts.
 
In addition to the scheduled performances, the company will hold audience talkbacks following the shows on May 21, 26, and 28 (2pm show).  The talkbacks will be lead by Liza-Beth Fryberger, the student service coordinator from Community Health at the University of Colorado, who has extensive experience facilitating group discussions about issues in the community. These talkbacks will continue to explore the prevalent themes in Dog Sees God and allow patrons to discuss feelings and raise questions in a safe environment. It is Devil's ThuMB Productions' hope that by providing an opportunity to discuss these subjects, audiences will leave with a better understanding on what perpetuates actions in the play and also with ideas on how they can confront and inspire change in their communities.
 
Tickets for Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead can be reserved by visiting www.devilsthumbproductions.org and clicking the "Buy Tickets" tab or purchased at the door on the night of the performance with cash or check. A late night show (which includes a drink) and weekend matinees are available in addition to normal shows, which start at 7:30 pm. Check Devil's ThuMB Productions' website for specific information.  

Committed to providing opportunities to emerging artists, Devil's ThuMB Productions' mission is to provide an opportunity for actors, directors, designers, and playwrights to find their unique voice and gain professional experience. The company, formed in 2010 by four University of Colorado graduates, strives to bring the Colorado community a relatable, unique, and professional theatre experience at an affordable cost.

Photos taken by Charles Carman