Review: Nothing Ugly about DOGFIGHT at Buck Creek Players

DOGFIGHT seems to imply a ring of competitors, lots of sweat, and probably a few black eyes. But in this frolicsome musical it means an all-out brawl...about who has the ugliest date. This, combined with a trio of "bad boys," makes DOGFIGHT a real treat for viewers who visit Buck Creek Players.

Celeste:

I admit I knew very little about DOGFIGHT coming in, but the premise is spelled out well. The "mission" is for three Marines about to set sail for Vietnam to find the ugliest "dogs" San Francisco has to offer. At first, this produces wave upon wave of adult humor in the first act. The three men, also known as the Three Bees, will spare nothing, including dignity, to win this cruel game.

After the stage is set, each Bee sets out to find that lucky lady, but it's Birdlace who ends up in the most trouble. When he encounters Rose, a shy and talented singer, he lures her into the worst first date of all time. Rose is portrayed by Addison R. Koehler with a naiveté and sweetness that is very charming. She has a beautiful voice, clear and bell-like to match the clear conviction she has about being true to herself. Birdlace, played by Nathan Wilusz, sings, acts, and speaks like a young man full of vigor and ready to use his male prowess. He is having fun and ready to get into some mischief.

It would be a shame not to mention the other two Bees and their dates. Bernstein, played by Scott Fleshood, finds himself a Native American girl with...strong posture. They make a winning duo at the dogfight. Boland (Levi Hoffman) takes a different approach altogether. He is so adamant to win that he pays off a hooker named Marcy (Shelbi Berry) to ensure the cash ends up in his hands. Marcy has a presence of her own and the voice to match when she reveals to Rose why Birdlace really asked her out. Her assertive tone, strong dynamics, and sassy attitude contrast with Rose's disillusioned pain.

Once Rose is in on the "game," the whole musical takes a much more intimate as well as darker tone. Birdlace comes to see what friends like Boland are pushing him to become: a heartless and unrelenting bully. He struggles with how, or even if, to fight back. However, Rose haunts him, and it is with her that he spends his last night in the States. Their awkwardness after the disastrous Dogfight dance makes for an enchanting duet in "First Date/Last Night."

The second act brings on a much weightier subject matter as Birdlace faces the realities of war and of coming home an entirely different person to a country that rejects him for serving. There are some poignant messages in DOGFIGHT that are not remiss in today's current social climate. It confronts using and abusing women as well as some thoughts on war and violence.

Dylan:

As produced by the Buck Creek Players, the odd story of DOGFIGHT is both humorous and touching. The show does raise some questions about gender roles and the normal notions of what is attractive in a person, bundled up in a sweet story about war and love.

The musical by Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, and Peter Duchan is based on the 1991 film. Pasek's and Paul's music was able to find a solid medium between classical musical theater and a more modern, powerful sound. The lyrics and dialogue are on point coming with many unexpected rhythms and foot-in-mouth moments.

I personally loved the story of Eddie (Nathan Wilusz) and Rose (Addison R. Koehler). Eddie is this boastful Marine full of boyish bluster but naive and unsure of himself. Rosie was a rather shy, homely girl who works at a diner.

The show had a few well-written and loving scenes (unusual for a current-day musical), as well as some very hilarious sections. Director D. Scott Robinson was able to do a very effective job, maneuvering his actors around the small stage and making efficient use of the space. One a quick technical side, a crazy stage with a big set is not always needed to convey emotions. DOGFIGHT's very basic set was perfect for what they needed, and I think it actually helped the audience connect with the actors better. The set, designed by Aaron B. Bailey, makes full use of the Buck Creek's limited space and created a sense of San Francisco during the era. With the narrative moving quickly from busy street corner to Rose's bedroom in a flash, the set and lighting design provided clear paths for the audience to follow. For me, the lighting was notably strong with some nice, little nuances that helped enhance spaces like Rose's bedroom and the diner. Choreography and blocking for the Marines was serviceable as well.

The small cast played their individual roles with energy and panache. The six Marines executed their choreography crisply and enthusiastically. Plus, their voices blended beautifully too.

DOGFIGHT took me by surprise with its brash and bawdy character, but I never would have characterized it as thought-provoking until the final curtain call. Be sure not to miss out on this opportunity at Buck Creek Players through June 17th.

Photo credit: Gary Nelson

To post a comment, you must register and login.