BWW Reviews: Bizarre D IS FOR DOG Will Be a Curiosity at Studio/Stage

D is for Dog
by Katie Polebaum (based on a story by Sean T. Cawelti)
directed by Sean T. Cawelti
Studio/Stage
through August 7

Katie Polebaum has created an original piece of theatre that cleverly mixes the innocence of the past with the horrors of the future in D is for Dog now playing at Studio/Stage in Hollywood. What is most intriguing about Dog is its employment of video and puppetry along with the six actors in telling the bizarre sci-fi story.

It is never clear from the beginning exactly where the play takes place or in what time period. The audience is led to believe it's the 50s with a perfect mother Mrs. Rogers a la Donna Reed (Nina Silver) serving breakfast - Maxwell House coffee and Aunt Jemima's pancakes - to her neatly groomed husband Mr. Rogers (Guy Birtwhistle) and two kids Dick (Michael Scott Allen) and Jane (Taylor Coffman) aged seven - or so we are told. They may be seven or they may have been living this lie for quite a long time; it's not certain. What quickly becomes obvious is that we are not where we thought we were. From the robotic-like movements and repetitious speech patterns of the actors and the presence of a robot-like machine, most likely in some futuristic time and space. Strange calls come in - the mother and kids are not allowed to answer or use the phone - static interference changes the appearance of a sunny day as seen through the kitchen window, and distant, ominous voices indicate the presence of...aliens? The father works for an organization called the Conservation Corporation, which makes different colored pills that the mother, dad and kids take quite frequently to pep them up and alleviate any heightened mood swings or excruciating pain. Again, this is what the father tells his family. What exactly the corporation does or what the father's job really entails remain a mystery...until the second act when strange creatures enter and we are permitted to view in a limited way what lies outside the dwelling.

The four actors, especially Silver, Allen and Coffman get quite a physical workout in Act I and all four an emotional one in Act II as terrifying events unfold. They are equally excellent, especially in convincing us who they are and where they are ...or who/where they think they are. Director Sean T. Cawelti, who wrote the story upon which the play is based. does a fine job keeping the pacing bright, the mood happy, and the story suspenseful. When the puppets enter, they dominate the scene and demand our full attention, particularly the dog at the end of Act II. It is a harrowing experience to watch it being manipulated and to witness the distinct reactions from those around it. Heidi Hilliker and Benjamin Messmer brilliantly interpret the puppets, and the entire technical team are to be lauded a hundred fold.

For me, the world is run by terrorists, and the pills represent the only means of temporary escape. For others, this piece may take on a completely different meaning. No matter how nebulous or complex, D is for Dog is theatrically engrossing and enjoyable fare from start to finish. As to the significance of the title, you must go and witness for yourselves.

 

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