Annie Chase Smith and Christopher Schellenger (Photo by Jeff Lorch Photography)
Reviewed by Katy Kragel
A visiting production at the Odyssey Theatre
Through November 8
(L-R seated): Jenica Bergere and Kate Woerner (L-R on floor): Annie Chase Smith and Joe Balanza (Photo by Jeff Lorch Photography)
Three projector screens with cartoon-like animations of a dog park and three simple, practical park benches right behind a patch of fake grass immediately set the whimsical tone for the Pageant Productions visiting production of Woof. The design – reminiscent of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway’s animation style at Disneyland – eases the audience into the imaginative format that this production explores.
Six main characters – three humans and three dogs – cross paths in this New York dog park where they form unexpected bonds as they tackle the typical trials of life: dating, marital issues, and even death. Arlene (Jenica Bergere) and her classy Yorkie (Annie Chase-Smith) bring classic New York City spunk and edge to the stage. Tyrell (Richardson Cisneros-Jones) and his perfect, prissy show poodle (Christopher Schellenger) shine like the lights of Broadway complete with flare and showtunes. And lastly, Rose (Kate Woerner) and her rescue mutt (Joe Balanza) complete the chaos with Woerner’s midwestern, unhinged charm and Balanza’s angsty, street dog edge.
The physical commitment of the actors playing the dogs is commendable; their performances coalesce well with those of the actors playing their owners. Unfortunately, while this initially creates some interesting stage dynamics and heart-warming moments, these positive elements diminish as the show goes on. Eventually, the inner lives of the dog characters and the struggles of their owners start to feel unrelated and the point of exploring humanity through the eyes of our furry friends fades away.
The design team beautifully supports the character choices that each of the actors bring to the table. Costumer designer Lisa Lupo meets the high demands of this unique storytelling format, striking a lovely balance between signaling the comedic stereotype of each of these characters while also endowing them with some personal nuance. Perhaps more importantly, she finds a way to suggest the contrast between dogs and humans without detracting from the humanity of the actors portraying the dogs.
Absent any detailed set pieces or props to suggest place — just a standard table, roll-away bed, benches, and a metal examining table for furniture — it’s the backdrop screens that craft for us the zany world of the play. This is thanks to scenic designer, Jerry Buszek who uses the colorful animation style to impart a light-hearted tone throughout the entire piece.
All of the design elements work to support the performances, which are at their best when they play up the silly or ridiculous aspects of the story, rather than those moments when they strive to be serious or profound.
A guest production at The Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd, West LA., Sat.-Sun., 2 pm, Sat., 7 pm; thru Nov. 8. https://odysseytheatre.com/tickets/?eid=203098. Runtime: 95 minutes with no intermission.
