By Adam Cohen…
Ever wonder what your dog is thinking about? The Dog Show: Come. Sit. Stay deftly explores what’s on your dog’s mind.
Crafted by 13-time Emmy winner and two-time Grammy winner David Javerbaum (Executive Producer and Head Writer of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart; creator of @TheTweetOfGod; writer of An Act of God, starring Jim Parsons) and directed by Richard Israel (Violet; A Very Brady Musical, “Big Little Lies”) this show isn’t going to the dogs (last dog pun in this article).
The setup is quite clever. The whole idea is how dogs see the world in different ways. Quick sketches and songs highlight the inner monologues of individual and groups of dogs.
This show is a tribute to dogs’ relationships with humans: the control they have over us, the pride they take in their humans, the things that they do for us (and to us), and their presence in our most vulnerable moments. A few bits of social commentary are thrown into the mix for good measure.
It’s cute and clever. There were close to twenty vignettes; most funny, some joyously sincere, others annoyingly cloying, and one that broke my heart. Overall way more wins than missteps, even with way many dog puns and an attempt to cram the whole history of the dog’s evolution into one skit.
Gizel Jiménez stood out. She brought every dog to life in their own way, ranging from an extraordinary, cute puppy, badass bulldog, entitled Chihuahua, wise old mutt feeling the power of the universal “bow wow”.
Jordan Matthew Brown and Angela Reed also gave strong performances. Angela embodying the pride of a service dog and Jordan expressing the frustration of a bath were two great moments early in the show with clear emotional expressions and physical comedy. A.J. Shively (as usual) was endlessly entertaining.
Overall, this was an enjoyable evening I laughed out loud multiple times and there is even something to acknowledge the cat people in the audience. Bring your pup. There are dog beds. If you love animals or love an animal lover, The Dog Show will entertain and bring joy.
Bottom line: If you love animals or love an animal lover, The Dog Show will entertain and bring joy.
Tickets and more information at https://www.dogshownyc.com
