Tue 28 Oct 2008 In: Performance View at Wayback View at NDHA
Review: The Little Dog Laughed, by Douglas Carter Beane. With Alison Bruce, Charlie McDermott, Paolo Rotondo and the two Hollywood cowboys plan on riding off into the sunset holding hands. Got the idea? No way is this gonna happen to agent Diane, who's risking everything for Mitch. There's another twist in the matter of Alex's girlfriend – excellently played by Sophie Henderson – and what to do with/for her. A delightful mix of French farce, black comedy, and American schlock, the play had us all joining the petite canine of its title not merely laughing but guffawing loudly at the fascinating absurdities deception brings into the life mix and what fools 'dem mortals be. The play's disturbing message, however, is not a very comforting one if you happen to be a gay man. The ensemble work and timing of this quartet is admirable. Each part is to die for and everyone ends the evening with a mouthful of the bed, to use the obvious metaphor. Alison Bruce's Diane takes full command of the stage and her acerbic accent cuts everyone down to size. As to accents, I felt that Charlie McDermott's was the most consistent and also that his was the truest portrayal, and that's saying a lot, as all of these characters are OTT. The energy onstage is phenomenal. In sum, if you want a great evening in the theatre, then get down to the Herald and enjoy! Larry Jenkins - 28th October 2008