| Reviews When a sad, abused pup runs away from his owner and ends up in the pound, three fellow inmates of varying pedigree give him their dog's-eye view of life in Theatre West's funny and very touching new production "DogMusic". Written by Mark Masi and composed by Jess Platt, this original musical needs only some fine-tuning in the physical production. There's no stinting in its expressive, sophisticated score, sensitive script, and affecting performances. The story digs deeper than expected, giving with humor and poignancy, a layered look at what a dog's life may be... Exquisitely timed, wickedly funny... Masi and Platt's songs complement mood and character perfectly. There is dimension enough all around to inspire tears, so bring tissues, and if you're a dog lover, bring extra. By the end of a recent show with a mostly adult audience, the sniffles were audible. Lynne Heffley / Los Angeles Times HEADS UP, DOG LOVERS! A new off-Broadway show opened June 18th at the 45th st Theatre in New York -just a stones throw from Broadway. Mark Masi, who wrote the book and lyrics, teamed with composer Jess Platt, who balances heart-soaring and light-hearted tunes. Touching... hilarious... captivating... silly... played to perfection, howls of laughter... A rousing song, "OUT!" kicks off the show, as the five characters, in search of a way out, scratch at the fence that holds them prisoner. [All] winds up on a positive note, in fact, some very lovely notes, and a reprise of two show-stoppers, "Who's Your Daddy?" and "Breathe It In", referring to fresh air. Safe to say, the show itself is a breath of fresh air. If they were real dogs, I'd have adopted them myself. Joan Lowell / The Sunday Newark Star-Ledger No bones about it: There is something absolutely delicious about seeing a musical that makes your heart flutter and your toes tap, but it is a genuine surprise to find your tail wagging as well. The cast may feel as though they have big shoes to fill, what with the inevitable comparison to "Cats", yet this production, with an original [score] by Mark Masi and Jess Platt will stand on its own hind legs just fine. The five cast members, astutely directed by Christopher Scott, undertake the task of truthfully playing canines with dignified commitment, taking time to sniff one another or scratch an ear, little nuances that heighten their collective lovability factor. The action takes place within the confines of a pound, where each of the dogs sings about the past, longing for their owners and warm beds, but the tall steel fences that line the set create a looming sense of danger and abandonment for the endearing pups. Their stories serve to comfort one another, and their enthusiasm for life can rub off on even the most cynical of humans. Elizabeth Cohen / Village Voice Ever wonder what goes on inside the mind of a dog? Theatre West's furry and sometimes fluffy musical tale by Mark Masi and Jess Platt centers on a runaway mutt named Ozzie (Ellen Idelson) and his misadventures in a dog pound. Ozzie and his fellow inmates, all played convincingly canine fashion by humans, tell waggish and heartbreaking stories that could easily inspire any dog lover in the audience to dash to the nearest animal shelter. Ruth Kennison / Entertainment Weekly Plenty of laughs... silly costumes... pathos and emotion in the story of a mistreated puppy named Ozzie, who escapes the rampages of his brutal, bratty owner, Jimmy, only to find himself caged in the pound with three hardened older dogs who teach him about the world and humanity. Delightful original songs by Masi (lyrics) with composer Jess Platt, raise the level of this work above par with clever, intelligent lyrics and complex melodies. Tom Provenzano / L.A. WEEKLY I forget from time to time that theatre can actually be an interesting and innovative medium. If you too have forgotten, or simply don't believe me, then park yourself in front of this enchanting production. Jess Platt's music is surprisingly intricate, and a nice match with Mark Masi's equally clever lyrics. Masi's book is a smart, practically seamless construction. How do I reinforce my initial suggestions? Ah, yes... Go! Sit! Stay! Good boy. Wenzel Jones / Back Stage West/Drama-Logue It's a howl! Four-legged life hits the stage in "DogMusic"! Reed Johnson / Daily News A touching musical for the whole family! Reno Artown |
