A Dog Story
Seaglass Theatrical and Waterfront Theatrics present the New York premiere of this heartwarming musical, about a career-driven lawyer who adopts a pup that changes his perspective on life.
... Read moreRoland thinks he must be married to get the partnership he desperately wants. So he follows the advice of his best buddy, Guy, and gets a puppy named Cupid as a chick magnet for his Hamptons vacation. The plan works: He's thrilled when Cupid leads him to a beautiful businesswoman named Blair! But not so thrilled when Cupid also leads him to Miranda, a dog trainer who is patient with puppies but not their owners. Through first dates, angry tangos, and a sudden disappearance, Roland ends up discovering there's more to life when you get a dog.
- Official Site
- 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Already closed
- The Davenport Theatre / The Loft (Midtown W)
Cast & Creatives (18)
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Reviews (80)
8 Critics' Reviews
"A predictable yet charming new musical comedy…A diverting 95 minutes of simple melodies and mostly successful comic performances…Morgan's score can at times seem almost too mawkish and mundane to bear, but the show can hardly be faulted for being schmaltzy. After all, this is a musical about a cute puppy. Despite its dog-eared plot, 'A Dog Story's' surprise ending grinds the show's shortcomings into kibbles. Only a curmudgeon could leave the theater without smiling." Full Review
"It's a friendly, if innocuous, 90-minute, four-character tail-wagger offering a Purina blend of romance with canine schmaltz...The most original thing in 'A Dog Story' is the replacement of an actual animal by using pantomime to display its presence...Most of the rest, while clichéd, contrived, and stereotypical, is sufficiently good-natured and appealing to keep you from going off in search of the nearest fireplug." Full Review
"All bones and no meat. Even the 90-minute running time seems hyper-inflated given the paper-thin premise…There’s not a single surprise to be found here; this is, most charitably, an old-fashioned rom-com that even Hollywood might reject as too treacly and formulaic…Although Morgan's music is unmemorably catchy, her lyrics tend toward the banal…Brown is a delight as Blair…She lights up the stage every second she's on it. The others are rather dimmer, though they all work hard." Full Review
"Well acted and sung. This simplistic show about a man who needs a girl to get ahead, but can’t communicate enough to even get a date, takes what could have been cliche and rolls that over to charming…The score gives each character a moment to shine…Eric H. Weinberger’s book, is trite, cliché and predictable, but manages to salvage heart...This is a treat of a show for the whole family." Full Review
"'A Dog Story' is that rare musical comedy that manages to be sweet but not cloying, accessible but not banal, and light but not unsubstantial...None of the 'types' are what they seem....Within the formula, then, are some interesting deviations in character as well as plot...The acting and singing are strong throughout...'A Dog Story' is a clever, upbeat play beautifully executed in a chaotic and sad time for most New Yorkers." Full Review
"A charming love story with a very New York flavor...The four actors are all well cast...Justin Baldridge directs this piece as befits the writing, keeping it light and naturalistic...The book by Eric H. Weinberger and music by Gayla D. Morgan work very well together. The story is simple without being simplistic, and the music flows easily without the jarring transition from spoken word to singing that can afflict some musicals." Full Review
"Utterly charming new musical...A pleaser from first bark to last. The show’s complement of four perfectly cast actors will not only convince you that the imaginary dog playing Cupid is worthy of your love, but will have you rolling over in laughter and delight...Weinberger’s book, even when it leans to triteness and cliché, overall makes for a good time...Somewhat obvious plotting does not matter one whit. 'A Dog Story' has a twist ending that rights any perceived flaws in the plot." Full Review
"An entertaining light romantic comedy. It is somewhat predictable, but that doesn't make it any less enjoyable. The characters are interesting...The songs were okay and a few of them were quite enjoyable. The show is staged in a very interesting manner and makes great use of minimal sets and props. It is recommended for ages 16 and up due to the subject matter." Full Review
72 Members' Reviews
See it if like to see how a dog can be used to bring people together. cute love story. like musicals
Don't see it if you expect to see a dog throughout. only come out at the end. don't like small productions
See it if you like romantic comedies that are somewhat predictable but wear their heart on their sleeve and are ultimately charming
Don't see it if you are attracted to hip or edgy material. You can see the ins and outs of this plot coming a mile away. But it's also genuinely sweet.
See it if will feel satisfied with one well-acted character with some dimension (Miranda), in the midst of 3 flat ones; like romantic comedies
Don't see it if you can't get past an overly stereotypical chauvinistic best friend character (fine acting, just completely unlikeable); want any depth
Also why introduce a real dog at the end? totally ruined the illusion / the... Read more Read less
See it if your tv's broken and you like unimaginative sitcoms.
Don't see it if you like clever stories and actors who can pantomime a dog. Until the real dog entered, I had problems imagining where it was.
Also I have to admit I love good lighting. The colors were warm beige with ... Read more Read less
See it if You love dogs.
Don't see it if you don't like cutesy shows with uneven acting. The women fare better than the men. Best of all was the dog.
See it if you can get a free ticket.The dog walker is great, but she's not enough to save this show. The best friend's misogyny is excruciating.
Don't see it if you want an intellectual, challenging, or even a completely enjoyable night out. This is fluff, and not even the fun kind.
See it if you like the cliché rom-com musical. 3/4 of the cast is really talented, especially the two leads. Half of the music is really good.
Don't see it if you can't tolerate a really un-even book. Also don't see it if you don't have an imagination of your own, this show REQUIRES it.
See it if Want a twist of a puppy in a traditional "Boy Meet Girl" story. Lindsey Vanwinkle's a standout. She makes the most of the B material.
Don't see it if Don't like predicable love stories. Expect a dog - this one is mimed. - but the cast does a great job of making him believable.
See it if you're an animal lover and are looking for some light and fluffy entertainment.
Don't see it if you want a fancy-schmancy production -- this show is on a tiny stage with a curio cabinet approach to set design.
See it if Mediocre writing and outdated non pc relationships don't make you cringe. You like predictable rom-com situations and endings.
Don't see it if You are wanting to see an up to date comedy with nuanced acting and intriguing characters and interesting and subtle plot lines.
See it if you are a true, die-hard musical theatre devotee and are interested in the curiosities that are commercial Off-Broadway and Ken Davenport.
Don't see it if you want to something that speaks to the era we are living in.
See it if you like somewhat predictable but cute boy meets girl musicals and/or dogs.
Don't see it if you don't like dogs, and shows that are predictable and somewhat cliched.
See it if you enjoy a small-scale romantic comedy; delightful romp through a fun story; some unexpected laughs; an intimate musical - change of pace
Don't see it if you prefer large scale staging and productions or a large cast; you need surprises over a predictable story or a thought provoking/deep show
See it if you like dogs! short and funny.
Don't see it if Much more suggestive and deeper than I expected.
See it if you want a cute rom-com show that will have you humming the main song long after you leave.
Don't see it if you do not enjoy off-off-broadway shows with minimal staging and small casts.
See it if you love dogs. Nice guest appearance at the end. Although cliched, nice show in an intimate setting.
Don't see it if you don't enjoy musicals, small productions with a very simple plot line.
See it if You like a story where women are treated like sex objects by one man and a necessity for a job promotion by another...You love dogs.
Don't see it if you don't like musicals, don't like dancing, and don't like a truly innovative set that many of us in NYC would like to take home with us.
Also This really is a show you'd expect to see at the New York Musical Thea... Read more Read less
See it if You're a romantic at heart!
Don't see it if You don't enjoy a simple, charming story and want a big flashy production.
See it if You are looking for a cute sweet story.
Don't see it if You want big staging or do not like dogs.
See it if You just want to see a light, happy, predictable play that will make you feel good.
Don't see it if You are expecting anything more than a feel good play with a predictable plot.
See it if You like cute shows staged well in a small space; good acting; good direction and innovative musical lyrics & score.
Don't see it if You don't like cute; romantic plots set to music. You are accustomed to spectacular Broadway shows.
See it if You want to just feel good about love And you can't resist a happy ending! You'll just love this musical!
Don't see it if If you don't like a little off Broadway or You only like big theatres with big ticket prices
See it if you want a clever new twist on a love story.
Don't see it if you lack imagination.
See it if Love dogs...
Don't see it if Not an animal lover..not into musicals
See it if If you like cute romantic and funny stories. Excellent acting and loved the concept and the funny bits. Real dog at the end made my evening.
Don't see it if You don't like small theaters and productions and are not into romantic, funny and obvious storyline. No real dog until the ending.