DON’T MISS THE LITTLE DOG LAUGHED

F. J. Hartland

More than anything, Mitchell wants to be a Hollywood star.  With the help of his maniacal agent Diane, nothing is standing in his way.

Nothing that is except a slight re-occurring case of homosexuality.

Mitchell does the unthinkable. He falls in love with a hustler named Alex—and Mitchell is prepared to “come out” and live openly with Alex.

Trouble is, Diane won’t allow it.

This is the basis of The Little Dog Laughed a stinging comedy by Douglas Carter Bean, the current offering at Off The Wall Theatre in Washington PA.

And it’s a production not to be missed.

Chad McWreath is funny and charming as Mitchell.  And while he plays the humor well, McWreath also captures the pain Mitchell suffers as he is torn about his sexuality and the choices he must make for his career.

As the hustler Alex, Alex Etling makes a seamless transition from jaded rent boy to vulnerable lover.  And it’s this transition from being a wolf to being a sheep that will break your heart at the end of The Little Dog Laughed.

The scenes where Mitchell and Alex are afraid to admit their feelings for each other and tentative and beautifully nuanced—and McWreath and Etling dance this dance on eggshells to perfection.

It also helps that Etling often removes his clothes and that alone is well-worth seeing!

As the ball-busting agent Diane, Rachel Downie is brutal.  She captures the master manipulator in such a way that you hate Diane—and yet you must somehow admire her total understanding of what makes people tick.  Downie is kicking ass and taking names as Diane.  It is also Diane’s masterful manipulation that brings about the surprise conclusion to the play.

Lauren Michaels plays Alex’s sometime girlfriend Ellen.  Ellen is a kind of lost-soul who hides her vulnerability under the veneer of a tough New York City party girl.  Michaels does a splendid job—especially in the scenes where she talks directly to the audience.           

Overall, director Michael Moats keeps The Little Dog Laughed moving at a good pace, but one wishes he had done move within the individual scenes in terms of movement.  He has managed to get excellent performances from all four cast members.           

 Paul A. Shaw’s set has a beautiful color palette and is very eye-catching.  Again, he makes the most of the small stage at Off The Wall and is mindful of all the little details.           

The Little Dog Laughed really has it all…laugh-out-loud humor, serious drama, colorful characters, powerful performances and an ending that will take you by surprise—and maybe reduce you to tears.           

 Off The Wall has done it again!  Bravo!

The Little Dog Laughed continues through December 19.  It’s well-worth the drive to Washington PA!