MUTT HOUSE
This is how cute this new musical at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City is…I’m sick that Mr. X missed it! That doesn’t happen often. But luckily for him, me, and you guys, there are about two and a half more weeks to see it.
Ryan McCartan. Photo by Daren Scott, as is the big one at the top of the page.
Mutt House is a musical about dogs and love, a combo that can’t be beat. (And I’m not really into dogs, in general, which might be news to fans of my former TV show, which featured first precious little Bud, and then the love of my life, Clarence, The Singing Dog.)
Many of the songs in this new musical are just so-so, but the cast’s voices are all first-rate. My favorite one belongs to Ryan McCartan, as Eddie, the star of the narrative. I’m putting him right up there with my two favorite male singers, James Bey and Adam Lambert (with whom, coincidentally, he did the TV version of The Rocky Horror Show two years ago.) If I had listened to only him for the entire two hours, I would have still been happy.
Heather Olt is the woman in green. Photo by Daren Scott.
The casting of this show about a dog shelter could not be better, in every role. All the actors have excellent deliveries. I must especially commend Heather Olt, who plays not one totally campy role, but two. And in her main one, as the town Mayor, I’m impressed that she doesn’t overplay it, as I’m sure many other actresses would. She’s still very funny without being annoying.
But the scenario really picks-up when the Poodle, played by Valerie Larsen, comes on. I’m absolutely in love with the poodle’s outfit and hair, both creations by Allison Dillard. It’s all just perfect. (But, as I told Valerie at the post-performance reception, she needs to have pink nails, too, just like real-life fancy poodles do. I know the dogs in this presentation pretty much keep their fists closed, but I hope she does the nails for other sticklers who are like moi.) [Note: That French word is because she’s a French poodle, bien sur!]
Valerie Larsen, Ben Palacios, Gabriel González, and Garrett Marshall.
Photo by Daren Scott.
By the way, Valerie’s “poodle” movement is spot-on. She really sells the character. And even though you guys know how boy-crazy I am, I could not take my eyes off her, even for the cute guys! So, how good is she?!
And there are cute guys on that stage! Garrett Marshall, as the Pit Bull, caught my eye the most, (even though I hate that breed!) He has a few really entertaining routines and lines, and when he finally sang alone a bit near the end, I loved his voice! Who knew?!
The whole production is full of clever little bits, actually. Most of the songs are interesting enough, but one in each act really grabbed the audience I saw it with. Naturally Cool in Act I is what I consider to be the best number. It totally changed my entire opinion of what I was seeing. (More on that near the end of this review.) But the favorite of the opening night assemblage seemed to be I’m Lying Here, a very amusing ditty, performed by “Corgi” Max Wilcox, about how much dogs love to be scratched.
Photo by Daren Scott.
Okay, I have to admit that I turned into a big softie at that point, and even though the number was entirely humorous, that’s when I started crying about my two beloved pals, Clarence and Bud, who are not on this level of life anymore. As much as I hated doing that in public, it’s a tribute to this sweet little comedy musical that it can elicit that reaction from even one audience member, (although I have a feeling there will be others sniffling, as well, for the rest of Mutt House’s run.)
I continued my tear-fest during When You Hear Barking, a song about understanding what dogs are saying, because I always really did hear what Clarence was telling me. We had wonderful conversations, during which he let me know how in love with me he was. (And vice versa, of course!)
The lovely set, with the musicians in the background, on both sides. Photo by Karen Salkin.
But all of this praise does not negate the fact that Mutt House needs more work if it wants to go further in life. Lots of work. It starts out sort-of high school-ish before it picks up steam mid-Act I. And even then, it just moves to off-off-Broadway status. But it finally comes into its own at the beginning of Act II. But by the end, we forgot about all that, and left on a super high note. (Get it? Musical—high note? Oysh.)
The only real problem is that most of the songs don’t have endings; they just stop all of sudden, leaving the audience confused as to just when to applaud. (And their titles need a bit of fine-tuning, as well.) But I have a feeling this is a work in progress, so hopefully that situation will be rectified by the time you see the show.
Ryan McCartan and Karen Salkin at the after-party. Photo by Roz Wolf.
And see it, you absolutely should!!! It’s a charming two-hour respite from the rest of the world. (And who doesn’t need that right about now?!) And if you have a dog, I have a feeling you’ll hug him or her even harder when you get home. (And if you don’t have one, you just may feel the urge to rush right out to your nearest shelter to adopt one!)
And don’t forget to take the kids to Mutt House; they’ll positively adore it!!!
On one last happy note, I must tell you that I spoke to several of the actors at the opening night party, and they were all lovely. That’s yet another reason to root for this show!
Mutt House running through August 5, 2018
Kirk Douglas Theatre 9820 Washington Blvd. Culver City www.centertheatregroup.org/tickets/kirk-douglas-theatre/guest-productions/mutt-house-the-musical
