If we had a nickel for every charming man that strung an equally charming and seemingly smart woman along, we would be very rich.
Such is the premise behind Dog and Pony, a world premiere musical now playing at the Old Globe. It’s a show about relationships and broken hearts—and having the courage to move on.
Don’t expect big Broadway numbers. It’s an intimate show, performed in a theater in the round with just five cast members. But there will be laughs, plenty of them. And any gal who’s ever experienced the agony of singlehood will feel for the show’s main character, Mags, played by Nicole Parker.
Parker is a standout—a MADtv alum (who also starred as Elphaba in the Broadway production and National Tour of Wicked), with a strong voice and even stronger comedic chops. Heidi Blickenstaff is another standout, portraying the dumb-like-a-fox Bonnie with gusto.
The second delightful show, now in its final weekend at the Globe, is Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play.
(from left) Martin Moran as Vanya, Candy Buckley as Masha, Marcia DeBonis as Sonia, and Tyler Lansing Weaks as Spike in the San Diego Premiere of Christopher Durang’s Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, directed by Jessica Stone, based on the direction of Old Globe Associate Artistic Nicholas Martin, May 17 – June 22, 2014 at The Old Globe. Photo by Jim Cox.
Jim Cox
The cast of ‘Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike’ (photo by Jim Cox)
Meet siblings Vanya, Sonia, and Masha, whose artsy parents named them after characters from Chekhov plays. These kids were destined for drama from the get-go.
Vanya and Sonia stayed at the family’s farmhouse in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, to care for their ailing parents, while sister Masha left to pursue a semi-successful B-movie career and pay the bills. Comedy and chaos ensue, as Masha returns and makes plans to sell the house.
Acclaimed playwright Christopher Durang’s script is fast-paced and witty. Actors, theater majors, and dramaturges will find the nuanced Chekhov references especially brilliant.
These characters are flawed and loveable; their rivalry and dysfunction are all too familiar and relatable.
The scenic design by David Korins is also a work of art—completely transporting the audience to that Pennsylvania farmhouse. We could practically feel the mosquitoes nipping at our ankles.
Don’t miss your chance to see these two great shows and support local theater.
Dog and Pony runs through July 6. Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike runs through June 22. Both shows are playing at the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park. For tickets, visit oldglobe.org.
The cast of ‘Dog and Pony’
Jim Cox
