At the heart of the play The Little Dog Laughed is a love story.
The characters are looking for a real connection, beyond a physical encounter.
Brad Mackey plays Mitchell Green a Hollywood star, whose career is on the rise. His agent, Diane, played by Jennifer Kelly, is working hard to keep his sexuality from derailing his career because she doesn’t believe he is famous enough yet for his career to survive.
Green gets involved with a Alex Eatenbrook, played by Padraig Hogan, who is already in a relationship with Ellen, played by Wren Beckley.
“There is a lot at stake for each of these characters. Everybody has something to lose and gain,” said Dean Chadwick, artistic producer of Schmooze Productions and director.
He said the characters must ask the question ‘What am I willing to lose to take this or get this?’
Mitchell is a Hollywood heartthrob whom everyone wants to be or be with, said Mackey about his character.
“He is trying to be what everybody idolizes and that lands him in a sticky situation,” he said. “It’s a character that nobody is but everybody is. I think we can all relate of putting on a facade for everybody of what we think they want to see.”
When love comes his way, everything changes, said Mackey.
“You are rooting for two people to find love,” said Chadwick.
Hogan said the dialogue is written in a very natural and modern way, which allows audience members to connect with the characters more.
The play, written by Douglas Carter Beane, is a comedy that challenges people’s idea of how people are supposed to behave in public and public perception, said Chadwick.
He said there are some subtle moments and others are “in your face oh my God moments” that will have people in hysterics.
Mackey said people could come to the play every night and get something every time.
The Little Dog Laughed, presented by Schmooze Productions, shows Friday and Saturday (Nov. 4-5) and Nov. 11-12, 18-19 and 25-26 at 8 p.m. at Harbour City Theatre, located at 25 Victoria Rd.
The play includes course language, nudity and sexuality. Attendees must be 18 and over.
Tickets are $25 and are available in advance at www.schmoozeproductions.com.