Happiness is a Warm Puppy

Dex & Abby – Pride Films & Plays

People who don’t understand their canine companions may say that dogs can’t talk. However, someone once wisely mused that dogs do speak; but only to those who know how to listen. In playwright Allan Baker’s heartwarming play, his two human characters, Sean and Corey, do indeed hear the voices of their beloved canine companions and usually pay close attention to what they have to say. And Dex and Abby have a lot to say about an array of topics. In honoring the memory of his own dearly departed pup, who has sadly crossed the Rainbow Bridge some years ago, Baker creates this warm, comic drama in which theatergoers are able hear the thoughts and feelings of both of the irresistible dogs in this play.

And did I mention that the two dogs are played by a pair of talented human actors? Daniel Vaughn Manasia portrays the older, mixed breed, Dex, with gruff, macho lovability; while the adorable Chesa Greene brings charisma and athletic agility to her loving portrayal of Abby. These two actors are the whole reason to see this production. The two gay men who are their masters almost seem superfluous, but their relationship to their fur babies and to each other forms the core of the story.

Sean and Corey are a young, gay couple who have moved in together and are happily settling into a smaller, yet stylishly decorated home. They’ve invited their lesbian gal pal, Katy, over for some gossip, a glass of wine and to show off their newly combined household and dashing digs, courtesy of Eric Luchen’s modest scenic design. Katy (nicely played by Jasmine Manuel) gives her approval. She’s the boys’ goto helpmate whenever they need someone to take care of their pets while out of town. She adores little Abby but is skeptical about Dex. However, as the play progresses, Katy eventually comes to love Dex just as much. And so do theatergoers.

Mr. Baker’s script would probably play better as a 90-minute one-act. A couple scenes become redundant and continue to spout the same sentiments over and over again. That said, Daniel Washelesky directs this play with varied success. He really gets it right when guiding Manasia and Greene in their faithfully authentic characterizations of the pooches. Theatergoers will see that Washelesky is truly a dog person. He’s made these two characters the heart and soul of Baker’s play by channeling all his creativity into their performances. He’s ably assisted by the skilled Jaq Seifert, a multitalented theatre artist, who aids in directing the actors’ movement, violence and intimacy. 

The two actors playing the canines are especially delightful as they leap about at the door with wild abandon, every time they hear their masters returning home. They both leave the audience roaring with laughter when, mid-sentence, the two dogs go nuts upon spotting a squirrel in the backyard. Dex is hilarious as a doggy who wiggles uncontrollably with joy whenever he’s happy. He’s a goofy, good ole boy who likes to emerge from under the curtains as the mighty hunter, letting the draperies slowly reveal his presence. Abby is jubilant as a cheeky, playful little pooch who enjoys bossing around her new, larger companion. She’s a puppy who lives for an extra helping of kibble along with her box of fuzzy chew-toys. While at first, the two dogs don’t exactly get along; but, by the end of Act I, these canine companions have become true, devoted friends. 

Where Mr. Washelesky stumbles in his direction is by giving too much free rein to the performers playing Sean and Corey. Both actors have given better performances in other productions. Jesse Montoya was humorous, sensual and actually quite touching as the younger, third member of a menage a trois arrangement in this company’s moving production of “Afterglow.” Prior to that, the actor was a standout as the hot young stud who assisted and aroused the older gentlemen in “Hurricane Damage.” In this production Montoya plays Corey full tilt, with his freak flag unfurled and flying in the breeze. There’s no subtlety and very little variety in his performance. We’ve all seen gay characters like Corey out and about—gay men who are so flamboyant that they soon become tiresome. But enjoying their joie de vivre in a bar setting is one thing; on stage Montoya’s characterization offers no letup. The few tender moments he shares with his partner are too brief and seem to lack real commitment. Even his confessions of love for his dog, Dex, disappoint and fall flat. 

But if Mr. Montoya’s performance is like waving the rainbow banner, Josh Pablo Szabo’s performance of Sean is an entire Gay Pride Parade. He may have been excellent in his other Chicagoland performances but, under Washelesky’s direction, the actor plays Sean as a fussy, flaming queen. He’s continually “acting.” Nothing he says feels real or believable and everything is all for show. Then, in the second act, he suddenly becomes whiny and full of apprehension and self-loathing. He questions Corey’s love, sincerity and devotion in one very lengthy scene. It goes on far too long, which is the problem with Baker’s script. However, Szabo’s performance doesn’t help the audience to see any of the character’s emotional layers. It’s a shame because two more grounded performances would give this production some variety, depth more contrast between the dogs and their humans.

For anyone who has ever been loved or owned by a dog, this new play, enjoying its Chicago premiere, is a must-see. It sweetly gives credence to cartoonist Charles Schulz’s astute declaration that “Happiness is a warm puppy.” The  performances by Daniel Vaughn Manasia and Chesa Greene, as Dex and Abby, are pretty near perfection. Getting past the performances of their two pretentious gay masters will reward theatergoers with an evening of pathos, warmth and enlightenment. Just be warned to bring along a handkerchief.

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas  

Presented February 20-March 29 by Pride Films & Plays at the Broadway Pride Arts Center, 4139 N. Broadway, Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling866-811-4111 or 773-857-0222 or by going to www.pridefilmsandplays.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.