'Little Dog' unleashes
When people talk about About Face Theatre's highly entertaining Chicago premiere of "The Little Dog Laughed," one name will dominate the conversation.
Mary Beth Fisher.
Fisher is terrific as Diane, the take-no-prisoners Hollywood agent who has the best lines and delivers the biggest laughs in Douglas Carter Beane's fiercely funny comedy about showbiz and celebrity. Her nicely sardonic, sharp-as-a-tack performance as an agent who lets nothing stop her from sealing a deal is the lynchpin in Eric Rosen's bracing production of this neatly crafted play about hypocrisy and denial; secrets and lies; and the compromises people make to achieve what they want.
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Hollywood send-ups are common and "Dog's" themes are familiar. But Beane (who authored the book for the musical "Xanadu," currently running on Broadway and the screenplay for "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar") is a witty writer who clearly knows of what he writes. Moreover there's an underlying pathos that adds another dimension to this spot-on satire.
The story centers on four hyper-articulate quipsters. There's closeted actor Mitchell (an affably vague Lea Coco) whose career is jeopardized by his affair with male prostitute Alex (a sweet, vulnerable Levi Holloway), a frayed-around-the-edges young man who uses sarcasm as a shield. Alex, who's conflicted about his sexuality, like Alex, is damaged enough to keep things interesting.
When their budding relationship threatens to derail Mitchell's upcoming film, Diane goes into full combat mode to salvage the project that promises to boost both their careers. Observing from the sidelines is party girl Ellen (a funny, poignant Heather Prete), Alex's longtime friend and sometime lover who's just been dumped by her sugar daddy.
"The Little Dog Laughed" marks the end of Rosen's tenure as artistic director of the company he co-founded 12 years ago. He takes over as artistic director of Kansas City Repertory Theatre this summer. As farewells go, he couldn't have delivered a better one.
"The Little Dog Laughed,"three stars our of four, runs through Feb. 17 atHoover-Leppen Theatre atCenter on Halsted, 3656 N.Halsted St., Chicago. Ticketscost $30-$45. Call (866) 811-4111 or visit www.aboutfacetheatre.com.