Nothing says willing suspension of disbelief like children watching a show. For the young ones gathered at Chicago Children’s Theatre’s world premiere of a new version of Go, Dog, Go, disbelief just didn’t have a chance. P.D. Eastman’s 1961 classic, adapted for the stage over 20 years ago by Steven Dietz and Allison Gregory and now turned into a bilingual musical, Go, Dog, Go (Ve Perro ¡Ve!) lets everyone go doggy for 65 minutes of primary-colored delight.
For the first few minutes of the show, directed by Dietz, no one onstage says anything. No one needs to say anything because so much is happening. There’s music and sound effects and goofiness and discovery that keep the audience in muted suspense. By the time Jean Carlos Claudio removes a hat, lets down his floppy ears and becomes MC Dog, we’re on it—and we’re in it too.
Photo by Joe Mazza/Brave Lux Inc.
Set designer Michael Sommers uses the book’s original illustrations as a springboard for a theme-and-variation take on the story, as do costume designer Jazmin Aurora Medina, prop designer Lonnae Hickman and lighting designer Jason Lynch. Visually, the show is of a piece and continues to create surprising images, notably a tranquil underwater scene and a dog fiesta atop a giant tree.
Though the older kids in the crowd seemed as rapt as the toddlers, Go, Dog, Go! introduces very young children to such fundamental opposites as over and under, in and out, stop and go, high and low. Ana Maria Campoy’s translation gracefully weaves Spanish into the lyrics and minimal dialogue. The physical book itself makes an appearance; electronic screens of any kind do not.
Photo by Joe Mazza/Brave Lux Inc
The show is polished and sophisticated while retaining the simplicity of its source material. Epitomizing the low-tech, high impact production is the cast’s tap routine on a piece of bubble wrap, a moment of pure glee. For adults seeking to spark their kids’ interest in reading and live theater—and maybe share a little disbelief too—Go, Dog, Go! Ve Perro ¡Ve!, is a fine choice.
Go, Dog, Go! Ve Perro ¡Ve! continues through May 18 at Chicago Children’s Theatre, 100 S. Racine Ave. Running time is 65 minutes with no intermission. Tickets are $42.25.
For more information on this and other productions, see theatreinchicago.com.
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