Go, Dog. Go! - Review050

Go, Dog. Go!, Salt Lake Acting Company's first ever show for kids, is an utterly adorable, infectiously silly production that's perfect for even the youngest theatergoers.

The show follows six dogs of various colors, sizes, and shapes, as they work, play, sleep (or not), and interact. Highlights include a sandwich-swapping, doggy picnic; naughty, playful dogs at bedtime; a dog with a seemingly endless supply of silly hats; and a scene in which the dogs swat invisible baseballs into the audience.

Like the book by P.D. Eastman upon which it is based, Go, Dog. Go! utilizes dialog and themes that are easy for preschoolers to understand. The stage is virtually bare, placing the focus squarely on the lovable, energetic dogs; props based on drawings from the book and bright colors add a circus-like visual appeal. The result is a charming production of deceptive simplicity.

While its simplicity and constant action make Go, Dog. Go! the rare show that even a three-year-old can enjoy, we found that older kids and adults were also enthralled from start to finish.

The run time for production is approximately 55 minutes with no intermission. An honor system concessions stand offers cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, water, and other snacks for just $1 each. Allow time to finish your snacks before the show, or wait until the show is over to make your purchases; only water is allowed inside the theater.

Be sure to make time to head downstairs and do some shopping in Commodity del Arte, the Acting Artist Gallery and Boutique. The boutique features all sorts of jewelry, stationary, prints, and many whimsical items that celebrate the creativity of the actors and actresses that created the pieces. All proceeds go directly to the artist. We found some great one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, and our child was made to feel welcome as we browsed the boutique. Commodity del Arte opens about an hour before the performances, and remains open until after-show shoppers are finished making their purchases.

Kudos to the Salt Lake Acting Company for doing such a great job creating a welcoming atmosphere for kids. From the stage manager's pre-show invitation to "get the wiggles out" and instructions on how to enjoy a live theater experience, to the kids' activity pages in the playbill, this show was all about entertaining the little ones. Our five year old and the older and younger kids (and adults) seated around us were kept giggling throughout the show. We hope to see more kids' shows gracing the Salt Lake Acting Company's stage in the years to come.