SPACE DOGS musical at MCC

Anyone else see this yet? I went in kinda skeptical, but I thought it was really charming.

I was impressed by how much they were able to do from a storytelling standpoint – largely owed to Ellie Heyman’s inventive direction, and Amanda Villalobos’ incredible prop+puppet design. Seriously, it’s delightful - I hope she wins some awards for it!

The show is very entertaining, and informative (for those of us who only knew the bare facts of this fascinating true story beforehand). But there’s also an emotional core to it, particularly through the character of Laika, the dog (yes, I said “character" ). A big part of the story is the relationship between Laika and the main scientist. And the contrast between this relationship, and the broad facts of the Space Race, served as an effective commentary on how these nationalistic pissing contests came at the expense of ethics and humanity.

The show is written with no 4th wall, which is sometimes effective, sometimes not. The self-aware concept allowed them to elegantly switch back and forth between literal narrative, and more historical/context-driven sequences. But the times when they actually tried to interact with the audience fell pretty flat, and sometimes felt a little too cutesy and forced. But I think they’ll work that out in previews.

It could also use some tightening through previews – the first 20 minutes were a little rocky, and the last 20 minutes dragged a lot – I think it needed to wrap up more quickly. But there’s a really nice sweet-spot in the middle 50 minutes or so, partly because that’s when we get the most material focused on the dogs (particularly Laika), which is easily the best material in the show.

Some of the songs are catchy, some are bland, but overall I think the songs worked in the context of the show. Though I’m not itching to buy the cast album. Van Hughes and Nick Blaemire work their asses off onstage, and are very fun to watch in their multitude of roles.

But I think the story, the direction, and the prop+puppet design are the real stars of the show here.

Overall, I definitely think it’s worth catching if it sounds up your alley – some might find it a little too goofy and slight, but I think many will find it enjoyable. It’s not trying to be the next big thing, nor does it seem like it’s gunning for Broadway. It’s just a fun show with some heart, and just a tinge of light social commentary. It’s not perfect, but it accomplishes its goal.

Updated On: 1/28/22 at 11:56 AM

Do the puppets look childish or something? Because just because it has puppets doesn't mean it's for younger audiences.

I caught this last night and thought it was very fun! If you like Nick Blaemire and Van Hughes then this is a no brainier to catch! They are both very charismatic here and clearly having lots of fun with the material.

The show needs to lose 20 minutes, maybe 30. This material doesn't warrant the runtime. But that said once it gets going, it is fun! I think we could have had a little less humans and more dogs (GIVE THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT as they say).

The show alternates between Russia/the US and frankly I think we could have cut a bit of the US side which I feel like most the audience was familiar with.

Overall its a good night out, and a story I wasn't very familiar with. Maybe not life changing, but I always appreciate something light like this as theater of late seems to get heavier and heavier.

When i saw it, it was almost exactly 90 minutes from lights down to the end of curtain call.

Just watched the pro shot on BroadwayHD.

The best thing about it is the design. The prop and puppet design, the use of multimedia effects and video cameras, the sets and stagecraft, there's so much creativity and passion put into it.

Nick Blaemire and Van Hughes are both great performers and musicians, they have a great chemistry with each other, and many of their songs are really catchy and fun.

Where I struggle with the show is that I'm not quite sure what the audience for it is intended to be. The over-the-top, audience interactive elements read like the show was intended for a younger audience, but the swearing and adult content is more in line with a musical for adults. It's not quite a fit for either with how it currently exists.