Still debating whether or not to see Little Dog? Give it a shot...

I know that most people on the boards have made their opinions on the show pretty clear at this point. I thought about just bumping the "Thoughts on Little Dog Laughed" post, but figured the show's closing on Sunday, what's one more post.

As the subject indicates, this is mostly directed at people still wondering if they should catch it before it closes. I'm not here to disagree with the folks who didn't like it, and I know there are plenty. But I had the chance to see it tonight, also for $3, and I most likely would not have gone had it not been for the hookup.

But I did go, and I'm extremely glad I did. Yes, a lot of the jokes are trite, but they get laughs for a reason - they're funny, and more importantly, well executed. The play is very well written and it really doesn't feel like these jokes are old or overdone, even if we've seen and heard this type of humor before.

Words cannot do justice to Julie White's performance, and to those who write her off as the typical agent/showbiz type we've seen before, I think her final scene with Alex puts her above and beyond any stereotype. Her performance is more than enough to say "see this show, if for no other reason than to see her," (although I think there are other reasons), and I would be very glad to see her take the Tony for this (though I must admit I know nothing of her competition).

I saw Brian Henderson, Galecki's understudy, and I have to say I thought he did a terrific job. I'd heard complaints about the chemistry between Scott and Galecki, but I definitely felt it with Henderson. Scott was fine if not forgettable, and the last-minute Ellen (who I guess was the original before Ari) was terrific IMO - whiny and bitchy, yet sensitive and evoking sympathy.

Overall, I thought the show did a fantastic job of coming across as light and only fluffily-satirical, while possessing the depth and biting satire that really only dawns on you toward the end and moreso even after it's over.

So, if anyone's thinking of catching it before Sunday, I would encourage them to. I respect the opinions of those who didn't enjoy it, but I'm certainly glad I caught it while I could.

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Updated On: 2/15/07 at 11:39 PM

Saw it again, tonight.

One of my favorite plays of all time.

Henderson was on again tonight and has a slightly different take on the role, but still handles it wonderfully.

I think I liked Zoe more than I liked Ari. Although Ari was still wonderful.

And, of course, Julie White is a goddess. It's a rare experience to watch that woman command the stage.

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Is Brian Henderson doing all of the performances this week, or is Johnny just sick? I'm so glad Zoe is still great; she was superb off-Broadway, and never should've been let go in the first place.

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WestVillage, I agree with you. I paid nothing for this play and I still felt like I was robbed.

WV, I've seen it twice for free - actually, not free, but for the cost and ticket fees of a papering service, still, obviously not full price - and loved it so much (even more the second time, in fact) that I'm paying full price to see the final performance on Sunday evening.

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Updated On: 2/15/07 at 01:38 PM

I agree about loving it even more the second time. I've seen it three times, and every time I enjoy it more than the time before.

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Tough break for Julie White, turning in a performance like this, in a show that is closing before the Tonys, in a year when Angela Lansbury decides to come to Broadway in a play with Marian Seldes.

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Anyone know if Galecki is back for the last few shows?