A Dogs Life

A Dog's Life

By Diane Grant

A Classic 'Tail'

A Comedy in Two Acts about a Comedy in Two Acts

Wil Bowers

Thursdays thru Saturdays 8pm

Aug 5th thru Sept 11th, 2004

Produced by Write Act Repertory and John Lant

Directed by John Lant

Assistant Director -- Richard Ford

Set Design -- John Lant

Lighting Design -- John Lant

Choreography -- Brianna Mann

Sound Design -- Christian "Cookie" Cook

Graham Barnard

George Mercer has problem. Unless he can pay the rent by 5pm, his landlord will lock the doors and throw his small, but dedicated, troupe of actors out of their theatre. Enter a celebrated business tycoon who offers to save the day, but there is a catch...there's always a catch...

Come join

the Mercer Theatre Company

(as presented by Write Act Repertory Company)

in an engaging "tail" of

Artistic Principles vs. Rent.

Michelle Tolan

A Dog's Life BUZZZZZZZZZZ!

"Playwright Diane Grant has come up with a clever concept for her backstage comedy, the farcical aspects of creating a play- within-a-play -- also called A Dog's Life-- juxtaposed with the fictional ensemble's struggle to pay the rent.... Elizabeth Hillman gives a delightful performance as the artistic director's wife, the kind of role once created for Thelma Ritter, and Eric Travis is hilarious as a terminally Method actor who can't stop playing a canine after rehearsals end...."

Travis Michael Holder

BACKSTAGE WEST 8/19/04

Elizabeth Hillman, Graham Barnard

".... There are some wonderful actors in this piece, most notable among them Wendy Gough as Mimi. It takes a massively talented actor to play one without talent, and Ms. Gough is one of LA's best.... I was delightfully amused with Rebecca Brooks' interpretation of Arnelle, a theatre angel with an agenda. Will Bowers plays Tom with a commitment and good comic timing...."

Jacob Clark

NoHoLA 8/17/04

Maestro Arts and Reviews

"Dogs, cats, valium and farce! Award-winning playwright Diane Grant combines these and many more aspects of theatre life in her new play. A Dog's Life, now playing at the Write Act Repertory Company is a delightful comedy that will keep you giggling all evening.

Matty Ferraro, Stacie Wengryn

A play within a play, the actors are rehearsing "A Dog's Life" while fighting off a corporate take-over by a benefactress and her untalented daughter, an aspiring actress. The play opens with a hilarious musical number from the finale of their last production "Doctors of Shame." The director, played by John Jeffrey Soroka, thrives on progressive theater while still aware of his need for a "silent" investor. The relationship between the director and his wife, played by Elizabeth A. Hillman, is delightful.

Trader Selkirk

Trader Selkirk plays the only "classically trained" actor in the play (a la Frasier) and John Patrick Patti plays Horak, giving a show-stopping performance as the over-the-edge landlord whose claim to fame is his paper flowers.

How could the play be complete without a pack of dogs as the supporting cast. Newcomer to L.A. theater, Eric Travis plays Billy, a young actor who can't seem to stop playing this canine character. Eric had incredible comedic energy throughout the production, providing humor during the few poignant moments. Jenny Martin, playing Rowena sparks a passionate romance with the "author" and lead puppy, Tom (played by Will Bowers). The two have a wonderful chemistry on stage.

Lou Briggs

Completing the cast was Rebecca Brooks (benefactress/investor), Dana Lyn Baron, Wendy Gough and Jonathan Harrison playing Maytag, the one man pit band. The pair of "techies" gave great performances as Cookie, played by Elizabeth Bond and Jo, played by Brianna Mann. Mann also provided the choreography (bravo on the opening scene). Don't miss this opportunity to support original theater. Diane Grant, resident playwright, has created a fun-filled, entertaining comedy that will be well worth the trip to the theater. " - M. Upward