DOGFIGHT at Red Branch Theatre in Columbia is a Powerful Presentation

Is it not a coincidence that professional football player Michael Vick, found guilty for illegal interstate dog fighting (and did 21 months in jail), is starting for the Pittsburgh Steelers Thursday night against the Baltimore Ravens while the award winning musical DOGFIGHT is entertaining audiences in Columbia at the same time?

And what is it with Columbia recently. This month, all in Columbia, has been BALTIMORE WALTZ at the Rep Stage, RAGTIME at Toby's Dinner, and this small but impressive production of DOGFIGHT at the Red Branch Theatre Company. All hail Columbia!!

I recall seeing the inaugural 0ff-Broadway production of DOGFIGHT at the Second Stage Theatre in 2012. It won the Lucille Lortel Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical. And it was well-deserved.

It was earlier this year that composers Pasek and Paul's DEAR EVAN HANSEN was the talk of the town over the summer at Arena Stage. Audiences were mesmerized by this work. It has just revealed that HANSEN will be making its New York City debut next year at the same theater where DOGFIGHT began, the Second Stage Theatre. Previews begin March 15 with an official opening on April 24, 2016.

I am a card-carrying member of the PASEK/PAUL Fan Club (if there was one). They are exceptionally talented composers. And you should not miss this fine production of DOGFIGHT.

DOGFIGHT is based on the 1991 film which starred Lili Taylor and River Phoenix. The time is November, 1963 where protests about the actions in Vietnam are beginning take shape. The evening opens with the Marines belting out a wonderful number "Some Kinda Time" where they surround the theater with their dancing and singing. Three Marines, on the eve of their deployment overseas take part in a Marine tradition where they each bring to a party the ugliest girl they can find, they contribute $50 into a pot, and the winner takes it all. There are three central figures Eddie (Christian Hoff), Boland (Samuel Parker III) and Bernstein (Javier del Pilar).

Eddie finds a waitress in a diner named Rose (Courtney Branch) who works for her mother in the diner (Erin Branigan) and plays guitar. Eddie invites Rose and they sing "Come to a Party." Eddie, however, has a difficult time knowing what will happen. He unknowingly becomes attracted to Rose and hesitates to even go to the party. But Rose insists. She learns quickly from another "date" about the dogfight and slaps Eddie and screams "I hope you die overseas."

Edie surprisingly has a heart and desires and takes Rose out for a date at a fancy restaurant. It is quite a scene for this young Marine who is attempting to apologize for his behavior and rekindle a relationship. They sing the moving "First Date, Last Night". They then return to Rose's apartment where they both lose their virginity.

The next morning, Eddie is off to Vietnam and watches all his buddies get killed. He returns back to Rose who although has not heard from Eddie, gives him a big hug and welcomes him home.

It's not by any means a typical musical but it will grip you with its emotion and poignancy.

The music is grand.

Hoff and Branch are just plain terrific. Hoff, a graduate of the University of Maryland, will actually be joining the U.S. Army Chorus in the coming year.

Both Parker and del Pilar are energetic and just plain fun to watch.

The ensemble works effectively. When they all sing together, it takes your breath away.

Director and Choreographer Stephanie Lynn Williams does a masterful job in the tiny space at Red Branch.

Music Director Dustin Merrell and the four piece band work wonders. Merrell is on piano, Jonathan Chandler on Cello, Alex Taylor on Guitar, and John Kessell on Drums.

Heidi Castle-Smith is responsible for the clever Set Design, Lynn Joslin does the effective lighting, and Ashley Thweatt is the Costume Designer.

Special kudos to Red Branch for honoring a veteran at each performance. On Opening Night, Vivien "Millie"Bailey, a veteran of World War II who served in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps from 1943 to 1946, was moved at the standing ovation she received. What a brilliant idea of Red Branch to undertake such an undertaking.

Much credit must be given to Red Branch for presenting this bold and yet beautiful musical. Don't miss it. It runs until October 10, 2015. For tickets (and they are very affordable), call 410-997-9352 or visit www.redbranchtheatrecompany.com. I was so impressed there were so many young people in the audience...a nice change. On your ticket stub is a generous coupon to the Iron Bridge Wine Co. in Columbia. I highly recommend this restaurant and applaud them for supporting Red Branch.

There is a post-show panel discussion after the Oct. 4 matinee at 5 p.m. entitled "When You Come Back" - The Veteran's Journey from war to civilian llife.

Next up at Red Branch is a new musical PETER RABBIT from December 11-19.

THIS AND THAT

BACKSTAGE at Center Stage is their open house on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event features theater workshops, demonstrations, performances, a costume photo booth, face-painting, self-guided tours and a Q and A with the actors of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. Workshops include stage combat, stage make-up, mask-making, tango and improvisation by local theater professionals. You'll be able to visit the props, costume, and scene shops. There will be performances throughout the day.

Also, there will be a Costume and Prop Tag Sale on Saturday Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 4 from 12 to 5 p.m. You will find vintage and contemporary clothing, props ranging from ceramic unicorns to rotary phones to parasols, and more. They will even have pajamas from THE PAJAMA GAME and costumes from ONCE ON THIS ISLAND.

Thank you PBS. Don't miss "Live From Lincoln Center" Friday evenings at 9 p.m. DVR ALERT: SHOW BOAT on Friday night Oct. 16 and Friday night Oct. 23, BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL Live.

I was able to see a rehearsal of SHOW BOAT and this concert version is not to be missed. It features Vanessa Willliams, Norm Lewis, and Chris Fitzgerald along with the New York Philharmonic.

Have you noticed all the musicals in the area?

Coming soon to Olney Theatre Center is GUYS AND DOLLS.

There is KISS ME KATE at the Shakespeare Theatre Company.

SECRET GARDEN at Center Stage.

OLIVER at Arena Stage.

RAGTIME at Toby's Dinner Theatre.

THE BOOK OF MORMON at the Hippodrome.

BEAUTIFUL and MATHILDA at the Kennedy Center.

And Signature Theatre has two world premiere musicals - GIRLSTAR and CAKE-OFF.

Finally, remember DINER THE MUSICAL at Signature? It is coming to the Delaware Theatre Company in Wilmington running Dec. 2 to Dec. 27. Should be fun to see it again.

cgshubow@broadwayworld.com