Interview: DOGFIGHT to Debut at Apollo Civic Theatre

Opening April 8 at the Apollo Civic Theatre in Martinsburg, WV, the musical Dogfight will deconstruct some serious subject matter while taking the audience on an emotional ride through the turbulent 1960's Vietnam conflict era.

Dogfight is an Off-Broadway musical based on the 1991 film of the same name. On the night before three Marines depart to serve in Vietnam in 1963, they decide to have one last evening of fun and debauchery in San Francisco. Holding a cruel contest titled a "Dogfight", whichever Marine brings the ugliest date to a party will win a large amount of money. Marine Eddie Birdlace meets and brings Rose Fenny, a sweet and unassuming waitress, to the party, and the characters learn some hard lessons about life, sacrifice and love on the eve of war.

Director and musical director Paul Cabell and assistant director Gabrielle Tokach have assembled a talented cast to bring the emotionally difficult material to life.

"The positive energy from the cast and crew is incredible. We have really assembled a cohesive team who always show up to work hard" said Paul Cabell

"Everyone made a huge emotional journey, and I think seeing each person's journey into their characters will make people enjoy this show" said Ed Conn, who plays Bernstein.

While portraying the Vietnam conflict era in 1960's America, Dogfight tackles some tough topics not typically found in musicals, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The cast and creative team thoroughly researched both the era and military life to make the performances as authentic as possible.

"I watched many boot camp videos and talked to many veterans and active duty military personnel to try to go through the ideology of a marine and understand what each one's journey was like" said Conn.

"Dogfight is based on PTSD, which is not commonly found in musicals. It's interesting to experience the show as a flashback, that might often reoccur to our marines. It will take the audience on a remarkable journey of compassion,pride, and growth. We often do not want to confront our truths or accept responsibility for our actions when they trigger negative consequences, but our characters have to do that" said Cabell.

The Dogfight cast is ready to share the soldiers' emotional journeys with an audience this weekend.

"It's a really moving piece that will hopefully leave an impact on each person who comes to see it" said Cabell.

"If audiences want to see something that's not only beautiful but hard-hitting, then Dogfight is the show for them. People can take away so much from this show" said Conn.

Dogfight also features Megan West as Rose Fenny, CorRay LeFleur as Birdlace, Nate Barker as Boland, Vanessa Furby as Marcy, Emily Santy as Mama, Elizabeth Ricketts as Ruth Two Bears, Brian Terrell as the Lounge Singer, Chad Silveous as Stevens, and Dustin McQuaid as Fector.

Dogfight runs April 8, 9, 15, 16 at 8:00 PM and April 10 and 17 at 2:00 PM. There will also be a pre-show ceremony honoring all veterans prior to the performance on April 15. Tickets are $15 for Friday and Saturday evening shows and $12 for Sunday matinees. Student tickets are $10 for all performances. The Apollo Civic Theatre is located at 128 East Martin Street, Martinsburg, WV, 25402. Dogfight is rated R for language and contains an intense war simulation sequence with loud sound effects. For more information about upcoming performances, please visit www.apollo-theatre.org

Photo Credit: Apollo Civic Theatre

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