BWW Reviews: BARK! The Musical Woofs Louder @ CLOSBC, Redondo Beach

When I first reviewed Bark! The Musical at the Coast Playhouse in 2004 for reviewplays, I said it was a musical "worth yip, yip, yipeaying about. Woof, woof, woof for joy!" Well, now it's on a much bigger stage in Redondo Beach, and because of a fantastic cast and creative team this very intimate little show makes a pleasantly effective transition to its new venue.

David TRoy Francis has cut six songs, created a brand new snappier opener "Being a Dog" and a couple of other tunes, most meaningful among them "He Likes Me" and Karl Warden's slick choreography and Stephanie Coltrin's meticulous fast-paced direction help it retain its tip-top place as an audience favorite.

The ensemble is superb. Dane Biren as Rocks, Janet Krupin as Chanel, Jessica Gisin as Golde, Shanna Marie Palmer as Boo, Justin Michael Wilcox as Sam and Harrison White as King are winners all. Krupin steals Act I with her gorgeous "Il Cane Dell' Opera", with Wilcox close behind with his powerful "Mighty Mutt From Mars". Gisin grabs us with her gutsy Act II "Howling Just to Scare Away the Blues" and White's poignant "A Grassy Field" moves us to tears. Comically splashy is "Senorita La Pepita" and beautifully harmonic the "Siren Symphony". Francis really brings quite a range of music to the show, from opera to blues to rap to pop. Amazing!

Coltrin's direction is a joy as is the fabulous choreography from Warden. These doggies move, move, move from start to finish and never let up. Brings back really fond memories of my cocker spaniels with their exuberant energy and undying loyalty. Much could be done with this show to bring out more extensive canine tricks and feats. It could become a vaudeville, or traveling circus or western sideshow. As is, with its simple focus and tribute to dog loves master and master loves dog it comes up a gratifying concoction. Even non dog lovers will enjoy. Bring the kiddies to this one!

Bark! is best suited to off-Broadway as opposed to Broadway. Its endearing sense of intimacy and man/canine friendship will get lost on a Broadway stage.

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Bark! The Musical has music by David TRoy Francis, book by Mark Winkler & Gavin Geoffrey Dillard and lyrics by Dillard, Winkler & Robert Schrock. The production is directed by Stephanie A. Coltrin and choreographed by Karl Warden Civic Light Opera South Bay Cities (CLOSBC) @ Redondo Beach. The production plays Performing Arts Center through February 28.