Emaretta Branham
Staff Writer
“The Little Dog Laughed” is a play written by Doug Carter Beane in 2006. It centers around two lovers navigating a world that challenges their ability to keep their passion alive for each other. Despite its intriguing title, the play itself unfortunately does not involve a dog. Its focus lies elsewhere, exploring human connections and societal pressures. The story revolves around Mitchell Green, a prominent movie star on the verge of landing his big breakthrough role. However, his sexuality poses a challenge to his career with social norms surrounding the Hollywood scene.
Mitchell Green, portrayed as a charismatic yet conflicted individual, struggles to reconcile his identity and career amidst scandals and intense public scrutiny. His agent, Diane, a fiercely ambitious and cunning Hollywood power broker, steps in to shield his sexuality by pretending to be his romantic partner. Diane is determined to protect not only Mitchell’s rising career but also her own reputation, embodying both ruthless pragmatism and moments of vulnerable self-awareness.
The cast consists of four characters: Mitchell Green, played by Danny Landin; Alex, played by Zach Reece; Ellen, played by Soergel-Harris herself; and Diane, played by Olivia Foli.
The play’s emotional core is further enriched by Alex, a rent-boy whose charm and introspection reveal layers of conflict and depth. Alex grapples with his identity and the consequences of his choices, particularly as his relationship with Mitchell evolves. Ellen, a witty and insightful young woman, brings warmth and relatability to the narrative as she navigates her own complexities within the tangled web of relationships.
Some of the key themes explored in the play are identity, social expectations, and the challenges of navigating love in a judgmental world. “The Little Dog Laughed” delves into the emotional turmoil faced by individuals striving to balance personal authenticity.
“When I read the script, I was really intrigued by the balance of comedy and drama, and how the characters are just so human. It’s a really fun show with really vulnerable but also really silly moments,” Lily Soergel-Harris said. “It is funny, and has heartfelt moments, and is very human, and a lot of people could resonate with that feeling. The cast is only four people, and it is a pretty small cast, and there are three understudies. There is a pretty big crew behind it. It is a very small show,” Soergel- Harris said.
The modern world is judgmental, and Mitchell is afraid to show his true self. “The Little Dog Laughed” boldly tackles themes of social norms, homosexuality, and the search for love. Productions like this can foster a deeper understanding within communities, encouraging conversations about identity and acceptance. The play also offers a lens into the experience of resisting societal expectations and staying true to oneself, even in the harsh glare of the spotlight.
Ultimately, Mitchell falls in love with Alex, shifting perceptions of relationships and the nature of love. With its humorous and heartfelt exploration of human connections, “The Little Dog Laughed” challenges audiences to question society’s expectations surrounding identity and love while embracing individuality.
