Laura and Samara spend their days as non-profit unicorns and fill every spare minute exploring the world of musical theatre as BFFs (that’s Broadway Friends Forever). Follow @bffs613 on Instagram and Facebook.
Elevator Theatre Company (ETC), with an impressive track record of high-calibre shows in its short history already, is bringing the Pasek and Paul show Dogfight to Ottawa audiences in an intimate and impactful way.
Dogfight, based on the 1991 film, tells the story of a group of young Marines the night before they deploy.
Determined to have a night they will never forget, they plan a party and hit the town to find the perfect date for the occasion. This is where Eddie Birdlace and Rose Fenny meet. Birdlace and his two friends, Boland and Bernstein, have a night full of escapades as the trio, who call themselves the “three bees”, try to revel in their last night. Rose’s unexpected impact on Birdlace takes his night in a different direction than he originally planned.
Photo by Laura Collins
Pasek and Paul, known for songs from hits like La La Land and The Greatest Showman, bring to life Dogfight with fun, emotional, and beautiful songs, elevating the range of emotion the story builds. This cast is full of talent and blends powerfully in each song. Leads Emma Iris and Drew Werbowski bring everything you want and more in tender solos and high-energy harmonies. The performances bring to light each character’s strengths, weaknesses and growth from the first to the last note.
ETC’s staging has consistently shown a creative approach in how it presents stories to audiences. Dogfight is no different, turning LIVE! on Elgin into a fully immersive experience. Cast members don’t interact with the audience, but you can feel the story unfolding all around you. With chairs lining the walls, actors are confined to the area surrounded by the audience. The space is used and filled thoughtfully and strategically to ensure audiences don’t miss a thing. With only 40 seats available in each show, Dogfight is already on the cusp of a fully sold-out run.
Photo by Laura Collins
One of the things that makes Dogfight so special is its reflection of real life. The characters are complicated and developed, things are uncomfortable and messy, and their ending isn’t simple or neatly resolved. These are the ways the show explores the depths of connection, the complexity of people and their flaws and how two very different experiences can leave you feeling powerless and lost. A challenging but beautifully told story reflects on the image we are sold in society, the image we hold over ourselves and who we may be underneath it all.
Full of highs, lows and knockout performances, we can guarantee with Dogfight you are set to have some kinda time.
Dogfight runs from Sept. 10 to 21 at 7:30pm. The show runs approximately two and a half hours with a 15-minute intermission. Tickets are $38 to $48. The venue is not wheelchair accessible.
