The Little Dog Laughed

Hang on to your seats for the rollercoaster ride that is The Little Dog Laughed. The outlandish and hysterical look into the world of Hollywood will have you in fits of laughter while captivated by its drama. 

 Presented by Queensland Theatre CompanyCremorne Theatre, QPAC Friday, 12 February, 2010 Hang on to your seats for the rollercoaster ride that is The Little Dog Laughed. The outlandish and hysterical look into the world of Hollywood will have you in fits of laughter while captivated by its drama. Mitchell Green, played by Tom O’Sullivan, is a sensitive closet-gay movie star. His career is on the rise thanks to his pushy and enthusiastic agent, Diane, played by Caroline Kennison. Diane believes he is going to make it all the way to the top, but hopefully can cure his ‘slight recurring case of homosexuality’. But after a drunken late-night phone call to rent-boy Alex, played by Nick Cook, Mitchell’s ambitions are interrupted by the prospect of a potential relationship. And Alex is also confused – sexually that is. While he turns tricks with men for money, he is also semi-attached to his long-time “friend” Ellen, played by Melanie Zanetti. Things get messy and it isn’t long before Hollywood power-woman Diane takes matters into her own hands. The exaggerated send-up of Hollywood and its antics never failed to surprise with wacky humour one minute and intense relationship drama the next. The constant flicking between the two moods made this a unique insight into a peculiar situation. Gow has crafted this play with so much authenticity allowing you to become completely absorbed in the story. It delves into the show-business façade and how the quest for fame can lead homosexual actors into a fake life, hiding their homosexuality for fear of damaging their career.The aggressive Diane and ditzy Ellen poked fun at their own eccentric and self-absorbed Hollywood lives. But their comedy was contrasted by the passionate and deep connection between Mitchell and Alex, and also, in parts, Alex and Ellen. The effective use of the mockery and serious drama resulted in a great and entertaining mix. All the cast gave exceptional performances. Kennison’s delivery of sharp-witted and fast-paced lines was flawlessly funny. O’Sullivan and Cook embraced the more serious roles with sincerity and feeling. In the role of Ellen, Zanetti proved herself a versatile and up-and-coming talent since debuting last year with QTC in The Crucible. A very open set design by Simone Romaniuk cleverly revealed the mechanics of set changes and worked well teamed with assistant stage manager Kylie Degen, who made many appearances on stage when changing scenery. It was unusual but fitting for the production. Gow has tightly constructed this play to underline writer Douglas Carter Beane’s quick-witted and brazen script and successfully pulls off comedy and drama together, never forgetting the fundamental message that deserves significant consideration. The Little Dog Laughed is showing until the 13th of March Bookings 136 246