Dog Man: The Musical

Some shows are so funny, so frenetically fun, so joyfully absurd that you leave the theatre with cheeks that ache from all the laughing and grinning. Dog Man: The Musical is one of those shows. Featuring a vibrant cast, zingy songs, and a stage bursting with colour, chaos, and comic book flair, this musical is a riotous delight for kids and a hilarious wink-fest for the grown-ups.

Based on the best-selling series by Dav Pilkey, the story unfolds as two best friends, George and Harold, create a musical starring their homemade hero: Dog Man, a noble half-dog, half-human crimefighter with a taste for justice (and bones). What follows is a series of increasingly bonkers escapades involving evil cats, cloned kittens, a cyborg reanimated fish named Flippy, and sentient skyscrapers. The plot spirals gleefully off the leash, but no matter how wild it gets, it remains endearingly grounded in the joy of imagination and friendship.

The entire production is a visual treat. The set and props lean wholeheartedly into the comic-book aesthetic, with bright colours, exaggerated outlines, and ‘homemade’ style scenery that makes each moment feel like a hand-drawn page coming to life. The choreography is sharp, fast, and comically exaggerated – a perfect match for the show’s surreal tone – and the entire cast tackles it with infectious energy.

Josh Whitten is a total standout as the noble Dog Man. He’s got the physical comedy chops of a cartoon character brought to life, the vocal prowess of a seasoned leading man, and a dancer’s precision that turns even the silliest moment into a showstopper. He’s a good boy. The best boy, in fact.

Liam J. Kirkpatrick’s Harold is an exuberant ball of sunshine with impeccable comic timing and a wildly expressive face that could win awards on its own. Their chemistry with Nat Jobe’s George makes the central friendship feel warm, real, and just chaotic enough. Jobe also dons a second hat (literally) as the Chief, switching personas with hilarious flair and delivering powerhouse vocals while never missing a beat.

Jack Dawson purrs with villainous glee as Petey, the world’s most evil cat (and let’s face it, the world’s most relatable character for anyone with a flair for drama). His comic timing and exaggerated swagger are pitch-perfect. Mackenzie Garcia shines brightly as Lil Petey, radiating enthusiasm with every hop and note, while Nava Revalk brings real sparkle to her role as Flippy, a formidable fish with flair, finesse, and fins. Her puppeteering is tight, and her stage presence is undeniable.

Musically, the show is a banger. Brad Alexander’s songs are catchy, toe-tapping, and packed with punchlines, and Kevin Del Aguila’s lyrics are clever, fast, and full of delightful surprises for musical theatre nerds who listen closely. There are jokes layered into the score and staging that reward multiple viewings - and yes, I’d see it again in a heartbeat!

Dog Man: The Musical is an absolute delight – not just for children, but for anyone with a beating heart and a love of laughter. Every element from the witty dialogue to the sheer physicality of the performances is tuned for maximum entertainment. It’s the kind of show that reminds you why live theatre is magic: there’s nothing quite like watching a giant fish battle a dog-headed cop while buildings come to life and a couple of fifth graders try to finish a musical before lunch.

This production is proof that when great performers, clever writing, joyful design, and a whole lot of silliness come together, the result is pure, unfiltered fun. Go fetch yourself a ticket.

Kitty Goodall

Photography by Pete Wallis