Oak Park Journal

BARK! TO “SIT” AND “STAY” IN CHICAGO ADDITIONAL SIX WEEKS!

NEW MUSICAL COMEDY SUNG FROM DOGS’ PERSPECTIVE; TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH APRIL 2, 2006
review by Ed Vincent

We are writing about the new cast, performing for the extended run of "BARK". The ensemble is top notch in acting, dance, and voice. Some of the singers are so good they should be headed for the local stage to do opera. Amy Arbizzani, who plays 'Chanel', a pure bred poodle, has a classically trained voice and has no trouble at all hitting the high "C's". In the number called 'Il Cane Dell'Opera' her talents as a singer are brought to full bare and the art and humor are right on the money. There is plenty of humor and would be grand for the whole family if not for some of the more adult themes found here and there. The younger child may very well miss some of the language here and there.

This fun filled, light hearted drama does have some heart strings pulled from time to time, as the life and reality of a shelter are brought into the plot. Some of the female dogs sing "life's bitch and so am I", while they all address the joy of relieving oneself outside wherever they can.

Many views of the world are nicely told through the eyes and minds of our canine cast. This is really a touching play, as well as a playfull romp about the theater. I enjoyed this play and cast more than "CATS" and more than "Urine Town".

I would recommend this show for a Tony or two and ask all our readers to give it a try. The show is held in a very intimate setting with only 150 seats for the audience and that gives everyone the feel of being a part of the show.

If you like animals, have pets, work in a shelter, have ever been to a shelter, or just like a good musical with plenty of drama - trade some of your bones in for a ticket and take a seat.