Fifteen Dogs is
a wowser of a show

Segal Centre presents a theatre adaptation of the Giller prize-winning book

By Byron Toben

April 17, 2024

First off, Fifteen Dogs at the Segal Centre is nothing like Super Dogs: The Musical, the canine circus act performed in November 2021 with real live dogs. Here, six human actors portray fifteen dogs of various breeds, aided by masks and a table of small sculptures of those breeds.

Though not mentioned in the printed program (yes, a return to printed programs, hurray), the play had overtones of the 1954 novel Lord of the Flies, as well as the 1963 novel Planet of the Apes. Here, the play is based on an adaptation of Andre Alexis’s Giller prize-winning book by Marie Farsi, who also directed it.

Dogs faced with new developments such as learning to talk some human words (though not as good as parrots) are gradually split into factions, some wishing to remain or return to their historic dogginess and others seeking to increase their vocabulary beyond “yes” and “water.”

Concept words come harder “Love” can only be described as “loyalty” and “God” as a “master of masters”.

Playing the beagle Benjy and others was Lucinda Davis; as mutts Max and Prince, Davinder Malhi; as mastiff Atticus and others, David Beale; as black poodle Majnoun and others, Oliver Dennis; as human Nira and others, Amy Rutherford; and as deity Hermes and others, Mirabella Sundar Singh.

Included in the “other” dogs were: a brown teacup poodle, Athena; a great Dane, Bella; a duck toiler, Bobbie; a schnauzer, Dougie; two Labrador retrievers, Frick and Frack; and a German shepherd, Rosie.

… six human actors portray fifteen dogs of various breeds, aided by masks and a table of small sculptures of those breeds.

The change in dog’s manners was hastened by ancient gods, hence the appearance of Hermes. I didn’t hear “Rover” or “Spot” among the doggie names nor the mention that God is dog spelled backwards.

Just as well.

The whole show was originally commissioned and produced by Crow’s Theatre of Toronto. Bravo to Segal casting director Rachelle Glait for using mostly local talent in these fast-paced roles – thirty in all.

In the opening press evening, the post-show reception featured sweet treat tidbits and hot chocolate. For those wishing stronger brew, there were Mutt Cocktails and Neutered Mutt cocktails available.

Fifteen Dogs continues at the Segal until April 21.

segalcentre.org

Images: Emelia Hellman

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Byron Toben, a past president of The Montreal Press Club, has been WestmountMag.ca’s theatre reviewer since July 2015. Previously, he wrote for since terminated websites Rover Arts and Charlebois Post, print weekly The Downtowner, and print monthly The Senior Times. He also is an expert consultant on U.S. work permits for Canadians.