LBCC takes children's classic 'Go, Dog. Go!' for a walk around the block

By Heather Crabtree

The Entertainer

ALBANY - The Russell Tripp Performance Theater came alive during a recent school showing of "Go, Dog. Go!"

Like a roar of thunder, children's voices echoed MC Dog (Justin Goss), while a colorful, energetic cast lived a dog's life in LBCC's 32nd annual children's play.

The play will open for two public performances at 2 and 5 p.m. Saturday, March 3, in the Russell Tripp Performance Center, Takena Hall, at the LBCC Main Campus in Albany.

The 5 p.m. performance will be sign language interpreted and also benefit scholarships for the performing arts.

Unlike many of LBCC's past children's productions, "Go, Dog. Go!" is an hour-long improv session.

The musical was adapted for stage by Alison Gregory and Steven Dietz in a joint project between the Seattle and Minneapolis children's theaters, from the book "Go, Dog. Go!" by P. D. Eastman. The music is written by Michael Koerner.

Because it's based on a children's book, the script for the show is not a standard one - like "Puss in Boots," produced in 2005 - with readable dialogue.

Instead, the writers give suggestions for each of the scenes on how the production team can bring the show to life.

"Most scripts tell you what's going on, but in this, you have to figure it out for yourself," director George Lauris said. "It's part of the fun."

To prepare for the improv, Lauris, choreographer Barbara Platt and music director Susan Peck traveled to Seattle to watch the archive footage of the original production, because it's almost something you have to see to understand, Lauris said.

Each of the scenes is like a picture taken from the book, filled with color and energy that draws children into the circus-like atmosphere.

Because the book is so popular with elementary-age students and teachers, the younger audiences buzz and often call out what few lines there are before or with the actors. It is a phenomenon Lauris typically sees from retired English professors when watching a Shakespearean play they've taught for years.

Tickets are $9 for adults and $6 for children under 18. They are available at the box office during regular hours or two hours before the show, or by calling 917-4531. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.linnbenton.edu/go/

performing-arts.

Additional cast and crew of "Go, Dog. Go!" are: Amanda Bonn as Hattie; Lindsey Earp as Green Dog; Adam Elizarraga as Red Dog; Rachael Oliver as Blue Dog; Katja Reid as Spotted Dog and Skating Dog; and David Sullivan as Yellow Dog. The production stage manager is Kris Miller; costume designer is Cynthia Mintun; scene designer is Bruce Peterson; and on-stage keyboard artist is Caren Luckenbill.