A disclaimer to Peanuts fans young and old: This is not your cute and innocent comic strip come to life. Rather, it’s a hilariously demented story of tragic youth and all that it entails. Be prepared to see Charlie Brown and his motley crew in a whole new light and living in a world marked by hormones, confusion and substance abuse: high school.
“Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead” (written by Bert. V. Royal) opens with a familiar scene of Charlie Brown (Nick Kaprelian) writing to his friend to bear the news of Snoopy’s recent death. And so begins CB’s epic questioning of death, the world and the meaning of life.
Filled with raunchy teen language and sexual references, “Dog Sees God” captures the characteristic nature of society’s teen angst. Although this is exaggerated for the sake of humor, there is also a great deal of truth in that sentiment. While at the surface this play may appear no more than a ridiculous and entertaining parody of an ironically innocent childhood classic, it is also a commentary on the everyday adolescent struggles of self-identity.
This is represented in more ways than one, the most obvious example being CB’s little sister, who is just as dramatic and passionate as when she was a little girl. A chain-smoking Wiccan performance artist, her excessive flamboyance highlights a common teenage trend of desperation for belonging, and she even prompts her brother to tell her, “I can’t keep up with you anymore — find an identity!”
The theme of discovering one’s own identity is also present in more subtle ways, such as the case of Beethoven, who must endure constant torment for his talents and questionable sexuality. Although this coming-of-age tale is not uncommon, “Dog Sees God” is particularly well written and realistic, all the while managing to maintain its unwavering humor.
Having said that, it is also more than just a silly spoof on a beloved classic. Quite unexpectedly, this comic piece also packs a deep emotional punch. “Dog Sees God” explores the tender issues of suicide and sexual orientation with unflinching honesty. For director Steve Noll, this forwardness is no new territory. In the past, Noll has both directed and produced plays that are not afraid to break through the confinements of conventional theatre. His work includes the direction of “Seven Santas” and two segments in “Queer Shorts” (an LGBT short plays festival), as well as the production of “Corpus Christi,” which was possibly the most controversial play staged in Madison.
“Dog Sees God” works with a sensibly simplistic set, using few token pieces of recognition: Snoopy’s red dog house, Schroeder’s piano and the tree under which Charlie Brown writes letters to his friend. For such a play, this was all that was needed to create its cartoon world. While some productions depend upon fancy sets and special effects, “Dog Sees God” need not worry about these things, as it is securely supported by its fast-paced, witty dialogue and solid acting.
Each actor embodied his or her character perfectly, as was obvious in the groups’ vivacious chemistry. Each teen version of the Peanuts cast fits in his or her own way. The kids’ quirks and attitudes are emphasized to the fullest, with Linus (Nathan Figueroa) the Buddhist stoner, and Lucy (Leah Tirado) an incarcerated pyromaniac. Meanwhile, Charlie Brown has developed into a self-conscious and frustrated youth, but throughout the course of the play, audience members are privileged to see our dear friend venture out of his melancholic and predictable shell. Even all grown up, we see prominent traces of who the characters were as children. This dark comedy is both reminiscent and progressive.
To those who find offense in this possibly tainted adaptation of our timeless gang next door, it is important to know “Dog Sees God” never once aims to slight the brilliance or the cultural significance of Charles Schulz’s creation. On the contrary, the production is a tribute to him, as well as his fans. More than this, it carries a strong message about self-acceptance, and the tragic consequences that can follow when it is not achieved. Audience will walk away with more than they expected.
