A Beginner’s Guide To DOGFIGHT THE MUSICAL
So What’s It All About?
It’s November 21, 1963. On the eve of their deployment to a small but growing conflict in Southeast Asia, three young Marines set out for one final boys’ night of debauchery, partying and maybe a little trouble. But when Corporal Eddie Birdlace meets Rose, an awkward and idealistic waitress he enlists to win a cruel bet with his fellow recruits, she rewrites the rules of the game and teaches him the power of compassion.
The musical is based on the 1991 Warner Bothers film which starred River Phoenix and Lili Taylor.
Who Wrote It?
Dogfight was written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, two of the hottest young musical writers around at the moment. They’ve been hailed as the heirs of Rodgers and Hammerstein.
They wrote original songs for the television series Smash and were nominated for Tony Awards (Broadway’s highest honour) for their musical A Christmas Story, getting nominations For Best Score, Best Music and Best Book.
One of their other musicals Edges just opened at The Tabbard Theatre here in London.
The book for the show is by Peter Duchan.
What’s The Music Like?
It’s a contemporary score with some really great songs. There’s not a lot to dislike. If you don’t believe us take a listen to this great number sung by Rose at the end of Act One.
Anything Else?
Dogfight premiered Off-Broadway in 2012, where it won the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Musical and was nominated for 5 Outer Critics Circle and 2 Drama Desk Awards. Critics likening it to the award-winning musical Spring Awakening.
The show is being directed by Matt Ryan who has worked internationally on some of the biggest musicals around.
Where Can I See It?
The show will be at The Southwark Playhouse from Friday 8th August to Saturday 13th September. It’s being produced by Danielle Tarento whose other shows at the same venue have all SOLD OUT so early booking is advised.
