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BLT opens season with entertaining 'Dog Logs'

The Butler Little Theatre has literally gone to the dogs with its season opener. “The Dog Logs” by C.J. Johnson opens Friday. A preview audience took in the show this week and it was two paws up.

A cast of talented actors under the direction of Stefan Lingenfelter bring the life of dogs to the stage in a most entertaining way. A myriad of monologues tell the tale of our canine companions.

Lingenfelter turned in a power performance as Borys, a Rottweiler, plagued by noisy new neighbors and a huge fence. His compelling story of loyalty to his master, his duty as a dog, and his canine pride wove a tale that was amusing and yet tragic.

Portraying the tenacious Greyhound and the Beagle was Luke Pfeifer. Pfeifer was hilarious in his role as the Greyhound trying to capture the rabbit. The audience was rooting for the eager mutt to capture his taunting tease.

Part two of the Greyhound monologue revealed who won that altercation. His accent as the Beagle was spot on as the airport dog stationed at LAX. His delivery was delightful.

Thom Hilliard shown in the role of the Mutt, Blackie. The lengthy monologue told a tale of misery and mange as well as friendship and feelings. His cameo of the Dingo was brief and pointed.

The pompous pretentious mutts of Pepper and Polly were played by Phoenix Kelly, who had a way of getting attention. Her Jack Russell Terrier portrayal was energetic and enjoyable. Hint: Play fetch.

A nod to the Aussie Kelpie sheep dog was offered up by the talented Ariana O'Donnell. Her accent and her demeanor were entertaining, as was the tale she spun of becoming one with the sheep. She also did a cameo as an Afghan Hound which had the audience in stitches.

Christian Cendrowski, no stranger to the BLT stage, donned the collar of a Belgian Shepherd, police dog. He recounted the story of his partner's award-winning capture of dog fighters. He also played an egotistical Afghan Hound who relished his role as breeding stock.

The Labrador Retriever was portrayed by Bonnie Cahill who reminisced about the glory days and her master's loyalty to her even as she slowed down.

A unique theater experience to be sure but one that is entertaining and leaves one pondering the pup in their life. If you aren't a dog lover when you take your seat, you just might be by the final curtain.

Reserved seat tickets are now available online at bltgroup.org and at the door 45 minutes before show times.

WHAT: Butler Little Theatre presents “The Dog Logs” by C.J. JohnsonWHEN: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and 2:30 Sunday, Sept. 28 to 30 and Oct. 2 to 6WHERE: One Howard St.TICKETS: $13 online at Bltgroup.org or at the door 45 minutes before curtain. There are no online transaction fees.INFO: Bltgroup.org

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