Sit, Stay, Applaud: Dog Man the Musical Proves Every Underdog Has Its Day.

April 12th, 2025

The Parker’s splendor was the perfect stage for a morning of magic and emotion. As we contemplated The Parker’s chandeliers, my daughter and I wondered how her favorite comic book—about a man who transforms into Dog Man—could ever be showcased in a musical. The answer? An engaging show with a fast-paced rhythm and a clear message of kindness.

The magic began the moment the lights dimmed, ushering us into the world of Dog Man with a playful voiceover from Dav Pilkey himself. With his signature humor, he delivered a cheeky disclaimer: Captain Underpants Heroes may be asked to leave immediately. That set the tone for the show’s quirky energy as the story opened with George and Harold—played by Marquise Neil and Mundo Ballejos—two creative fifth graders with a distaste for the rigidity of classical literature. Instead of A Tale of Two Cities, they wrote A Tale of Two Kitties.

This clever twist wasn’t well-received by their teacher, who dismissed their made-up words and plot as a mockery of “proper” art. Yet, George and Harold were undeterred. Determined to show that masterpieces come in many forms, they launched into their musical journey—one that proved to be both inventive and heartfelt.

As the musical unfolded, the audience was swept up in a dazzling blend of performances, catchy tunes, and captivating lighting effects. George and Harold frequently stepped in and out of the narrative, offering a playful metanarrative that was just as entertaining as the musical itself. This layered storytelling added depth, especially when it reflected aspects of Dav Pilkey’s own life.

Dog Man The Musical_ Photo by Jeremy Daniel. L-R_ Brian Owen, Dan Rosales, DeShawn Bowens, Jamie LaVerdiere, L.R. Davidson, Crystal Sha’nae

Diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD as a child, Pilkey often found himself isolated in the hallway at school for being disruptive. That personal history is mirrored through characters like George, Harold, and especially Petey—the show’s villain—who creates a robot named ADHD. Originally designed for mischief, the robot’s story takes a heartwarming turn thanks to the lovable Lil’ Petey, portrayed beautifully by Sadie Jayne Kennedy.

In one of the most enchanting moments, Lil’ Petey dons the ADHD robot and transforms it into a joyful celebration, filling the stage with lights and color that made it feel like we were dancing among the stars.

Through brilliant entertainment and unexpected emotional depth, Dog Man the Musical celebrates our multiple intelligences, the power of kindness, and the importance of embracing our differences. It’s a moving message—wrapped in humor, color, and music—that leaves a lasting impression on children and adults alike.