Space Dog--Great Visuals But Not Much Else

    By Joseph Cervelli

"Space Dogs" a new musica  at the MCC Theater written and performed by Van Hughes and Nick Blaemire is certainly very original if less than successful. It tells the story of the Russian dog, Laika, one of the first dogs to travel into space and first dog to orbit the earth. This was long before long before any astronauts were sent up. The idea was that of a Russian scientist back in the 50's. We don't know the name of the scientist but see his photograph with his name covered up (until later in the show.) He is basically known as the Chief Designer. 

Unfortunately, the musical which could have been much better is rather silly, jam packed composite of information. I am not so sure of its success on a commercial stage but with certain revisions could play very, very well in a school auditorium. It could be a great history lesson for kids if it was presented in a clearer manner than it is here. It was not always easy to follow even as an adult. 

Both Hughes and Blaemire who wrote the sometimes catchy though mostly repetitive rock score (I did like Blaemire's number in which he sings as Laika decrying why he was lied to and left to die in space) did put a lot of work into the show. There were a number of facts that I was never aware of. It seems the Russians gathered up forty stray dogs for space exploration. Twenty four survived. And why the Chief Designer was placed in the Gulag was never clearly discussed. The writers/actors seem to want to move along too speedily with more and more details and including such characters as Stalin, Khrushchev, Wernher von Braun, Lyndon Johnson, etc. What also was fascinating was after the war when the German-American von Braun came to America about 1600 German scientists also eventually came. 

There is a cute touch in which Laika writes in his diary about how he rather be going with these strange men who capture him and other dogs (the first domesticated animal) rather than be on the streets.

With Blaemire under the American flag on the right and Hughes representing the USSR on the left they try to get an audience cheering section to get into the action although it amounts into very little and falls flat although most of the staging by director Ellie Heyman works well.

BUT the best part of the show and one that makes a definite impression are the amazingly superb projections by two wizards, namely Stefania Bulbarella and Alex Basco Koch. Truly among the best visuals I have seen in years in any show whether be it on or off Broadway. I won't spoil it by discussing what they have created but it is quite unique. Along with both of them I must comment on the adorable puppets and props created by Amanda Villalobos. I especially loved the canine beauty show along with the shimmering curtain they "perform" before. Wilson Chin's set design blends in very well with Villalobos's work. 

Both Hughes and Blaemire work very hard, although Hughes could take down some of his antics a bit, the show just never really takes off as well as I hoped it would. While it only runs about 90 minutes I must say I was getting a bit itchy after 45 minutes. 

And not to burst your bubble, but if you are one of the lucky audience members to catch the adorable stuffed dogs thrown into theater at the start of the show, don't get too excited. You have to return them shortly afterwards or as Hughes warns, "be sent to the Gulag."

Photos: Daniel J. Vasquez

Tickets are available at The Robert W. Wilson MCC theater Space 511 West 52nd Street or by calling 646.506.9393