Stage Review - Bark! The Musical (Key City Public Theatre)
Stage Review - Bark! The Musical
Presented By: Key City Public Theatre - Port Townsend, WA
Show Run: April 30 - May 24, 2026
Date Reviewed: Friday, May 01, 2026 (Opening Night)
Run Time: 2 Hours (including a 15-minute intermission)
Reviewed by: Greg Heilman
When you see as much theatre as I do, sometimes it’s nice to attend a show that is simply entertaining from start to finish. That’s exactly what Bark! The Musical is, the current production on stage at Key City Public Theatre in Port Townsend through May 24. I mean, who doesn’t love their dog? (For the purposes of this review, I’m going to ignore those who don’t consider their dogs part of the family and try not to be too judgmental about them!). Directed by Denise Winter, the production celebrates all things canine, and because the story is told from the dogs’ perspective, it offers a surprisingly insightful look into the minds of our four-legged companions. From their instinctive need to “whiz” on everything, to the humiliation of the dreaded cone of shame, to the trauma of being “fixed,” the musical finds humor in nearly every aspect of dog life. Even when the story touches on more emotional territory, it approaches those moments with care and sincerity. Much like owning a dog itself, the joy far outweighs the occasional hardship.
Set inside a doggie daycare, the musical follows six dogs over the course of a single day as they navigate friendships, insecurities, rivalries, and their complicated relationships with the humans who leave them there. Written by David Troy Francis, Gavin Geoffrey Gillard, Robert Schrock, and Henry Winkler, the show blends broad comedy with moments of genuine tenderness, creating a piece that works equally well as lighthearted escapism and as a reflection on companionship and loyalty.
Before the performance even begins, the production establishes its playful atmosphere. Terry Tennesen’s scenic design resembles an oversized playground filtered through a canine point of view, with exaggerated proportions that cleverly place the audience into the dogs’ world. The environmental soundscape from Albert Mendez and Gabs Nathanson, filled with birds, distant traffic, and occasional car alarms, quietly enhances the setting before the first number even starts. Corinne Adams’ costumes are another strong element of the production. Rather than reducing the characters to simplistic breed imitations, the costumes focus on personality and temperament, allowing each performer to create a distinct identity while still suggesting recognizable canine traits. It becomes easy very quickly to stop seeing actors in costumes and start seeing fully formed characters.
Musically, the production is exceptionally well balanced. Linda Dowdell’s work as musical director keeps the vocals and instrumentation working together cleanly throughout the evening. Linda, alongside Isaac Jaskinski on bass and Angie Tabor on drums, leads a tight three-piece band that supports the performers without overwhelming them, maintaining clarity even during the show’s larger ensemble numbers, while Denise’s choreography captures dog behavior through energy, posture, and movement without pushing into parody. The cast suggests canine mannerisms while still maintaining strong vocal performances and believable personalities. Numbers like “Old Flea Bags” showcase particularly sharp ensemble coordination, both rhythmically and physically, while several quicker comedic sequences highlight the cast’s precision and timing.
And speaking of the ensemble, the group is full, from top to bottom, of talent. Brendan Chambers delivers one of the production’s most dynamic performances as Sam. Brendan explores both the fantasy life and emotional vulnerability of the character, shifting effortlessly between absurd comedy and quieter introspection. His rap celebrating Sam’s “mutt-ness,” while mocking pure breeds for acting superior, is one of the funniest moments in the show, with Brendan navigating the rapid-fire lyrics with confidence and charisma. Later, during “Señorita La Pepita,” he reveals a gentler side of the character, giving the audience a glimpse of the softness beneath Sam’s bravado. On the opposite end of the social hierarchy is Karen Skrinde’s Chanel, a dog entirely confident in both her pedigree and her own importance. Karen leans into the character’s self-assured nature without ever losing the charm underneath it. Vocally, she provides some of the evening’s strongest musical moments. Her soprano voice rings through the theatre beautifully, especially during the production’s more heartfelt passages, where she brings a polished elegance to the role.
While every member of the cast contributes to the comedy, Robert Winstead earns many of the evening’s biggest laughs as King, particularly during “I’m in Love with Lassie” and the especially hilarious “Ruff World.” Anyone who has owned a male dog before and after neutering will likely recognize exactly what the latter song is poking fun at. Robert throws himself fully into the humor while still grounding the character emotionally. He also delivers one of the show’s most touching moments with “A Grassy Field,” a reflective number that briefly shifts the tone and gives the audience a chance to pause beneath all the chaos and laughter.
Elaine Tosado’s Rocks is an excitable puppy still trying to figure out how to exist in the world while remaining hilariously aware of her inability to stop marking territory. Elaine brings an infectious enthusiasm to the role that makes Rocks instantly lovable. Maggie Jo Chambers’ Golde, meanwhile, represents the older and wiser member of the pack, a dog more interested in affection and comfort than excitement, though certainly not a fan of the cone of shame. Maggie Jo gives the character an easy warmth that complements the surrounding personalities nicely.
My favorite character of the evening, though, is Kat Agudo’s Boo, who acts almost like an emotional caretaker for several of the other dogs. Kat fills the role with energy and sharp comic instincts while also bringing an unmistakable sweetness to the character. Boo could easily become over-the-top in less capable hands, but Kat keeps the performance grounded in empathy, making Boo feel both funny and deeply caring.
As strong as the individual performances are, what truly elevates this production is how well the ensemble functions together. The cast works with a cohesion that allows the humor, choreography, and musical numbers to feel polished rather than chaotic. Harmonies are handled very well throughout the evening, movement remains sharp and coordinated, and there is a consistency of tone that keeps the production from ever slipping into gimmickry. Bark! The Musical is the kind of show that some theatres might treat as little more than lightweight entertainment, prioritizing silliness over quality. Instead, Denise and this cast approach the material with a level of professionalism and commitment that gives the production far more substance than it might otherwise have. The result is a show that remains fun and playful while still feeling carefully crafted and thoughtfully performed.
Bark! The Musical understands that beneath all the jokes, barking, and absurd canine behavior, there’s nothing like the emotional connection people have with their pets. The production embraces the humor wholeheartedly, but it also recognizes the loyalty, comfort, heartbreak, and unconditional affection that make dogs such an important part of so many lives. At Key City Public Theatre, Denise and this talented ensemble have created a production that is funny, heartfelt, musically polished, and consistently engaging, resulting in an evening that feels both joyfully entertaining and genuinely meaningful for anyone who has ever loved a dog.
Bark! The Musical runs on stage at Key City Public Theatre in Port Townsend through May 24. For more information, including ticket availability and sales, visit https://keycitypublictheatre.org/.
Photo credit: Mel Carter
