Stage Review - Pets (and Their Humans) (Ludlow Village Players)
Stage Review - Pets (and Their Humans)
Presented By: Ludlow Village Players - Port Ludlow, WA
Show Run: April 17 - April 26, 2026
Date Reviewed: Friday, April 17, 2026 (Opening Night)
Run Time: 90 Minutes (with a 15-minute intermission)
Reviewed by: Greg Heilman
There’s something inherently charming about the premise of Pets (and Their Humans), Mike Sockol’s affectionate and slightly offbeat look at the relationships between people and the animals that share their lives. Now on stage with Ludlow Village Players at The Bay Club in Port Ludlow through April 26, the production, directed by Kate Marshall and Ted Brown, leans into that charm while also attempting to explore the deeper, more philosophical questions about companionship, loss, and the emotional imprint pets leave on their humans.
Set within what feels like a comfortable, lived-in living room environment, the scenic design by Jim Gormly establishes an immediately recognizable world. It’s a nice, grounded space that supports the action without calling too much attention to itself, allowing the characters—both human and animal—to take center stage. That said, the play itself exists in a slightly heightened reality, where pets speak, reflect, and philosophize on the lives they share with their owners. It’s an intriguing concept, though at times the writing struggles to fully reconcile its naturalistic setting with the more abstract, reflective tone it aims to achieve.
At the center of the story is Brad, played by Michael Haberpointner, whose journey anchors much of the human perspective. Brad is trying his best to move on from the memory of his late wife and has found solace in the companionship of his pets, dog Titina and cat Mac. As Brad, Michael brings an earnestness to the role, though there are moments where a stronger connection with other characters—particularly in terms of eye contact and engagement, more inward than outward—would help ground the performance further. In a space as intimate as The Bay Club, projection isn’t a barrier, and leaning into that proximity could elevate the immediacy of Brad’s presence.
Among the standout elements of the production are the performances of the pets themselves, which often provide both the humor and the heart of the piece. Jeff Groves as Mac the cat delivers a particularly memorable turn, bringing a philosophical, almost wry perspective that adds texture to the show’s more contemplative moments. There’s a thoughtful stillness to Jeff’s performance that works well within the play’s more reflective passages, especially as the narrative begins to grapple with themes of mortality and meaning.
Starley Flynn’s Titina the dog offers a contrasting energy, bringing warmth and playfulness that captures the spirit of a loyal companion. Starley finds a nice balance between physicality and emotional sincerity, creating a character that feels both stylized and recognizable. Meanwhile, younger performers like Anja Haberpointner (Cassie) and Bella Rose Dillon (Scout) contribute moments of genuine charm, with Anja in particular bringing a natural sense of humor and honesty to her delivery. Alena Flynn-Freeman rounds out the cast as Barb, the angsty daughter of Brad.
One of the more interesting dynamics in the piece is how the animals observe and interpret human behavior. Conversations between Mac and Titina about their place in human lives, and the ways in which they process love, loss, and change, are among the more engaging sequences in the show. The close of the first act, in particular, leans into these philosophical musings, with reflections on death and legacy that suggest a deeper emotional core beneath the play’s lighter exterior.
That said, the script itself can feel uneven. The dialogue at times lacks a fully natural rhythm, occasionally coming across as more deliberate than organic. There are moments where the emotional stakes feel undercut by a delivery that doesn’t quite match the weight of what’s being said. This is especially noticeable in some of the human interactions, where a stronger sense of urgency or emotional investment would help bring clarity and impact to the narrative.
From a technical standpoint, the production makes thoughtful choices. Lighting by Tracy Geipel includes particularly effective moments during scenes in which Michael’s Brad watches “sports” on TV, where the glow and flicker evoke the feel of a screen in an otherwise grounded environment. It’s a subtle but smart touch that adds to the visual storytelling. Sound design by Geoff Lang supports the action without overwhelming it, maintaining a balance that allows the dialogue to remain the focus.
Pets (and Their Humans) is a piece that thrives in its quieter, more introspective moments. When it allows the relationships—both human-to-human and human-to-animal—to breathe, it taps into something relatable and genuine, and provides theatrical value for the whole family. While the production doesn’t always fully resolve the tonal balancing act between realism and abstraction, there’s a sincerity here that comes through, particularly in the performances of the animal characters.
For audiences who have ever found themselves wondering what their pets might be thinking—or who have felt the profound impact those relationships can have—there’s something here to connect with. Ludlow Village Players offers a heartfelt take on a unique concept, one that invites reflection even as it entertains.
The Ludlow Village Players presentation of Pets (and Their Humans) runs on stage at The Bay Club in Port Ludlow through April 26. For more information, including ticket availability and sales, visit https://ludlowvillageplayers.org/.
Photo credit: Kate Marshall
