Dogman the Musical: The Perfect Introduction to Musical Theater
It’s hard to meet an elementary aged-student in America today who has not read the Dogman graphic novel series. This popular series is a favorite at our house, especially with our son and his friends. Dogman is a lovable half-dog, half-man superhero, who has captured the hearts of young readers everywhere. In 2019 Dogman made the leap from the pages of books to the stage in Dogman the Musical. In this blog post, I’ll share information about the musical and our experience seeing Dogman the Musical live at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek, Colorado.
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The Dogman Series
The Dogman series was created by Dav Pilkey, the talented author and illustrator behind the renowned Captain Underpants series. The first book, titled Dog Man, was published in 2016. This marked the beginning of what would become a series of highly successful books cherished by young readers worldwide.
The premise of the Dogman books is goofy but heartwarming. The main characters are Officer Knight and his K9 companion, Greg. They work together to fight crime in their city. They come up against villains Petey the Cat and Flippy the Fish. In an attempt to defuse a bomb planted by Petey the Cat, Officer Knight and Greg are seriously injured. The only way the two main characters can be saved is to attach Greg’s head to Officer Knight’s body! The wildly fictitious plan is a success and the character Dogman is created.
Dogman is the perfect crime-fighting hero. The graphic novel series follows Dogman’s antics in law enforcement with lots of action, slapstick comedy, and plenty of heart.
The books are written in an accessible, graphic-novel style, making them easy to read for elementary-aged children. The series also includes an engaging mix of full-color illustrations and humorous text.
There are ten books in the Dogman series, each with an exciting plotline, but all with the same signature style of humor and creativity. Some of the titles include:
- Dog Man (2016)
- Dog Man Unleashed (2017)
- Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kitties (2018)
- Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas (2019)
- Dog Man: For Whom the Ball Rolls (2019)
- Dog Man: Fetch-22 (2020)
- Dog Man: Grime and Punishment (2021)
- Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea (2022)
The Dogman series has sold millions of copies and has been translated into numerous languages, solidifying its place as a beloved series for young readers worldwide.
Dogman Becomes a Musical
Dogman the Musical premiered at the Lucille Lortel Theatre in New York City in 2019. The show has toured on and off since.
This musical offers a unique opportunity to experience the adventures of Dogman and his companions live on stage.
Seeing Dogman the Musical was a special mother-son outing. My son typically loves sports and outdoor activities. He has not experienced the theater outside of a school field trip. Dogman the Musical was an appealing and engaging way to introduce a young boy to musical theater.
Dogman Musical Details
Run Time of the Show
The musical typically lasts around 75 minutes with a 10-minute intermission. It’s an ideal length for younger audiences who may not have the stamina for longer productions.
We saw the musical at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek, Colorado. My son and I were on a special mother and son trip in the area and were thrilled the timing allowed us to watch the show. The staff at the Vilar Performing Arts center were incredibly welcoming and engaged the kids. They encouraged kids to explore and ask questions about the theater before the show. There were Dogman coloring sheets and activities in the lobby which was a fun touch!
Where to Find Tour Dates
If you’re eager to see Dogman the Musical live, you’re in luck! The show is touring across various cities in North America. To stay up-to-date on the latest tour dates and ticket availability, head to the official Dogman the Musical website. The site provides a comprehensive list of all upcoming performances, including details on locations, dates, and how to purchase tickets.
You can also sign up for email alerts or follow the show on social media to be the first to know when tickets go on sale for new tour locations. Whether you’re planning to see the musical in a major city or a local theater, the website is the best place to find all the details you need.
What to Expect from the Show
As you can imagine, Dogman the Musical is a lively and colorful production. The show is filled with catchy songs and humor that will keep both kids and adults laughing. Expect fun choreography and a few surprises along the way. The musical stays true to the spirit of the books.
The books and musical have positive messages about friendship and teamwork. The musical also weaves in positive messages including the value of creativity and imagination. There are a few scenes with bathroom humor. There is also a bit of name calling with jabs such as “butt sniffer” and “stupid”. The play is recommended for ages 6 and over which seems reasonable.
Perfect for the Whole Family
Children familiar with the Dogman books will love seeing their favorite characters brought to life. Mom and Dad will appreciate a few subtle puns and clever humor. Dogman the Musical is a must-see for families looking for an entertaining, heartwarming, and high-energy evening at the theater. With its roots in one of the most popular children’s book series of the past decade, this musical adaptation is sure to be a hit! Be sure to check the official website for upcoming tour dates and tickets, and get ready for a night full of laughter, music, and fun!
