BY LORI LEMOINE AND SALLY DAYKIN
Family. In today’s world, we have found that families can come with many different connections and configurations. The family that emerges through the troubled characters in Dead Dogs Don’t Fart is brittle, dysfunctional, emotional, funny, and, finally, loving in all the right ways. Susan Monnot’s creation shows a world where people hide their pain through alienation of others.
Olina, a widowed recluse, rarely leaves the comfort of her chaotic home. Sam, the 15-year-old niece Olina didn’t know she had, has wrapped herself in a protective armor of hate. Rebecca, the social worker, has more buried hurt than the clients she serves. And Larry, the outlandish absentee landlord, sees through all their protective layers and pulls them into a world where family can heal.
At first glance, a play about a widow who lives with her taxidermied dog may seem great fodder for a farce, but in reality, this touching tale’s complexities combine humor alongside serious topics that are relevant and entertaining.
by Sophie Mercado) has a big decision ahead in the Shoestring Theatre production of Dead Dogs Don’t Fart, which runs April 5-21. With the support of Larry (Mathias Lenssen) and Olina (Alix Miller), she can navigate the best choice for her baby.
Sam (played by Sophie Mercado) experienced a tragedy that resulted in the young teen being orphaned. When Olina (Alix Miller) is approached by social worker Rebecca Bloomberg (Lizzy Parsons), her life takes a dramatic turn. To complicate matters further, Sam is six months’ pregnant.
While navigating the demands of being a foster parent, Olina has the support of her longtime friend, Larry (Mathias Lenssen), who forges a bond with Sam as the three explore the true meaning of family.
As Sam weighs her options for the coming baby, audiences are introduced to potential adoptive parents Jennifer and Jeffrey Jacobson (Jennifer Donlon and Roy Hostetler). The conclusion of the play highlights director Sally Daykin’s ability to carefully balance humor and drama.
In its world premiere in January 2007 at the DeLand Theatre Festival, Dead Dogs Don’t Fart won in the New Play category and received its first staged reading. Since the play’s debut, it has won awards in the Reston Community Players’ New Play Project, the Diverse Voices Playwriting Contest, the Morton R. Sarett National Playwriting Contest and the 21st annual Backdoor Theatre New Play Project.
And then in 2019, Dead Dogs Don’t Fart was turned into the movie Sam and Elvis by Ault Media. Filmed locally, the movie highlights many West Volusia spots, including Shoestring Theatre.
Director Sally Daykin has a special connection to Dead Dogs Don’t Fart. She originally portrayed Olina in both the DeLand Theatre Festival and in the movie Sam and Elvis. She feels delighted to direct this extremely talented cast and is looking forward to sharing the full-staged play at Shoestring Theatre.
“My cast is amazing. They have brought the characters, their quirks, their fears, their compassion and their humor, alive with a power that exceeds my vision,” said Daykin. “And my crew has helped me bring to life Olina’s ‘abode,’ décor and all! What more could a director ask for! Many thanks to all for the chance to direct this gem.”
Opening weekend will have a special guest, the playwright, Susan Price Monnot, who will be hosting a Q&A Sunday, April 7, immediately following the matinee.
Dead Dogs Don’t Fart will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2:30 p.m. Sundays, April 5-21. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $17 for senior citizens, $15 for students (student tickets are available through the box office only), and $14 per person for groups of 12 or more.
Head over to shoestringtheatre.net, or call 386-228-3777 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Shoestring Theatre is at 380 S. Goodwin St. in Lake Helen.
