Arts and Entertainment featured Montreal Theatre Varia

Segal Centre’s SuperDogs: The Musical is not just for dog lovers

SuperDogs the Musical is a fun, family-friendly musical with a simple story and a sweet message of love for our furry companions and their devotion to us humans. You don’t have to be a canine lover to enjoy this excellent show. I know this because I took my dog-fearing mother.

For as long as I can remember, Mom has always been afraid of dogs. She tries to keep her distance from them. However, dogs seem to love her. They can’t help but come up and sniff the hem of her coat or her legs while she is waiting to cross the street. Some even look to her as an alpha. When they misbehave, she can give them a look and stern word which promptly puts them at attention. She doesn’t understand this fascination from them when she would rather that they stay away.

I forgot to mention to her that this musical featured live dogs. Ooops. We had seats in the front row. Next to stage right. Oh dear. I can almost see where this is going. But she stayed, determined to see this unique show. Before it began, there were funny warm-up acts with some of the dogs. It gave a small taste of what was to come. Mom was amused. Okay, good start. As actors playing a pair of dogs came out to kick off the spectacle, Mom commented, “Of course, dogs don’t talk”. Well, it’s important to have the dog’s point of view.

The show was filled with heartfelt songs about love, dreams, and the beautiful companionship of dogs. The cast and the trainers were wonderful, full of charm and care and respect for the animals. Mom was impressed by the feats and tricks by the eclectic variety of dogs. She praised some of the breeds for their beauty and elegance. The band was terrific, very tight. The sets resembled a circus tent that gave plenty of space and elevation for the SuperDogs to strut their stuff.

So far, everything is great!! We are having a super time! And then…. At the end of the show, during the curtain call, a lovely little fluffy dog came up and sniffed Mom’s legs- not me, not the gentleman next to her, but Mom. She shook her head, “Of course…”. Yet it did not dampen her experience. Later, while waiting for the metro home, Mom said, “It’s really about unconditional love, isn’t it?”. A good night for all, phew!

Maybe next time I’ll take her to Cats.

Photo credit: Andrée Lanthier

SuperDogs: The Musical. Directed by Sara Rodriguez. Show continues until December 19, at Segal Centre, 5170 Chemin de la Côte-Ste-Catherine, Montreal. Call the box office 514-739-7944 or go to www.segalcentre.org . For COVID Protocols, please go to https://segalcentre.org/en/coronavirus