Broadway Records opened the new year with another eclectic release - there’s no accusing the Grammy-winning label of being stuck in a rut. This time, it’s an off Broadway Cast recording.

A Dog Story is a charming new musical comedy with music and lyrics by Gayla D. Morgan and a book by Eric H. Weinberger about Roland, a career-driven lawyer, who thinks he must be married to be made a partner in the firm. To solve his dilemma, he gets a puppy as a chick magnet. Through first dates, angry tangos, and a sudden disappearance, Roland discovers there's more to life when you "get a dog!”.

The cast of A Dog Story includes David Perlman (Baby It's You!) as Roland, Lindsie VanWinkle (Nevermore) as Miranda, Stefanie Brown (Wicked tour) as Blair, Brian Ray Norris (Sense and Sensibility) as Guy.

There is a constant argument by many as to what’s the most important - the lyric or the melody. It a rare beast that has both to the same standard, and here the lyrics take the gold star. They are extremely clever, and take a listen or two to get them all, and appreciate the cleverness here. It’s not to say that it’s not a melodious score - it’s just a little forgettable.

I enjoyed this as a piece, rather than individual songs, and it’s one I think I’ll return to probably infrequently, but still will. A guilty pleasure perhaps!

The cast (small) and band (even smaller) are all excellent, and on a plus point, there are no dog barks included.

7

Ian Gude