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The Little Dog Laughed

When: April 30-May 2, 8 p.m., May 7-8, 8 p.m., Sat., May 9, 2 & 8 p.m., Thu., May 14, 8 p.m., Fri., May 15, 8 p.m. and Sat., May 16, 8 p.m. 2015
Price: $15

The world can change a lot in a decade. Douglas Carter Beale's The Little Dog Laughed premiered in 2006 and is, to all appearances, intended to be a contemporary piece. The story concerns a closeted gay actor whose agent endeavors to keep him in the closet, even as he finds himself falling for a male prostitute (who is also, because nothing is simple, closeted), who is in a kind-of-sort-of relationship with a woman. Timeless cynicism about show business abounds, but there are also, a decade later, oddly dated elements: One is this is a universe in which bisexuality doesn't seem to exist, despite both male leads seeming to fit the label to some degree. There's also a bit of cringe-worthy casual racism, and the women are written as gay men in skirts. But, in spite of the script's creakiness and elements of obsolescence, Wasatch Theatre Co. and Silver Summit Theatre Co. have collaborated on a splendidly entertaining production that even audiences holding the above-listed grievances can appreciate for its creative staging—which irons out the problem of the script and, despite some meta-theatrical quips, is structured more like a screenplay than a work for the stage—and energetic, winsome acting. Camilla Edsberg, in particular, shines as the unscrupulous agent. As a warning/enticement, this production contains "adult" language and full nudity, so hire a sitter for the kids and have a fun evening out. (Danny Bowes)