The hauntingly beautiful musical by Pasek and Paul (EDGES, JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH, A CHRISTMAS STORY) and Peter Duchan was praised by countless critics and nominated for numerous awards, winning the Lucille Lortel Award for Best Musical. Based on the 1991 Warner Brothers film, DOGFIGHT takes audiences on a romantic and heartbreaking theatrical journey that stays with you long after the performance.
It’s November 21, 1963. On the eve of their deployment to a small but growing conflict in Southeast Asia, three young Marines set out for one final boys’ night of debauchery, partying and maybe a little trouble. But when Corporal Eddie Birdlace meets Rose, an awkward and idealistic waitress he enlists to win a cruel bet with his fellow recruits, she rewrites the rules of the game and teaches him the power of love and compassion.
Advisory Warning: Mature language and subject matter: not suited for very young audiences. Please be advised that strobe lights, fog, and gunfire/war effects are used in this production.
Helen Hayes Nomination – HELEN Production
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical, Izzy Smelkinson, DOGFIGHT
The Washington Post Review
“Musical director and keyboardist Jake Null anchors a small, flexible orchestra … These songs are wonderful, especially a number with Rose and Birdlace tentatively singing nervous “bum-bum-bums” that flutter on top of an infectious, hopeful melody. Give Keegan credit, too, for choosing the piece, since the lucky timing gives Washington an impromptu festival.”
Washington City Paper Review
“Right now in D.C., everyone and their theatergoing mother is raving about Benj Pasek and Justin Paul’s new musical Dear Evan Hansen, currently playing at Arena Stage. After the show departs the District for an Off-Broadway stage, educate yourself on the pair’s previous work,Dogfight, which opens at the Keegan Theatre.”
Talkin Broadway Review
“Christina A. Coakley and Michael Innocenti have staged a gentle but moving production of the musical Dogfight in its beautifully renovated space, centering on a luminous performance by Isabelle Smelkinson.”
Broadway World Review
“The newly-renovated Keegan Theatre is a beautiful space that will undoubtedly have a long creative future … Dogfight is a beautiful story, well-told and beautifully sung.”
DC Metro Theater Arts Review
“A tour de force ... Bravos are in order for Co-Directors Christina A. Coakley and Michael Innocenti … For an emotional, exciting and mature evening of theatre, do not miss this exceptional production of Dogfight!“
Magic Time Review
“I readily praise this year’s Dogfight as I did last year’s Hair—it is radiant and thrilling; its depiction of love is exuberantly hopeful. Plus the music is wonderfully sung, and the direction and staging are superb. Keegan’s Dogfight is a smashing good show.”
Birdlace Tiziano D’Affuso
Rose Isabelle Smelkinson
Boland Harrison Smith
Bernstein David Landstrom
Marcy Dani Stoller
Lounge Singer Chad Wheeler
Ruth Chani Wereley
Stevens Matt Hirsh
Gibbs Ian Anthony Coleman
Fector Ricky Drummond
Chippy Eben K. Logan
Mama Susan Marie Rhea
Swing Sarah Anne Sillers
Swing Christian Montgomery
Directors Christina A. Coakley and Michael Innocenti
Choreographer Kurt Boehm
Musical Director Jake Null
Stage Managers Dan Deiter and Megan Thrift
Scenic Designer Matthew Keenan
Lighting Designer Colin Dieck
Costume Designer Jesse Shipley
Sound Designer Dan Deiter
Hair and Make Up Designer Craig Miller
Properties and Set Dressing Designer Carol H. Baker
Dramaturgy Lauren Miller
Marketing Photography Cameron Whitman Photography
Production Photography Traci J. Brooks Studios
