HOT DOGS!
Red Theater’s Take on Speed Eating
is a Fast and Furious Glimpse into the Fascinating
Sometimes you need to head in a different direction to uncover life’s true hidden treasures. The Edge Off Broadway, an unassuming theatrical venue just south of Bryn Mawr, harbors one such gem in Red Theater’s Dogs, which opened last Friday, Nov. 1. Presented by a company who approaches their craft with the aim of “putting people first”, Dogs takes us into the world of competitive eating and shakes it up by approaching the phenomenon from a female gaze. Five vibrant and complex women push, judge, support and engage in mental combat with one another as they battle to see who can eat the most hot dogs in a major competition. Playwright Hanna Kime insures they’re as funny and multi-dimensional as they are just plain smart. In short, they’re nothing that you’d expect. Add to that, they all carry with them an enticing hint of mystery — a priceless attribute that makes you crave to know more and more about this band of engrossing outliers.
Elisabeth Del Toro as ONE, Isabella Moran del Cueto as FIVE, Stephanie Shum as TWO
Tatiana Pavela as FOUR, Stephanie Shum as TWO, Elisabeth Del Toro as ONE,
Allyce Carryn Torres as THREE, Isabella Moran del Cueto as FIVE
The women, named by numbers, are Elisabeth Del Toro, Stephanie Shum, Allyce Torres, Tatiana Pavela and Isabella Moran del Cueto. Not only do all five deliver star performances, they’re overseen by a barb-tongued contest host possessing the charisma, and sometimes the temper, of Zeus. Julian “Joolz” Stroop is also one of the most wickedly amusing entertainers you’re likely to encounter on any stage this theater cycle.
Julian “joolz” Stroop as THE HOST
Tatiana Pavela, Stephanie Shum, Elisabeth Del Toro, Allyce Carryn Torres,
Isabella Moran del Cueto, Julian “joolz” Stroop
Director Becca Holloway keeps things moving at pace that would make Sha’Carri Richardson, the fastest woman in the world, swoon with envy. All you have to do is sit back, stay attentive and be taken on an 80-minute ride full of fun, surprise and plenty of sage enlightenment. Would that all plays would be this tasty.
Julian “joolz” Stroop as THE HOST, Elisabeth Del Toro as ONE
Tatiana Pavela as FOUR, Stephanie Shum as TWO, Elisabeth Del Toro as ONE,
Allyce Carryn Torres as THREE, Isabella Moran del Cueto as FIVE
photos by Faith Decker
DOGS
Red Theater
The Edge Off Broadway, 1133 W. Catalpa Ave
Wed-Sat at 7:30; Sun at 3; Sat at 2 (Nov. 16)
ends on November 24, 2024
for tickets ($10-$30), visit Red Theater
