Dog Mom Is the Summer Comedy Every Dog Lover Needs to See

By Susan Short

If your camera roll is filled with photos of your dog, you celebrate their birthday, or you’ve ever canceled plans because your four-legged best friend was waiting at home, then Dog Mom at Florida Studio Theatre was written with you in mind.

The National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere by playwright Tate Elizabeth Hanyok is one of the most clever, funny, and heartfelt productions I’ve seen in quite some time. It’s the perfect combination of laugh-out-loud comedy and genuine emotion, making it an ideal summer night at the theater. Even if you don’t consider yourself a full-fledged “dog mom,” you’ll find yourself charmed by its wit, originality, and enormous heart.

The story follows Liz, a tough New Yorker whose carefully constructed life is unexpectedly turned upside down after a stray dog wanders into it. While the premise sounds simple enough, Hanyok takes the audience on a much richer journey about relationships, healing, and the remarkable ways animals often rescue us just as much as we rescue them.

What makes Dog Mom truly stand apart is one wonderfully inventive theatrical choice. Instead of using actual dogs—or actors awkwardly pretending to crawl around on all fours—the dogs are portrayed by human actors. It sounds unusual on paper, but on stage it’s absolutely brilliant.

The actors don’t simply imitate dogs—they embody them. Every excited greeting, curious head tilt, protective instinct, playful burst of energy, and unconditional expression of love feels instantly recognizable. Their performances capture the personalities we all know so well without ever becoming over-the-top or cartoonish. Within minutes, you completely forget you’re watching people. You’re simply watching dogs.

The audience certainly did.

Laughter filled the theater from beginning to end as one hilarious moment followed another. Every dog owner will recognize the familiar situations: conversations at the dog park, the way we speak to our pets as if they’re family members, and those wonderfully ridiculous habits that somehow make perfect sense when you’re completely devoted to your dog. The humor is smart, relatable, and refreshingly genuine rather than relying on cheap punchlines.

But beneath all of the comedy is a surprisingly touching story. Dog Mom explores loneliness, friendship, vulnerability, and the healing power of unconditional love. It reminds us that sometimes the relationships we need most arrive unexpectedly—with muddy paws, wagging tails, and absolutely no respect for personal space.

The emotional moments never feel forced or overly sentimental. Instead, they grow naturally from characters you genuinely begin to care about. One moment you’re laughing, and the next you’re quietly reaching for a tissue, only to find yourself laughing again seconds later. It’s a delicate balance that Hanyok manages beautifully.

Florida Studio Theatre has built a reputation for introducing audiences to outstanding new works, and Dog Mom is another excellent example of why. Fresh, contemporary, and wonderfully original, the production feels modern while still delivering the timeless themes that great theater is built upon. It’s refreshing to experience a new play that feels both entertaining and meaningful without trying too hard to make a statement.

The cast deserves enormous credit for bringing Hanyok’s imaginative script to life. Their energy, impeccable comedic timing, and heartfelt performances create an evening that feels joyful from beginning to end. Every character contributes something memorable, and the chemistry among the ensemble keeps the production moving effortlessly.

As someone who has always believed dogs make almost everything in life better, I found myself smiling throughout the evening. Dog Mom understands something every pet owner already knows: our dogs are far more than companions. They’re therapists, comedians, loyal protectors, and members of the family who somehow manage to make even ordinary days feel extraordinary.

The cast is exceptional from top to bottom, bringing Tate Elizabeth Hanyok’s witty script to life with warmth, impeccable comic timing, and genuine heart. Katharine McLeod delivers a wonderfully grounded performance as Liz, balancing sharp humor with emotional vulnerability as her life takes an unexpected turn. Kelsey Leigh Stalter is an absolute scene-stealer as Dog, somehow capturing every lovable canine quirk without relying on gimmicks. Her physicality, expressions, and infectious energy are nothing short of brilliant. Ryan G. Dunkin and Marina Re round out the ensemble with charismatic, funny performances that add depth and charm to the story. Together, the cast creates effortless chemistry that makes every laugh land and every emotional moment feel authentic. It’s an ensemble that fully embraces the play’s quirky premise and makes you believe every second of it

That’s what makes this production so appealing. It isn’t simply about dogs. It’s about connection. It’s about opening your heart, embracing life’s surprises, and appreciating the unconditional love that often comes when we least expect it.

Summer theater should leave you feeling lighter than when you arrived, and Dog Mom does exactly that. It’s clever without being complicated, emotional without becoming heavy, and consistently funny without sacrificing heart. Whether you’re planning a date night, gathering a group of friends, or simply looking for an uplifting evening out, this production delivers.

If you’re a dog lover, this show is practically mandatory viewing. If you’re not, don’t worry—you’ll probably leave understanding why the rest of us are so obsessed.

Funny, inventive, emotional, and thoroughly entertaining, Dog Mom is one of the most enjoyable productions of Florida Studio Theatre’s summer season.

Go see it.

Then go home and give your dog an extra treat. They’ve earned it.

https://www.floridastudiotheatre.org

https://nnpn.org/rolling-world-premiere