What I liked
If you’re looking for unforgettable theatre—honest, human, and heartbreakingly good—Dog of Carnage is the show to see.
At the center of this two-person tour de force is Callie Ott, delivering a breathtaking, career-defining performance. As a woman yearning for stability, marriage, and a future filled with family, Ott doesn’t just act—she inhabits. Her portrayal is so deeply authentic, so achingly vulnerable, that at times, it feels less like watching a character and more like witnessing someone live their truth in real time. It’s a star-making turn: magnetic, grounded, and utterly unforgettable.
Opposite her, Spencer Weitzel is equally compelling as a partner unsure of whether the traditional path—children, domesticity—is what he truly wants. Spencer is easily also a star in the making. He’ll have you in the palm of his hands with his monologues. His performance strikes a delicate balance between introspection and emotional accessibility, reminding us that choosing a different kind of life is not only valid but deeply relatable. Every line he delivers feels lived-in and genuine.
Director Natalie Dressel orchestrates the emotional and narrative rhythms of the piece with remarkable precision and empathy. The tension and tenderness between these two complex individuals is guided expertly by her hand. She ensures the high-stakes unraveling of their relationship never veers into melodrama but remains grounded in a raw, chaotic truth that feels both personal and universal.
The technical elements—from lighting to transitions—are seamless and smart, allowing the emotional stakes to land without distraction. Every scene shift is purposeful, each beat carefully considered.
Playwright Benjamin Schwartz has crafted something extraordinary. His dialogue is unflinchingly real—at times even disarmingly so. The writing is specific, character-driven, and deeply affecting. It’s the kind of script that holds a mirror up to the audience, evoking not just recognition but reckoning. You don’t just see the characters—you see yourself in them, in all your contradictions.
Ultimately, Dog of Carnage is more than a play. It’s an experience—a beautifully painful, intimate, and resonant exploration of love, doubt, and what it means to build (or unbuild) a life with someone. Every artist involved deserves high praise, Callie Ott is an undeniable star. Her performance will stay with you long after the lights go down. Spencer’s riveting performance will stick with you as I say myself in his character’s shoes multiple times, Callie’s too. Natalie Dressel’s work is inspiring as a director. Keep an eye out for her moving forward. Benjamin Schwartz is an extremely talented writer, perhaps the unsung hero of this beautiful production. I cannot rave enough.
Five out of five stars. An absolute must-see.
What I didn't like
n/a
My overall impression
This show is one of the best in the festival! Incredibly well-acted, well written, and well-directed! Callie Ott is a star, Spencer Weitzel is undeniable. Very hard hitting! I forgot I was watching a play. I highly recommend!
