Dog of Carnage

Surprising, moving and insanely compelling! This play lures you in with a simple concept (a courtroom battle over the custody of a dog) and then kicks you in the gut. Two magnificent performances highlighted by sharp and smart direction. ... full review

This is my first time seeing a Benjamin Schwartz play. It will NOT be my last! The play title alone piqued my interest given my heavy admiration for Yasmina Reza's award-winning play, God of Carnage. I predict greatness for this two-handed, serio-comedy as well. The display of talent is apparent from the start and continues on throughout the duration of this hour-long play. With questions about commitment, mortality, and the human experience at the forefront, the audience serves as members of a jury, or at the very least, people in the courtroom. They get to witness a break-up that isn't a break-up. Do not let the title fool you, Dog of Carnage is not all cute puppy dogs chasing squirrels. Its relevance to today is spot on and will l... full review

Writer Benjamin Schwartz and director Natalie Dressel, in league with Spencer Weitzel and Callie Ott, have served up perhaps the smartest and funniest two-person production in the entire Fringe. Excellence that should be preserved in amber.... full review

Might be my favorite Benjamin Schwartz show yet, and a great production by the Catharsis Theatre Collective. Truly captures the spirit of the Hollywood Fringe Festival. Such a dynamic, fast-paced show with so many elements that so work well together. You will find yourself trying to figure out which side to take, and it is better than any courtroom drama (comedy) that you would see on TV. ... full review