Dallas’ Kitchen Dog Theater is wrapping up a season unlike any other. Their final production, “Love & Vinyl,” takes place not on a traditional stage, but nestled amongst the record bins of Good Records in East Dallas. This intimate setting, with a capacity of just 35 audience members, exemplifies the bold and innovative approach Kitchen Dog has embraced throughout its 33rd season.
“Love & Vinyl,” written by Bob Bartlett, evokes comparisons to the cult classic film “High Fidelity” as it explores themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of music. However, some critics have found the script’s dialogue to be overly familiar, lacking the freshness of the unconventional setting.
Despite this, the play’s unique location blurs the lines between theater and reality, offering a truly immersive experience for the audience. Imagine browsing the stacks of vinyl LPs, only to find yourself drawn into a scene unfolding mere feet away. This innovative approach is a hallmark of Kitchen Dog’s 33rd season, a season born out of necessity and a desire to experiment in the wake of the pandemic.
The COVID-19 closures forced Kitchen Dog, like many theaters, to re-evaluate its traditional model. Unable to utilize their usual performance space, the company embarked on a journey of artistic exploration, performing in unconventional venues across Dallas. From the expansive outfield of Frisco’s Riders Field to the intimate confines of a CrossFit gym, Kitchen Dog challenged audiences and themselves with this theatrical nomadism.
This period of transience, however, is nearing its end. Kitchen Dog is on the cusp of a new chapter, with a permanent home in Dallas’ Design District on the horizon. This move will provide much-needed stability, allowing the company to fully focus on its artistic vision.
Looking back on the 33rd season, Kitchen Dog’s artistic directors, Christopher Carlos and Tina Parker, express a sense of accomplishment. They faced the challenges of the pandemic head-on, using them as a springboard for creativity. The season pushed the boundaries of theatrical experience, reminding audiences of the power of live performance and the transformative potential of storytelling. As the curtain falls on “Love & Vinyl,” Kitchen Dog Theater prepares to turn the page, but one thing remains certain: their commitment to bold, thought-provoking theater will continue to resonate long after the final record stops spinning.
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