Dogs take the stage in Imagine U’s ‘Go, Dog. Go!’

EVANSTON - Yellow dogs, red dogs, big dogs, little dogs, spotted dogs and dogs with extremely fancy hats sing, dance, race in cars and eventually end up at a big tree for a dog party in this musical adaptation of P.D. Eastman’s beloved children’s book “Go, Dog. Go!”

“Go, Dog. Go!” is the final production of the season in Northwestern University’s popular Imagine U series. Performances will be presented at Northwestern’s Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts.” The production will run April 14 to April 23 in the Mussetter-Struble Theater, located at 1949 Campus Drive, Evanston.

Adapted for the stage by Steven Dietz and Allison Gregory, with music by Michael Koerner, M.F.A. directing candidate Gina Marie Hayes will direct Imagine U’s season finale, in which dogs take the stage in a musical exploration of movement, color and space. P.D. Eastman’s loveable and adventurous dogs delve into life with gusto as they snorkel, howl at the moon, ride a Ferris wheel, make new friends and even climb trees!

Imagine U is pleased to offer a relaxed performance for “Go, Dog. Go!” on Sunday, April 23 at 5 p.m. This performance has been adapted to provide a comfortable and safe environment for students with autism, learning differences or other sensory needs, allowing every audience member to engage with the show in a way that works for them. Modifications to the performance include:

• Changes to light and sound cues to eliminate sudden changes and high volume effects
• A separate sensory room if students need a break from the performance
• Trained teaching artists with a background in sensory-friendly work will be on site
• Fidget toys and communication devices are welcome in the theater

More information about the relaxed performance can be found online on the Wirtz Center website closer to the performance date.

Imagine U will offer preshow touch tours for “Go, Dog. Go!” Designed to make performances accessible to audience members who are blind or have a visual impairment, these tours enable audience members to arrive prior to the theater opening to become comfortable in the theatre, feel the set elements and explore the stage so they are better able to envision the show before it begins. Advance reservations are required. 

For touch tour reservations and more information, email Imagine U’s education coordinator Madeleine Rostami at madeleinerostami2018@u.northwestern.edu at least 24 hours prior to your desired performance date.

“Go, Dog. Go!” opens at 7 p.m. Friday, April 14 and continues through April 23. Curtain times are 7 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. A relaxed performance will be available at 5 p.m. Sunday, April 23.

Tickets are $10 for general public and $8 for students and children under 18 years. Tickets for Northwestern students are $6 in advance or $8 at the door.

For more information about the production or to order tickets, call 847-491-7282, visit the Wirtz Center website or email wirtz@northwestern.edu.

The Wirtz Center is a member of the Northwestern Arts Circle, which brings together film, humanities, literary arts, music, theater, dance and visual arts.