CALLA JORDAN / CONTRIBUTOR

USD’s Department of Theatre presented the production of “Dog Sees God,” this past  weekend. This homage to the “Peanuts,” written by Bert V. Royal, reimagines Charlie Brown and the rest of the gang as teenagers, navigating high school and working through complex identities. While much of  the “Dog Sees God” cast was renamed in this adaptation, certain attributes of characters resemble that of the original “Peanuts” characters. 

The production begins with the death of  the beloved character, Snoopy. CB, Charlie Brown, played by USD senior Joshua Kelly, opened the play with a monologue sharing his grief and, in reference to the comic strip, shared how the rain cloud has come back. On stage he was met with his sister played by USD senior Ava Ribando. The two characters   squabble  over  Snoopy’s memorial, setting the tone for continuous conflict between  characters and a reminder of their adolescent immaturity.

Assistant   Director and USD senior Hasan Iqbal touched on relevant stories and themes throughout the production.

“Envisioning them as teenagers,   and  what  issues they  face,” Iqbal  shared, “[There is] crude imagery of drugs, alcohol and sex, but there’s also serious conversations [surrounding] mental illness, substance abuse and suicide.”

Struck  by   his grief, CB seeks out a new  friendship with the misunderstood, and bullied character Beethoven, played by USD  junior August Nickoli. Their newfound relationship is met with outrage from the rest of the now grown-up gang, particularly CB’s best friend Matt played by USD senior Tanner Blackington. 

The growing animosity between characters Matt and Beethoven ultimately leads to a tragic ending, highlighting both the consequences of hate and the hidden   battles   teenagers  may face. 

Kelly hopes audiences walk away from the show with an understanding of the importance of expressing one’s feelings. 

“As  cliche  as   it may sound, we all walk around with the weight of what has  hurt us,” Kelly stated. “By looking our pain in the eye, we gain   such insight into ourselves that allows us to better embrace the world around us.” 

Kelly shared that taking on the role of CB provoked mixed feelings within him as well. He noted that CB’s story is incredibly  impactful for viewers because of his raw display of sadness and uncertainty. 

“I knew that taking on CB was going to be a challenge, simply due to how many of his fears align with my own,” Kelly expressed. “I had to overcome my own fears, and allow myself to be vulnerable in front of audiences.” 

The production’s exploration of grief is complemented by humorous bits, particularly from USD senior Liv Meloy’s portrayal of Van. The once blanket-attached child has since mellowed out, and now presents as the stereotypical stoner giving unsolicited philosophical advice. As CB searched for an understanding of life and death, Van provided a helpful contrast of teenage angst. 

USD students and faculty worked together throughout the semester to bring this show to life. Characters were cast from the course Acting the Play led by director and senior teaching professor Lisa Berger. The sets and costumes were designed by USD students enrolled in the course Creating the Play led by Eliza Benzoni. 

“The trial and error of the collaboration  of it all,” Iqbal shared. “That’s been my favorite part.”

“Dog Sees God” takes the audience back in time to a heightened and dramatized high school experience. The exploration of modern adolescence is contrasted by the play’s continuous nods to the world of the “Peanuts.”

Cherished cartoon characters are turned into complex archetypes, and are further brought to life by passionate USD students.

Joshua Kelly pictured on the left and Cat Nickoli pictured on the right playing piano during ‘Dog Sees God.’ Emma O’Connell/The USD Vista