Dogfight • April 7, 2025 • Valentine Theater
Reviewed by Kevin Rolfe
Photos courtesy of Sentinel Theatre
I had the opportunity to see a musical I had never even heard of, at a theater not far from my house (that I had strangely never knew existed), from a theater company producing its first ever show. I was excited for the new experiences. My expectations were not at an all-time high. How can a first-time production from a brand new theater company possibly be as good as some of the many well-established theater companies in the area? Well, I’m here to tell you that Sentinel Theatre is off to a great start. Their production of “Dogfight” was an entertaining night of really well-done theater.
Sentinel Theatre, a newly established 501c3 non-profit organization, will present its inaugural production, “Dogfight,” from April 4 through 12 at the Valentine Theater in American Fork, Utah. From the creators of “The Greatest Showman” and “Dear Evan Hansen,” this new musical tells the romantic and heartbreaking story of a Marine on the eve of his deployment and the awkward and idealistic waitress who changes his life.
Directed by Andrew Jefferies and music directed by Chari Bennett, the production features a live band and stars Adam Moore as Eddie Birdlace and Alison Gordon as Rose Fenny. Tickets (general admission $25, students $20) are now available at www.sentineltheatre.org/tickets.
I thought the idea of putting on a lesser-known show by extremely well known composers was an excellent idea. When I spoke with the director, Andrew Jefferies, he shared with me what went into the decision to put on “Dogfight”. “We talked through a lot of different shows as we were choosing our first season. We were really passionate about the music in this, the exciting, complex characters, and it’s one that is rarely performed in Utah. I think because of the content. It’s more for mature audiences. So we just decided, ‘let’s do this. ’ It’s one that a lot of theater people know and really love. So let’s show that we’re looking to expand the kind of repertoire that’s performed here.”
My intention is not to spoil this musical. So, I’m going to be a little generic at times. When you go see “Dogfight” this weekend, you’ll for sure know what I’m talking about.
It’s funny because I was attending this musical with the belief that I had no idea what the story was. But as the show developed, I realized that I had seen the 1991 film of the same name. And as this production went along, I realized that we were heading to a moment in the musical that is truly heartbreaking. I thought this production did an excellent job of not giving away this moment too early. When this moment is revealed, it was clear from the audience’s reaction that they didn’t see what was coming until they were already invested in the story and these characters. That’s good theater. Andrew Jefferies shared that he intended to keep this shrouded in mystery so that the audience could be in Rose’s shoes.
If you only go to this show for one reason, I say go to see Ali Gordon as Rose Fenny. This character is complex and has so much range, and Gordon covers it all. If I ever see another production of “Dogfight”, I will always hope that whoever plays Rose has a singing voice similar to Ali’s. There is purity in this character, and Ali Gordon’s voice conveys that pure nature perfectly. There were times that I ached for this character. I also found myself cheering her on as she understood her worth and what she deserved. Gordon did an excellent job in giving the audience someone to invest in, feel for, and ultimately celebrate. I’m excited to see what she does next in the theater world.
I thought from top to bottom that this production was well-cast. I thought Adam Moore showed immense potential as an actor. His portrayal of Eddie Birdlace was well crafted. Again, another character with a lot of range. We’re meant to be interested in his story, dislike many of his actions, try to forgive, and hope for the best for him. It takes a strong acting performance to take an audience through all of that. It would be so easy to get stuck in the disappointment of some of the characters’ actions. But Moore’s portrayal of Eddie gets us to where we need to be to root for his reprieve. The chemistry between Moore and Gordon is essential to the success of this production. In some ways, it’s a slow burn. But when it matters most, they connect on the Valentine Theater stage in just the right way.
It is difficult to want things to work out for all of the characters in this musical. Some of Eddie’s friends are not great. I’m not sure if it’s the way the show is written or how these characters are portrayed, but I had a hard time wanting things to work out for Boland (Nathan Bowser) and Bernstein (Samuel J. Bennett). I tried to find the grey area where I could see enough good in them to want things to turn out ok for them. But I didn’t quite get there. Again, if that is how the show is written, then these actors did their job. If I was supposed to have some sympathy or feel like boys will be boys and hope these guys grow up, I wasn’t able to make that leap.
I loved River Robson as Marcy. She was funny and scene-stealing in the best possible ways. Ashley Coombs was excellent in what is a very difficult scene. I enjoyed Rayanne Laycok’s voice. Ione Camacho was very versatile throughout the show, adding great comic relief throughout the show.
Finally, I can’t say enough about this incredible live band. It’s not often that a local theater has live music. I absolutely loved that about this production. Not only was the band live, but they were excellent with this score. Which is not an easy one. Jeffries stated that they “really lucked out” with the band. “Incredibly talented and devoting a lot of time and energy for what is a really difficult score. I just feel so honored to work with them and get to tell this story.” I find I notice an orchestra if they are top-notch or not good. And these musicians were top-notch.
Sentinel Theatre is off to a great start with their production of “Dogfight”. The story is well told and well performed. The staging is simple, giving way for the actors to shine. I’m excited to return for more great performances by this budding theater company.
“Dogfight” will play on April 10, 11, & 12 at the Valentine Theater 839 E 900 N, American Fork, UT 84003. Click here for tickets!