By James Bean
Published: December 02, 2009

By James Bean
For the Daily Titan

Before beginning to write this review for “Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead,” I must explain that I receive free tickets to all Cal State Fullerton-produced shows through an arrangement with Dr. Jim Volz and the department of theater and dance. Now that I have said that, I can tell you that “Dog Sees God” is a spectacular show and immediately after I walked out of the theater, I called some friends and made plans to see it again. And again. And again. On my own dollar. Yes, it is that good.

“Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead” follows an adolescent and copyright infringement-free Charlie Brown (now simply called “CB”) as he journeys through his teen years. After his beloved dog dies of rabies (and takes a familiar yellow bird with him), he is left to question life, love, and the torments of high school. We see older versions of some nostalgic characters, and being a huge Peanuts fan myself, I was able to catch every single playful jab and inside joke that the show had to offer.

Although the show primarily focuses on CB and his hunt for truth, every character was fully fleshed out and I had no problem accepting them as real people. People with serious problems, sure, but real people nonetheless.

CB’s sister is busy transforming into every identity she can think of, his old best friend has been constantly stoned ever since he smoked the ashes of his beloved blanket, his new best friend is too distracted by slutty cheerleaders to care and his ex-girlfriend has been institutionalized ever since she set the little red-headed girl’s hair on fire. Like I said, they have serious problems, but I sincerely cared about each and every one of them, especially the abandoned friend who spends his lunches playing piano in an isolated room.

Be warned though, for as wonderful as this show is, it is definitely not a show to bring your grandmother Prudence to next time she is in town.

The themes of drug abuse, sexual identity and teen violence are intended for mature audiences, and the show will not apologize for any hurt feelings. It is uncensored, unadulterated performed without an intermission, and it was my favorite theater experience of the semester without a doubt.

Every single detail, from the simplistic set, to the molding of the characters, to the outstanding performances by the ensemble, even right down to the music that was chosen to play during scene changes was brilliant. Scenes between CB (Ben Sargent) and Beethoven (Garret Hummel-Esparza) in particular were absolutely stunning, and a scene between Hummel-Esparza and Ryan Johnson left me breathless. Director Patrick Pearson really got to break loose with this show. His excellence in scene sculpting and his truly gifted eye gave “Dog Sees God” the raw kick in the teeth that the show begs for, and yet he was able to retain the softer and sweeter moments that had me in tears by the curtain call.

“Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead” is a spectacular show that should be seen by everyone who is not afraid of a little controversy. Even through all the show presents, it is hard to imagine anyone who couldn’t see the good in all this grief.

“Dog Sees God” will continue in the Grand Central Theatre this week and next. Tickets are $5 for students purchasing them at the CSUF box office next to the Nutwood Parking Structure, and $10 at the door (cash only for door tickets).

The theater is located within the Grand Central Art Center 125 N. Broadway in Santa Ana.