By Valerie Milano & T. Felder
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 6/16/25 – In a city full of musical premieres, Mutt – A New Musical Comedy isn’t just another dog-and-pony show—it’s a riotous, refreshingly original production with teeth. Playing at Barnsdall Gallery Theatre, the show is a bold blend of Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Rick and Morty, and heartfelt Broadway ambition, told through the paws of a shelter dog chasing dreams in Hollywood.
Click below for our exclusive interview:
Created by Marcus Terrell Smith, co-produced with Linda Joe, MUTT is a dark adult comedy with a giant heart. It is a surreal adventure that follows Mutt, a three-legged shelter dog, and his best friend (and chew toy), Dragon, as they embark on their path to fame, fortune, and a forever home. Through original music by Robin Schäfer, the story finds its rhythm, with songs that soar—some wildly comedic, others quietly poignant. With a cast of 16, raucous original music, and choreography that pulses with energy, the show manages to tackle themes of belonging, identity, and animal advocacy—all wrapped in fur and funny bones.
During our exclusive interview, Linda Joe added, “As a true two-person production team, Marcus and I handled operations, administration, marketing, ticket sales, rehearsals—everything—on a shoestring budget. Now we’re looking for investors to take it to the next level.”
The choreography, which brought audience members to their feet, was the work of Chuck Maldonado (Missy Elliott, Fergie, Step Up). Smith shared, “I warned him our cast weren’t professional dancers, just movers. Next thing we know, he delivers complex routines, and the cast nailed them in weeks.”
Mutt‘s journey to Barnsdall was anything but traditional. “We started with virtual readings, then small LA presentations at the Broadwater Theatre and the Montalbán Theatre—we even partnered with several rescues for LA’s First Musical pet adoption,’” Smith said. MUTT was selected top 8 in the nation at the 34th Annual National Alliance of Musical Theatre Festival and was performed at New York’s New World Stages, then licensed to Arizona State University to open their 2024-2025 season. The Barnsdall became the next logical leap. “In about six weeks we mounted a sold-out three-show workshop and then the premiere at the Hollywood Fringe Festival,” Smith added. “It was an absolute sprint!”
The ensemble cast, made up of newcomers and veterans alike, radiates chemistry and confidence. “We held Equity auditions at the Madilyn Clark Studios,” Smith explained. “Fourteen of our 16 workshop performers returned for Barnsdall. Many are part of our creative family from past projects, so they jumped on board immediately.”
