Opened: October 4, 2001 - Closed: January 27, 2002
"Dogs Barking" was the U.S. Premiere of Richard Zajdlic's blistering new drama about a pair of ex-lovers battling over their London flat as they confront their inability to let go. Several months after their breakup, Neil returns to his ex-girlfriend, Alexandria, to lay claim to the home he abandoned. But Alex isn't giving up without a fight. Alex's glamorous sister, Vicky, and Neil's loyal friend, Ray, get caught up in the ensuing domestic war. Over the course of single weekend, they scratch in the rubble that remains of their relationship, discovering hidden passion, seething jealousy and some of the tenderness they lost.
This revealing look at contemporary relationships received rave reviews since opening on October 4, 2001. The Chicago Tribune applauded it, "Recommended...This gutsy, fast-paced production ripples along very nicely. Offering something of a guilty pleasure but a ripping yarn nonetheless. Profiles' "Dogs" will likely be yapping well into 2002!" The Chicago Reader raved, "Highly Recommended... Powerfully performed and tautly directed, Profiles Theatre has done this strong new play to a perfect turn!" And Chicagotheater.com hailed it, "A symbiotically connected ensemble play up their performance strengths making this one of Profiles' most dramatically consistent and emotionally powerful productions."
Richard Zajdlic's other distinguished plays include "Rage" and "Infidelities", which premiered at the Tabard Theatre and won the West London Playwrighting Competition in 1991. Mr. Zajdlic also co-wrote the highly successful plays "Cannibal" and "Cock and Bull Story" with Richard Crowe. The film version of "Cock and Bull Story" just completed principal photography in May, and is currently awaiting release. He was also one of the creators of "This Life", and has written for "Eastenders" and "London's Burning". Most recently, Mr. Zajdlic developed the series, "Attachments" for BBC 2/World.
Profiles Theatre's production of "Dogs Barking" was directed by Ken Mitten. Mr. Mitten directed Profiles' critically acclaimed productions of "The Ruffian on the Stair" by Joe Orton, as well as the Chicago Premieres of "Hitting Town" by Stephen Poliakoff and "The Day Room" by Don DeLillo. His other directing credits for Profiles include "Geography of a Horse Dreamer" by Sam Shepard, "Glengarry Glen Ross" by David Mamet, "Dogg's Hamlet" by Tom Stoppard and "Interview" by Jean-Claude van Itallie. The production was Stage Managed by Profiles' Company Member Scott Lefton, assisted by Terri Steinmann.
The cast of "Dogs Barking" featured Profiles' Associate Artistic Director Darrell W. Cox as Neil. Mr. Cox won his second After Dark Award for Outstanding Performance in 2000 for his work as serial killer, Wayne Hudson, in Profiles' hit production of "Popcorn." He also received a 2000 Joseph Jefferson Citation nomination for Principal Actor for his performance in "Popcorn". In 1998, Mr. Cox received a Joseph Jefferson Citation for Principal Actor for his performance in Profiles' celebrated production of "Eye of God". Profiles' Company Member Sara Maddox played the role of Alex. Ms. Maddox most recently appeared as Brooke Daniels in Profiles' two year run of "Popcorn". Prior to that, she appeared as Babe in Blue Shirt Theatre's critically acclaimed production of "Crimes of the Heart".
The role of Ray was played by Profiles' Artistic Director Joe Jahraus. Mr. Jahraus was most recently seen as Bruce Delamitri in "Popcorn". He received a 1999 Joseph Jefferson Citation nomination for Ensemble for his performance as Wells in Profiles' lauded production of "Stray Dogs". Mr. Jahraus has appeared in numerous productions at Profiles including the Joseph Jefferson Citation winning productions of "Eye of God" and "The Baby Dance". The role of Vicky was played by Jenna Rabideaux. Ms. Rabideaux was most recently seen in "Life During Wartime" at Steep Theatre and "A Woman's Place" at Stage Left.