Critic's Pick — Little Blue Theatre Company: 'Love That Dog'

Little Blue Theatre Company just opened its doors in March. But already, this intrepid arts organization has unveiled an impressive selection of classes, camps and performances — all designed to allow young children and adolescents to “explore big feelings and brave ideas through art that is honest, imaginative and deeply human.” You can check the company’s latest efforts this weekend as Little Blue presents Love That Dog at the Centennial Black Box Theater. Based on the book by Sharon Creech, and adapted to the stage by Andrew Frank and Jason Howard, Love That Dog follows Jack — a young boy who thinks he hates poetry until he realizes it can actually help process all those tough feelings he’s been struggling to name. Offering a thoughtful exploration of grief and self-expression, Love That Dog features the poetry of Robert Frost, William Carlos Williams and Walter Dean Myers. Maya Riley stars in this tender solo show, which is directed by Little Blue artistic director Colin Peterson. Recommended for children ages 8-plus (and their families), the show’s performances are sensory-friendly. 

Oct. 9-18 at Centennial Black Box Theater

211 27th Ave. N.