The Animal Show

Not many people can claim talons and death as new job issues to be expected like dialing ‘9’ for an outside line. But the job of an animal rescue officer is intense, especially when on call for overnight emergency services.

Katie, who’s never held a cat must become a hero and so she does. The phases of her training are marked with important realizations about life and about herself. The characters she portrays are people you know. Or at least, if you ever do meet them in real life, you’ll know exactly what she was talking about.

Like Kirstie, described as the used car saleswoman of pet relocations. She’s especially fond of Dobs, Dobies, Dobermans -they are the best. Tough-assed but super-caring, Kirstie is honored as a hero by our intrepid junior animal rescue officer.

Katie Hood pulls off her multiple characters with skill and depth. She embodies her characters in an elastic and natural way that’s totally convincing. Her own character is awkward and charming, sort of like a 13 year old suddenly thrown into her twenties.

The speed dating scene is hilarious. But don’t lose hope for our young heroine. When a guy comes in with a kitten whose leg needs to be amputated, the story gets complicated in a good way. There seemed to be potential for more elaboration about
this relationship but then, Fringe timing demands concision and that may very well have been a factor. If not, I do think some more of the charming and poetic Johnny may have filled in the sketch of his character. As it was, though, it was quite sweet.

This is a story for all because the theme is about love and compassion and, most of all, integrity. It’s OK if you cry a little. I did.