You Should Be Listening To: Dogfight

In the summer of 2012 there was a musical called Dogfight at Second Stage. Based on the movie starring Lili Taylor and River Phoenix, the show didn’t completely work as a whole, but there was plenty to be positive about. With great performances by Lindsay Mendez and Derek Klena (now co-starring as Elphaba and Fiyero in Wicked), Dogfight also featured a new and delightful score by Pasek and Paul. Haven’t heard of them? You will soon.

This young composing team out of University of Michigan has already been making quite a mark. I unfortunately missed their Broadway debut last year with A Christmas Story, for which they received a Tony nomination for Best Score, but luckily, it is back for the holiday season at Madison Square Garden (review coming soon!). Their songs were also featured on Smash (albeit I never made it past episode 3, wah wah). Or perhaps I once forced you to listen to the gorgeousness that is this song. Did you click? You’d best click.

Although Dogfight didn’t make the biggest splash Off-Broadway, the album, released last May, definitely got some well-deserved buzz. Do yourself a favor, look up the show on Spotify, and enjoy the beautiful melodies and tight harmonies. The song on repeat for me? First Date/Last Night. I also love Mendez’s pipes on Before It’s Over. Other catchy tunes include Some Kinda Time, Hometown Hero’s Ticker Tape Parade, Pretty Funny, and Dogfight featuring Tony nominee Annaleigh Ashford who is currently bringing in the laughs at Kinky Boots.

I look forward to hearing what Pasek and Paul write next.

Dogfight
Written by Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, and Peter Duchan, Directed by Joe Mantello
Second Stage Theatre
Photo Credit: Joan Marcus
Pictured: Lindsay Mendez and Derek Klena