Gaslight Theatre presents children’s play ’Dr. Doodle Will See You Now’

Yes, that’s Dave Reynolds onstage, gnawing on a dog’s chew toy.

Meaghan Alfano appears ready to lap water from a dish.

Stephanie Walsh is scratching behind her ear.

Seth Brandreth is sailing by on a tire swing, because that’s what Spike, the sensitive pit bull, likes to do at the dog park.

And Alicia Nordstrom, who is a psychology professor in real life, appears to be taking notes with a giant pencil, because she is portraying the title character in “Dr. Doodle Will See You Now.”

In this children’s play, which Gaslight Theatre will present July 25 through July 28 at the George P. Maffei II Theatre at King’s College, Dr. Doodle is a sheepadoodle — part sheepdog and part poodle.

She’s a also psychologist trying to help a group of her fellow dogs deal with their anxieties, fears of not measuring up or fitting in and basically, as Brandreth explained, “problems that are not too far off from what people experience.”

Oh, and they’re not all dogs. One character, Mooch, played by Anne Rodella, is a cat.

Several cast members cited a scene in which Mooch the cat and Freddie the beagle finally become friends as their favorite part of the show.

“Adults are really going to appreciate how the play touches on important things, and problems we all face,” said director Christina Reynolds, who is a co-founder of Gaslight Theatre and pre-kindergarten teacher at St. Nicholas - St. Mary School in Wilkes-Barre. “Kids are going to appreciate the music and antics and silliness of it all.”

Cast member Stephanie Gawlas Walsh said she’s looking forward to bringing her 6-year-old and 4-year-old to the show; Meaghan Alfano expects her 4-year-old and 7-year-old will attend more than once.

“I’m excited to have my kids see me on stage here,” said Walsh, who appeared in many shows as a student at King’s, even once playing Juliet to the Romeo portrayed by her future husband, Colin Walsh

During a recent rehearsal, cushions and pillows were already strewn along the floor in front of the stage, offering a comfortable option for kids who will come to the 60-minute show.

“I’m probably having the most fun on stage that I’ve had in a long time,” said Dave Reynolds, who is a Gaslight co-founder, husband of Christina Reynolds and, as chair of King’s theatre department, is usually found in the director’s chair.

“We bark. We growl, we wag our tails,” said Meaghan Alfano, explaining part of the fun. “We also dance.”

And Seth Brandreth, as the misunderstood Spike, gets to play on the tire swing.

“As soon as I saw it and Dave said it would hold my weight,” Brandreth said. “I’m there.”

Several cast members have dogs as pets in real life; some are unabashedly “cat people.” During a recent rehearsal, they all seemed to be engaging, human-like animals — creatures destined to learn such mantras as “My feelings matter,” “I choose to be happy” “I care about others” and “I learn from my mistakes.”

The play was written by Michael Pavese, a teacher of writing and literature at Lasalle Academy in Jessup and the Pennsylvania State University, Scranton. His one-act plays have been produced with Gaslight Theatre, Diva Theatre and Actors Circle.

Performances of “Dr. Doodle Will See You Now” are set for 6:30 p.m. July 25, 26 and 27 and at 2 p.m. July 28. Tickets are $5 for children younger than 12 and $10 for adults. They are available online at gaslight-theatre.org using a credit card or at the door using cash or card.

The Maffei Theatre is located on the first floor of King’s administration building with entrance through the Mulligan Sciences Center. Free parking is available through the cul-de-sac off North Franklin Street.