Horizon Theatre Company’s ‘Dog Mom’ explores how furry friends can help in rough situations

ATLANTA — A new play at Horizon Theatre Company in Atlanta explores how man’s best friend can help in some rough situations. ‘Dog Mom‘ tells the story of struggle, strife and strays, as a woman on the heels of divorce takes a journey of self-reflection and delves into the meaning of relationships. 

Megan Hayes plays Dog in ‘Dog Mom’ and said she was thrilled to be back at Horizon after first doing a show there 20 years ago. 

“All I do is love, have joy and be present,” Hayes said. “How often do you get to do that in real life? It is so much fun playing an animal. I have the luxury of being able to go in the audience and sniff an audience member. I took a bite of an audience member’s cookie the other day.”

Arizsia Staton plays Nell in the show, her Horizon Theatre debut. Staton said the play is about redefining oneself, developing over time and relying on neighbors. 

“It’s this journey many of us go on in adulthood on what does companionship and friendship mean to me,” Staton said. “I want the audience to allow themselves to fully experience the joy and interaction we have to offer and allow themselves to be reminded of the importance of friendship, companionship and connection.”

Lisa Adler started Horizon Theatre Company over 40 years ago to lift up underrepresented voices and stories. Her latest story features a few furry friends. Throughout the run of ‘Dog Mom,’ Adler has partnered with several pet rescue, care and advocacy organizations around Metro Atlanta.

“Our mission is to connect people, inspire hope and promote positive change with stories of our time,” Adler said. “You also get to choose the voices you lift up, and we do a lot of work by women and people of color that are written that would not otherwise be produced if we didn’t do it. This show is really about the power of our pets, our dogs to remind us what’s beautiful in life, to be our undying companions who have unconditional love.”

For Hayes, her connection with her own three dogs, plus bonds with the cast and the audience, carry a special and positive meaning.

“We set up our own roadblocks to finding love and our fears and doubts,” Hayes said. “My character has zero of that. She loves immediate and unabashedly and that’s so refreshing, especially right now.”

Dog Mom runs through April 19 at Horizon Theatre Company. For more on the show, click here.