As the doctor, Brian Mceleney manages to evoke some of the character's memorable orneriness. But the rest of the performers cling to their stereotypes. The problem is that Peter Parnell adapted the novel into story theater style. Characters spew out Irving's narration, distancing us from the drama. When in doubt, Eustis goes for cuddly sentiment or humor.
Actors play dogs.
Children are cast in the roles of the orphans. The cute quotient tips the scales toward sugary Americana, despite some welcome gritty touches. Norman Rockwell Americana meets pro-choice melodrama. It's intimate romance rubbing elbows with wacky comedy. Trinity Repertory Theatre director Oscar Eustis pulls out all the stops in his epic staging, but the production, while watchable, never answers an elemental question.