Villagers Theatre presents “Dogfight”

(SOMERSET, NJ) — Villagers Theatre presents Dogfight across two weekends from February 13-22, 2026. Based on the 1991 Warner Brothers film, Dogfight takes audiences on a romantic and heartbreaking theatrical journey that stays with you long after the performance.

It’s November 21, 1963. On the eve of their deployment to a small but growing conflict in Southeast Asia, three young Marines set out for one final boys’ night of debauchery, partying and maybe a little trouble. But, when Corporal Eddie Birdlace meets Rose, an awkward and idealistic waitress whom he enlists to win a cruel bet with his fellow recruits, she rewrites the rules of the game and teaches him the power of love and compassion.

Dogfight features a Book by Peter Duchan and Music and Lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Edges, James and the Giant Peach, A Christmas Story)

The cast includes Andi Kern (Ensemble, Dance Captain), Anthony Yakobchuk (Gibbs), Brooke Pamela Nagel (Marcy, Peggy), Casey O’Neill (Stevens), Ellie Kent (Ensemble), Finnian Burns (Bernstein), Francisco Fernandez (Eddie Birdlace), Hillary Branch (Ensemble), Hudson Waller (Boland), Logan Ebersole (Fector), Madaline Krawchuk (Mama, Otheres), Mary Klein (Ensemble), Melissa Calicchio (Rose Fenny), Michael O’Neill (Lounge Singer, Others), Olivia Teitelbaum (Ensemble), and Sam Estrella (Ensemble).  

Performances take place Friday/Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 2:00pm. Tickets are available for purchase online. The theater is located at 515 DeMott Lane in Somerset, New Jersey. WARNING: Dogfight is recommended for ages 16+ due to profanity, mature content, and depictions of war/violence.

The Production Staff includes: Director, Choreographer: Jenna Garrison; Assistant Director: Emily Aulenbach; Assistant Choreographer: Ellie Kent; Music Director: Angelina O’Neill; Stage Manager: Jack Tomy; Assistant Stage Manager” Jade “KARLEE” Scharnikow; Scenic Designer: Scott Doyal; Master Carpenter: Ben Malone; Scenic Decoration: Ian DiGuilio; Lighting Designer: Kyle Santopadre; Sound Designer: Kevin Bryant; Costumers: Jared Milian, Andi Kern; Hair & Wig Design: Alyson Pemoulie; and Props Designer: Suzi Francese.

The hauntingly beautiful musical was praised by countless critics and nominated for numerous awards, winning the Lucille Lortel Award for Best Musical.

Villagers Theatre sees the performing arts as an avenue of exploration, creativity, and innovation for performers and audiences alike. In an ever-evolving society of entertainment and education, Villagers Theatre prides itself on being a local source of diversity, inclusion, and enlightenment. By bringing together performers, production staff, and audience members from all walks of life, this company believes in fostering change, developing accessibility, and most importantly, continuing to celebrate the “community” in community theater.