Hollywood hypocrisy and false values are ripe targets that are fun to hit, but The Little Dog Laughed also zeroes in on the poignant longings that motivate all the wheeling, dealing and naked jockeying for status and success

Smart and sexy, funny and fierce, fast-paced but emotionally moving, the Douglas Carter Beane comedy generates ample laughter and some crucial empathy in its excellent Ohio premiere, which opened last night at the Columbus Performing Arts Center.

Evolution Theatre Company finds all the humor and most of the pathos in the brisk two-act under Artistic Director Paul Lockwood's guidance.