War Dog
A man, a boy and his dog. An army captain, his army brat son, and his son's best friend. Then a traumatic event.
After fifty years of healing the son is ready to tell the story. It's a story of heartbreak, betrayal, trauma and recovery. What does it mean to be a man, a son, a father, a good soldier and a good boy? Is it possible to forgive? This is a love story.
Now THIS is storytelling! What a wonderful, heartfelt story brought to life on stage with nothing more than a few background photos and pure, raw talent. I was completely engaged for the full hour, brought to tears, laughed and danced in my seat. Couldn't have asked for anything more.
Too many #FringeTO cliches—an overly long musical intro & outro; a direct self address to a childhood photo—to recommend this autobiographical show about dealing with emotionally closed off father issues (though I'm glad Mark E. Smith found therapy).
War Dog was one of the biggest surprises of my Toronto Fringe Festival.
To be honest, I wasn't particularly looking forward to seeing it. I added it to my schedule only because a friend thought we should see it. Based on the title, I assumed it would be about war. I couldn't have been more wrong — and I'm so glad I was.
Rather than focusing on combat, War Dog tells the deeply personal story of performer Mike D. Smith's life as the child of a military family. Growing up on army bases, he recounts the moves, the challenge of leaving friends behind, and the lasting impact those experiences had on him. He also shares stories of his life as an adult, including a period of brief homelessness until he got on his feet, and of the beloved dog that played such an important role in his childhood.
Mike D. Smith is a gifted storyteller. With warmth, honesty, humour and vulnerability, he draws the audience into his world and keeps us there from beginning to end. One moment you're laughing out loud; the next you're deeply moved by the emotion and sincerity of his stories.
I was completely unprepared for how much I would enjoy this show. It culminates in a hilarious and wonderfully uplifting ending that sends the audience out with smiles on their faces.
War Dog is heartfelt, funny and beautifully told. If you enjoy exceptional storytelling, don't miss this hidden gem. It is absolutely worth seeing.
Saw my first performance at the the 2026 The Toronto Fringe today. WAR DOG is a powerful autobiographical one man show about a man reflects that as a boy growing up in a constantly moving military family with a father who was caring but could not show love finally begins to deal with his childhood trauma well into his 60s. Superb storytelling that captivates. Numerous daily performances to July 12th. GO OUT AND PLAY