Salt Lake Acting Company hits the right notes with its first children's play, "Go, Dog. Go!," now playing through Dec. 27.

It's a high-energy show driven by music and choreography. The show, an adaptation of P.D. Eastman's children's book by the same title, features six dogs doing human activities from working construction to driving cars.

Director Jerry Rapier packs plenty of action into the 50-minute long-show. The length is just right. Keeping the attention of little children but also older kids whose attention span can be even shorter in these times of iPods and video games. An extra 10 minutes and it could have been a different result.

The dogs, or should we say the actors playing them, are enthusiastic and engaging throughout the play.

Shannon Musgrave as Hattie the spotted poodle is particularly adorable with flamboyant hats and feminine ballet moves. Her child-like character comes off as innocent and friendly.

Actor Deena Marie Manzanares, Blue Dog, has enough energy for all six dogs. Although each dog has its own unique attitude, they are stronger as a group especially when singing and playing.

Doing a children's show can be a risky especially when the book contains minimal dialogue. With less than 100 words to work with, Allison Gregory and Steven Dietz' adaptation fills the performance with lots of imagination.

SLAC uses plenty of music and dance to create this imaginary world.

David Evanoff's musical direction and one-man band is a show on its own, with jazzy, show tunes that are playful and cartoonish. Set at the back of the stage, Evanoff seems to be having a party of his own dancing with his accordion or keyboard. His arrangements and style give the show its life, but he does it subtly, not to draw too much attention.

Similarly, choreographer Cynthia Fleming has created dances that are animated and humorous. The jackhammer number, where each dog mimics the shaking movement of the tool, is fun and clever. Keven Myhre's make his contribution with a set design and props. His 3-D images are reminiscent of the book's original drawings.

The one bump comes toward the end of the show when Blue Dog finds herself on the stage by herself recounting the entire story. The playwrights thought this was necessary as repetition helps children learn. But it drags out the story and the play could do without the review.

SLAC's production works because it manages to engage and keep the attention of a young audience with a sense of urgency. It does so with quality actors, music and choreography that -- just like their characters -- have stamina.