THEATER | 'LIKAH!' 

You've heard the phrase, "We don't deserve dogs," and if you've ever even met a Very Good Boy (or Girl), you know it's true. And that selfless, uplifting nature of the beast is the basis of new play by Deborah Haber. "LIKAH!" (Pronounced lee-kah) features a joyful, storytelling pup whose story is meant to help children deal with the issue of loss. The character is based on the Haber's real-life Border collie, whose life Haber began chronicling in a diary. During this time, Haber lost her sister to ovarian cancer, followed by the death of her older dog. "As I chronicled Likah's life's journey, I realized the significant message within this sweet pup's story," Haber said in a provided statement. "I realized what I was documenting was actually my own experiences through Likah's eyes." Before its New York City debut in the fall and national launch, the play will be presented as a series of staged readings in Rochester. A portion of the proceeds will benefit CURE Childhood Cancer Association, Education Success Foundation, and Lollypop Farm.

Friday, May 17, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, May 18, at 2 p.m.; and Sunday, May 19, at 1 and 4 p.m. at Geva Theatre Center (75 Woodbury Boulevard). $10. Recommended for ages 5 and older. 232-4382; gevatheatre.org.