The evening started with a funeral and ended with a eulogy.

The Brüka Theatre's performance of "Dog Sees God," written by Bert V. Royal and directed by the theater's Androo Allen, is anything but depressing. In fact, the moments of laughter enlightened the moments that could cause tears.

The play is a look into the lives of the lovable "Peanuts" gang made famous by cartoonist Charles Schulz. However, the characters are now in their teens and the urge to explore life is beginning to clash with the definition of normal that once seemed so clear but has been more elusive than they might have thought.

As CB, played by Kyle Johnson, tries to come to terms with the death of his dog — who had to be put down because it contracted rabies and killed a little yellow bird — his sister, played by Jamie Plunkett, experiments with religion and boys.

Although none of CB's friends seem to care enough about the dog's funeral to show up, CB tries to ask the teens that are preoccupied with popularity, drugs and sex what they believe happens after life ends.

With a wide range of answers — from the laughable to the insensitive to the hopeful — CB finds comfort in Beethoven's answer: When someone dies, including CB's dog, they go to heaven.

Beethoven, who is wonderfully played by Adam Whitney, has a hopeful outlook even though initially he could care less to listen to CB's rant in the music room since the pair haven't been friends since secrets about Beethoven and his family were made public, including his father's arrest.

As the school day ends and the students look forward to weekend parties, CB's now complicated friendship with Beethoven takes center stage at Marci's party.

In an effort to seek enlightenment on death and relationships, CB visits the sister of Van, or better known to "Peanuts" fans as Lucy and Linus. She is in prison for a little pyromaniac activity in school and is addicted to lithium the therapists give her. Although Van's sister, played by Lynn Lombardi, lets her emotions swing wide, the advice she gives to CB is probably the most sound: Do what you want and not worry about others.

Although the advice is heard, it could be too late. As jealousy and anger clash with love and lust, the teens now have to confront their shallow actions with the ultimate consequence — death.

Even though "Dog Sees God" sounds like a train wreck of teen innocence, the lessons learned by the characters can be reflective of nearly anyone's life. Although their innocence could be debated by their actions, the end leaves no doubt the teens will need to confront life head-on.

Who were you in high school? The jock, the popular girl, the outsider, the stoner, the drama nerd, the bully?

Who are you today and how is that shaped by the lessons learned along the way?

"Dog Sees God" has a wonderful troupe of actors that have come together to present an excellently executed performance full of heart and dedication. A performance worth seeing — for the 18 and older audience is probably best — "Dog Sees God" will be performed throughout July.

“Dog Sees God” opens at 8 p.m. tonight and runs through Saturday, July 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31. A matinee performance will show at 2 p.m. on July 18. Tickets are $18 for general admission, $16 for students and seniors and $20 at the door. Reservations can be made by calling 323-3221, by visiting the Melting Pot Emporium at 1047 S. Virginia St. or at www.bruka.org.

For more information, visit www.bruka.org.