“Dog Man: The Musical” is based on author Dav Pilkey’s popular children’s book series. (photo courtesy of Center Theatre Group)

Center Theatre Group will bring “Dog Man: The Musical,” based on Dav Pilkey’s bestselling children’s book series, back to the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City from Sept. 12-Oct. 18.

The family musical follows fifth-grade friends George and Harold as they attempt to create a show about Dog Man, their crime-fighting hero with the head of a dog and body of a police officer. Along the way, Dog Man faces Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings, as well as Petey, an evil cat who clones himself as part of a plan for revenge.

The production previously appeared at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in 2023, where Center Theatre Group said it set box office records.

“The last time we partnered with our friends at TWTheatricals to present ‘Dog Man: The Musical’ was in 2023, and the show went on to set box office records at the Kirk Douglas Theatre,” Center Theatre Group artistic director Snehal Desai said. “We are truly beyond excited to welcome the entire ‘Dog Man’ family back to Culver City.”

The musical is written by Kevin Del Aguila and Brad Alexander, whose previous collaborations include the Emmy-winning PBS series “Peg + Cat.”  directed and choreographed by Jen Wineman.

“Dog Man” began as part of Pilkey’s book series about the canine-human police officer. More than 50 million copies of the books are in print, with translations available in 42 languages, according to Center Theatre Group. Pilkey also created the “Captain Underpants” and “Cat Kid Comic Club” series.

The production features orchestrations by Lloyd Kikoler, scenic design by Timothy R. Mackabee, costume design by Heidi Leigh Hanson, lighting design by David Lander and sound design by Emma Wilk.

“‘Dog Man: The Musical’ surpasses my highest expectations,” Pilkey said. “It is the ‘perfect mash-up’ of memorable music, humor and love.”

Performances vary by week. Tickets start at $40.25 and are available at centertheatregroup.org and through Center Theatre Group Audience Services.

The Kirk Douglas Theatre is located at 9820 Washington Blvd.