Yes, that’s right. The Omaha Community Playhouse’s upcoming
production of Legally Blonde features
not one but two furry four-legged actors that will be sure to delight audiences
in this popular musical adaptation of the 2001 hit movie Legally Blonde starring Reese Witherspoon.
Meet Remy and Newt, OCP’s newest cast members. Remy, a
two-year-old Papillon plays Bruiser. Newt a one-and-a-half year old Maltese mix
plays Rufus. Bruiser is Elle Woods’s companion and favorite fashion accessory
throughout her self-empowering journey to Harvard Law School. Rufus is Hairdresser
Paulette’s dog who she tries to get back from her horrible ex with Elle’s help.
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| Remy stars as Bruiser Woods |
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| Newt stars as Rufus |
Remy and Newt are making their theatrical debut in Legally Blonde. Newt was rescued by OCP
alums Connie Lee and Paul Schneider. Remy was also rescued by Sandi Hansen when
he was seven months old. Sandi, a professional dog trainer at Sandi’s K9
Management, is training the dogs to follow commands, listen for cues
and be obedient while on stage.
Working with dogs on stage can be
quite a challenge at first. Director Carl Beck describes some of the challenges
and how he works to overcome them. “It’s difficult to make decisions about
movement when we aren’t sure about how comfortable the dog will be in a
situation,” said Carl. “We set goals we want the dog to complete such as
running on stage or barking on cue. If the dog doesn’t seem to be comfortable
with the situation then it’s important to work out the logistics and come up
with possible alternatives.“
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Remy and Leanne Hill Carlson who stars as Elle Woods
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When asked, what is the most difficult part of training dogs for
live theatre, Sandi said, “Not having an audience of 600 to rehearse in front
of. In my book, there really is no such thing as over-preparation for a live
audience! The applause, laughter, “oohs” and “aaahs” are really not
something you can simulate in a training environment...”
Preparing a dog for the theatre requires a lot of practice and
hands-on experience. Sandi explains, “Several hours are required on stage,
backstage and away from the theatre. Aside from the mere basics, extensive
socializing is needed to ensure that the dogs will not only be comfortable
around new and different settings, but also enjoy the experience.”
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| Remy and Leanne Hill Carlson |
Not every dog is suitable for a career on the stage. “There are
certain qualities I look for in theatrical dogs, and it takes a certain
character to be able to handle the stresses and training of a stage
atmosphere,” said Sandi. “I look for dogs who are both outgoing and comfortable
with humans first and foremost. The dogs must also be enthusiastic about
learning, and not all dogs have all of these qualities. Of course, physical
cuteness is a plus … but then we look at the role of Rufus. This part calls for
a big, gruff Bulldog. There aren’t many Bulldogs out there who could
handle this role, even though it isn’t a very demanding role … so I’ve borrowed
Newt, a Maltese mix. I could see his theatre appeal from day one, and was
excited to break him into theatre.”
See Remy and Newt in their theatrical debut on stage in OCP’s
production of Legally Blonde. The
show runs September 14-October 14 in the Howard and Rhonda Hawks Mainstage
Theatre. Tickets are $40 for adults and $24 for student tickets. For groups of
12 or more, tickets are $29 for adults and $18 for students. For tickets or for
more information, visit the OCP Box Office, call (402) 553-0800 or click here.
Story by Ryan Murray
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