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Are you curious about the presence of live animals in Broadway productions? Broadway historian and theatre enthusiast Jennifer Ashley Tepper addresses such inquiries in her column, Broadway Deep Dive. This time, she explores a frequently asked question: how often do legitimate Broadway plays and musicals feature live animals in their casts?
Currently, in the revival of Gypsy, the character Chowsie, Rose’s dog, is portrayed by two talented canine actors, Tana June and Indy. Dogs are the most common animals to grace the Broadway stage, making appearances in numerous productions, including Annie, where the dog Sandy plays a pivotal role in the emotional landscape of the musical, particularly within the resonant song “Tomorrow.”
Several other shows have also showcased dogs, such as Legally Blonde, where Elle Woods’ dog Bruiser is instrumental in her journey to Harvard Law, and The Wiz, where Toto accompanies Dorothy on her adventures in Oz. Both Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill and The Will Rogers Follies feature canine performances, with entire acts dedicated to dogs.
In contrast, cats have not been as frequently represented on Broadway, although they have made notable appearances. For instance, the 1950 play Bell, Book and Candle featured a black cat central to its witchcraft theme. The 1982 production of Alice in Wonderland included a live cat along with an actor voicing The Cheshire Cat. More recent shows, such as The Lieutenant of Inishmore and a revival of You Can’t Take It With You, have also included live cats that contribute meaningfully to the narrative.
No examination of live animals on the Great White Way would be complete without recognizing Bill Berloni, an innovator in animal training for theatre. Beginning with his work on the original 1977 production of Annie, Berloni has trained animals for countless Broadway shows and was honored with a special Tony Award for his extensive contributions.
Live animals have been a part of Broadway since its inception. For example, the 1931 play The Barretts of Wimpole Street featured a cocker spaniel, while the 1935 musical Jumbo showcased a spectacular elephant. Historical anecdotes recall that at the Hippodrome Theatre, Harry Houdini made an elephant disappear during his act in 1918. Later, the nearby Belasco Theatre was constructed with a unique elephant elevator, a feature still visible in its architecture today.
While large animals like elephants draw attention, Broadway has also incorporated smaller creatures into its productions. The 1994 sequel The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas included a live horse named Starr, who, amusingly, made headlines for urinating on stage during performances. Similarly, during the show Woman in White, a live mouse accompanying the antagonist Count Fosco often caused amusing onstage complications.
Moreover, the innovative revival of Once on This Island in 2017 featured two live goats, Sparky and Peapod, who delighted audiences and played an integral role in enriching the show’s setting. Interestingly, distracting moments involving animals on stage are not new; in 1956, live pigs were cast for the character of Salomey in Li’l Abner, a casting call that was covered extensively by local news.
Exploring avian contributions to Broadway performances, the 2009 revival of After Miss Julie included a live bird, which was later replaced with a prop for specific scenes to ensure the safety of the animal. The 2018 premiere of The Ferryman showcased a goose and a rabbit, enhancing the atmosphere of the Irish farmhouse setting.
At the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, where Death Becomes Her currently resides, there was once a flock of doves released every night during the 1971 production of the Israeli musical To Live Another Summer, to Pass Another Winter, adding to the dynamic experience of attendees.
Floyd Collins
Vivian Beaumont Theatre (Broadway)
Jeremy Jordan takes the stage in Floyd Collins, which narrates the true story of a cave explorer trapped underground in Kentucky in 1925. As efforts to rescue Floyd ignite a media frenzy, he grapples with isolation and the struggle for survival amid his tragic circumstances.
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