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[caption id="attachment_45807" align="alignnone" width="600"] Roscoe, centerstage, in Bay Street Theater's Of Mice and Men.[/caption]
By Dawn Watson
Some actors can be absolute beasts. The more ridiculous ones have been known to bark demands once they even step foot near the stage. Their diva-like behavior and endless requests for pampering drive everyone else dog-gone crazy.
But not Roscoe. He’s just happy to be part of the gang. His good looks and easygoing temperament certainly haven’t hurt his chances for success in the spotlight either. In fact, even though he was clearly cast against type, they have helped him to win the coveted role of Old Smelly Dog in Bay Street Theater’s Literature Live! production of “Of Mice and Men,” which stages through Saturday, November 28.
When he’s not hamming it up with the human thespians, the mixed-breed adult rescue dog lives at the Southampton Animal Shelter full time. An owner surrender, he was brought in to the rescue shelter after his caretakers decided they could no longer give him the love and attention he deserved.
But, quickly after his arrival, it became clear that Roscoe was no ordinary dog. Within days, he not only won the hearts of the employees and volunteers at the shelter, he also auditioned for and was cast in the role at Bay Street.
“He was GREAT at his audition,” says Ellen Dioguardi, the Director of Community Affairs and Development at the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation. “The cast fell in love.”
It didn’t take him long to prepare for the role either, she adds. After just a few sessions with a trainer, Roscoe’s acting career took off.
Roscoe, who is available for adoption, happily shares the role of Old Smelly Dog with two other canines—Charlie, who lives with his family in Southampton, and Daisy, who lives with her family in Sag Harbor. The other furry co-stars are the family pets of owners who are supporters of the theater.
All three dogs, who are alternating their stage time, get most of the perks, and then some, that human actors can hope for. They have their own “dressing room” of sorts and also get a special privileges, such as walks down Long Wharf and treats from the Bay Street staff and volunteers.
The animals have been incredible additions to the cast, says Bay Street Executive Director Tracy Mitchell. Their presence has really amped up the show, especially as many of the performances in this Literature Live! production are staged for area middle- and high school students, who have thoroughly enjoyed the injection of energy brought by the three four-legged actors.
“The dogs are really amazing … they seem really relaxed and enjoy being around people,” says Ms. Mitchell. “And the kids just love seeing them on stage.”
The only drawback to having non-human actors in the production is that they can be real scene stealers and attention grabbers. But they can’t help it—it’s just in their adorable nature.
“Diva activity involves needing a lot of hugs and petting, and some dog treats,” jokes Ms. Mitchell.
Roscoe certainly relishes his opportunities to shine on stage, says Ms. Dioguardi, who adds that any family would be lucky to have such a good boy in their home. But, now that he’s gotten a taste of fame, it appears he’s hungry for more, she laughs.
“He seems to miss being at Bay Street when he’s not there,” she says. “We think he misses the limelight, smell of the greasepaint and roar of the crowd.”
For more information on Roscoe, and other adoptable dogs and cats at the Southampton Animal Shelter, visit www.southamptonanimalshelter.com. For reservations and to learn more about Bay Street Theater’s Literature Live! production of “Of Mice and Men,” visit www.baystreet.org.
on Nov 19, 2015