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Dogs to fetch roles in Maine South musical
Updated: January 21, 2013 2:50PM
PARK RIDGE — Auditions have begun for Maine South High School’s spring musical, but for these tryouts, human actors need not apply.
The school is kicking off preparations for the upcoming production of “Legally Blonde” by sending out a casting call for Chihuahuas and Bulldogs. Auditions will take place by appointment on Tuesday, Jan. 15 at the school, 1111 S. Dee Rd. in Park Ridge. Interested dog owners should contact the Maine South Fine arts office at (847) 692-8240 for details and to sign up for an audition.
One of each breed will be selected for the two roles in the musical which will be staged April 26, 27 and 28, and May 3 and 4.
“We have some flexibility with the dogs,” explained director John Muszynski. “If we were doing the Broadway production the dogs would be highly trained and have to do tricks, but (with Maine South’s production) the Chihuahua just needs to be able to travel in a purse and walk on a leash.”
The Bulldog must also be able to walk on a leash.
“Ultimately, it would great to have him come running on stage to a particular character, but I’m realistic,” Muszynski said. “I’ve worked with dogs before. No matter what happens, the audience is still going to go, ‘Awww.’”
Both dogs must, of course, be comfortable with people.
“There’s going to be a lot of students around them. I don’t want them to be afraid of a lot of people,” Muszynski said.
Maine South acquired the rights to perform “Legally Blonde” last year after it was made available to schools. Muszynski acknowledged that before seeing the Broadway production he was skeptical and joked that he went “under duress.” But he said he was pleasantly surprised to discover it was a well-written, fun play to see “once you get past all the pink.”
“Just enjoy it for what it is,” Muszynski said. “It’s not going to be ‘Les Mis.’”
“Legally Blonde,” which is based on the novel and film of the same name, tells the story of a college sorority girl, Elle Woods, who enrolls in Harvard Law School in an attempt to win back her boyfriend, but surprises everyone with her legal expertise.
Auditions for the human portion of the cast will take place in January following Maine South’s winter break.
