Why does Martin City Melodrama feature canine pawformers in their theatrical productions? The owner explains.

By Jeanne Beechwood

The infamous vaudeville director, W.C. Fields, of the Ziegfeld Follies, once stated, “Never work with animals or children.” Thank goodness not everyone agrees with that philosophy. From the days of Rin Tin Tin, who went on to become an international movie star of the 20’s and 30’s, to Lassie’s first film in 1943, Lassie Comes Home,  pawformers from film have  always found a soft spot in their audiences’ hearts. Usually, any movie with a dog in it is a good movie. Who didn’t cry when they saw the movie Old Yeller? Old Yeller, the Labrador/Mastiff mix, protected his farm family from a rabid wolf. After watching that movie as a kid, I  told myself, I can never watch a film again where the dog dies.

Benji, the dog, had six films to his credit. There was a time when Benji was the most beloved dog in America. He was a scrappy terrier, whip smart canine and seemed to solve one death-defying situation after another. Beethoven , the Saint Bernard, from the Beethoven films, Winn-Dixie, the Picardy Shepherd, from the Winn-Dixie film, Uggie, the Jack Russell Terrier, in the black and white silent Oscar winning film The Artist, and Bruiser, the Chihuahua , in Legally Blond have enchanted pet owners in these ‘furever films’.

Television has also featured  beloved canines. Lassie is the TV series I remember most from when I grew up in the 1960’s and 70’s.  My folks rescued a beautiful male collie.  He looked exactly like Lassie. Unfortunately, for us, someone poisoned our treasured family member, Robbie, for barking. To this day, I can still see our empty backyard and hear myself sob. My mom had to tell her three young children that Robbie, our first family dog ,had died. No one spoke of the rainbow bridge then. Now as an adult , that is what I share with any pet owner that is experiencing loss. Don’t we all want to meet at the rainbow bridge, pain-free, carefree, and loved? I hope to be mowed down by all the senior dogs The Martin City Melodrama (over 40  plus) has rescued since 2014.  When not eating milkbones at the theatre, they live with myself and my brother. 

Animated dogs are a part of most people’s childhoods. The 101 Dalmatians, Lady and the Tramp, Bam Bam, , Pluto,  Goofy, Astro, Scooby Doo, Slinky Dog, Clifford the Big Red Dog,  Bolt , Paw Patrol, Under-Dog, and my personal favorite, Snoopy, continue to entertain us no matter  our age.

Live theatrical events have also included dogs. Sandy, a  Golden Terrier- Chow mix,  from the musical Annie  is a pivotal character in the musical.  In the live onstage version of the Wizard of Oz, Toto, a Cairn Terrier,  really is the headliner. I mean think about it. There would be no Wizard of Oz story if Toto didn’t run out of Dorothy’s arms and begin the adventure to Emerald City. We thank you Toto!

It seemed like serendipity with my love of senior rescue dogs and the love of entertaining to put the two together at Martin City Melodrama.  Our newest show, The Silver Snout Cabaret features senior pawformers in each production. Plus there are understudies if some oldies but goodies need a nap.

You have to be dog crazy to perform in an original Martin City Melodrama show . Local professional actress, Kathleen Williams  attended the Christmas Canine on January 1, 2024. As an avid animal lover (two dogs, one cat, four chickens and a bunny,) and performer, Williams requested information on how to audition for The Silver Snout Cabaret. After she was cast,  she spent two months of rehearsal and re-writes at the theatre.  Williams became an instant hit with our pawformers and the vaudevillian style required to perform the show.  “It’s so fun and rewarding to do this kind of show. A show that has never been seen before with these senior pups!” Kathleen states. ” To get the chance to fall in love with the senior animals, and support, the mission of family entertainment, is truly an amazing experience.”

 Martin City Melodrama’s actual pawformers are rescued senior dogs from area shelters such as KC Pet Project, Melissa’s Second Chances, Wayside Waifs, Unleashed, Gladstone Animal Shelter and the Buck Foundation in Emporia Kansas  These senior dogs range in age from 10 years old to 23 years.  Our theatre relishes in providing a sanctuary for them whether show-biz is in their blood or not.  These dogs do not jump through a hoop of fire or juggle. Rather, these content seniors wear costumes, sing, dance, and act with their fellow human performers. Not to mention, how much the dogs love the extra attention from the audience after the show as they meet these stars.

 The Silver Snout Cabaret will include a variety of merriment with our  menagerie of mutts. A trip to the Groomer, Pooper Scoopers, the Princess and the Pup, along with We Will, We Will Walk (ROCK) You are just a few of the tasty tidbits . 

 Performances begin March 23 and end May 5 on Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 3:30 pm. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-silver-snout-cabaret-tickets-856382973527 or call 913-642-7576.  or email martincitymelo@ yahoo.com.