Carlie and Erin Cummisky
I first heard of Carlie from my neighbors, Tangerine and Plum Wilkin, who are both a part of the play (Tangerine is a magnificent Wicked Witch of the West and Plum has worked tirelessly behind the scenes). They tried to explain the interpretation that Ms. Johansen gives Oz, and did a pretty good job selling me on it. But when they told me that there was a real dog playing Toto, a dog with no training or theater background who is on stage for almost two hours, I knew I had to see this for myself. Well, I probably would have gone to see Tangerine, but Toto sealed it for me.
The play is as whimsical and vibrant as the movie, and all the children are impressive as much for their acting as for their dedication and exhubarence. And Carlie…Carlie is a superstar! She is calm and poised. She follows the Yellow Brick Road without being tugged or restrained, and it actually looks like she is reacting to the other actors' lines. I mean it Carlie is acting!
Carlie and Jonathan Willis
I had a chance to interview her owner, Jonathan Willis (who is terrific as The Wizard), to find out more about her…
Moira McLaughlin: How old is Carlie and what breed?
Jonathan Willis: She is a 5-year-old Cairn Terrier
MM: What kind of training did she have? Theater background? Obedience school?
JW: She never had puppy training school. And she has never been in a play before. She does sit, jump, and stand for treats and when she does those all together it looks like a routine. But that is about all she knows.
MM: Are treats used on stage to get her to stay, walk, and respond?
JW: No, the only time treats are used is in the picnic scene, because that seemed like a time a dog would be begging for food.
MM: How did she get the part?
JW: Paulette (Rudolph, the Director) and Mila (Johansen, the Artistic Director and Writer) had an open call. Two dogs auditioned. I was skeptical about Carlie's chances because she is often excited by new people, but when she walked on the stage she did such a good job, she got the part immediately.
MM: Have there been any mishaps? Accidents?
JW: No. None during the play. But during a dress rehearsal, she barked at a little girl in the audience who ran in front of the stage.
MM: Do you think she likes acting?
Jonathan's mother, Janet Moore, answered: Yes. She seems happier. Before, she was often home alone because I work. She would be depressed and mopey and sleep 20 hours a day. Now, she gets off the couch and is more outgoing. Barking to express herself. And she has worn a track in our yard where she runs back and forth next to the fence to say hi to all the neighbors.
MM: Greeting her fans!
Janet: Exactly!
MM: What are her plans for the future?
Janet: I hope she gets discovered so she can support us all.
Jonathan: I hope she doesn't get discovered because then she would be taken from us.
Janet: You could be her manager.
Jonathan didn't answer, he just pet Carlie and held her closer. I didn't tell him that I was from Hollywood and that he was right. I was glad I was in a place where I didn't have to.
The Wizard of Oz final shows are this weekend:
Visit The Center for the Arts for more information.
Thank you Karen Busse for the use of your photographs. Karen will be selling CD photo compilations from the play this weekend in the lobby after the shows.