Come out and meet SAGEC4A at Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) Animals on Broadway! We will have a booth and would love to meet you and your furry friend and tell you about all of our success in keeping pets with the families! In honor of the event, we thought we would share some notable information on animals that have actually been on Broadway – meaning, those that have performed on that famous stage!
If you love animals and musicals, you might be interested in learning about some of the famous pets that starred in Broadway shows. These furry friends have captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike with their amazing talents and adorable personalities. Here are some of the most memorable pets that have graced the stage of Broadway.
– Toto from The Wizard of Oz: Perhaps the most iconic pet in Broadway history, Toto was played by a Cairn terrier named Terry in the original 1939 film adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s classic novel. Terry reprised her role in the 1942 stage musical, which ran for 462 performances at the Majestic Theatre. Terry was paid $125 per week, more than some of the human actors, and received fan mail from all over the world. She also appeared in several other films, including Bright Eyes with Shirley Temple and The Women with Joan Crawford.
– Sandy from Annie: Another beloved canine star, Sandy was played by a stray dog named Muggins that was rescued from a shelter by animal trainer William Berloni. Berloni auditioned Muggins for the role of Annie’s loyal companion in the 1977 musical based on the comic strip Little Orphan Annie. Muggins impressed the producers with his intelligence and obedience, and was renamed Sandy after the character. Sandy performed in more than 2,300 shows on Broadway and on tour, and also appeared in the 1982 film version with Aileen Quinn and Albert Finney.
– Bruiser from Legally Blonde: A more recent pet star, Bruiser was played by a Chihuahua named Chico in the 2007 musical adaptation of the 2001 film starring Reese Witherspoon (not to be confused with Moondoggie who performed in the film!). Chico was trained by Berloni to act as Elle Woods’ faithful sidekick and fashion accessory in the show, which featured songs by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin. Chico performed in more than 600 shows on Broadway and on tour, and also appeared on TV shows such as The Today Show and The View. Chico retired from acting in 2010 and lived with his owner until his death in 2016.
These are just some of the many pets that have made their mark on Broadway history. They have proven that animals can be just as talented and charismatic as humans and have brought joy and inspiration to millions of people. Next time you watch a Broadway show, keep an eye out for any furry co-stars that might steal the scene!
