The leading ladies of two local high school musical productions will share the limelight with two special “guest” performers when the curtain goes up on Thursday night.
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Both Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts (WHSPA) and The Illawarra Grammar School (TIGS) are staging shows that feature dogs working alongside their leading ladies and it seems to be the perfect partnership.
WHSPA’s production of Legally Blonde, stars Year 12 student Talia Sigsworth in the role of Elle whose beloved and spoiled pooch Bruiser accompanies her everywhere, while the TIGS production of The Wizard of Oz, features a cute-as-a button Toto alongside Dorothy, played by Year 9 student Darcy Fisher.
Chihuahua cross foxi Bruiser (named after Legally Blonde’s star dog) is something of a seasoned performer, having previously played the same role in a Sydney stage production of the show. Trained by his owner Carina Herbert, who is a WHSPA parent, he was the natural choice to revive the role for the WHSPA production.
“He knows his role and behaves, when he chooses to. He just loves Talia,” Mrs Herbert said. Leading lady Talia said she didn’t mind sharing the limelight with Bruiser. “I’m honoured to work with him. I’m an animal person and he is so funny,” Talia said. “I am happy to share the stage with Bruiser. I think there should be more focus on him.” Talia’s sentiments were echoed by Wizard of Oz leading lady Darcy, who has formed a strong bond with Comet, who plays the role of Toto. “It’s been wonderful sharing the limelight. Comet is a wonderful and fun dog,” Darcy said.
Unlike Bruiser, Comet has no acting experience and had to audition to win the role of Toto. His calm nature and love of humans earned him the part and he has become a firm favourite among the cast and crew.
Comet’s owner Melanie Silburn, a TIGS parent, said her family was looking forward to seeing him preform on stage with the students.
“I am delighted at how Comet has bonded with Darcy,” Mrs Silburn said. “He now runs to her and we are excited as a family for Comet to be part of this production.”
The Wizard of Oz is at TIGS, Thursday June 23 and Friday June 24 at 7.30pm, Saturday June 25 at 2pm and 7.30pm. Tickets at: tigs.nsw.edu.au/eventsandbookings-seniorschoolproduction.
Legally Blonde is at WHSPA, Thursday June 23, Friday June 24, Thursday June 30 and Friday July 1 at 7pm, and Saturday June 25 and Saturday July 2 at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets at: WHSPAC Box Office online. WHSPA is recognising the show’s pink theme by fundraising for Breast Cancer with the audience asked to wear pink at Thursday night’s opening show.
