October 20, 1999
Canine casting call
Auditions go to the dogs at Old Town Playhouse
By Garret Leiva
Herald editor
Michael Salvatore has some doggone serious chops on his resume. Print ads, television commercials, the theater - this venerable Traverse City actor has done it all. Despite being typecast, "Mikey" never walks away from a role; instead he snatches up any bone of opportunity thrown his way.
For Michael, acting is its own reward - though not nearly as satisfying as a rawhide.
Playing the role of "Sandy" in the upcoming Old Town Playhouse production of "Annie," this 8-year-old golden retriever met his fellow cast mates last Wednesday during rehearsal of the Broadway musical. Cast and crew were duly impressed both by Champion Nitelite's High Top Tennies, CD, CGS, TDI's pedigree and his comedic flair.
While casting for the role of Sandy was hardly a dog-eat-dog competition, finding the perfect pooch for Little Orphan Annie took time.
Working from a list of 12 capable canines, the physicality and personality of each dog was scrutinized through several phone interviews, noted associate producer Jean Friday. Dog owners were also asked about their pet's rapport with children, reaction to loud noises and any previous acting experience. Unlike the training background for their human counterparts, there was the all important question: Is the actor housebroken?
"We thought about holding auditions for the dogs, but we have new carpeting at Old Town so that idea went by the board," said show producer June Neal, who noted that 220 humans auditioned for the musical, including 170 children.
One look at Michael's resume, however, and you known that being housebroken is a given. After all, he has obtained American Kennel Club championship status (Ch.), an AKC obedience title (CD, or Companion Dog,) an AKC Canine Good Citizen title (CGC), and a Therapy Dog International title (TDI).
Then there is his acting ability.
Mikey has been in print ads, television commercials for General Electric Financial Corp, Bokhara Pet Centers and Invisible Fencing. He is also returning to the Old Town Playhouse five years after his debut as "Belle," the Keller family dog in "The Miracle Worker." All that is missing from his portfolio is a 8 x 10 glossy head shot.
"The big joke leading up until tonight (Wednesday) was that the dog had more performing credits than some of the kids," said "Annie" director, Nancy Sundstrum, who noted that Michael's stage time will amount to roughly five minutes, along with taking a bow-wow during curtain call.
Michael, who goes by "Mikey" or "Hot Rod," was bred by and is owned by Laura Salvatore, owner of Nitelite Goldens. No stranger to the stage, Salvatore said her retriever picks up cues from fellow actors on entrances and exits, is a master at improvisation and cares little about lack of lines.
"He does, though, aspire to do some serious drama. He's wondering if Hamlet had a dog," said Salvatore, who noted that Mikey will subscribe to 'method acting' when it comes to his role as "Sandy" the dog.
While some actors might cringe at the thought of sharing the stage with a canine co-star, Chelsee Oaks simply thinks her cast mate is "so cute."
Playing the lead role of "Annie," the 12-year-old Traverse City resident giggled at the idea of singing an unscheduled duet with a dog. "That would be funny," laughed the East Junior High School student, who has two dogs of her own at home.
Chances are Michael's owner would not find the moment as humorous, but Salvatore isn't worried about her dog misbehaving. Nor is she concerned about Mikey suffering from stage fright or being accused of chewing the scenery; figuratively or literally.
Instead, she believes his behavior will land him an invite to the opening night cast party.
"He was invited to the party for "The Miracle Worker" and someone had made him a little liver paté bowl-shaped treat with crackers. This year he'll bring the Milkbones and a (water) dish to pass," Salvatore noted.