Once on This Island - Live Animals

[Boston Friend]

I saw Once on this Island last night. I loved the show but was really disappointed to see live animals used in the production.

[OlliesDad]

I agree. I don’t think it is necessary. The poor goat seemed scared. Hopefully they’ll stop soon. 

[bwayphreak234]

I agree. They were completely unnecessary.

[blaxx]

They already fired the mosquitos who bit the audience during Mama Will Provide. That part was scary.

[asoftplacetoland]

How are they used?

[UncleCharlie]

That goat spent 3 years at Juilliard and 5 years working regional theater and finally got his equity card. This is his big break. Leave him alone.

[GeorgeandDot]

Well, if they weren't in this show, they'd probably be on a plate. I'd rather see that goat onstage.

[jbird5]

Cleaning up after the show must be a fun job.

[trpguyy]

Are the animals mistreated somehow?

[Call_me_jorge]

blaxx said: "They already fired the mosquitos who bit the audience during Mama Will Provide. That part was scary. "

Wait what? Is this real?

[JBroadway]

Call_me_jorge said: "blaxx said: "They already fired the mosquitos who bit the audience during Mama Will Provide. That part was scary. "

Wait what? Is this real?"

 

No

 

[dramamama611]

No, they aren't poorly treated.  People are worried about their quality of life.   (That being said, I can't see how it's necessary, either.)

 

Yes, the trained mosquitoes is a thing.   (Oy.)

[trpguyy]

dramamama611 said: "No, they are poorly treated."

How so?

[blaxx]

trpguyy said: "dramamama611 said: "No, they are poorly treated."

How so?"

You really have to ask? Their names are not even credited in the program, how would YOU feel?

[SharksVsJets]

This thread for the win.

[trpguyy]

blaxx said: "trpguyy said: "dramamama611 said: "No, they are poorly treated."

How so?"

You really have to ask? Their names are not even credited in the program, how would YOU feel?"

I'd feel pretty baaaaaaaaad.

[dramamama611]

Sorry, trpguyy, I bad typo -- a meant they're NOT poorly treated.  (fixed above.)

[UncleCharlie]

I can assure you, if any of the animals on stage seem unhappy or scared, it's an acting choice they've discussed with the director.

[qolbinau]

They should get Arthur Laurents’ lamb puppet back out of storage. Or LuPone’s closet. Where is that poor lamb puppet now?

[blaxx]

UncleCharlie said: "I can assure you, if any of the animals on stage seem unhappy or scared, it's an acting choice they've discussed with the director."

I sure hope you're right. I'm reading the memoir 'My Life with Annie Bites' by Sandy and it is not pretty.

[GeorgeandDot]

They should have cast Laura Benanti in her Caroline the cow costume from Gypsy.

"Ma-moo-mah-moo"

[UncleCharlie]

blaxx said: "I sure hope you're right. I'm reading the memoir 'My Life with Annie Bites' by Sandy and it is not pretty."

Totally sour grapes over losing a long running pension dispute. For the definitive and unbiased story, read "Sandy: Biting The Hand That Fed Her, The Truth Behind the Scenes" by Grace Farrell.

[Notreallysilent 2]

I saw the show yesterday and had the same thought. I thought it was mandatory that they include something in the playbill about the animals. It definitely made the show feel more immersive, and it was surprising to see live animals, but for such a small part in the show idk how worth it it is. I’m curious does the goat and chickens stay in the theater?

[UncleCharlie]

Notreallysilent 2 said: "I saw the show yesterday and had the same thought. I thought it was mandatory that they include something in the playbill about the animals. It definitely made the show feel more immersive, and it was surprising to see live animals, but for such a small part in the show idk how worth it it is. I’m curious does the goat and chickens stay in the theater?"

I heard the goat is staying at the Marriott Marquis but the chickens prefer Hyatts so they're staying at the Grand Hyatt next to Grand Central.

[Notreallysilent 2]