THREE DOGS SELECTED FOR FESTIVAL BALLET’S NUTCRACKER
The fetching Corgi, Golden Doodle, and Golden Retriever will be the first new canine cast members in nearly 20 years
December 14, 2018 (Providence, RI) — The search is over. Three very special dogs – Teddy, Phoebe, and Bronx – have been selected as the newest additions to the cast of Festival Ballet Providence’s The Nutcracker at PPAC.
These fluffy finalists were selected out of an original group of nearly 50 dogs that auditioned earlier this month. A second round of callbacks was held under the lights on the PPAC stage this past Tuesday, from which two dogs were selected by a panel of judges. A third “wild card” was voted in by “pup-ular” opinion on the Company’s Instagram page (festivalballetprovidence). More than 1,000 votes were cast in under seven hours.
The search was commissioned after the Company announced the beloved Nutcracker mascot “Archie” would retire from the stage this year. The three new cast mates will be the first new canine cast members since Archie first took the stage 19 years ago.
The three dogs will attend rehearsals next week and will ultimately alternate performances of The Nutcracker, Dec. 21-23, 2018. Interviews can be made with prior arrangements.
Teddy
27 lb. Male
Age: 4
Breed, Color: Corgi, White & Tan
Owners: Amanda & Mike Meehan
Hometown: North Providence
“When we found out our dog Teddy was selected to be in The Nutcracker we we’re honored and excited that he was selected among all of the great talent that he was up against. We could not wait to share the news with family and friends! Teddy knows he has some big shoes to fill but we are confident he can handle the spot light!” Amanda Meehan
Phoebe
22 lb. Female
Age: 6
Breed, Color: Petite Golden Doodle, Champagne
Owners: Jane Bromberg
Hometown: Providence
Our hearts are filled with joy over all this. I hope Phoebe will live up to Archie’s stellar legacy. Jane Bromberg
Bronx
75lb. Male
Age: 5
Breed, Color: Golden Retriever, Gold/Red
Owners: Christine & Dennis Rockwell
Hometown: Kingston
“We are thrilled to hear that #teambronx supporters came through to earn a coveted spot in the Nutcracker! Timing could not be more perfect as his 5th birthday is Dec 13. Since adoption, we have worked on training and finding his niche in a family of agility and fetch dogs. He didn’t seem motivated to participate in much until this year when we earned 3 AKC trick titles and won a few contests at local breweries! Couldn’t resist an opportunity to audition for the Nutcracker. We look forward to him gracing the stage with the ballerinas!”
-Christine Rockwell