A stray dog found cold and wet on the streets of Kansas City just after Christmas is now taking the stage in Overland Park, cast as Bruiser Woods in a production of Legally Blonde. The dog, now named Rocky, was adopted by Austin Van Becelaere, a swing tech who builds sets and runs shows at New Theatre & Restaurant, after he determined the animal had no microchip and no obvious way home.
From a Cold Sidewalk to a 627-Seat Stage
Van Becelaere said theater management ultimately asked whether Rocky could play Bruiser after taking one look at him, and cast him without an audition, according to KCTV. Van Becelaere said management chose Rocky for the part after seeing him in person, and attempts to find the dog's original family were unsuccessful. Rocky now performs at New Theatre & Restaurant, a 627-seat operation in Overland Park, Kansas, according to Visit Overland Park. Visit Overland Park lists New Theatre & Restaurant as a 627-seat venue with modern stadium-table seating and ticket prices ranging from $47.50 to $78.25.
The production opened July 2 and is directed and choreographed by Jerry Jay Cranford, per Broadway World. Rocky shares the stage with Broadway performer and Kansas City native Hayley Podschun, who stars as Elle Woods, with the run continuing through September 6.
Why the Microchip Check Mattered
Before Rocky could be adopted or cast in anything, Van Becelaere had to confirm the dog was not already someone else's pet. He determined Rocky had no microchip, and attempts to find the dog's original family were unsuccessful. In Rocky's case, checking for a microchip and trying to find his original family were the steps taken before he was adopted.
After the search for Rocky's original family was unsuccessful, Van Becelaere adopted him.
The National Case for Chipping Pets
Rocky's case illustrates why a microchip can matter when a lost pet's owner is being sought.
Rocky is a rescue dog playing Bruiser Woods in this production. His story connects a shelter-pet rescue with a stage role.
For now, Rocky's run continues in Overland Park through September 6, a long way from the cold sidewalk where he was found just after Christmas.
