Digby Does Opera in 2007

Ch. Country Aire’s Wingin’ Digby CGC, CDX (owned and loved by Ann Riley) performed with the Baltimore Opera Company this spring.  Digby and  I were part of a circus scene in Smetena’s “The Bartered Bride” which opened on 24 March 2007, Digby’s 9th birthday.  The entire Chorus of the Baltimore Opera sang “Happy Birthday” to him during intermission! There were four shows, ending on April 1.   Digby’s moment in the sun lasted about 30 seconds in each performance, but boy was it fun!  We ran out on stage amid jugglers and a unicycle, among others and Digby had to jump back and forth through hoola hoops held by dancers on either end of the stage.  Digby ended his run by barking at a particular place in the music (on a hand signal).  Although he only had one line, he nailed it in every performance!  I think this was the most fun thing I have ever done with any dog.

Digby has also acted with the Silver Spring Shakespeare Company, Lumina Studio, most recently in “As You Dig It” at the Round House Theatre in December 2006.  Digby’s canine house mates, two Sealyham Terriers, have also had small roles with Lumina Studio.  Torrie was featured in “A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream” about a year and a half ago, and Rosie debuted in the opening scene of “Richard III” in May 2007.   All three dogs will  appear in Lumina’s production of “Cymbeline” , by William Shakespeare, in December 2007! 

Digby, Airedale Extraordinaire, Ann Riley (who hereby enters the embarrassing mother hall of fame for appearing in blue sequined spandex in an opera with a trick dog) and Nancy the dancer.   Photo by Michael DeFilippi.

(Additional pictures of Digby’s theatrical escapades can be seen on Ann’s Web Site, www.annimals.org)

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