Once on This Island - Live Animals — Page 2

JBroadway said: "I have it from reliable inside sources that usinga goat was a last minute decision after Mandy Patinkin pulled out."

Mandy Patinkin is the G.O.A.T.

Boston Friend said: "I guess this crowd thinks live animals in shows is a joke. What else is a joke? Elephants in the circus? Pit bull fights at the Guggenheim?"

Personally I would prefer dead animals in shows but they smell bad and don't move around the stage nearly as easily..

Call_me_jorge said: "Dude.... there is a vast difference between parading Elphabas around in a truck/letting pit bulls kill one another for money vs. having an animal in a broadway show. I’m not a part of the production, nor have I seen it, but I’m more than optimistic they are treating those goats with the utmost respect.

Like I truly don’t see the problem here."

THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE TYPOS EVER.

I don't think it's a joke at all, as animal welfare is extremely important to me. Having said that, and having seen the show this afternoon, I took note of one actor gently interacting with the chicken pre-show. He may have given her some feed or perhaps was just calming her -- though she didn't seem bothered by the crowd, noise and lights. Then the goat arrived on stage, prompting me to try to ask an usher about both animals' care. She was quickly busy with other theatergoers, but indicated that they're well treated, adding, "The goat has become quite a performer. "

Indeed. About two minutes after that brief exchange, an actress leading the goat around the sand-covered stage suddenly squealed when the newly rambunctious goat jumped on her. The audience burst out laughing at what appeared to be a cute display of an animal's affection rather than agitation. Moments later, he jumped on the table that held plastic jugs of water and I guess a few other things --- I think he was starting to eat something that was decidedly not food and the cast was trying, with good humor, to get him to stop. I can't swear that's what he was doing -- it was across the stage from my seat -- but it wouldn't be out of character for a goat. When I was around 5 years old, I had a little plastic coin purse. A rabbit, I think. My mom took me to a petting zoo, where a goat proceeded to get ahold of the coin purse and, yes, eat it. I worry almost obsessively about animals and would like answers to the questions asked here. But I found the goat's behavior fairly natural and was happy to see him (?) and the chicken treated affectionately by the cast. I hope they're as well cared for off stage.

GeorgeandDot said: "They should have cast Laura Benanti in her Caroline the cow costume from Gypsy.

"Ma-moo-mah-moo""

Can this please happen

Updated On: 11/26/17 at 12:03 AM

I'm concerned that if they "fire" the goats, they'll be used as food. From what I understand, two goats seem to alternate the part and they have a wrangler who takes them for walks around the city. They probably have pretty eventful and entertaining lives.

Updated On: 11/26/17 at 01:24 AM

UncleCharlie said: "phan24 said: "The goat jumped onto a surface and fell on its back today on stage, the animals need to go."

Did the understudy goat have to come out and finish the scene? Is that the first time he's gone on? Did he stagedoor afterwards?

Seriously, goats jump on things and fall off all the time. It's what goats do. Have you ever actually watched goats play in nature?"

Truly.... https://youtu.be/TtUz514rXKo

This is so dumb....making a big deal about nothing. Call PETA, those saints will address your ridiculous concern.

Boston Friend said: "But this isn’t nature"

And you're not really a friend from Boston so you can't trust anything anymore.

But don't worry, I talked to the goat last night. He says that kind of stuff happens all the time. Not to worry. He doesn't get hurt, just maybe a little embarrassed. And he said this gig is a lot better than his last one, a Haitian Voodoo ritual in Washington Heights. He had to bug out of that one early cause it was becoming a bit too immersive.