Painting It Red: A Sheep on the Town

Let me tell you, ever since I arrived in Boston at the end of August to start preparing for my upcoming theatrical debut in Candide, I’ve been so busy. You’d think oh, being a sheep shouldn’t be so hard, right? Uh, wrong. There is so much to learn from our wonderful director Mary Zimmerman and all of the cast and crew. I wasn’t just typecast here; it’s a lot of work to truly embody such a unique and exotic character, and of course, I always want to give my best performance.

Fortunately, I’ve been able to squeeze a little bit of fun in alongside all my hard work. While the Huntington staff opened their doors for their 30^th anniversary Open House, I decided to spend my Columbus Day wandering around this great city of yours and taking in the sights and history. Anna Kohansky, the Company Manager here at the Huntington, made me take a few bodyguards along on my trip, seeing as my star status has sky rocketed ever since I landed this role. (You know how those paparazzo can get!) Luckily we had a camera and documented our Boston adventure. Check it out!

Ahhh I love escalators!

Just because I don’t wear clothes myself doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy a little window shopping every now and then. (I like to make sure that all that wool my cousins give you is going to good use.) The Shops at the Prudential Center kept me entertained for a while.

For the most part, it’s been pretty warm here in Boston, and today was no exception. I couldn’t help but stop and take a look at the beautiful Reflecting Pool at the Christian Science Center. It’s a great place for a quick drink and rest. (and I may have even frolicked in the fountain for a little bit…)

I learned the hard way that if you want to cross the street in Boston you have to do so quickly! I think they should install walk signals specifically for sheep and other four-legged friends. These little legs don’t always carry us so fast!

I had never seen such a vast array of books as I did in the Boston Public Library. What a treat! I did a little research before I continued on my way (with a little help from my bodyguards – us sheep don’t really read so good). Did you know that they have copies of Voltaire’s original novel Candide dating all the way back to 1929?

During our walk, we even spotted a Candide yellow taxi top! (My name is there, too; you just can’t see it)

Later, we followed the Freedom Trail (which is a lovely color, by the way) all the way to Faneuil Hall, where I stopped to listen to the grand sounds of Candide’s overture as it played through the ArtsBoston ticket booth.

(I was told to try the “clam chowder” while I was there, but like most sheep, I’m not really into seafood)

One of my favorite parts of Boston is the Commons and Gardens. It felt good to relax in the shade for a while – it got pretty hot out there! I thought that maybe I would find some other sheep to graze across the grass with, but the closest I got were some very friendly ducklings. I hope they didn’t mind that I trailed along with them!

(I suggested that they paint the gold dome of the statehouse a brighter yellow to match Candide, but unfortunately they turned me down.)

Riding the T was an experience. My hooves kept sliding around on the floor so I had to be held. But I was excited to see even more Candide posters in the T cars and stations!

Fenway Park is one of the most beloved ballparks in America. I had to stop and pay my respects to the late great Ted Williams. My fellow cast members are so lucky that they got to sing the national anthem at the game on September 14! They asked me to perform with them, but unfortunately, there was a matinee that day, and it always takes me a while to get into hair and makeup and everything, so I didn’t want to risk it. They still did a fantastic job, even without me. (Although my smooth harmonic “bah”s would have certainly added to the performance.)

From there, my lovely bodyguards and I returned back to the Boston University Theatre on the Avenue of the Arts. After all that walking, I was going to need to rest up before Tuesday night’s performance! But I’m glad I had the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful city while I’m still here. Special thanks to my fabulous escorts and photographers, Leanne Lewis and Leah Rotti.

There’s only one week left of Candide performances, and I’m definitely going to miss Boston and everyone at the Huntington.

And if you still haven’t seen my incredibly breathtaking, fantastic, sure-to-be-award-winning performance in Candide – well, what are you waiting for? We close this Sunday!

The Huntington Theatre Company's presentation of Candide plays now through October, 16, 2011 only at the B.U. Theatre. Get tickets and information or call our Box Office at 617 266-0800.