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PUTNAM — Griffin Paquet may not be some people’s first choice for the role of Sandy the dog in the classic musical Annie at the Bradley Playhouse, but director Nicole Panteleakos knows that he’s the perfect pooch for the job.
“I know that most people will be expecting a medium-sized, scruffy, light-colored dog, but I wanted to go in a different direction, and more than anything, I wanted our Sandy to be calm, well behaved, friendly, and memorable, and that’s Griff” said Panteleakos.
What makes Griffin unique? He just happens to be a 5-year old black Great Dane who weighs 210 pounds and stands at about 40 inches tall. Griffin also has the distinction of being a working dog, and acting is not his profession: therapy is.
Said owner Brittney Paquet, “I trained him to be a service dog… My sister was in the hospital and the one thing she missed so much was our dog. I figured that lots of people miss their pets when they’re away from home and sad or sick. I figured Griff would bring a smile to their faces. He loves kids, even babies.”
At 18 months old, Griffin was certified with the Delta Society, which is nationally recognized. The Delta Society’s mission is to help people live healthier and happier lives by incorporating therapy, service and companion animals into their lives. Griffin began his therapy work at hospitals and soon transitioned to schools. Every Friday Brittany brings Griffin to Eastconn’s Autism school in Columbia, where he has helped students with a variety of skills including learning to walk, behaving in public, conquering fears, and keeping their bodies calm.
On stage, Griffin is getting used to being in the spotlight, and is learning to answer to the name “Sandy” with encouragement from experienced young actress Sophia Foss, who plays Annie.
When he’s not working or at the Bradley, Griffin loves to eat peanut butter, swim in the ocean, and go for long walks on the beach.
Annie will be presented by the Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut at the Bradley Playhouse in Putnam. Performances are at 7 p.m. Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 4, 11 and 18. Tickets are $21 for adults and $18 for seniors and students and are available with a major credit card online at www.thebradleyplayhouse.org or at 928-7887. They may also be purchased at Wonderland Books, 120 Main Street and Victoria Station Café, 91 Main Street, both in Putnam. Tickets may also be available at the door, but reservations are advised.
Editor's Note: Griffin was later pulled from the show.