Nuair a stadann an ceol, stadann an rinnce.

When the music stops, so does the dance.

 

 

 

Two Irish Wolfhounds land roles at the Met

 

 

By SHEILA CALLAHAN

Wednesday, September 26th 2007, 4:00 AM

 

Siblings Gracie and Murphy appear in 'Lucia di Lammermoor.'

A pair of the world's tallest breed of dogs, a not-yet-fully-grown, brother-and-sister Irish wolfhound duo named Gracie and Murphy, has been sniffing around the fountain at Lincoln Center lately.

Weighing 160 and 170 pounds and standing more than 3 feet tall, they appear outsize in many settings but perfect in front of the Metropolitan Opera House, currently draped with a "Lucia di Lammermoor" banner depicting a moonlit lake and forest, the ideal hunting ground for the breed.

The 2 1/2-year-old Flemington, N.J., pooches, owned by Chris and Robin Coen, are the first on stage in the Metropolitan Opera's new production and season-opener. "Lucia's" director, Tony Award-winner Mary Zimmerman, loves dogs and wanted to include them in the opening hunting scene.

During one rehearsal, Zimmerman's own dog, Beary, always quiet on these occasions, brayed when he saw Gracie and Murphy take the stage.

"My dog raced all the way across one row of seats, down the aisle and stood right in front of the orchestra pit on his toes, going, 'Wooo, wooo, wooo,'" said Zimmerman. "He only barks at horses. I think it was their size that got to him."

Irish wolfhounds were originally bred as war dogs, used to drag men out of chariots or off horseback. But hunting parties in Ireland also used them, singly or in pairs, to hunt wolves and elk. The breed is known for its sweet, friendly disposition.

In addition to performing in opera, Murphy and Gracie juggle modeling careers and serious hobbies like agility and lure-chasing competitions.

Gracie, the dominant sibling, wrangled a Ralph Lauren print ad last spring and the past two years, has earned first place in the American Kennel Club's national Irish wolfhound lure-chasing competition.

Unlike her brother, who doesn't realize he's big enough to reach it, she sleeps in her owners' king-size bed, while Murphy slumbers on the floor.

 

Source:  The New York Daily News