Join us for a special Butler Studio production of Carlisle Floyd’s Of Mice and Men on March 13 and 15 in the Cullen theater.

We set the stage in Depression-era California, where two ranch hands—George Milton, a small, wiry man, and Lennie Small, a man unaware of his natural strength—wish to have their own farm. In HGO’s production of Carlisle Floyd’s Of Mice and Men, Butler Studio members Demetrious Sampson, Jr. and Sam Dhobhany perform as these two protagonists, the biggest roles in their careers so far. They are joined by a cast made entirely of HGO’s Butler Studio artists—except two. This pair of important performers, Loki and Kaiyoti, have beaten out the competition during their auditions, and are making their HGO debuts. And guess what? They’re dogs!

While the two do not meet happy ends in the story, we can assure you, during rehearsals here at the Wortham, these adorable hounds are being pampered and treated with the utmost care. We are paw-sitively thrilled to be working with two of Houston’s cutest furry friends and are delighted to introduce them to you! 

Name: Loki

Opera role: Puppy

Age: 1 year

Breed: Yorkshire Terrier

Cool Tricks:  I can do a pirouette and jump through a hoop!

Favorite Treats: I LOVE fake bacon!

Fun Facts: I have two cat siblings who are 3 times my size, and I love to chase them all over the house!

Name of Dog Mom:  Alexa Lietzow, HGO’s Artistic and Music Coordinator 

Name: Kaiyoti (pronounced like Coyote)

Opera role: Candy’s Old Dog

Age: At least 8 years old (I was a stray) 

Breed: Supermutt (or Labrador mix) 

Cool Tricks: I can play guilty (cover my face with my paw), load laundry, open and close the fridge door, balance an item on my nose flip to catch it, and many more... 

Favorite Treats: Absolutely anything and everything my humans give me! 

Fun Facts: I’m an AKC Canine Good Citizen, advanced trick dog, and certified therapy dog. I have also been in many commercials.

Name of Dog Mom: Corinna Liu 

Name: Pepe Bastero 

Opera role: Old Dog (cover)

Age: 8.5 years old

Breed: Golden Retriever Mix 

Cool Tricks: All the usual commands (sit, down, stay, paw, touch, catch, etc.). I give the sweetest kisses on command! I am always a good boy. I retrieve all the balls my human and doggie sisters drop.

Favorite Treats: Cheese! Salmon! Everything!

Fun Facts: I love sea waves and trying (and failing) to catch all the birds. I am scared of thunder. I know three different languages, and I understand commands in all three!

Name of Dog Mom: Patricia Bastero