NORWELL — It was so quiet backstage that you could hear a kibble drop.
When the pleated red curtain rose above the stage of the Company Theatre in Norwell, a row of four-legged performers were perched on wooden stools in various poses, wagging their tails quickly to an enthusiastic applause.
The talented canines are performers in a comedy-filled acrobatic and stunt dog show called Mutts Gone Nuts. In their sixth show at the Norwell theater earlier this month, the dogs performed almost impossible flips, vaults, and breathtaking jumps.
Most of the dogs, from shelters and animal rescues, will perform in 40 shows across the country this year.
The Norwell theater was packed with mesmerized children, some munching on fresh popcorn and holding stuffed dogs that could be purchased in the lobby.
Scott and Joan Houghton of Glen Arm, Md., have been producing the show since 2005. They began performing together in1984 as a comedy juggling and unicycling act, even performing in Harvard Square and Faneuil Hall Marketplace in the 1980s.
“Having rescue dogs in the shows gives us a mission,” Scott said.
The dogs also have trainers who travel with the show and use positive reinforcement.
“We want our dogs to have fun. When they get too old to perform some of the stunts, we find something easy for them.” Joan said.
One of their rescue dogs, a greyhound called Feather, holds the Guinness World Record for jumping 75.5 inches high over a hurdle during a 2017 competition.
“Our show is so visual. What an impact you can have on people.” Joan said. Many of the high-flying acts are done by the border collies. “Some of the border collies are so smart. They know the routine so well they want to rush through it.” Joan added.
One of the show’s traveling dog trainers, Alexandra Cote from Quebec, has been with the show for just one year and says she is loving it. Cote gained fame in 2021 during her appearance on “America’s Got Talent” with her border collies Tesla and Louka. She received a standing ovation from all four judges.
The Mutts Gone Nuts will be in Manchester, N.H., on May 3 after another cross-country tour for several months, with the Houghtons traveling in their camper trailer with some of the dogs.
“We’re never away from the dogs,” Joan said. “A vacation for us is just going home after being on the road.”
As the curtain came down, and the crowd filed out, dim blue stage lights formed a halo around Feather, curled up on a shaggy bed backstage after another memorable performance.
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