Fredonia family series offers nationally renowned canine cabaret act

“Dog gone funny” may be the best way to describe the next offering in the Kaleidoscope Family Series.

Rockefeller Arts Center will present two performances of “Mutts Gone Nuts!” as part of its popular family series. Show times are 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4 in Marvel Theatre.

This “comedy canine cabaret” features rescue dogs that steal the show and then steal your heart. “Mutts Gone Nuts!” performs throughout the country and has been featured on the syndicated television program The View. While the Kaleidoscope Series is geared for ages 6 and up, this is a show dog lovers of all ages will enjoy.

Tickets are also available online at www.fredonia.edu/tickets by phone at 716-673-3501 or in person at the Fredonia Ticket Office in the Williams Center.

“Mutts Gone Nuts!” is the creation of Scott and Joan Houghton. The Houghtons and their pack of nine pooches have created a “comedy dog thrill show” like no other. Expect the unexpected in this top-notch presentation that includes incredible high-flying frisbee dogs, tightwire dogs, dancing dogs, magic dogs and, of course, the one and only “Sammie the Talking Dog.”

“Mutts Gone Nuts!” promises to “unleash havoc and hilarity as the Houghtons attempt to match wits with their mischievous mutts in a family-friendly performance that is leaving audiences howling for more!’

Since 1985, the Houghtons have brought their unique blend of physical comedy and circus arts to audiences from Las Vegas to Tokyo. They spent three years with country star Lee Greenwood at his theater in Tennessee and seven years as the featured comedy act at Dolly Parton’s Theaters in Branson, Orlando and Myrtle Beach.

In 2005, the duo turned their attention to a creating a comedy dog act and “Mutts Gone Nuts!” was born. The Houghtons adopted all of their canine partners from animal shelters and rescues.

The Houghtons use only positive, reward-based training methods with their canines. This means they reward and reinforce the behaviors that they want with treats, toys and praise.

“We look for what our dogs like to do naturally, and cultivate those talents,” Mr. Houghton noted.

The Houghtons’ dogs travel in large, padded, climate-controlled kennels when on tour. At home, the dogs have two acres of fenced area to roam in. The dogs all live indoors and are never kept outside in kennels. The dogs are all USDA APHIS (Animal Welfare) registered.

Fredonia Animal Hospital is the event sponsor for “Mutts Gone Nuts!” The Kaleidoscope Family Series is sponsored by The OBSERVER as part of the 2016-17 Lake Shore Savings Season.