Banana Joe Goes From Westminster Dog Show to Broadway

Last night, during intermission of Broadway’s “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” they announced a major last minute replacement: Banana Joe, the first Affenpinscher to win Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show, would be in for the role of Macaco.

The audience, including myself, buzzed with excitement and confusion, was it a joke? Was it for real? Sure enough, halfway through the second act, Stephanie J. Block, who performs the title role, waltzed onstage holding Banana Joe in her arms. He was greeted with cheers and applause from the audience and several photographers were ready in the aisles to catch the brief but momentous event.

The surprise visit left theatergoers milling with excitement well after the curtain came down.