Union County Animal Protection Society cat stars in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’

Holly and cat: Holly Golightly, played by Lainey Walthall in the South Arkansas Arts Center’s production of ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s,’ and Cat, a former Union County Animal Protection Society shelter feline, rehearse during a party scene in the play.
Holly and cat: Holly Golightly, played by Lainey Walthall in the South Arkansas Arts Center’s production of ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s,’ and Cat, a former Union County Animal Protection Society shelter feline, rehearse during a party scene in the play.

When you think about animal stars you’ve seen on TV or the movies, who comes to your mind first? Lassie? Air Bud? Babe?

Add to your list, Doc Hollywood, the new to the stage feline star of the South Arkansas Arts Center’s fall production playing now, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” Doc plays “Cat,” Holly Golightly’s adorable sidekick.

Doc’s new-found stardom is a true “rags to riches story” of the best kind – the kind that tugs at your heartstrings really hard. Doc found his first home at the emergency room of the Medical Center of South Arkansas. The staff repeatedly tried to keep Doc outside, but the double doors were not a successful barrier and he kept wandering inside, according to Susan Harper at the arts center.

Doc was put in a storage room until Tanja Jackson of UCAPS could pick him up, and he quickly acquired a miniature fan base. After an unsuccessful adoption posting on Facebook, Tanja named him Doc – Hollywood came in later once they realized he would be a superstar.

Jackson, UCAPS shelter manager said, “When SAAC realized they needed a cat for their fall show, UCAPS was the first call they made. UCAPS dogs have made appearances on the SAAC stage before, but never a cat. There was some hesitation because cats are typically less trainable than dogs, but Doc breaks that stereotype. He has been a perfect addition to the ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ cast.” Constantly stealing scenes, Doc merely appears on stage and an audible sigh escapes from the audience each time.

Having a cat in a show is no easy task, especially when he is a kitten. Although he appears calm on stage, backstage is Doc’s personal playground. Doc’s playful attitude is useful when he is required to run off stage on cue; he follows a laser pointer and it works every time. His tendency to roam the building created a need for a cat handler, a part graciously filled by Katie Carruth. The entire cast helps out by taking turns holding Doc, both for their enjoyment and his, Harper said.

Doc is currently being fostered during the run of the show and is lined up to be adopted after closing night. It’s been almost a month since his rescue and Doc has found a home and stardom.

Lainey Walthall, who plays Holly Golightly in the production, has had a warm and fuzzy relationship with Doc. Doc has taken his role of “Cat” very seriously, and has become part of the family of cast members. Walthall said she has enjoyed being with him onstage and off, spending much of the time with him in her arms. Walthall said, “I think Holly sees much of herself in Cat, claiming ‘he’s independent and so am I’.”

“SAAC has been extremely happy using the UCAPS animals on stage and also being instrumental in finding them homes after the show is over. All of the animals have been well mannered and easily trained for their parts, and of course, loved and snuggled constantly on set. They have all been adopted and are now living the good life with loving families,” Harper said.

For more information on “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” call the SAAC office at 870-862-5474 or visit the website at www.saac-arts.org. SAAC is located at 110 E. Fifth St. in El Dorado.

Upcoming Events