“We have a great combination of big colorful costumes, clever names, funny skits and dance routines,” Dominic explained. “We’re successful because our act is different than any other.
“The show is popular with children and adults alike,” he added. “We even have fans that log onto our web site and submit their own ideas for new characters.”
Very rarely does a player or umpire refuse to participate in a skit, Dominic said. In fact, MLB players like David Ortiz, Kevin Youkilis, Mike Lowell, Cal Ripken and Miguel Cabrera are among ZOOperstars!’ most willing participants. Ken Griffey Jr. was so amused by Ken Giraffey Jr. that he asked the character to visit his wife and children in the luxury box where they were sitting.
“They especially like the clam,” Dominic said. “When they see us in the clubhouse, they always seem to ask if Clammy is with us.”
The schedules of BirdZerk! and ZOOperstars! are busy this year. As usual, some teams have booked the acts multiple times. From Dayton, Ohio to New Britain, Ct. and Lake Elsinore, Calif. to Portland, Maine, Dominic and Brennan find themselves in airports and ballparks around the country. They are expanding the number of Major League and Minor League baseball teams for which they perform, as well as NBA and college basketball, NHL and minor league hockey and Arena Football League games. Future plans include performing at festivals and fairs, filming a TV show and producing a DVD.
“We have carved a niche in the sports entertainment industry, and we think we have just barely scratched the surface,” Dominic said. “Harry Canary and the rest of us are ready to take the next step.”
Article comments
1 - Matthew T. Sussman
Haray Canary absolutely stringed me last year in Rome, Georgia. I now have a name to go with the police report. Sweet!