COMMON’S PUPPY LOVE
Actor/ rapper fell for military dogs working on film
LOS ANGELES— Oscar winner Common laughed when asked his history with dogs prior to acting in “Megan Leavey” ( opening Friday), which tells the true story of the title character and her relationship with her U. S. Marine combat service dog in the war in Iraq.
“I have to admit, I wasn’t a dog person that much before I got involved in this project. But I’ve always loved what people do at the animal shelters around the country— like the PAWS shelter in Chicago, which I know is a no- kill shelter,” said the Chicago native.
“However, after working on this film, I got to love dogs— particularly German Shepherds [ featured in the film] even more. More importantly, I came to respect them for what they do serving our country.”
That said, the rapper and actor admitted, “compared to my fellow actors, like Kate [ Mara, who plays the title role] and Ramon [ Rodriguez], I was not the best — to say the least!— when it came to training the dogs.”
In the movie, Common portrays Sgt. GunnyMartin, a composite character who oversees the Marines’ military police dog school at Camp Pendleton near San Diego. “Even though, in the film, I’m not seen doing any dog training, I felt it was important to learn how they do it. I needed to add that to my repertoire, to make it look like I understood what the troops under me had to accomplish,” added the actor.
In addition to all the canine preparation, Common explained that he spent a lot of time talking to realMarines “to better understand what that culture is all about. . . . I talked to a number of people, including a good friend of mine from Chicago who is a Marine. Plus we had consultants on the set. All of them made me understand that the process of becoming aMarine means you learn not to lose your individuality but to blend it into a unit — to become unified to best serve our country and your fellow soldiers.”
Both Common and co- star Rodriguez noted that they came to deeply respect the Marines and the dogs who are their combat partners, both of whom take great risks to help protect their fellow soldiers.
“You have to realize, those men and women and their dogs have some of the most dangerous jobs in the military,” said Rodriguez. “They go out far ahead of their platoons to search for the IED explosives. It is so dangerous, and the Marines obviously depend deeply on their dogs. The relationship between human and dog is essential.”
Stewart to host opening of Warrior Games in Chicago
Jon Stewart, the former host of “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central, has been tapped as the emcee for the opening ceremony and concert for the Department of DefenseWarrior Games, scheduled to begin at 7 p. m. July 1 at Soldier Field.
Already announced were Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson, who will headline the concert— kicking off the 2017Warrior Games, a Paralympic- style competition for wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans.
The games in Chicago will take place from June 30 to July 8. Approximately 265 individuals will represent teams from all branches of the U. S. armed forces. In addition, members of the United Kingdom and Australian defense forces will participate in eight sports, including archery, cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, track and wheelchair basketball.
Lookingglass executive director stepping down
After 12 years at the helm of Chicago’s Lookingglass Theatre, executive director RachelKraft will be stepping down at the end of the year, it was announcedMonday. A national search for her successor is slated to begin in July. Among the highlights of her tenure: a 2011 Regional Theatre Tony Award; a 2016 $ 1 million grant andMacArthur Award for Creative and Effecting Institutions; and the 2017 League of Chicago Theaters Artistic Achievement Award. In addition, 29 world premieres and nine original productions came to fruition during Kraft’s tenure.
Non- Equity Jeffswinners
Top honors atMonday’s 44th annual Non- Equity Jeff Awards went to the Broken Nose Theatre production of “At the Table” and Refuge Theatre Project’s musical “High Fidelity.” For more winners, see HedyWeiss’ report at