By Amanda Boles
Led by Richard and Nicholas Olate, “The Olate Dogs Rescue Tour” is coming to Rudder Theater at Texas A&M University on February 6th at 2pm and 7pm. Best known as the winners of the competition show “Amerrica’s Got Talent,” this variety show of trickster dogs incorporates music, comedy, and awe-inducing stunts sure to entertain any audience.
It all started with a stray dog. Richard Olate grew up as a third generation circus performer and the second youngest of 22 children in Santiago, Chile. Every day was a struggle, but everything changed when he found a straggly dog on the street. Richard rescued the dog, adopted him as his own, and began teaching him tricks. As he grew older, Richard adopted more and more dogs to add to the troupe. Eventually, he began performing at local schools, circuses, and fairs. By the age of 12, Richard’s team of dogs became the main source of income for his entire family. After catching the eye of circus recruiters, “The Olate Dogs Rescue Tour” finally landed a major contract in the United States.
In America, the tour performed with entertainment acts including Ringling Bros. Barnham & Bailey, Big Apple Circus, as well as appearances on the Today Show and Live! With Regis and Kelly. Richard’s son Nicholas, who joined the act at the age of 15, urged his father to audition for America’s Got Talent. After initial reluctance, Richard and Nicholas took their troupe of trick-loving dogs and received a standing ovation. “The Olate Dogs Rescue Tour” went on to win the competition with the grand prize of $1,000,000 and a performing contract in Las Vegas.
Tickets are on sale at the MSC Box Office and online at www.MSCOPAS.org. Ticket sales vary at regular prices of $29 and $39, and child prices of $19 and $29. A VIP package is also offered at $79, which includes a post-show meet-and-greet, photo opportunity, and gift basket from sponsor Halo Purely For Pets Food.
