A new interview with Lora Sauls, the Assistant Director for the Creative Development and Show Direction as well as Entertainment, Art and Design at Universal Orlando Resort, has explained some of the inner workings behind casting Max the Dog for Grinchmas.
Max The Dog at Grinchmas
In an interview by People Magazine, Lora Sauls revealed what goes on when a Max has to be cast. “Max has always been an integral part because he is an integral part of the story of the Grinch,” she says. “He is the Grinch’s diehard friend, and it does not matter; he will be there for the Grinch no matter what.”
Several quotes from Lora emphasize the importance of casting Max for an indoor show.
“we knew we could really work with our partners that train our Maxes, and we could make Max a part of the show.” “Every time he makes his appearance on stage with the Grinch, you hear an audible ‘oh’ from the crowd. It’s so amazing.”
It is after these quotes in the interview that she reveals Max has always been played by rescue dogs.
“Our partners who really do the training of all of our Maxes, they go out and find that perfect look. They go to many, many rescues. All of the dogs that play Max are rescues, but they go to rescues all over Central Florida and beyond, searching for that right look, and that right demeanor for our Max dogs. And so once they become Max in our show, they are cared for. They are loved by our trainers. They are loved by our cast.”
Further on, she also explains what happens after the dogs retire.
“Typically our trainers actually adopt them. And some of our cast members adopt our Maxes. I have a dear friend many, many years ago that adopted a Max. The dog’s name was Karma, when she got Karma, and Karma was just such a sweet dog. So we really look to find forever homes once our Maxes retire from being on stage.”
She then explains what the dogs’ training process looks like after being cast, namely spending several days with the cast of the Holiday Spectacular Show as well as the Grinch.
“That way they see their blocking, they know where they’re going to go. They know all the tricks we’re going to do. They learn how to give Grinch that high-five when he brings back Christmas. They know who to follow when they leave with the whole cast at the end of the show.”
Recently, Universal posted on their blog about celebrating 25 years of Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure. Check out our post covering the 2025 Grinch meet and greet at Suess Landing. A Grinch Squishmallow was recently found inside the park, while other Grinchmas merchandise is still available.
Are you planning to meet Max as long as Grinchmas is offered through January 4? Let us know in the comments or on social media.
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