If actor Ron Gallegos were told that he has a dog of a role, he’d happily agree.

That’s because the New Mexico native plays Barkley, the cheerful, vibrant puppy in the “Sesame Street Live” production of “1-2-3 … Imagine,” which will mount three shows Dec. 16-17 at the Bangor Auditorium.

The production coming to Bangor, which includes nearly two dozen songs, teaches children to use their imagination, a dying skill in a world of TV, computers and video games.

The show centers on Samantha the mail carrier, who brings the residents of Sesame Street special postcards from pen pals. Sam shares her special secret for visiting distant places – using their imaginations. This method takes the furry creatures to Mexico and the African rain forest and a-sea aboard the Good Ship Rubber Duckie.

Gallegos is in his fourth year with “Sesame Street Live,” and is in his second season of playing Barkley. Previously, he portrayed Oscar the Grouch and Snuffy.

The show has an atmosphere he enjoys.

“It’s a full-scale Broadway production, but there’s a lot more interaction with the audience,” he said. “That’s what makes it all the more fun. The kids are so excited; it’s like a kids’ rock concert. The parents are just as excited, because they grew up watching the show.”

Playing a costumed character presents challenges for an actor. The first is physical.

“You have to be able to run around for 11/2 hours in these costumes,” explained Gallegos from a tour stop in Salem, Va.

Gallegos, who also plays other minor characters during the show, does get to cool off in front of a fan when he’s not in a certain scene or during the intermission.

Actors also must deal with restricted vision, being able to see only out the mouth of the character.

“You have to get used to that,” Gallegos said. “A lot of time is spent on blocking in rehearsal, so everyone knows where they need to go.”

He isn’t heard in the production, as the show features the original character voices from the TV series.

Gallegos, who has done both summer stock and professional theater, has been with “Sesame Street Live” since graduating with a bachelor of fine arts degree in musical theater in 1999. He’s on the road nine to 10 months a year, touring all over the United States and Canada. He likes the ride so far.

“It’s a great job,” he said. “I get to travel all over the country. I’m happy with what I’m doing now, and hopefully it will lead to bigger, better things.”

Show times are 7 p.m. Dec. 16 and 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 17. Tickets are available at the Bangor Auditorium box office and all Ticketmaster locations or by calling 990-4444 or 775-3331.