Photo Source: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Broadway stars, including Steve Kazee (“Once”), Angela Lansbury (“The Best Man”), Michael Cerveris (“Evita”), and Megan Hilty (“Smash”), presented animals from New York City shelters and adoption agencies to an audience filled with pet lovers and theater fans.
“This is a wonderful way to show people how wonderful these animals are, how lovable and adoptable they are,” actor Bebe Neuwirth said at the event. “Theater communities are always tight communities, and we always bond together to help when someone or something is in need.”
Andrea McArdle, who played Annie in the original Broadway production of “Annie,” supports Broadway Barks in the honor of her pal, Sandy.
“I was the one that trained him from a puppy,” she said. “After the show I wasn’t allowed back into the theater because he would know I was there and would walk right off the stage.”
More than 27 shelters participated in the event, including Bidawee, Abandoned Angels Cocker Spaniel Rescue, Urban Cat League, and Stray From The Heart.
“I had a dog for sixteen and a half years, who was a rescue named Gibson, from the ASPCA,” said Cerveris. “It was probably the single best decision I have ever made in my life. She was my constant companion.”
Fourteen years ago Peters started Broadway Barks after visiting a New York City shelter.
“I saw the amount of animals that were in there, pure breeds, and I just knew that they needed attention to be paid to this,” she said. “They needed some help. So I started this, and I knew my friend Mary would be interested in helping, too.”
Since the organization started in 2003, more than 220,000 cats and dogs have been adopted by families. To learn more about Broadway Barks, visit www.broadwaybarks.com.
