‘Broadway Barks’ (and Meows!) in Shubert Alley

A dazzling roster of Broadway stars turned out for the 20th anniversary of Broadway Barks in Shubert Alley to find new loving homes for adoptable dogs and cats from more than two dozen shelters in the New York City area.

The cast of The Boys in the Band.
The cast of The Boys in the Band. Photo by Deb Miller.

Following an informal two-hour meet-and-greet with the rescued animals and representatives from the organizations that save them at tables that lined both sides of the alley and in vans parked along West 45th Street, celebrities from the biggest hits of the theater took to the open-air stage to introduce the available pets, giving information about their heartbreaking backgrounds and irresistible personalities, and putting their star-power to work for the good of the adorable pooches and kitties.

Ariana DeBose.
Ariana DeBose. Photo by Deb Miller.

Bernadette Peters (who co-founded the event with Mary Tyler Moore) and Victor Garber hosted the proceedings, which included a lively opening performance, beginning at 5:00, of “Put on Your Sunday Clothes” by the cast of Hello, Dolly!

Victor Garber and Bernadette Peters.
Victor Garber and Bernadette Peters. Photo by Deb Miller.

Then a steady stream of homeless animals (accompanied by their famous presenters, whose hearts were clearly melted by their lovable charges) made their Broadway debuts in front of the huge cheering crowd that packed the outdoor space.

Erich Bergen.
Erich Bergen. Photo by Deb Miller.

Among the participants were cast members from The Band’s Visit, Mean Girls, Come from Away, The Boys in the Band, Summer, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and a host of other top Broadway shows.

The cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
The cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Photo by Deb Miller.

Along with Broadway Barks’ 90-minute live parade of stars and pets, its 2018 Mary Tyler Moore Award – presented to an individual or group that has changed the lives of homeless animals and encourages others to do the same – was given to BARC (Brooklyn Animal Resource Coalition Shelter), one of Broadway Barks’ eight founding shelters. Located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and founded in 1987, the privately-run 501(c)(3) non-profit no-kill shelter was recognized for its long-time understanding and promotion of the healing qualities of companion animals, as well as its mission of providing a safe haven for abandoned animals and finding permanent loving homes for them.

Bebe Neuwirth and Katrina Lenk.
Bebe Neuwirth and Katrina Lenk. Photo by Deb Miller.

If you missed this year’s big event, but would like to contribute to the support of this worthy cause, it’s not too late! You can follow Broadway Barks on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to get updates about the 2019 festivities, and you can make a donation online to help our furry friends in need.

Jenn Colella.
Jenn Colella. Photo by Deb Miller.

Broadway Barks was held on Saturday, July 14, 2018, 3:00-6:30 pm, at Shubert Alley – located between 44th and 45th Streets, between Broadway and Eighth Avenues, NYC.

Design by Hillary Knight.
Design by Hillary Knight.
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Deb Miller
Deb Miller (PhD, Art History) is the Senior Correspondent and Editor for New York City, where she grew up seeing every show on Broadway. She is an active member of the Outer Critics Circle and served for more than a decade as a Voter, Nominator, and Judge for the Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Theatre. Outside of her home base in NYC, she has written and lectured extensively on the arts and theater throughout the world (including her many years in Amsterdam, London, and Venice, and her extensive work and personal connections with Andy Warhol and his circle) and previously served as a lead writer for Stage Magazine, Phindie, and Central Voice.

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