The adorable adoptable pets were out in Shubert Alley at 3 pm, to meet and greet their prospective forever families, the participating shelters and rescue groups were set up with adoption forms, donation jars, and cute collectibles, and the stars began to arrive, but the sky grew increasingly dark and, just as the on-stage event was beginning, the rain came, thunder struck, and, following the opening number at 5:00, the 26th annual Broadway Barks, hosted by Bernadette Peters and Sutton Foster and presented by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS to benefit animal rescue groups in the NYC area, was cancelled to ensure the safety and comfort of the dogs, cats, volunteers, and attendees.
Among the celebrity participants ready and waiting behind the scenes were Paulo Szot and Betsy Wolfe (& Juliet), Shoshana Bean (Hell’s Kitchen), Dorian Harewood and Maryann Plunkett (The Notebook), Victoria Clark (Kimberly Akimbo), Jenn Colella (Suffs), Jelani Remy (Back to the Future), Michael Urie (Once Upon a Mattress), and Sydney Lemmon and Peter Friedman (Job), who showed their love for the irresistible furry friends and support of this worthwhile cause.
If you didn’t have time to make your donation or to apply for one of the dogs or cats up for adoption before the rain came, you can contact the following participating organizations: 1 Love 4 Animals; Abandoned Angels Cocker Spaniels Rescue; Adopt A Boxer Rescue; Animal Care Centers of NYC; Anjellicle Cats Rescue; Best Friends Animal Society; Bidewee; Bobbi and the Strays; City Critters; Francis’s Friends; Hearts & Bones Rescue; Husky House; Linda’s Cat Assistance; Little Shelter; Long Island Bulldog Rescue; Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League; Muddy Paws Rescue; North Shore Animal League; Pet ResQ Inc.; Save Kitty Foundation; Second Chance Rescue; SPCA of Westchester; Urban Cat League; and Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue. Who could resist making one of these beautiful pets, endorsed by the animal-loving stars of Broadway, a part of your family?
