News Detail
Shelter Dog will Join Community Cast for CPS' 'Annie'
07.15.10
“Annie” may be one of the world’s most famous and beloved orphans, but in the upcoming Community Performance Series (CPS) musical production, the spunky character will be joined by another set of orphaned cuties—two shelter dogs.
CPS is working with William Berloni Theatrical Animals to bring a professionally trained Broadway dog to the SUNY Potsdam stage for its July 27-31 staging of “Annie.” All of the pets Berloni’s company teaches are adopted from animal shelters—including Oliver, the lovable mutt who will be playing Sandy in Community Performance Series’ upcoming performances of “Annie.”
Oliver was discovered by trainer and guardian Bill Berloni in May 2007 at Paws to Love Adoption Group of New York City when he was a puppy. Following in a long line of Sandys, Oliver made his theatrical debut in “Annie” at La Petit Theatre in New Orleans in May 2008. In fall 2008, Oliver hit the road as the Sandy understudy in the national tour of “Annie.” Oliver will travel to the SUNY Potsdam campus to begin rehearsals with the “Annie” cast next week with his handler, Patrick Peavy.
Berloni got his start training animals in 1976 at the age of 19, when a director for a summer stock performance of “Annie” offered him acting help if he would train a dog to play Sandy. He adopted a dog from a nearby pound and got to work. A year later, Berloni was training the same Sandy to perform for the Broadway debut of “Annie.” The dog starred in the popular musical for seven years.
“Because I saved a little dog from an animal shelter, I was given the gift of a career. I thought it was only fitting to give back in whatever way I can,” Berloni said. “For me, it’s a no-brainer, having a theater reach out to charitable groups they don’t normally reach out to.”
CPS is also joining forces with the Potsdam Humane Society in an effort to encourage audience members to adopt animals and contribute to their local animal shelter. CPS plans to feature a dog available for adoption by bringing it onstage to play the role of a stray mutt during the performance. Potsdam Humane Society Director Ann Smith says she has her eye on a couple different pups that may be perfect for the part—and hopefully will find a home with an audience member as a result. The Potsdam Humane Society will also have a display in the lobby of Sara M. Snell Music Theater and will be accepting donations to help support the animal shelter during performances.
Additionally, CPS has asked the St. Lawrence County Youth Advocate Program to set up an informational table to tell people how they can change a child’s life by fostering needy and at-risk youth.
“CPS is proud to partner with Potsdam Humane Society to showcase these talented animals in our production of ‘Annie.’ We are also happy to spread the word about the St. Lawrence County Youth Advocate Program. Just as the community comes together to pull off our successful summer musicals, we need to come together to find homes for orphaned children and pets,” said Kathy Olsen, executive director of Community Performance Series.
Berloni and his handlers have provided animals of all species and sizes, found in shelters, humane societies or rescue leagues, for Broadway, off-Broadway, national tours, regional theatres, special events, the New York City Ballet, motion pictures, television and commercials. When their careers are over, the animals return to Bill’s Connecticut farm. The author of “Broadway Tails: Heartfelt Stories of Rescued Dogs Who Became Showbiz Stars,” Berloni is widely recognized as an expert in animal behavior and for his dedication to rescue work. He also established The Sandy Fund at the Humane Society of New York.
Tickets for “Annie” are available for purchase through the CPS Box Office, located in Snell Hall on the SUNY Potsdam campus and at Northern Music & Video in downtown Potsdam. You can also purchase tickets by calling the CPS Box Office at (315) 267-2277 or visiting www.cpspotsdam.org.
Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on July 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31, with an additional matinee showing at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 31. Escape the summer heat with an evening of musical theater in the air-conditioned Snell Theater!
“Annie” is sponsored in part by Salvatore and Lisa Cania, T. Urling and Mabel Walker, CPS Summer Endowment, Sergi’s Italian Restaurant, Potsdam, The Brambles Inn and Gardens and Great Northern Printing and Embroidery, with additional support from 1844 House and Willow Tree Florist and Landscaping. “Annie” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theater International.
###
The Community Performance Series is a college-community partnership presenting world-class performing artists and arts education opportunities in Northern New York. CPS has been in residence at SUNY Potsdam since 1989.
Founded in 1816, and located on the outskirts of the beautiful Adirondack Park, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America’s first 100 colleges. SUNY Potsdam currently enrolls approximately 4,350 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its handcrafted education, challenging liberal arts and sciences core, excellence in teacher training, and leadership in the performing and visual arts.