‘Broadway Tails’ event features animal trainer

WEST CORNWALL — The Little Guild of St. Francis, an animal rescue and adoption organization in northwest Connecticut, has announced “Broadway Tails,” an afternoon benefit for the Little Guild that will take place at the Sharon Playhouse Bok Gallery on May 5 at 5 p.m.

Theatrical animal trainer Bill Berloni and his Broadway rescue dogs will demonstrate their talents, and Berloni will share stories of the dogs’ rise from shelters to showbiz, according to a news release from the Guild.

John Guenther, president of the Little Guild, said, “Bill is widely regarded as the world’s greatest trainer of rescue dogs and other animals for Broadway, television and movie productions. Having a chance to watch Bill and his Broadway rescue dogs show us how they work together is a rare treat.”

Featured animals will include Sandy from “Annie”; Toto from “The Wiz”; Bruiser from “Legally Blonde”; Winn Dixie, star of the new musical “Because of Winn Dixie,” and a mystery guest making his theatrical debut.

Berloni has trained animals for the recent movie, “The Greatest Showman”; various television series including “Sesame Street,” “Mr. Robot” and “Billions”; Broadway productions of “Annie,” “The Wiz,” “The Crucible,” “Legally Blonde the Musical,” “Camelot,” “Bullets Over Broadway,” “Frankenstein,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Oliver,” “Anything Goes,” “Dinner at Eight” and the forthcoming off-Broadway production of “God’s Fool,” Martha Clarke’s new performance piece based on the life of St. Francis.

Refreshments will be served at 5 p.m., with the performance at 5:30 p.m., followed by a reception and book-signing of Berloni’s new book, “Broadway Tails.” Those who purchase a book can pet and have their pictures taken with the dog star of their choice.

“Good Dog” front row seats are available for $250 and “Sit” open seating tickets are $100.