In honor of the 50th anniversary of Annie launching at the Goodspeed Opera House, the Palace is hosting a special UPstaged talk with Bill Berloni and dog adoption event.
William “Bill” Berloni launched his one-of-a-kind career by training Sandy for the original production of Annie that became the beloved Broadway smash and global phenomenon. While volunteering at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, CT, Bill was offered the opportunity to join the Actors' Equity Association. The offer was contingent upon Bill finding and training a dog for Annie. He agreed and adopted his first Sandy dog, and the rest is history. Hear all about his unique career story at this UPstaged presentation.
Bill has worked on thirty-four Broadway shows including Gypsy, Left on Tenth, The Ferryman, The Crucible, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, A Christmas Story the Musical, Lieutenant of Inishmore, Legally Blonde, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Alice in Wonderland, Oliver!, Anything Goes, and The Wizard of Oz. Additionally, his work includes hundreds of Off-Broadway shows, national tours, regional theatre, television, and film.
Bill has always been commited to rescuing animals and providing them with an amazing life of safety, comfort and purpose, as well as changing attitudes on animal welfare and adoption. Notably, Bill serves as the Director of Animal Behavior at the Humane Society of New York. Bill runs his company, William Berloni Theatrical Animals, Inc. with his wife and business partner, Dorothy, herself an expert producer and resolute animal advocate. Headquartered on their farm in Connecticut, they live with a menagerie of active and retired animal stars from their repertory company and more.
Before Bill's presentation, the Palace will be hosting a dog adoption event in the loading dock in partnership with Brass City Rescue Society from 10am – 1pm. Members of the public are invited to meet adoptable dogs, talk with the rescue team, and learn about fostering and volunteering. Every dog deserves a loving home — maybe yours is the one!
Visit Dog Adoption Event Webpage
This is an UPstaged! presentation part of The Spotlight Series.
