Weekend Wander: Broadway Barks 16

Every year for the past 16 years, some of Broadway's biggest stars have gathered in Shubert Alley to raise money and awareness for local animal shelters, and find fur-ever homes for deserving rescue cats and dogs. The event, Broadway Barks, co-created by Bernadette Peters and Mary Tyler Moore, is sponsored by the ASPCA, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, The New York Times, and Mayor's Alliance of New York. This year's line up featured major names from both inside and outside the theater community, including Zach Braff, Audra McDonald, James Franco, and Norm Lewis.

Image courtesy of Broadway Barks. 

I was so excited to learn that the star-studded Broadway Barks event was not only free of charge, but also open to two and four legged supporters of NYC shelters and pet adoption. Knowing that the Humane Society of New York (the shelter that rescued Holly) would be there, it was a no-brainer for us to attend. We donned our latest set of matching Ralph Lauren polos and set out to spend the day supporting a great cause!

Pretty in purple for the big day! Polos by Ralph Lauren.

Luckily the weather wasn't too hot on Saturday, since the event is entirely outdoors, and Shubert Alley (stretching between 44th and 45th in between Broadway and 8th ave) doesn't offer a lot of shade. The alley and street were lined with booths for local shelters with adoptable puppies and kitties on hand as well as merchandise and donation options for those not quite ready to adopt.

Shelters had tables where prospective pet parents could visit adoptable animals and make a donation. 

The area was packed with animal lovers and Broadway stars! 

Adoptable pups in orange vests greeted everyone and gave them a chance to meet & greet possible families!

Holly was excited to meet all of the pups and people who came out for the event, especially the stars of the Cosmopolitan Mag "Butts and Mutts" video (check out "Zoey" here)! She took time out of checking out new friends to pose for a few #selfies and give kisses to new friends.

Holly loved this charming pooch from The Husky House.

Snapping pics with our pal Lindsey!

The presentation of adoptable pups by Broadway stars began at 5, and even though the alley was packed, we didn't feel like we needed to camp out early for a good vantage spot for the presentation (plus, I didn't want to stress Holly out too much by standing in the middle of a big crowd for too long). We decided to take a break to stop by the world famous Junior's Cheesecake for a slice, since the outdoor area of their cafe space is pooch friendly.

Yum!

After our snack we were back to the festivities, and the crowd started to pile closer to the stage for the pup presentations. Since Mary Tyler Moore couldn't make it to this year's event, James Franco stood in as second host, and though Holly was a little curious about the applause and some of the pups on stage, she was mostly content to sleep in my arms and occasionally sneak a back scratch or kiss to one of her adoring fans (aka anyone standing within a three foot radius).

Bernadette Peters and surprise cohost James Franco. 

The cast of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical performs a number, pooch in hand!

Zach Braff and this pup definitely had a bromance--we spotted them smooching backstage!

I was very excited to see some of my favorite Broadway stars, though my picture taking was a bit hindered by the 20lbs of snoozing mutt I was holding! In addition to the big names I mentioned before, we were thrilled to see Bill Berloni (trainer to the Broadway stars, including those in Annie and Bullets over Broadway), Sarah Greene (who stars opposite Daniel Radcliffe in the FABULOUS Cripple Of Inishmaan, which I was lucky enough to score front row seats to the night before), and Marti, the pooch who plays Sandy in the upcoming film remake of Annie!

Audra McDonald introduces adoptable pets.

Sarah Greene, from Broadway's Cripple Of Inishmaan, was showing love to the Great Danes.

James Monroe Iglehart, the Genie in Broadway's Aladdin, was as funny as he is on stage!

We would definitely recommend the Broadway Barks event to any pooch and theater lover in New York, especially those looking for a new furry family member! You can check out the event's website and Facebook for details about next Summer's event, as well as more photos and info from this year.

Until Next Time, Darlings!