Bow Wow, Meow Meow . . . we animal lovers love our pets and anyone or anything that can help them. Best in Shows a BIG hit for The Humane Society of New York at 54 Below!
By Sandi Durell
Photos: Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Dorothy and Bill Berloni, once again, presented Broadway Legends to honor The Humane Society of New York in Best in Shows at 54 Below on October 22. Recent rescues, and special four footed guests Shane and Ivy, brought back from Hurricane Harvey’s devastation in Texas – two sweet dogs that will hopefully soon find new homes.
The evening was sizzling with talent, hosted and musically directed by the inimitable Seth Rudetsky (who has a rescue kitty and two rescue doggies) who delivered jokes aplenty. Many of the Broadway talents brought their beloved pets on stage while they entertained royally. Included was lovely Lilli Cooper with Dublin, Adam Kantor with new found BF Romeo singing to him “My Funny Valentine,” Duncan Sheik sang and played guitar, Jennifer Simard, who was talking to her kitty cat at home, transcribed the conversation into a song, Stephen Wallem, had a sad song about his adopted rescued angel who passed on, Emily Skinner, who sang ala Mae West as if she was in an animal shelter, Michael Mulheren, with a loving little new 4 month old female pup, Orfeh who knocked the roof off with “I’m Your Baby Tonight” and Brad Oscar, with Baz his four footed BF (short for Beshert ‘destiny’) and an uproarious ditty about playing Annie for the Montclair Players.
The special Sandy Award (3rd Annual) that honors those whom the Society recognizes for their deep concern and support of the needs of rescued animals, was given to James L. Nederlander, President of the Nederlander Organization by the one and only Andrea McArdle.
Seth offered up his usual clever humor throughout the evening, especially a story about Mae West when she was strolling, with her body guards through a Las Vegas casino and someone yelled out “Hey babe, I’ll lay you 10 to 3 . . . to which Ms. West responded” It’s an odd time, but I’ll be there!”
T’was a heartwarming evening that helped raise much needed dollars for one of the kindest animal rescue agencies in New York City started in 1904. www.humanesocietyny.org
Be sure to watch the video to see and hear the Broadway talent and take a peek at their pups!
Photos: Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Video/Edits: Sandi Durell