International NewsBernadette Peters and Elaine Paige Host 1st Live Version of West End Woofs (and Meows) November 18
The pet adoption event is being held at St. Paul's Church at Covent Garden.
By
Andrew Gans
November 18, 2023
Following a pandemic virtual edition of West End Woofs—the pet adoption event inspired by Bernadette Peters and the late Mary Tyler Moore's Broadway Barks—a live version of West End Woofs (and Meows) is held November 18 at St. Paul's Church in Covent Garden.
Tony winner Peters, currently making her West End debut in Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends, co-hosts the event with Olivier winner Elaine Paige. The duo previously shared the stage in the 2011 Tony-nominated revival of Follies.
West End Woofs (and Meows), which is free and open to the public, begins with a meet and greet with the adoptable pets at 10 AM. Beginning at 11:30 AM, the adoptees will make their stage debuts, alongside West End favorites. The event will also include a performance of "Old Friends" by the company of Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends.
Paige said in an earlier statement, “When Bernadette
and I first presented West End Woofs online, it was such a success! We
raised money and awareness for many shelters caring for animals in need
of adoption. Here’s hoping this year’s West End Woofs is even more
successful for our neediest four-legged friends!"
Peters added, “Nothing
thrills me more than to be doing West End Woofs ‘live’ for the first
time at St. Paul’s Actors Church with my dear friend Elaine Paige and my
cast members from Old Friends. Looking forward to finding many dogs
and kitties their forever homes.”
The event features adoptable pets from the
following participating shelters and rescue groups with all proceeds
benefiting the shelters: Helping Dogs and Cats UK, Pro Dogs Direct, Home Run Hounds, Saving Saints Rescue, Noah’s Ark Dog Rescue, German Shepherd Rescue South, and All Dogs Matter.
Over
the past 25 years, more than 2,100 dogs and cats have
grabbed the spotlight at theannual Broadway
Barks. Approximately 85% of these furry friends have found
forever homes.
Lupita Nyong'o, Katrina Lenk, Jelani Alladin, and more were on hand to celebrate the October 31 opening night of Michael R. Jackson and Anna K. Jacobs' new musical.