Goodspeed Musicals to Present 'An Evening with Bill Berloni' Starting 10/16

Goodspeed Musicals, the only two-time Tony Award winning theatre in the country, will host “An Evening with Bill Berloni.” On Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 7:00 p.m., Bill will share his more than thirty years of experiences as a nationally renowned theatrical animal trainer and author of Broadway Tails, Berloni will speak about his career, introduce some of his canine stars and sign copies of his new book. The event will take place at The Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station, 55 Bridge Street, Haddam, CT and the proceeds will benefit Goodspeed Musicals education programs.

Berloni began his career at the Goodspeed Opera House. An apprentice during the original production of Annie, Bill was the person who found and trained Sandy. Bill had never trained a dog before and didn't know a thing about training a performing dog. But in true show-business fashion, he didn't hesitate to try. Bill found the perfect dog, Sandy, at the Connecticut Humane Society in Newington, Connecticut, and the rest is history. Thirty years later, Bill is considered one of the country's leading theatrical animal trainers. Bill's dogs have appeared on Broadway in Annie, Camelot, The Wizard of Oz, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Legally Blonde to name just a few as well as film, television and commercial work...and all of the animals were rescued animals.

The cost is $50 per person which will include the presentation, a copy of his book (an autograph session will take place after the presentation with an opportunity to meet some of his canine stars), dessert and coffee. Advanced Reservations Needed. For reservations, please contact Sue Cipriani at 860.873.8664, ext. 365, or by sue.cipriani@goodspeed.org, as seating will be limited.

sicals produces three musicals each season at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, Conn., and additional productions at The Norma Terris Theatre in Chester, Conn., which was opened in 1984 for the development of new musicals.  The only regional theatre to receive two Tony Awards (for outstanding achievement), Goodspeed also maintains The Scherer Library of Musical Theatre and The Max Showalter Center for Education in the Musical Theater.  Goodspeed gratefully acknowledges the support of American Airlines, official airline of Goodspeed Musicals, and support from the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism.