New York dogs audition for Broadway musical

Two-dozen dogs living in New York animal shelters got their shot at stardom Friday with an audition for parts in a new Broadway musical and the chance to live out their days on a farm.

One hound mix and one collie won parts in the upcoming ”Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” a stage musical of the popular movie to open on Broadway’s new Hilton Theater in April.

As part of their prize, the dogs will live on a Connecticut farm owned by the show’s handler when the production closes.

An 8-months-old white-and-caramel hound mix called “Fred,” and a 10-month-old, 70-pound collie with a long and pointy snout called “Argyle” won the audition -- and with it a dressing room, grooming, and secure retirement to Bill Berloni’s farm.

Berloni, in charge of canine casting, looked for temperament in the dogs and the ability to get along with the other members of the four-legged cast -- Bart, Harriet, Patches, Barney and Lady Guinevere -- chosen by him from different animal shelters.

Friday’s audition was open to all breeds and dogs, from mastiffs to terriers -- all from shelters. Among those was ”Winks” a one-eyed brown 18-month female German shepherd, ”Aida” a 6- to 7-year-old terrier mix which previously had a skin disease, and “Tasha” a cream-colored 18-month-old bull mastiff.

“If I felt the dogs weren’t having a good time here, then the show is not good for them,” Berloni said.

During auditions, Berloni played with the dogs, tried to roll them over on their backs and gave them cookies to see their reaction and temperament.

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The pack of dogs will perform their part by jumping on and knocking down one character eating candy.

Berloni, a theatrical trainer for 27 years, said he always works with animals from shelters. “Rescue dogs are quicker to train and grateful because they come from an unfortunate background,” he said. “I have 15 dogs that have been in movies and television and all are from shelters.”

Berloni discovered and trained the original “Sandy” in ”Annie,” the longest running animal part in Broadway’s history.

The third spot was not filled during Friday’s auditions. Berloni will visit shelters to fill his last canine part.

Previews of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” start March 27.