Introducing Cassie the Westie's New Column

CASSIE'S CHOICE: BROADWAY BARKS

HI. My name is Cassie, and I'm the newest staff member at theatergossip.com. (Yes, we're expanding.)

I'm a Westie. I'm 6 years old (that's 42 in publicist years). And if my mommy had ever gotten around to giving me an official, registered AKC name, it would have been Gates's Cassie One Singular Sensation. And I live "Way Out West on West End Avenue." So I like to think I have Broadway credentials.

From time to time, I'll be sharing my opinions about shows, stars and special events. And there was never any question what my first selection would be.

Broadway Barks happens on Saturday!

So if you love theater and you love doggies and kitties, head to Shubert Alley between 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

The hosts are Bernadette Peters, the Broadway superstar who'll be doing "Follies" this fall, and Mary Tyler Moore, the television superstar who has done Broadway in the past (but doesn't like to talk about "Breakfast at Tiffany's"). They really love us animals. And a bunch of current Broadway stars will be there, including:

Victoria Clark, the Tony winner who's the mother superior in "Sister Act," and Patina Miller, who plays the Whoopi Goldberg character in the same show.

Edie Falco, who was so fabulous in "The House of Blue Leaves."

John McMartin, the ultimate dapper, Sondheimesque Broadway leading man, currently in "Anything Goes."

Andrew Rannells and Nikki M. James, two stars of the hottest musical of the season, "The Book of Mormon."

Yul Vazquez, who played the cousin in "The Motherwoofer With the Hat."

But the real purpose of Broadway Barks is for humans to come and meet some adorable, adoptable dogs and cats who need what animal-loving humans call "forever homes." 'Cause even though they are cynical, sophisticated theatergoers, dog-people and cat-people are disgustingly sentimental when it comes to their pets. It's really kind of sad.


Broadway Barks, Saturday, July 10, 2011, 3:30-6:30 p.m., Shubert Alley, next to the Shubert Theater, between 44th and 45th Streets, between Broadway and Eighth Avenues. Free.