Animal Rescue and Annie in Red Bank

One of pop culture’s most enduring relationship is the one between the Little Orphan Annie and her faithful companion, the friendly mutt Sandy. Though the story of their first meeting and how Annie came to adopt Sandy varies somewhat depending on the source material, one thing is certain, the bond they form becomes a lasting and rewarding one.

When Red Bank’s own Phoenix Productions decided to put on the musical "Annie" at the Count Basie Theatre this weekend, the troupe decided to highlight the importance of Annie and Sandy’s relationship by partnering with an animal rescue organization to help find some homes for other Sandys in need.

On Saturday, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Phoenix Productions, in conjunction with Wag on Inn Animal Rescue, a Monmouth-based rescue organization, will hold an adoption at the group’s rehearsal studio located right next door to the theater.

Wag on Inn is a group of volunteers seeking to find dogs and cats permanent homes. The animals available for adoption have been worked with individually. with other animals, and with people to aid in their socialization.

According to the event’s Facebook page, the Red Bank Veterinary Hospital will be on hand to give advice and answer questions. And, those who adopt an animal at the rescue event will receive a goody bag and a coupon for two tickets to the performance of "Annie".

Those who attend will also have the chance to meet the play’s Sandy, whose real name is Oliver, as well as his handler William Berloni. Berloni is training Sandy to be on Broadway when "Annie" reopens next year. He will be on hand to sign his book “Broadway Tails,” and share rescue success stories, including that of Oliver.

For more information about the event, check out the Facebook page. For more information about Annie, including show times, check out .