POTSDAM – “Annie” may be one of the world’s most famous and beloved orphans, but in the Community Performance Series (CPS) musical production, the spunky character will be joined by another set of orphaned cuties—two shelter dogs.

CPS is working with William Berloni Theatrical Animals to bring a professionally trained Broadway dog to the SUNY Potsdam stage for its July 27-31 staging of “Annie.”

All of the pets Berloni’s company teaches are adopted from animal shelters, including Oliver, the lovable mutt who will be playing Sandy in Community Performance Series’ upcoming performances of “Annie.”

Oliver was a puppy when he was discovered by trainer and guardian Bill Berloni in May 2007 at Paws to Love Adoption Group of New York City.

CPS is also joining forces with the Potsdam Humane Society in an effort to encourage audience members to adopt animals and contribute to their local animal shelter. CPS plans to feature a dog available for adoption by bringing it onstage to play the role of a stray mutt during the performance.

Potsdam Humane Society Director Ann Smith says she has her eye on a couple different pups that may be perfect for the part—and hopefully will find a home with an audience member as a result. The Potsdam Humane Society will also have a display in the lobby of Snell Music Theater and will be accepting donations to help support the animal shelter during performances.

CPS has also asked the St. Lawrence County Youth Advocate Program to set up an information table to tell people how they can change a child’s life by fostering needy and at-risk youth.

Tickets for “Annie” are available for purchase through the CPS Box Office, in Snell Hall on the SUNY Potsdam campus and at Northern Music & Video in downtown Potsdam, 267-2277 and www.cpspotsdam.org.

Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on July 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31, with a matinee showing at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 31. Escape the summer heat with an evening of musical theater in the air-conditioned Snell Theater.