Photo Coverage: Bernadette Peters Debuts 'Kramer' at FAO Schwarz

Two-Time Tony Award winning actress Bernadette Peters 'bow wow wowed' the crowd Saturday, November 8th at FAO Schwarz as she debuted Kramer, the plush dog based on the character from her New York Times bestselling children's book, Broadway Barks. 

Ms. Peters read from her book, answered questions and did a book signing. This unique toy is exclusively manufactured for and sold by FAO Schwarz. All of Ms. Peter's royalties will be donated for the care of shelter animals. FAO Schwarz is located at 767 5th Avenue at 58th Street.

A long time advocate for pet adoption, Peters and fellow actress Mary Tyler Moore started the organization Broadway Barks! Each year they hold a star-studded dog and cat adopt-a-thon, benefiting New York City animal shelters and adoption agencies. The event is produced by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and sponsored by the ASPCA. The book, authored by Peters, with illustrations by Liz Murphy, is published by Blue Apple Books and is the star's first foray into the publishing world. She did it at the prompting of friends and agreed to not only write the book, loosely based on how she adopted her dog Kramer, but also penned an original song, again at the prompting of both friends and her publisher, which comes on a CD inside the book along with her charming reading of the story...sound effects and all! 

The publisher's notes for "Broadway Barks" read, "In a park in New York City lives a lonely little dog. He remembers when he used to get taken for walks, fed dinner every night, and told he was a good dog. Now, he's all alone and must fend for himself. But everything changes one day when he sees a lady reading in the park and decides to follow her-all the way to a place where he might become a star!"

Photos by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.

 

FAO Schwarz Welcomes 'Broadway Barks'

A Plush 'Kramer' waits for the crowd

The 'stage' is set for Bernadette

Broadway Barks is in stock

A cute little stuffed 'Kramer'

Broadway Barks is at FAO Schwarz

Bernadette Peters

Bernadette Peters

Bernadette Peters

Bernadette Peters

Bernadette Peters

Broadway Barks Artist Liz Murphy

Liz Murphy

Liz Murphy and Bernadette Peters

Liz Murphy and Bernadette Peters

Liz Murphy and Bernadette Peters

Bernadette Peters

Bernadette Peters with the real Kramer

Bernadette Peters with Kramer

Bernadette Peters and Kramer

Bernadette Peters

Bernadette Peters

Bernadette Peters

Bernadette Peters

Bernadette Peters and Kramer

Bernadette Peters and Kramer

Bernadette Peters

Bernadette Peters and Kramer

Bernadette Peters and Kramer

Bernadette Peters and Kramer

Bernadette Peters and Kramer

Bernadette Peters and Kramer

Bernadette Peters and Kramer

Bernadette Peters and Kramer

Bernadette Peters and Kramer

Bernadette Peters and Kramer

Bernadette Peters and Kramer

Bernadette Peters and Kramer

Bernadette Peters and Kramer

Bernadette Peters

Bernadette Peters

Bernadette Peters and her Goddaughter, Isabelle

Bernadette Peters and her Goddaughter, Isabelle

Bernadette Peters

Bernadette Peters

Bernadette Peters

Bernadette Peters

A bunch of 'Kramers'

'Kramer' and his favorite book, Broadway Barks!