MONROE — The “wags-to-riches” story of how homeless pets make it onto Broadway stage and Hollywood screen will soon be told at the Monroe Arts Center. Proceeds will benefit both the Green County Humane Society and Monroe Arts Center.

 Tony Award-winning animal trainer William Berloni will present “Broadway Tails: Bill Berloni with His Four-Legged Friends” at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, at the Monroe Arts Center. Tickets can be purchased at the Monroe Arts Center or Green County Humane Society. 

 Berloni, known as a riveting storyteller, will share his tale on how a shelter dog got her big break in “Annie” while also helping Berloni earn his own chance to act for the first time on a professional stage.

 Since then, Berloni and his team of handlers have sought out rescue animals and used humane training techniques they developed through persistence, patience and trial and error to provide dogs, cats and other animals big and small for everything from commercials and regional theater performances to movies — including “The Greatest Showman,” starring Hugh Jackman — and over 25 Broadway shows — including “The Audience” featuring Helen Mirren. 

 His Monroe visit will include some of his canine actors, including one performing that week in “Finding Neverland” at the Overture Center in Madison. 

 Besides being an animal trainer, he is also recognized as an expert in animal behavior and for his dedication to rescue work, and is currently serving as a behavior consultant for the Humane Society of New York. He’s also an actor and author. He and his family live on their Connecticut farm along with many current and retired animal actors.