The Offending Gesture, a comedic drama that draws from the true story of Hitler and his dog, Blondi, will begin previews Jan. 6, 2016, prior to an official opening Jan 9. Performances are scheduled to run through Jan. 23.

"Wellman’s play is a humorous and poetic indictment of American foreign policy in Iraq, told through the true story of Hitler and his dog, Blondi," state production notes. "Wellman takes as his subject a political incident that occurred in 1941 just before Germany invaded the Soviet Union, when Tor Borg, a Finnish businessman infamously taught his own dog Jackie to do the Nazi Party Salute in response to the command, 'Heil Hitler.'"

Featured in the cast are Starr Busby, Julia Sirna Frest, Layla Khoshnoudi, Kristine Haruna Lee, Lacy Rose and Abby Rosebrock. The creative team includes scenic designers Christopher and Justin Swader and Emily Blumenauer as costume designer.

The Offending Gesture is part of The Tank's flagship program, Flint & Tinder, a series that presents new shows featuring physical or devised theatre, clowning and puppeteering.

For tickets, visit TheTanknyc.org or call (212) 563-6269. The Connelly Theater is located at 220 East 4th St., Manhattan.