Behind the Scenes Fall 2013

Broadway Flea Market

& Grand Auction $4.3 MILLION SUPPORT

The Actors Fund

Easter Bonnet Competition

BROADWAY BARES $ 5 . 8 M i l l i o n Awa r d e d

National Grants you & safer sex

A community conversation FIRE ISLAND DANCE FESTIVAL CHita:

A

Legendary

C e l e b r at i o n b r o a d way c a r e s . o r g

who’s who [ ] AT BROADWAY CARES

[ ] Executive Director from the

Behind the Scenes is published by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS 165 West 46th Street, Suite 1300 New York, NY 10036 212.840.0770 info@broadwaycares.org broadwaycares.org

Dear Friends: This past year has been one of the busiest at Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS. I’ve been reminded time and again how fortunate we are and how everything we do – down to the smallest tasks – relies upon the generosity of so many.

Tom Viola, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Michael Graziano, PRODUCING DIRECTOR Larry Cook, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION Danny Whitman, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

AND DEVELOPMENT

BC/EFA OFFICERS Paul Libin, PRESIDENT Ira Mont, FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Thomas Schumacher, SECOND VICE PRESIDENT Nina Lannan, THIRD VICE PRESIDENT Sherry Cohen, FOURTH VICE PRESIDENT Philip Birsh, TREASURER Judith Rice, SECRETARY BC/EFA BOARD OF TRUSTEES Cornelius Baker John Barnes Scott Barnes Joseph Benincasa Chris Boneau Bob Boyett Barry Brown Kate Burton Robert Callely Kathleen Chalfant Alan Cumming Gavin Darraugh Michael David B. Merle Debuskey Maria Di Dia Paul DiDonato Sam Ellis Richard Frankel Roy Harris Richard Hester Craig Jacobs Richard Jay-Alexander Cherry Jones Nathan Lane Jay Laudato

Margo Lion Nancy Mahon Michael McElroy Mary McColl Kevin McCollum Terrence McNally Jerry Mitchell Bernadette Peters Chita Rivera Jordan Roth Nick Scandalios Peter Schneider Robert Score Marian Seldes Jeffrey Seller Philip J. Smith Charlotte St. Martin David Stone Stuart Thompson Tim Tompkins Tom Viola (ex-officio) Robert E. Wankel Beth Williams Nick Wyman

Behind the Scenes Tom Viola, Danny Whitman, Lane Beauchamp, EDITORS Contributors Peter Borzotta, Mo Brady, Sarah Cardillo, Frank Conway, Chris Kenney, Ryan Walls Photographers Dario Acosta, Jenny Anderson, Jay Brady, Ed Garrison, Kevin Thomas Garcia, Ryan Mueller, Matthew Murphy, Rosalie O’Connor, Daniel Roberts, Jesse Rusak/Studio 66, Steve J. Sherman, Monica Simoes, Tess Steinkolk, Tomas Vrzala, Timothy White, Peter James Zielinski

Broadway Cares simply wouldn’t be able to touch the lives of hundreds of thousands across the country without the tireless and talented volunteers in the theatre community and the dedication year after year from our donors and supporters who continue to open their hearts and renew their commitment to our efforts. Equally important are the individuals working day after day at AIDS and family service organizations nationwide to make a difference in the lives of those most vulnerable among us.

In this issue of Behind the Scenes, you’ll catch a glimpse at some of those efforts and extraordinary individuals. Each story and photo represents hundreds, if not thousands, more.

I invite you to relive the excitement of many of this year’s events, including the bawdy sexiness of Broadway Bares, the festivity that Broadway fans look forward to each year at the Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction, the glamour and creative genius of Chita: A Legendary Celebration, the raw and passionate messages of David Drake’s 20th anniversary performance of The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me and the newest addition to our events calendar, the elegant Hudson Valley Dance Festival.

Among those stories and photos, I hope you’ll also take time to read about BC/EFA’s stalwart support of The Actors Fund and the hundreds of AIDS and family service organizations around the country who have come to rely upon our efforts.

You’ll see in the pages ahead that Broadway Cares awarded more than $10.5 million in grants in 2013. That represents more than $5.8 million in support for health clinics, food service and meal delivery programs, emergency assistance programs and much more nationwide, and $4.3 million in assistance to the HIV/AIDS Initiative, the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative, the Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic and more at The Actors Fund.

Together, we raised resources that have been shared with social service organizations large and small reaching hundreds of thousands facing a variety of health crises and personal challenges. Each of these efforts serves as a reminder of just how fortunate we are to be surrounded by so many genuinely compassionate and talented individuals.

Thank you for continuing to stand side by side with BC/EFA, one donor, one event and one dollar in the bucket at a time. It is the passion, creativity and commitment of each of you that ensures that we will, together, continue to make a difference.

Sincerely, Tom Viola Executive Director

broadwaycares.org 2 [behind the] scenes

BC/EFA 2013 Grant-Making “Where Does All That Money Go???”

Support for THE ACTORS FUND HIV/AIDS INITIATIVE

$ 2,100,000

PHYLLIS NEWMAN WOMEN’S HEALTH INITIATIVE

$

652,500

AL HIRSCHFELD FREE HEALTH CLINIC

$

600,000

ACTORS FUND WORK PROGRAM

$

400,000

THE DANCERS’ RESOURCE

$

200,000

Stage ManagerS’ Project

$

80,000

EMERGENCY GRANT – Hurricane Sandy Relief

$

200,000

Miscellaneous

Annual Gala, Memorial Donations, Benefit Support, etc.

$

67,500

THE ACTORS FUND

$ 4,300,000

NATIONAL GRANTS

FOOD SERVICE and MEAL DELIVERY PROGRAMS

121 Organizations in 34 States

$ 1,505,500

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED

AIDS SERVICE and ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS

39 Agencies

$

LOCAL AIDS SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

307 Organizations in 48 States, Washington DC and Puerto Rico

Direct Services and Case Management, Supportive Housing Programs,

Emergency Financial Assistance, Harm Reduction Programs,

Quality of Life Services THEATRE COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

and SPECIAL GRANTS (Shared fundraising efforts)

772,500

$ 1,986,500

$ 1,321,746

HURRICANE SANDY GRANTS

American Red Cross, AmeriCares, Community FoodBank of New Jersey

and other grants and benefit support

$

240,000

PHYSICIAN VOLUNTEERS FOR THE ARTS Broadway Flu Shot Initiative

$

55,000

NATIONAL GRANTS

$ 5,881,246

INTERNATIONAL GRANTS South Africa / THE LION KING

22 AIDS Service Organizations TheatreMAD, London THE ACTORS’ FUND of CANADA

INTERNATIONAL GRANTS SUBTOTAL SUBTOTAL SUBTOTAL

the ACTORS FUND NATIONAL Grants INTERNATIONAL Grants

2013 BC/EFA GRANT-MAKING TOTAL broadwaycares.org

$

263,570

$ $

26,890 47,000

$ 337,460 $ 4,300,000 $ 5,881,246 $ 337,460

$ 10,518,706

[Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids]

MISSION STATEMENT Approved by the BC/EFA Board of Trustees – May 27, 2010

• To mobilize the unique abilities within the entertainment industry to mitigate the suffering of individuals affected by HIV/AIDS; • To ensure direct support specifically through social services and programs of the Actors Fund to all individuals in the entertainment industry affected by critical health issues, including but not limited to HIV/AIDS;

[table of ]

CONTENTS 3 Where Does All That Money Go? 5 Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction 8 The Actors Fund 11 Easter Bonnet Competition 14 NYC AIDS Memorial Park 16 National Grants 20 Broadway Bares 23 22 Safer Sex: A Community Conversation 23 The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me 24 Broadway Barks 25 Chita: A Legendary Celebration 26 Fire Island Dance Festival 28 Beyond the Footlights 30 Classical Action 31 Online Store 32 The Angels Circle 34 Leadership Council 35 Why I Give

• To support organizations across the country which provide treatment or services for people specifically affected by HIV/AIDS and their families; • To promote and encourage public support for national and international programs and services which benefit people with HIV/AIDS; • To increase public awareness and understanding of HIV/AIDS through the creation and dissemination of educational materials; • To support efforts by the entertainment industry to address other critical health issues or respond to an emergency, in each case as approved by the Board of Trustees; • To support efforts by the entertainment industry in other charitable or educational endeavors, in each case as approved by the Board of Trustees.

broadwaycares.org

A HISTORY OF BC/EFA’s grant-making

National &

The Actors Fund Int’l Grants 1987–1992 Equity Fights AIDS $ 2,775,250 $ 1,067,000 1988–May 1992 Broadway Cares

BC/EFA Contributions 5/92–12/92 $ 634,000 $ 771,780 1993 $ 1,654,000 $ 1,184,119 1994 $ 1,758,000 $ 676,404 $ 1,791,000 $ 707,916 1995 1996 $ 2,010,000 $ 1,400,549 1997 $ 2,247,500 $ 1,342,200 1998 $ 2,471,000 $ 1,711,819 1999 $ 2,700,000 $ 3,039,841 2000 $ 2,955,336 $ 3,033,566 $ 2,829,500 $ 3,238,765 2001 2002 $ 2,732,000 $ 2,689,679 2003 $ 3,022,500 $ 3,115,969 2004 $ 3,360,500 $ 4,437,338 2005 $ 3,516,500 $ 4,469,798 $ 3,517,500 $ 4,518,364 2006 2007 $ 3,671,500 $ 5,152,546 2008 $ 4,302,000 $ 5,737,298 2009 $ 3,400,000 $ 4,492,489 2010 $ 4,160,000 $ 5,824,988 2011 $ 4,014,500 $ 5,305,700 $ 4,625,000 $ 6,218,796 2012 $ 4,300,000 $ 6,218,706 2013*

Total $ 2,775,250 $ 1,067,000 $ 1,405,780 $ 2,838,119 $ 2,434,404 $ 2,498,916 $ 3,410,549 $ 3,589,700 $ 4,182,819 $ 5,739,841 $ 5,988,902 $ 6,068,265 $ 5,421,676 $ 6,138,469 $ 7,797,838 $ 7,986,298 $ 8,035,864 $ 8,824,046 $ 10,039,298 $ 7,892,489 $ 9,984,988 $ 9,320,200 $ 10,856,755 $ 10,518,706

* unaudited

Total Support 1988–2012 4 [behind the] scenes

BC/EFA Grant-Making Total 1988–2013

$ 68,447586

$ 76,355,627

$144,803,213

Broadway flea market & grand auction

Fans Open Hearts and Wallets for Broadway’s Biggest Day

E

ven the threat of rain didn’t stop the biggest day of the year for Broadway fans from turning into a bright and sunny day for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS as the 27th Annual Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction returned on September 22.

Thousands of theatre lovers from near and far filled Shubert Alley and West 44th Street to scour 56 tables overflowing with unique Broadway treasures. They met more than 60 of Broadway’s brightest stars at the Autograph Table & Photo Booth and bid on 212 Grand Auction lots in live and silent auctions.

By the end of the day, they had made this year’s Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction one of the most successful ever, raising an outstanding $631,222. The 27 editions of the day-long extravaganza have raised a grand total of more than $10.3 million.

This year, the 56 tables of the Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction represented many of Broadway and Off-Broadway’s top shows, producing organizations, unions, guilds and fan

clubs, selling all variety of theatrical treasure, Playbills old and new, handmade items and all around high-end and low-brow “fabulous stuff.”

The Grand Auction included both live and silent auctions.

The top-selling lot of the live auction was an opportunity to join the cast of this year’s Tony Award-winning Best Musical Kinky Boots in a walk-on that sold for an impressive $8,250.

Unique offerings from two of Broadway’s biggest, longrunning hits – The Phantom of the Opera and Wicked – helped push this year’s final auction total even higher. The Phantom mask worn by star Hugh Panaro in the show’s landmark 25th anniversary Broadway performance in January 2013 fetched $7,500. Tickets to the 10th anniversary performance of Wicked, including passes to an exclusive star-studded after-party, raised $7,000.

Opening night tickets and VIP party passes to Hedwig and the Angry Inch, opening in April and starring Neil Patrick Harris, went for $6,500, while opening night tickets and party passes to the new musical If/Then, starring Idina Menzel, LaChanze and Anthony Rapp, raised $6,000. In all, 17 opening night packages including tickets and party passes raised $57,000. [behind the] scenes 5

Tickets to see Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Patrick Stewart in their much-anticipated repertory productions of No Man’s Land and Waiting for Godot, including an exclusive backstage meet-and-greet with both celebrated actors, raised $2,200. A once-in-a-lifetime onstage experience in the hit Motown The Musical sold for $3,000. And a private lunch with stage-and-screen legend Angela Lansbury raised $5,500.

This year’s live auction was hosted by Broadway and TV veteran Bryan Batt with BC/EFA’s beloved auctioneer Lorna Kelly and Broadway actress and auctioneer Tasha Lawrence.

Earlier in the day, a series of half-hour silent auctions, hosted by favorites Jen Cody and Michael Goddard, featured 143 items and raised $84,831. The top silent auction item, which sold for $9,000, was Elphaba›s broom from Wicked, used onstage and signed by Idina Menzel, the original Elphaba.

An autographed script for the pilot episode of NBC’s Smash garnered $3,800.

As in years past, musical phrases handwritten and signed

by Broadway composers and lyricists were among the mostpopular lots. The “I Dreamed a Dream” phrase from Les 6 [behind the] scenes

Misérables by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alan Boublil raised $3,000, followed by “Defying Gravity” from Wicked and “Magic to Do” from Pippin, hand sketched by Stephen Schwartz, which sold for $1,500 and $1,400. A unique musical phrase from Motown The Musical, “Money, That’s What I Want,” by Berry Gordy sold for $1,200.

The always popular Autograph Table and Photo Booth raised $21,855 from hundreds of fans who waited patiently to meet their favorite Broadway and television stars.

More than 60 actors donated their time to sign autographs and take photos, including Eric Anderson, Annaleigh Ashford, Bryan Batt, Laura Benanti, Susan Blackwell, Heidi Blickenstaff, Len Cariou, Bryan Tyrell Clark, Katie Rose Clarke, Lauren Cohn, Corey Cott, Robert Cuccioli, Mary Bridget Davies, Gabriel Ebert, Aaron C. Finley, Felicia Finley, Santino Fontana, Sophia Gennusa, Ann Harada, Harriet Harris, Shuler Hensley, Amber Iman, Cherry Jones, Rachel Bay Jones, Jeremy Jordan, Carol Kane, Celia KeenanBolger, Derek Klena, Valisia LeKae, Oona Laurence, Aaron Lazar, Zachary Levi, Judith Light, Kara Lindsay, Jose Llana, Lesli Margherita, Andrea Martin, Jan Maxwell, Judy McLane,

TABLES

Top 10

Wicked ....................................................$19,244

Kinky Boots ...........................................$12,326

United Scenic Artists Local 829............$18,206

Creative Goods Merchandise ................. $9,739

The Phantom of the Opera...................$15,887

Reel Time Video Production ................... $9,508

Newsies ..................................................$13,353

ATPAM...................................................... $9,056

TDF ..........................................................$13,099

Matilda The Musical ............................... $8,102

Lindsay Mendez, Debra Monk, Julia Murney, Bebe Neuwirth, Jim Newman, Rory O’Malley, Laura Osnes, Patrick Page, Jill Paice, Bernadette Peters, Billy Porter, Faith Prince, Kate Rockwell, Krysta Rodriguez, Bailey Ryon, Stark Sands, Milly Shapiro, Christopher Sieber, Brian J. Smith, Matthew James Thomas, Patrick Wilson, Bebe Wood and Amra-Faye Wright.

The biggest day of the year for Broadway fans attracts theatre lovers from across the country. Veteran attendee Mike

Steele said that even after coming to the event for 10 years, he’s still surprised by his discoveries. “I’m always on the lookout for stuff from my favorite shows and somehow I always manage to find something I haven’t found before, even from shows that closed like a decade ago,” Steele said.

“It’s so much fun for Broadway fans to all come together on one day,” said Kim Coute, from Lawrenceville, NJ, who was making her sixth trip to the Broadway Flea Market. “I met two of

my best friends here and we come every year together. It’s a little tradition that we have.”

The 27th Annual Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction was sponsored by United Airlines and The New York Times. n

PHOTOS & VIDEOS

broadwaycares.org/fleamarket2013

Lights, Cameras, Action for Fan Videographers

A

select group of fans descended on this year’s Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction with a special mission: capture the day on video from their own unique perspectives. Selected from online video submissions, seven official fan videographers with friends in tow helped Broadway Cares capture the excitement of the day.

Jason Eric Testa was on the hunt for autographed Playbills and he added nearly a dozen to his collection of more than 200.

Theresa Dueño, self-described as “Fiyero’s biggest fan girl,” found signed photographs of her favorite Ozians, Aaron Tveit and Norbert Leo Butz. Alessia Salimbene traveled from Florida with her dad just for the event. Her prize find was a hooded sweatshirt worn by Billy Porter while rehearsing his Tony Award-winning role in Kinky Boots. Noted Broadway bloggers Patty Devery and Emily Faye Oakley, on the hunt for obscure Broadway memorabilia, took home a six-foot-tall, front-ofhouse sign from Scandalous.

Our fan videographers also won big at the Grand Auction.

Nomi Sas was thrilled to win Glinda’s bedspread used in the Broadway production of Wicked. Stephen Toupes from Louisiana had a front row seat at the live auction, where he won a walk-on role in Motown The Musical.

Many thanks to our fan videographers for sharing their excitement with us. Watch for their videos as we build up to next year’s event. n [behind the] scenes 7

The actors fund 6 Things You Didn’t Know about The Actors Fund

T

he Actors Fund is a familiar name to virtually everyone in the entertainment industry, but much of its work happens quietly behind the scenes, making a profound difference in the lives of thousands by providing programs and services for those in need, crisis or transition. In the past year alone, the men and women of The Actors Fund have helped more than 12,800 in the performing arts and entertainment community, stabilizing the lives of nearly 5,000 people with an expansive variety of direct social services.

so much of themselves in the entertainment community and find themselves facing the challenges of a life in show business.

In 2013, Broadway Cares awarded $4.3 million to essential programs of The Actors Fund, including the HIV/AIDS Initiative, the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative, the Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic, the Actors Fund Work Program, The Dancers’ Resource and the Stage Managers’ Project. BC/EFA is the single largest funder of The Actors Fund programs.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has been there for more than 25 years to help those who are helping others. Since 1987, BC/EFA has awarded more than $68 million to The Actors Fund to maintain a safety net of social services for all who give

Here are six things you may not have known about the programs and services helping colleagues who are in need, crisis or transition.

HIV/AIDS Initiative

Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative

Did you know...

Did you know...

HIV/AIDS Initiative works with #1 The numerous clients who don’t live in

New York, Los Angeles or Chicago,

the three cities where The Actors Fund has offices. When face-to-face meetings aren’t possible, case workers connect with clients across the country by telephone and email. They help connect thousands to local resources in a multitude of communities and coordinate those services in the context of a longer-term supportive plan.

The HIV/AIDS Initiative works with men and women in the entertainment industry to create confidential, holistic plans and support systems that will meet each person’s emotional, medical and financial needs. The HIV/AIDS Initiative facilitates support not just for those living with HIV/AIDS, but for their care partners and partners who are HIV-negative as well.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS remains The Actors Fund’s strongest partner in caring for people facing the immediate and long-term challenges of living with HIV/AIDS. Broadway Cares funding represents more than 80 percent of the HIV/AIDS Initiative’s budget.

In 2013, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS provided $2.1 million to support the HIV/AIDS Initiative. n

“

Phyllis Newman earned her Tony Award for her electrifying portrayal of Martha Vail in Subways are for Sleeping – costumed only in a bath towel. But perhaps her most lasting impression comes not from the stage, but from her humanitarian work.

#2

After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 1983, Newman helped found the Women’s Health Initiative that bears her name.

“At that time, you didn’t hear a lot of inspirational stories, and you didn’t know many survivors because everyone was so quiet about it,” Newman said. This is no longer the case. Today, my female colleagues in entertainment have a safe place to go to address serious medical concerns and get confidential and compassionate help.”

The initiative is staffed by social workers experienced in helping women manage a wide range of physical and psychological challenges. Whether negotiating the steps that follow a serious medical diagnosis or securing available community and financial resources, their goal is to help women receive the care and support they need to reduce stress and focus on wellness.

Since 1996, with a first grant of $10,000, BC/EFA has provided more than $7 million to support the Phyllis Newman Women’s Heath Initiative, including a grant of $652,500 in 2013. n

So with new appreciation for what you do and what you have made possible, I thank you with all my heart. I am most grateful for the spirit in which help is given, that the circumstances I found so overwhelming were indeed manageable.

8 [behind the] scenes

”

Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic Did you know...

#3

Doctors at the Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic volunteer their time to see patients free of charge.

Dr. James Spears, the clinic’s medical director, oversees a team of general practitioners and specialists who provide a wide range of primary care and preventative services. These “Broadway docs,” in conjunction with Spears, offered 3,233 free visits last year to help keep the Broadway community healthy.

The Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic was established in 2003 with a $500,000 grant from Broadway Cares to address the immediate needs of those in the entertainment industry who are uninsured or underinsured. Located at The Dorothy Ross Friedman Residences in New York, the Hirschfeld Clinic provides urgent, primary and specialty care and patient education. The resources available through the clinic include ongoing management of medical problems, urgent sick visits, flu vaccinations, prostate and breast examinations, tuberculosis and diabetes screening, blood pressure and cholesterol testing, vision screening and more. All lab work is free of charge. And in collaboration with Project Renewal Scan Van, the clinic also provides free mammogram services each month.

In 2013, Broadway Cares provided $600,000 to support the Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic. n

Actors Fund Work Program Did you know...

#4

More than 3,200 entertainment professionals turned to The Actors Fund Work Program last year for help in finding employment in between performing gigs.

The program provides one-on-one counseling, free classes and workshops to help people in the arts find meaningful non-industry work as they pursue their show business careers as well as those who are exploring a new career entirely.

Performing arts and entertainment professionals have skills and experience that are valued in other industries, such as communication, discipline, creativity, flexibility and professionalism. Actors Fund Work Program career counselors help identify those transferable skills, and offer classes, networking opportunities and resume writing help.

In 2013, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS provided $400,000 to support the Actors Fund Work Program. n

[behind the] scenes 9

The Actors Fund contin u e d f r om p r e vio u s pag e

The Dancers’ Resource

Stage Managers’ Project

Did you know...

Did you know...

#5

Tony and Emmy-winning actress, singer and dancer Bebe Neuwirth created The Dancers’ Resource to provide a support system for other dancers.

In 2006, Neuwirth had hip replacement surgery after several years of physical therapy, arthroscopic surgery and excruciating pain. Added to that was the emotional stress of not being able to dance and not wanting people to know about her condition.

“After the replacement surgery, I recognized how extremely lucky I was to have a great doctor, good health insurance and great support from the few people with whom I shared my secret,” Neuwirth said. “I wanted to start The Dancers’ Resource to create a support system. ... And my hope is that this program will help us all keep dancing, stay healthy and enjoy our beautiful gift as long as we can.”

Launched in 2007 with a grant from Broadway Cares, The Dancers’ Resource provides support, education and information through one-on-one counseling in New York City and telephone and email support to those across the country. Through a dedicated social worker, the program also offers group sessions for dancers dealing with injuries or other health concerns.

Through these groups, dancers can safely and confidentially address the emotional issues and other complexities that are specific to dancers facing physical problems. The program also addresses mental health issues, eating disorders, substance abuse and depression.

In 2013, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS provided $200,000 to support The Dancers’ Resource. n

#6

The Stage Managers’ National Health Directory offers a web-based directory

providing Broadway and national touring companies with a list of doctors and health professionals in New York City and 28 others cities across the country. The directory was assembled by The Actors Fund as a single reliable directory of primary care doctors and specialists who can be called when cast members, crew and staff need medical care. The practitioners included were recommended by theatres, stage managers, actors and others in the entertainment industry.

In 2013, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS provided $80,000 to support the Stage Managers’ Project. n

“

I just wanted to say how grateful I am for the kindness shown me this afternoon. After feeling isolated for so long finding a place with such a wonderful blend of expertise, support and counsel was like being thrown a life preserver. BC/EFA and The Actors Fund make miracles happen.

LEARN MORE

actorsfund.org

”

PVA Volunteer Doc Keeps Casts and Crews Flu-Free

I

n an annual performance that always draws rave reviews, Dr. Barry Kohn spent the fall at Broadway and Off-Broadway theatres providing casts and crews with free flu shots.

As medical director of Physician Volunteers for the Arts, Kohn made “house calls” to theatres, theatrical unions, management companies and Actors’ Equity offices in New York and Los Angeles. The free flu shot program, now in its 16th year, provided more than 5,000 seasonal flu vaccinations to the theatre community. The cost of the flu vaccine is primarily funded by a generous $55,000 grant from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS with supplemental funding from BWAY (Better Wellness and You). The program is sponsored by Actors’ Equity.

“Every winter several strains of respiratory flu circulate around the world,” Kohn said. “These highly contagious viral respiratory illnesses can spread rapidly through casts and crews and office staffs causing many lost workdays. People who get the flu shot are protected from getting the flu, ensuring the curtain can go up eight times a week.” n

10 [behind the] scenes

27th Annual Easter bonnet competition

Broadway’s Best Celebrate Six Weeks of Fundraising

T

he staggering grand total raised during the 27th Annual Easter Bonnet Competition was rivaled only by the voluminous array of talent that graced the stage for two unforgettable performances April 22 and 23. The shows featured a slew of Tony, Oscar, Emmy and Grammy winners and nominees – and more than 200 of the best actors, singers and dancers in New York.

Four-time Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein, two-time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks and Grammy Award winner Cyndi Lauper were on hand to announce the final record-setting tally of $4,250,542, which was the result of six weeks of intensive fundraising for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS by 47 Broadway, Off-Broadway and national touring companies.

The Easter Bonnet Competition culminated in two shows packed with comedic skits, original songs, spectacular dances and 19 intricate, custom-made bonnets.

The company of Kinky Boots took top honors for best presentation.

Dressed head-to-toe in brightly colored, hooded unitards, they delivered a light-hearted, interpretive dance set to Lauper’s classic hit “True Colors,” complete with a gravely voiceover from Fierstein and a surprise appearance by Lauper. The orphans of Annie and paperboys of Newsies took runner-up honors after teaming up for a dance-and-rap rumble to resolve who could lay claim to being the ultimate Broadway show about New York.

For the first time in Easter Bonnet history, two bonnets tied for the special design award: Disney’s The Lion King and SpiderMan: Turn Off the Dark. The Lion King bonnet, designed by Ilya and Walter, featured an intricately sculpted, smoke-breathing lion’s head. Spider-Man’s winning bonnet was an elaborate, bedazzled circus tent that lit up to reveal a complex spider’s web with flashing spiders created by Sonya Wysocki with Shannon McDowell, Mikey Piscitelli, Danny Mura, Kyle Stewart, Kyle O’Connor and Christel Murdock.

The show began with a comedic admission that this year’s event was being staged several weeks after Easter. But that didn’t matter because the Easter Bonnet Competition is a holiday all its own on Broadway. Three-time Tony nominee Marin Mazzie led a talented ensemble of singers and dancers celebrating the “holiday,” with surprise appearances by Ann Harada and Seth Rudetsky. The number was directed and choreographed by Al Blackstone, with music direction and arrangements by Ben Cohn and lyrics by Rudetsky.

The Easter Bonnet performances featured moving songs, dynamic choreography and amusing parodies.

A special dance tribute honored the hard-working, longtraveling national touring productions that help fundraise in cities across the country. An original song written and performed by Wicked’s F. Michael Haynie provided the soundtrack for a stirring piece by the company of Wicked, [behind the] scenes 11

choreographed by cast member James Brown III, in honor of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting last fall. Mamma Mia! cast member Blyke Whyte wrote and performed with an onstage band his original piece dedicated to children and families.

The cast of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, led by stepsister Ann Harada, lampooned the stream of onstage marriage proposals that have become commonplace during curtain calls. Veteran Christine Pedi and cast mates from Chicago delved into all the things that happen inside an actor’s brain in that split second when they can’t remember their next line. Once production assistants Eric Love and Ryan McCurdy shared their backstage version of their show’s choreography for the Act I closer, “Gold.” The cast of Avenue Q made several appearances throughout the show in a series 12 [behind the] scenes

of hilarious – but essential and genuine – safe sex “Puppet Service Announcements.” And the company of the most recent limited-run revival of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof amusingly speculated on a musical return for the show as “CATS! on a Hot Tin Roof.” Special bonnets also were presented by Broadway’s Ann, the hit holiday musical A Christmas Story and BC/EFA affiliate Broadway Green Alliance.

Tony nominee Jessie Mueller closed the show with a stirring rendition of the Easter Bonnet anthem, “Help is on the Way,” written by David Friedman.

Hosts for the shows included Victoria Clark, Robert Cuccioli, Katie Finneran, Shalita Grant, Harriet Harris, Andy Karl, Ron Kunene, Tshidi Manye, Christopher McDonald, Judy McLane, Mark Nelson, Billy Porter and Peter Scolari.

Since the Easter Bonnet Competition began in 1987, the event has raised more than $53 million for Broadway Cares. Last year’s event raised $3,706,085.

This year’s Easter Bonnet judges, introduced by Nathan Lane and Andrea Martin, included costume designer Gregg Barnes, choreographer Josh Bergasse, Grammy Award nominee Deborah Cox, Jujamcyn Theaters’ executive vice president Paul Libin and actors Cady Huffman, Constantine Maroulis, Holland Taylor and Michael Urie. Also joining the judging panel were Hollis Stern and Peg Wendlandt, who won their spots at the 26th Annual Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction.

The Easter Bonnet Competition was directed by Kristin Newhouse and made possible by an army of volunteers including an outstanding stage management team led

by Valerie Lau-Kee Lai. The Easter Bonnet Competition is generously sponsored by The New York Times and United Airlines. n

PHOTOS & VIDEO

broadwaycares.org/easterbonnet2013

fundraising Awards Bonnet Presentation Winner.................................... Kinky Boots Bonnet Design Winners..................................... The Lion King & Spider Man: Turn Off the Dark

Top Fundraiser

Lucky Guy ...........................................................$301,549

Broadway First Runner-up Wicked......................................... $244,431 Second Runner-up The Book of Mormon................... $232,260 Third Runner-up The Phantom of the Opera.......... $172,435

National Touring Shows Top Fundraiser

First Runner-up Second Runner-up Third Runner-up

The Book of Mormon – Latter Day Company ..................................................... $278,054 Wicked – Munchkinland.............. $273,637 Wicked – Emerald City................ $241,030 The Book of Mormon – Jumamosi Company ..................................................... $188,621

Top Fundraiser First Runner-up

Avenue Q........................................$33,426 My Name is Asher Lev....................$33,149

Off-Broadway

47 Companies Raised $4,250,542 [behind the] scenes 13

NYC Aids memorial

NYC AIDS Memorial Park to Grow from Epicenter of Crisis

A

t the epicenter of the early days of the AIDS epidemic and 30 years after its terrible onset, a new memorial will rise in New York City to honor all affected by AIDS – not just those lost or currently living with the disease, but also the heroic efforts of an untold number of caregivers, activists, families and friends who changed the trajectory of the crisis.

Backed by a $150,000 grant from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, the AIDS Memorial Park will be New York City’s first major monument to remember the history of the crisis.

“The AIDS Memorial represents the best of the work we have done for years and continue to do to this day,” BC/EFA Executive Director Tom Viola said. “It represents the organizations we’ve supported and collaborated with, the hundreds of thousands who died and the many, many more who loved, cared for and stood with them through what were and still are extraordinary circumstances. It’s important that Broadway Cares not only participate, but that, as an organization, we be represented in the park’s structure.”

14 [behind the] scenes

The memorial is the dream of two urban planners, Christopher Tepper and Paul Kelterborn, both in their early 30s. After seeing a disconnect between their generation and older friends who lived through the early days of the AIDS crisis, they were inspired to transform one of the last free public spaces in New York City to create a place of remembrance in the spot that is recognized as ground zero for the epidemic. “We really feel it’s so important to honor those men and women who stood up, when things were really dark, to fight for the lives of those they loved and even for the lives of strangers,” Tepper said.

The planned park is across Seventh Avenue from the former St. Vincent’s Hospital in the West Village neighborhood of Manhattan. In April 2010, following the controversial bankruptcy and closing of the hospital and its sale for a luxury residential development, many believed that the loss of this premier health care facility had but one silver lining: the opportunity for the creation of an AIDS memorial at a meaningful location. It quickly became an idea supported by HIV/AIDS and allied organizations and individuals across the city. St. Vincent’s was home to one of the first and most famous AIDS wings in the United States and features prominently in

many stories about the early years of the AIDS crisis, including The Normal Heart and Angels in America.

The park will serve as a place of reflection and remembrance.

“It was a serendipitous moment for a parcel of land to open up at the nexus of the epidemic, in a city where open space and opportunity like this seldom come together with the support of the community and city officials,” Viola said.

BC/EFA’s involvement was pivotal in the development of the AIDS Memorial Park. An initial $35,000 grant in March 2011 helped the initiative gain traction with other funders and important city players. The grant sponsored a competition for the memorial design and an exhibition of the entries.

Submissions for the design came from 475 teams representing 26 states and 32 countries on six continents. “Broadway Cares has been the single most important organization to making this memorial happen,” Tepper said. “By underwriting first administrative expenses and ultimately the design competition and its exhibition, we could engage the public and amplify the dialogue to a citywide level.”

The winning design was created by studio a+i of Brooklyn, NY. Their design features connecting elements: a canopy constructed of metal lattice and a reflective water fountain in the center of the canopy surrounded by circles inscribed with quotes, poetry, facts and memories about the epidemic and the importance of the site itself.

Earlier this year, Broadway Cares was the first organization to fund the memorial’s capital campaign. BC/EFA pledged an additional $115,000 toward construction, joining our friends at The M·A·C AIDS Fund and the Elton John AIDS Foundation in creating a groundswell of public and private support. In

July, park organizers announced they had amazingly reached their initial goal of $4 million needed to build and maintain the memorial, thanks to private-sector donations totaling more than $1.5 million and substantial support from New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2014 with the memorial set to open by late 2015.

“The NYC AIDS Memorial must be much more than simply a historic marker,” Viola said. “It is intended to honor the past, to offer a place for reflection, remembrance and embrace. But most importantly, it will be a daily reminder of recommitment and inspiration for current and future generations of activists, caregivers and people living with AIDS. That is the memorial’s best purpose and most important challenge.” n support

aidsmemorialpark.org

[behind the] scenes 15

2013 National grants

National Grants Program Provides Much-needed Lifeline for Hundreds of Organizations

B

roadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS completed its final round of 2013 national grants in June bringing the year’s total support for 467 AIDS and family service organizations to $4,080,500.

The June grants, the largest of BC/EFA’s three annual rounds, sent $1,845,000 to 307 agencies.

The support allows organizations across the country to provide lifesaving care to those who need it most. It helps programs like Project Angel Heart in Denver increase the number of specially modified meals to meet its clients’ unique dietary needs. It helps Empower “U” in Miami cover the cost of utilities for people living with HIV/AIDS during south Florida’s extended hot summers. And it helps The ACCESS Network provide rides to doctors’ appointments in places where there is no public transportation, like Ridgeland, S.C. In all, 467 AIDS and family organizations in 48 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico received grants from Broadway Cares in 2013. In January, $1,505,500 was awarded to 121 food pantries and congregate meal and meal delivery programs. In March, $730,000 was awarded to 39 nationally recognized AIDS service agencies, health clinics and advocacy organizations.

In this latest round of grants, 103 agencies providing direct services received $597,500; 115 agencies providing emergency financial assistance received $685,000; 46 agencies offering harm reduction services received $400,000 and 46 agencies providing quality of life services received $162,500.

16 [behind the] scenes

Special consideration was also given to several grantees in Oklahoma in response to the series of tornadoes this spring that ravaged much of the state. Increased grants were provided this year to Northern Lights Alternatives, Regional AIDS Interfaith Network, Other Options and HOPE (Health, Outreach, Prevention and Education). An additional $25,000 donation was sent in the name of the Broadway community to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, which became an integral part of disaster relief efforts.

“Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS takes great pride in its financial commitment to AIDS service organizations from coast to coast,” BC/EFA Executive Director Tom Viola said. “Despite the ongoing political stalemate in Washington that’s resulted in serious cuts to social services, we will continue to make a difference in how a wide variety of services can be delivered to hundreds of thousands of men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS and other serious illness across the country.”

The need for care extends not only to those who have been living with AIDS for years, but also those who have more recently contracted HIV. Today’s striking reality is that infection rates are growing most rapidly among teens and young adults born after the initial AIDS crisis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of new HIV infections in 2010 was highest among individuals aged 25-34, followed by ages 13-24. That’s a 22 percent increase in infections in those age ranges over a four-year period.

“

I had to choose between eating, paying my utility bill and getting my mental health medicines” Yellowstone AIDS Project client

It is more important than ever to support organizations working with these younger generations, such as the Hetrick-Martin Institute of New York City. At HMI, people between the ages of 12 and 24 receive free services that range from health and wellness counseling to after-school programs for college preparation. In 2012, Hetrick-Martin served nearly 15,000 young people.

At Homeless Youth Alliance of San Francisco, homeless and marginally housed people 13 to 29 receive medical treatment and lifesaving education about disease prevention. And Safe Horizon’s Streetwork Project in New York reaches out to runaway and heavily street-involved youth, many of whom were kicked out of their homes because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The $7,500 grant from BC/EFA provides these young people living with HIV/AIDS basic, yet essential, personal hygiene items.

“Access to these personal care items foster trust and engagement with Streetwork’s counseling and street outreach staff,” said Clemente Luna, Safe Horizon’s vice president of institutional and government support.

services,” Executive Director Joe A. Larson said.

BC/EFA’s 2013 National Grants Program also was able to reach some AIDS service organizations for the first time, including Yellowstone AIDS Project of Billings, MT. One of the largest HIV prevention and client agencies in the state, the project serves 39 counties in eastern Montana. About 85 percent of its clients live below the poverty level and 30 percent live in an area without HIV services.

The funding from BC/EFA will be used for one-time emergency assistance, Executive Director Morgan Ditto said.

That includes utility bills, telephone bills, rent, unexpected companion animal bills, unexpected dependent child bills, prescription medication co-pays, medical and dental bills and transportation needs.

“I had to choose between eating, paying my utility bill and getting my mental health medicines,” one Yellowstone AIDS Project client said. “They helped me with the utility bill and my medicines. They connected me with a counselor, whom I see at no charge to me, and to support groups. They also gave me a referral for and helped me with budgeting.”

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS takes great pride in its financial commitment to AIDS service organizations from coast to coast. Since 1988, BC/EFA has awarded more than $70 million to hundreds of AIDS and family service organizations due to the generosity of Broadway Cares’ donors.

“We especially value your support at this time when our burden is heavier than ever,” Shapiro, of Citimeals-onWheels, said. “Those we serve could not manage without our help, and we could not deliver without yours.” n STATE

BY STATE

broadwaycares.org/grantsbystate

While HIV transmission rates are rising in young people, there’s also increasing need for support of middle-age and older Americans living with HIV/AIDS. “The people we already serve are living longer, while the first wave of aging Baby Boomers is just beginning to require our services,” said Beth Shapiro, executive director of Citimealson-Wheels in Washington, DC. This growth on both ends of the age spectrum means that AIDS service organizations are being stretched. The Aliveness Project in Minneapolis served 1,745 HIV-positive individuals last year – a nine percent increase over the previous year.

“This grant from Broadway Cares will help us respond to the growing need for our food programs and other supportive [behind the] scenes 17

National grants Map

14,032 Event Tickets Purchased

64

In 2013,

38

Broadway & Off-Broadway Shows Touring Companies Making Audience Appeals Making Audience Appeals

BC/EFA awarded $4,080,500 to 467 AIDS and family service organizations.

447

27

46,922

Members of The Angels Circle

Corporate Sponsors

Supporters & Volunteers

Last year, we served 1,745 HIV-positive individuals. That’s a 9 percent increase over the previous year. Thank you for this grant, which will help us respond to the growing need for our food programs and other supportive services.

Making a Difference in Thousands of Ways

The Aliveness Project – Minneapolis, MN

We value our partnership with BC/EFA as together we make children’s lives happier, healthier and more productive, all the while being with other children who understand what it’s like to have HIV in their lives.

Cascade AIDS Project – Portland, OR

Thank you for supporting our determination to create a safe and affirming environment for LGBT youth. A sense of community that builds self-esteem is an essential component of sexual health and HIV prevention.

Outright Lewiston/Auburn – Augusta, ME

With resources so scarce, we are grateful to BC/EFA more now than ever. It is a true testament to the talents and dedication of the theatre community and your donors that they have such a huge impact on the lives of people they may never meet but obviously care for.

AIDS Emergency Fund – San Francisco, CA

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to reaching out to some of the most disenfranchised among us. BC/EFA’s support allows us to offer moments of kindness and compassion where there is often only sorrow. Thank you for truly caring about the people we care for.

We prepare 20 menu variations every day to meet the unique dietary needs of our clients as they cope with HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses.

We couldn’t provide them with the best nutritional support possible if not for Broadway Cares and your invaluable supporters.

We are grateful you share our passionate commitment to supporting critically and terminally ill patients affected

by HIV. BC/EFA’s grant allows us to address their most basic needs. Few here in North Texas give them a second thought. It renews our spirit that you do.

Sarah’s House – Santa Barbara, CA

Project Angel Heart – Denver, CO

Legacy Counseling Center – Dallas, TX

BC/EFA’s ongoing support allows us to deliver programs that reduce at-risk behaviors in targeted populations and offer clinical services, transitional housing and supportive services to thousands annually.

AID Atlanta – Atlanta, GA

With apologies to our friends and the Organizations funded in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

National grants Map

14,032 Event Tickets Purchased

64

In 2013,

38

Broadway & Off-Broadway Shows Touring Companies Making Audience Appeals Making Audience Appeals

BC/EFA awarded $4,080,500 to 467 AIDS and family service organizations.

447

27

46,922

Members of The Angels Circle

Corporate Sponsors

Supporters & Volunteers

Last year, we served 1,745 HIV-positive individuals. That’s a 9 percent increase over the previous year. Thank you for this grant, which will help us respond to the growing need for our food programs and other supportive services.

Making a Difference in Thousands of Ways

The Aliveness Project – Minneapolis, MN

We value our partnership with BC/EFA as together we make children’s lives happier, healthier and more productive, all the while being with other children who understand what it’s like to have HIV in their lives.

Cascade AIDS Project – Portland, OR

Thank you for supporting our determination to create a safe and affirming environment for LGBT youth. A sense of community that builds self-esteem is an essential component of sexual health and HIV prevention.

Outright Lewiston/Auburn – Augusta, ME

With resources so scarce, we are grateful to BC/EFA more now than ever. It is a true testament to the talents and dedication of the theatre community and your donors that they have such a huge impact on the lives of people they may never meet but obviously care for.

AIDS Emergency Fund – San Francisco, CA

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to reaching out to some of the most disenfranchised among us. BC/EFA’s support allows us to offer moments of kindness and compassion where there is often only sorrow. Thank you for truly caring about the people we care for.

We prepare 20 menu variations every day to meet the unique dietary needs of our clients as they cope with HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses.

We couldn’t provide them with the best nutritional support possible if not for Broadway Cares and your invaluable supporters.

We are grateful you share our passionate commitment to supporting critically and terminally ill patients affected

by HIV. BC/EFA’s grant allows us to address their most basic needs. Few here in North Texas give them a second thought. It renews our spirit that you do.

Sarah’s House – Santa Barbara, CA

Project Angel Heart – Denver, CO

Legacy Counseling Center – Dallas, TX

BC/EFA’s ongoing support allows us to deliver programs that reduce at-risk behaviors in targeted populations and offer clinical services, transitional housing and supportive services to thousands annually.

AID Atlanta – Atlanta, GA

With apologies to our friends and the Organizations funded in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

broadway bares 23

Cross-country Adventure Drives to All-time High

B

roadway Bares 23: United Strips of America took two sold-out audiences on a randy, road trip across the country, featuring 220 of New York’s sexiest dancers in a modern-day burlesque show celebrating America’s fruited plains and mountains majesties.

As more than 6,000 people packed Roseland Ballroom on June 23, the audience experienced beach babes in California, a sexy Chicago speakeasy, a sensual under-sea adventure in Maine, rowdy, strippeddown Texas cowboys and more.

Broadway Bares reached an all-time fundraising high for the fourth year in a row, hitting $1,430,241 to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. The 23 editions of Broadway Bares have now raised more than $11.3 million for Broadway Cares.

In this year’s edition, Michael Cusumano and Max von Essen portrayed a bi-coastal couple setting out on separate, sexy journeys through a dozen states. The opening number set the stage as Cusumano and von Essen planned their road trip while watching a classical beauty pageant magically turn into a sexy drag show fantasy.

Two-time Tony nominee Christopher Sieber and Lesli Margherita served as cheeky pageant co-hosts, each revealing a decidedly

20 [behind the] scenes

naughty side. The opening was written by Tony nominees Chad Beguelin and Matthew Sklar.

Allyson Carr led three bikini-clad beauties who turned a quiet California beach into a high-energy party much to the chagrin of by-the-book lifeguard Daniel Robinson. Veteran Broadway hunk Jim Newman found himself in trouble with his sassy sister wives when he headed down the aisle in Utah with new bride Stephanie Gibson.

American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert made a surprise appearance, delivering a roof-raising rendition of the national anthem that led into a gritty, Georgia-based military boot camp number. A lost night in Las Vegas had von Essen falling victim to a beautiful showgirl, played by Shiloh Goodin, and a cast of characters.

Mythical mermaid Celia Mei Rubin lured ship captain Ryan Worsing into Maine’s sensual waters as 10 muscular men created the ocean’s tides in a hypnotic striptease. At a Prohibition-era Chicago speakeasy, more drinks flowed as lead dancers Samantha Zack and Jamal Story high-stepped and stripped. Timothy Hughes portrayed a randy drum major leading an all-male Nebraska marching band.

The Bares stage also became a Fashion Week runway celebrating New York, a Latin-influenced Miami ballroom dance competition,

and home to a boot-scooting, bare-bottomed Texas boogie. Rock of Ages’ Kate Rockwell delivered a fiery “I Drove All Night,” surrounded by three sensual couples eager to make it home. Motown The Musical’s Eric LaJuan Summers and Tony-nominated Charl Brown brought the show to a patriotic finale with a soulful combination of Neil Diamond’s “Coming to America” and James Brown’s “Living in America.”

choreography was created by The Living Art of Armando and Grounded Aerial.

Cusumano and von Essen had unexpected side trips with Tony Award winners Billy Porter, and Alan Cumming. Two-time Tony winner and longtime BC/EFA supporter Judith Light applauded the event’s sponsors, saluted the dancers and reminded everyone: “Safe sex is hot sex. And we can best love each other by always remembering to protect each other.”

Presenting sponsor M·A·C Viva Glam delivered a $250,000 check, presented by Senior Make-up Artist Fatima Thomas, on behalf of Nancy Mahon, M·A·C senior vice president and executive director of the M·A·C AIDS Fund.

Thomas saluted the extraordinary skills of 70 M·A·C make-up artists who volunteered on the show.

Eleven choreographers created the crosscountry numbers: Al Blackstone, Peter Gregus, Marc Kimelman, Derek Mitchell, Paul McGill, Mark Myars, Jon Rua, Marcos Santana, Michael Lee Scott, Wes Veldink and this year’s director, Nick Kenkel. Aerial

The appropriately undressed opening act, The Skivvies, featuring Lauren Molina and Nick Cearley, performed a mashup of Americana-themed songs. To close the evening, Sieber led the show’s famous “rotation” where the cast received individual tips from audience members.

Andy Cohen, host of Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live, announced winners of the Strip-a-thon, an online fundraising competition among cast, crew and supporters that raised $382,807.

As production stage manager, BC/EFA’s Kimberly Russell led an incredible stage management team of 32. Their tireless efforts were joined by a community of 900 volunteers onstage, backstage, under the stage, upstairs in the VIP area and front of house.

In addition to presenting sponsor M•A•C Viva Glam, generous support came from corporate sponsor United Airlines, DIRECTV, Get Services, Here Media, Mark Fisher Fitness, Marriott Marquis New York, Next magazine, Showtime Networks and the Zarley Family Foundation.

The 2013 Broadway Bares season started in January with Broadway Bares: Winter Burlesque, raising $35,428, followed by Broadway Bares: Solo Strips which raised $13,177 and Broadway Bares Fire Island: Calendar Girl adding $28,119 toward the $1.4 million total. n PHOTOS & VIDEO

broadwaycares.org/bares2013 [behind the] scenes 21

safer sex

A Vital Discussion with the Broadway Community

A

s part of an ongoing effort to encourage safer sex and empower those at risk, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS sponsored a special screening of the Oscar-nominated documentary How to Survive a Plague for the more than 400 dancers, stage managers, designers, technicians, choreographers, members of the wardrobe, hair and make-up teams, and other volunteers of Broadway Bares.

SINCE ITS INTRODUCTION IN 2004

The film shows how a community of young men and women, HIV-positive and facing their own mortality, S T R I P - A -T H O N H A S R A I S E D banded together and stood up to an indifferent government and entrenched medical establishment to make their voices heard, changing course of medical history. It’s the story morEthethAN $1.3 mILLIoN of two passionate coalitions - ACT UP and TAG (Treatment Action Group) – whose street activism and innovation was instrumental in developing effective HIV/AIDS medications that have now saved millions of lives.

FIND OUR HOW MUCH WE RAISED THIS YEAR AND SUPPORT YOUR FAVORITE DANCER AT The screening was followed by a candid and spirited panel discussion moderated by BC/EFA Executive Director BroADwAyCA r E S.o rg/ St r I pAt h o N Tom Viola. The panel included Jerry Mitchell, Tony Award-winning director, choreographer and the creator and executive producer of Broadway Bares; Judith Light, Tony Award-winning actor, activist and Broadway Cares STRIP-A-THON SUPPORTERS champion; James Krellenstein, a 22-year-old ACT UP member; Peter Staley, ACT UP member, founding director of TAG and leading subject in How to Survive a Plague; and Jim Eigo, author and longtime ACT UP member.

Ultimately, the evening furthered the hope of creating a new generation of activists and a community willing to take care of themselves and each other. n

INFO

Safer Sex Safer Sex The reason why sexual activity is a risk for HIV transmission is because it allows for Theexchange reason why activityResearchers is a risk for HIV transmission is because it allows for be the ofsexual body fluids. have consistently found that HIV can the exchange body fluids.

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Everybody - regardless of their HIV status should to the fullest.

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• •An HIV-positive person with a detectable viral load is more Safer sex practices, including correct and consistent use of

Infectious more likely transmit thethe virus to somebody condoms for- vaginal or analto sex, can reduce spread of HIV and else otheran STIs. than HIV-positive person who is receiving antiretroviral •treatment Getting intoxicated or an highundetectable on drugs, including and has viralalcohol, load. can impair judgment and cause people to forget to take care of themselves - or

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ondoms orvaginal, anal sex, reduce the spread of HIV • cSafer sex isfor notvaginal just about anal can or oral intercourse. and other STIs. Masturbation (alone or with someone else), body rubbing, erotic massageintoxicated and kissing - or they’re fun, no-riskincluding activities. alcohol, can

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impair judgment and cause people to forget to take care of To learn more about the risk of HIV transmission associated with different types of themselves - or the their sexual partners. sexual activities, please visit POZ website:

• Safer sex is not just about vaginal, anal or oral intercourse.

Masturbation (alone or with someone else), body rubbing, erotic massage and kissing - they’re all fun, no-risk activities.

poz.com

To learn more about the risk of HIV transmission associated with different types of sexual activities, visit

22 [behind the] scenes

poz.com

The Night larry kramer kissed me

20 Years Later, the Message Still Resonates

D

uring the 20th anniversary performance of The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me, history echoed through the Gerald Lynch Theater at John Jay College.

For many, it was a vivid recreation of the love, laughter and loss they had witnessed first-hand. For others, the evening shared a history written before they were born.

The landmark show triumphantly returned to a New York stage on May 20. This time it was re-imagined from a one-man show into a play featuring an all-star ensemble of actors.

The sold-out evening, produced by Broadway Cares, raised an impressive $66,025 for BC/EFA and Sero Project, which works to combat HIV-related stigma, particularly focused on ending inappropriate criminal prosecutions of people with HIV while advocating for sound public health and HIV-prevention policies. (Learn more about Sero Project at seroproject.com.)

Actor and activist David Drake wrote The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me in the early 1990s. After joining the activist group ACT UP, Drake began writing autobiographical monologues about his feelings and experiences relating to the AIDS crisis.

Those monologues eventually became his show about this critical moment in American history and gay culture. Drake’s gripping performance earned him an Obie Award and the show became one of the longest-running one-man shows Off-Broadway.

The play’s 20th anniversary edition, directed by Robert La Fosse, explored the same personal stories as the original. It opened with Drake recounting the night of his sixth birthday – the night of the Stonewall riots in New York City – and closed with a futuristic perspective on the AIDS and gay rights movements from the year 2021.

Along the way, the audience laughed and cried through the innocence of a young boy confronting, in his prayers, bullies and bigotry and the insecurities they bring; teen love; a sweaty and sexually charged gym and a late-night club crawl.

Drake’s stories were brilliantly brought to life by Brandon Cordeiro, Robin De Jesús, Claybourne Elder, Rory O’Malley, Chad Ryan, Donald C. Shorter Jr., Wesley Taylor and Aaron Tone.

In the penultimate scene, “A Thousand Points of Light,” André De Shields, Anthony Rapp and BD Wong, later joined by the full cast, gather at a candlelight vigil to longingly remember the stories and struggles of friends and lovers. “We vigil / We meet / In the night / With the night / As the night that hovers with those who went / And they carry us, our dead ... I honor you / I love you / I light this light for you.”

Sean Strub, executive director of Sero Project, said: “The message so eloquently conveyed is needed today even more so than before. Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and Sero Project are fighting HIV-related stigma, discrimination and criminalization, and working to ensure that vital, life-affirming, and, in many cases, life-saving services are available to those who need them.”

In the two decades since its debut, treatments for saving lives have advanced. Yet, HIV-related stigma has increased. “The treatment for stigma isn’t found at a pharmacy,” said Tom Viola, executive director of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. “It is accomplished by empowering the stigmatized, educating the public and providing a path to justice for all.” n PHOTOS & VIDEOS

broadwaycares.org/thenightlarrykramerkissedme

[behind the] scenes 23

broadway barks

Dogs, Cats & People Who Love Them Fill Shubert Alley

F

rom kittens that fit in the palm of your hand to Great Danes that barely fit in some New York City apartments, the 15th annual edition of Broadway Barks filled Shubert Alley on July 13 with more than 200 adorable, adoptable dogs and cats – and the Broadway celebrities who love them.

A highlight of the afternoon was the annual parade of adoptable pets featuring more than 50 Broadway stars. While corralling rambunctious terriers and coaxing stage-shy shepherds, the stars introduced each shelter and rescue group represented at the event and showed off the pooches available to take home.

Broadway Barks co-founder and tow-time Tony Award winner Bernadette Peters, joined by co-host and four-time Tony winner Harvey Fierstein, welcomed throngs of pet lovers who stood shoulder-to-shoulder and sneaker-to-paw in the theatre world’s most famous alley.

Stage and television star Michael Urie showed he knows a thing or two about rescues, announcing that he had adopted a two-year-old dog a few days before Barks. “She’s a Boston terrier, Chihuahua mix – or a ‘Bostahuaha’,” Urie said, adding that “President McKinley” is joining a household with Dawson, a rescued cat. “We love rescues.

They certainly are aware that they’ve had their lives saved and they have so much love to give you. And who couldn’t use a little more love in their life?”

“We started 15 years ago with six shelters and never would have dreamed that it would have turned into this with 27 shelters and rescue groups today,” Peters said, adding that Barks’ co-founder Mary Tyler Moore was sadly unable to participate in this year’s event because of a broken shoulder. “Mary so wanted to be here, but she would be the first to remind us there are still thousands of absolutely gorgeous dogs and cats in desperate need of homes. And we’re still spreading the word to spay and neuter your animals.”

The afternoon raised funds and awareness for the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, a coalition of 150 nonprofit shelters and rescue groups working to end the killing of healthy and treatable cats and dogs at city shelters.

Among the other celebrities who participated this year were Annaleigh Ashford, Bill Berloni, Charl Brown, Bertie Carvel, Joanna Christie, Bryan Terrell Clark, Victoria Clark, Corey Cott, Lilla Crawford, Robert Cuccioli, Charlotte d’Amboise, Arthur Darvill, Brandon Victor Dixon, John Dossett, Gabriel Ebert, Felicia Finley, LaVon Fisher-Wilson, Sophia Gennusa, Ann Harada, Morgan James, Andy Karl, Isabel Keating, Oona Laurence, Valisia LeKae, Kara Lindsay, Jane Lynch, Terrence Mann, Lesli Margherita, Andrea Martin, Judy McLane, Patina Miller, Michael Mulheren, Bebe Neuwirth, Laura Osnes, David Hyde Pierce, Billy Porter, Andrew Rannells, Bailey Ryon, Stark Sands, Milly Shapiro, Matthew James Thomas, Clarke Thorell, Lauren Ward, Sigourney Weaver and Liesel Allen Yeager. The afternoon started with a special appearance by Broadway’s Jersey Boys – Matt Bogart, Drew Gehling, Andy Karl and Dominic Scaglione Jr – who serenaded the crowd with The Four Seasons’ 1967 hit “Beggin’.”

Broadway Barks is sponsored by the ASPCA and The New York Times. It is presented by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and produced by Scott T. Stevens, Patty Saccente and Richard Hester. n PHOTOS

[behind the] scenes

broadwaycares.org/barks2013

Chita: A legendary celebration

Rivera Wows Sold-Out Crowd at Celebratory Benefit

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revisited that show with the help of two “Angels” from the Tonywinning musical Kinky Boots, Kyle Taylor Parker and Nathan Peck. The trio hilariously recreated the show-stopping “Camille, Collette, Fifi.”

Chita: A Legendary Celebration, a sizzling evening of song and dance on October 7, was slowed only by rapturous applause and six standing ovations. The one-night-only event included special performances by Tony Award winners Tommy Tune and Ben Vereen and a video tribute from legendary composer John Kander.

Rivera dedicated the evening’s second half to her long time friends and frequent collaborators, John Kander and Fred Ebb. She performed songs from several of Kander and Ebb’s Broadway hits including “Where You Are” and “Gimme Love” from Kiss of the Spider Woman when she was joined by several of her veteran dancers: Richard Amaro, Brad Bradley, Lloyd Culbreath, Raymond Del Barrio, Robert Montano and Alex Sanchez.

he cheers for Chita started with the overture. By the time she had risen from the stage floor and stood front-andcenter a few minutes later, the crowd’s roar was deafening.

Chita Rivera owned the August Wilson Theatre and the hearts of the 1,300 sitting rapt before her. Broadway belonged to Chita.

The evening, a celebration of Rivera’s 80th birthday produced by and benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, raised a remarkable $413,660.

Commanding the stage for nearly two unstoppable hours and backed by a 15-piece onstage orchestra, Rivera recreated beloved performances from 10 Broadway musicals including West Side Story, Chicago, Kiss of the Spider Woman, The Rink and Sweet Charity.

From the opening notes when trumpets heralded the memorable vamp of Kander and Ebb’s “All That Jazz,” to Rivera’s encore, the affectionate “Circle of Friends” from her recording And Now I Swing, the evening showcased a talent that has delighted audiences for decades.

“I had no idea celebrating my 100th birthday would be so much fun,” Rivera joked after a spirited opening number of “A Lot of Livin’ To Do” from Bye, Bye Birdie. Tune serenaded Rivera with “Rosie” from the same show before joining her for a touching soft-shoe and sweet embrace between the longtime friends. Later, Rivera and Vereen performed the charmingly crass song “Class” from Chicago.

Rivera first appeared on the August Wilson stage, then called the ANTA Playhouse, in the short-lived musical Seventh Heaven. She

In closing the evening, Rivera expressed her gratitude: “I’ve lost so many of my friends to AIDS, thank you for coming, for caring, for sharing, for giving, because Broadway Cares really needs you and we must never forget that.”

“Chita not only is a beloved Broadway performer, she’s also a founding trustee of BC/EFA,” Executive Director Tom Viola said.

“She was one of our earliest supporters, stepping up for and with us in the darkest days of AIDS, encouraging others and making it ‘safe’ for them to do so at a time when any association with the disease carried a terrible stigma. Chita has remained one of our most committed advocates. Chita’s extraordinary generosity of spirit and great love for us all exploded onto that stage for an evening we’ll never forget.”

Chita: A Legendary Celebration was directed by Graciela Daniele and written by Terrence McNally with music direction

by Michael Croiter. Richard Hester served as production supervisor. The evening was sponsored by The New York Times and United Airlines. n PHOTOS & VIDEO

broadwaycares.org/chita2013 [behind the] scenes 25

Fire Island Dance Festival

Dancers Turn Picturesque Setting Into Magical Event

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nternationally recognized dance companies and fastrising choreographers shared the picturesque stage of the 19th annual edition of Fire Island Dance Festival on July 19-21, raising a record $393,647.

This year’s festival featured more than 50 professional dancers entertaining standing-room-only crowds with 10 memorable performances. The festival, performed outdoors on the shores of the Great South Bay in Fire Island Pines, included world premieres of works choreographed by Kyle Abraham, Pontus Lidberg, Jeremy McQueen and Josh Prince.

“It’s humbling to see the continued support of the Fire Island Pines community, our generous donors and sponsors, the immensely talented dancers and choreographers and our committed core of tireless volunteers” said Denise Roberts Hurlin, founding director of Dancers Responding to AIDS. Humorist, actor and writer Mo Rocca returned as host, on one condition: “Only if I can dance.” Eager to comply, Broadway’s Al Blackstone recreated Michael Bennett’s legendary “Turkey Lurkey Time” choreography from Broadway’s Promises, Promises.

The original three romping 1960s secretaries were replaced with gyrating Fire Island beach bunnies: Rocca, Antuan Raimone and Christopher Vo. In the exuberance of his first performance, Rocca sprained his calf. But, refusing to accept choreographic defeat, he gamely donned crutches for Sunday’s show and gave the iconic “Turkey Lurkey” a decidedly quirky and delightful new strut.

26 [behind the] scenes

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater offered Robert Battle’s “Strange Humors,” a bare-chested male duet exploring mysterious passions and explosive confrontations of wits and prowess. Three exuberant dancers from Los Angeles-based BODYTRAFFIC delivered “o2joy,” a playful piece set to great American jazz music.

The Broadway Dance Lab, choreographed by founder Josh Prince, drafted six men in an exuberant theatrical piece honoring soldiers’ right to serve and to love. Evidence, A Dance Company, ended each performance with “Torch,” a celebratory jubilation that brought audience members to their feet.

The Christopher Wheeldon-choreographed “A Place for Us” featured Robert Fairchild and Tiler Peck, principal dancers at New

York City Ballet. This intimate pas de deux illuminated the real-life couple’s chemistry, offering a rare opportunity to witness artistry up close. Kyle Abraham/Abraham.In.Motion premiered the uplifting “When We Take Flight,” featuring eight dancers weaving on and off stage in stunning sheer tunics designed by Reid Bartelme.

Lar Lubovitch Dance Company presented the male duet from “Concerto Six Twenty-Two” which became an anthem for the dance community in the early days of the AIDS crisis. Pontus Lidberg explored his love for and fascination with water through seamlessly fluid movement that mirrored the changing tides of the bay.

Jeremy McQueen emerged with his tour de force “Only the Beginning” set to Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ No. 1 hit “Can’t Hold Us.” In sexy couture by Eric Winterling, eight empowered dancers leapt, battled and triumphed in an unforgettable performance. Paul Taylor Dance Company brought us back to the 1960s in a solo excerpt from “A Field of Grass,” effortlessly performed by Robert Kleinendorst.

Keigwin + Company presented a crowd-pleasing array of high-energy and quirky favorite dances at the exclusive festival kick-off event for Leadership Supporters at the Albert Lepage Pavilion at Whyte Hall on July 19.

Fire Island Dance Festival was sponsored by The New York Times, United Airlines, BV Wines, DIRECTV, Fire Island News, Get Services, Here Media, Movmnt Magazine, Next Magazine, Pines Bistro, Sayville Ferry, Southern Wine & Spirits and Tony’s Barge Service. n PHOTOS & VIDEOS

dradance.org

Inaugural Dance Festival Delights Hudson Valley

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orld-class dance descended October 12 on the riverfront village of Catskill, NY, for the inaugural Hudson Valley Dance Festival. Inspired by two decades of success with Fire Island Dance Festival and Dance from the Heart, Dancers Responding to AIDS transformed a 19th century warehouse at the Historic Catskill Point into a singularly unique dance destination in the heart of the Hudson Valley.

chuch, the home now features Beard’s collection of oil paintings and heroic bronze sculptures as well as the work of his alter ego, Bruce Sargeant.

Hudson Valley Dance Festival was generously sponsored by The New York Times, United Airlines, BV Wines, City National Bank and Catskill Mountain Foundation. n

“With the visual arts so strongly rooted in the region, the Historic Catskill Point provided a perfect home for DRA to add spectacular dance to the rich culture of the area,” said Denise Roberts Hurlin, founding director of DRA. With the help of an active host committee of residents from Columbia, Dutchess, Greene and Putnam counties, the sold-out inaugural event raised $76,950.

The program featured the hilariously witty Monica Bill Barnes & Company, cutting-edge Stephen Petronio Company, crowdpleasing Evidence, A Dance Company and the heartwarming choreography of Marcelo Gomes, a principal dancer for American Ballet Theatre.

Following the performance, a VIP reception was held with the performers of Hudson Valley Dance Festival at the Catskill home of Mark Beard and James Manfredi. Once a Presbyterian [behind the] scenes 27

BEYOND THE FOOTLIGHTS

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Nexxus Caps Tony Awards Partnership with $25,000 Donation to Broadway Cares

exxus Salon Hair Care, the official beauty partner of this year’s Tony Awards, went backstage at the Tony Award-winning Best Musical Kinky Boots in June to make a $25,000 donation to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

The donation was the last event in a month full of support for Broadway from Nexxus. In addition to its second year as an official Tony Awards partner, Nexxus worked with Simon Doonan, the famed creative ambassador-at-large for Barney’s, to create the first premium window display to pay tribute to the Tonys and Broadway.

The window, at the Duane Reade across from Tony’s Radio City Music Hall home, featured a glamorous woman, onstage, presenting a Tony Award. Her dress was made from Tony Awards posters and her show-stopping hair was made entirely of Nexxus Salon Hair Care bottles.

“Broadway Cares is proud to share the stage with Nexxus and be a part of this beautiful collaboration and a most generous donation,” said Tom Viola, BC/EFA’s executive Director. n

New Jersey Family Turns Reading Into Fundraising

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eople often assign meaning to events in life based on a book they were reading at the time, the rainy vacation when they read the Harry Potter series or the weekend in ninth grade when they tore through Catcher in the Rye.

backstage in 2007, we presented the $1,700 we raised from our first read-a-thon. He really encouraged us to turn our love for books in to a regular fundraiser and we did. I was reading The Joy Luck Club at the time and it will always remind me of our first read-a-thon.”

For the Niebanck siblings – Maddi, 18, Charlie, 17, and Bridget, 14 – the books they’ve read remind them of the money they’ve raised for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Since 2007, the Niebancks have read more than 210 books and raised $14,166 through an annual “read-a-thon” they started.

Young remembers that first meeting. “I am very proud to have met the Niebancks through my work with Broadway Cares,” Young said.

“It is inspiring to me that these three young people are so devoted to taking care of people who need their help.” Young recently returned to Broadway for a limited run in the show, and the Niebancks attended his final performance at the August Wilson Theatre.

Maddi started college this fall and she thinks back to when she, Charlie and Bridget decided to raise money for BC/EFA through reading. “We’ve been huge fans of Jersey Boys and John Lloyd Young since we were young,” Maddie said. “When we met him

28 [behind the] scenes

Speaking for her siblings, too, Maddi said: “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished for people living with HIV and AIDS. It’s taught me that everyone can do something to improve someone else’s life.” n

Sutton Foster, Julien Havard Share Art for the Cause

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his fall, two extraordinary artists used their talents in unique ways to support Broadway Cares in a spectacular exhibition.

A joint art exhibition featuring the works of two-time Tony Award winner Sutton Foster and artist Julien Havard ran in September at Taglialatella Galleries in NYC. A portion of the proceeds benefited BC/EFA. Foster began exploring visual arts several years ago, inspired by Havard, who spent more than 10 years and six Broadway shows as Foster’s backstage dresser. Their dynamic and vibrant theater background bleeds into their respective art, resulting in highly stylized, bright colored imagery. For the exhibition, Foster created ink drawings, acrylics and colorful works in mixed media. Previously, she also created a line of theatrical holiday cards for Broadway Cares. Havard studied at Central St. Martins School of Art and Design in London and often creates colorful ink drawings and murals depicting characters from the musicals he’s worked on. n

Schmackary’s Bakes Up A Star-studded Fundraiser

Audemars Piguet Continues Red Carpet Support of Tonys

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he “official cookie of Broadway” turned its sweets into a tasty fundraiser in May for BC/EFA. Schmackary’s, a theater district bakery that’s quickly become the go-to spot for dessert, welcomed more than a dozen Broadway stars to work behind the counter in the first “Broadway Bakes.”

As stars like Annaleigh Ashford, Santino Fontana, Jeremy Jordan, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Rob McClure, Laura Osnes and Stark Sands served customers in a line that reached down the block, half of the proceeds and the tips they generated were donated to Broadway Cares. By the time the last cookie was sold, Schmackary’s had raised a delectable $8,625.

“In the 15 short months that Schmackary’s opened our doors, I could not have imagined all of the support we have received from the Broadway community,” owner Zachary Schmahl said. “It was only natural that we give back by introducing Broadway Bakes and donating the proceeds to Broadway Cares. It’s our small way of saying thanks and we plan to continue this fundraising program for many years to come.” n

ll clocks tell the time; few can tell a story like nine special clocks created exclusively for the 2013 Tony Awards by famed Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet.

For the fourth year, Audemars Piguet teamed with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS to create these unique clocks, which graced the red carpet at the 67th Annual Tony Awards. Eight of the clocks represented the Best Musical nominees – A Christmas Story, The Musical; Bring It On: The Musical; Kinky Boots and Matilda The Musical – and Best Revival of a Musical nominees – Annie, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Pippin and Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Each clock was signed by the show’s cast.

A ninth clock commemorates the Tony Awards and was signed by 2013 winners Cyndi Lauper, Judith Light, Andrea Martin, Patina Miller, Billy Porter, Cicely Tyson and Courtney B. Vance, as well as other presenters. The clocks raised more than $30,000 for Broadway Cares. Through an online auction, the Tony Awards clock sold for $7,100; Kinky Boots went for $4,850 and Matilda raised $4,750. n [behind the] scenes 29

CLASSICAL ACTION

Michael Palm Series Welcomes Four Extraordinary Talents

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ianist Natasha Paremski and cellist Zuill Bailey kicked off the 10th season of the acclaimed Michael Palm Series on September 30, dazzling a full house with their virtuosic and dramatic interpretations of the works of Frédéric Chopin, César Franck and Benjamin Britten’s rarely performed “Sonata for cello and piano.”

Appearing for their first time together in New York City, Paremski and Bailey bravely tackled the Britten piece, which most performers are reluctant to play because of its complexity. Paremski and Bailey held the audience in rapt attention as they expertly navigated their way through the composition and delivered an intense and spellbinding performance.

The 10th season of the Michael Palm Series of intimate house concerts will feature two additional evenings of music featuring soprano Angela Meade and violin virtuoso Joshua Bell.

The series offers one of the most unique opportunities to experience classical music up close and personal. Set in the extraordinary New York City loft of gracious Classical Action supporters Simon Yates and Kevin Roon, the living room is transformed into a private concert hall where the audience can almost literally feel every note, breath and movement from the performers.

On December 12, Meade, a soprano, will perform. Meade, winner of the 2012 Beverly Sills Artist Award from the Metropolitan Opera and the 2011 Richard Tucker Award, has quickly become recognized as one of the outstanding vocalists of her generation.

MORE INFO

classicalaction.org

30 [behind the] scenes

Her ascent into the realm of opera elite has come less than five years after she made her professional debut. Meade will be portraying the role of Alice Ford in the Metropolitan Opera’s new production of Giuseppe Verdi’s Falstaff in December. She will be joined by pianist Bradley Moore.

The season will culminate February 3 with the return of Bell. A longtime supporter of Classical Action, Bell performed during the inaugural season of the Michael Palm Series. Hailed by critics as the greatest American violinist active today, Bell is often referred to as the “poet of the violin” for his breathtaking virtuosity and charismatic stage presence. He will be joined by Sam Haywood on piano.

The series is named for Michael Palm, a most generous and enthusiastic supporter of Classical Action who died in 1998. More than anyone else, Palm spearheaded the concept of private benefit house concerts, hosting several of them himself at his penthouse apartment 37 floors above Lincoln Center. The Michael Palm Series is generously underwritten by the Michael Palm Foundation and is sponsored by United Airlines and Beaulieu Vineyard. n

Perfect Gifts Holidays 1

broadwaycares.org/store

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– Broadway Cares Collection Ornament – Carols for a Cure 2013

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–B roadway Legends Ornament: Julie vvAndrews – B roadway Cares Collection 2013 Snow Globe

Everyone Wins with Tax-Deductible Care-Tix Benefit from a tax-deductible donation while enjoying Broadway’s hottest shows from the best seats in the house.

Through BC/EFA’s unique Care-Tix program, you can purchase VIP tickets not available to the general public when you make an equivalent donation to Broadway Cares.

Visit broadwaycares.org/caretix for details or call 212.840.0770, ext. 229 to arrange your tickets.

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–P laybill Ornaments (set of 6) –B roadway Cares Collection 2013 Snow Globe

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– Holiday Cards

the Angels Circle 2012-2013 Providing a Sustainable Foundation The following are members of The Angels Circle as of October 1, 2013. Names in bold indicate Broadway Cares Archangels, donors who increased their gift by 25 percent or more over the previous year. Members of The Angels Circle include individuals, organizations, family foundations and corporations. Contributions are unrestricted and not related to event or merchandise purchases.

On behalf of our volunteers, staff, Board of Trustees and the many men, women and children with HIV/AIDS and other lifethreatening illnesses who count on Broadway Cares for assistance, we salute these donors.

In appreciation of an annual contribution of $1,000 or more, Angels receive VIP status at some of Broadway Cares’ most high-profile events, including Gypsy of the Year and the Easter Bonnet Competition, as well as a host of other exciting benefits.

There are many ways to become a member of The Angels Circle. You can join as an individual, a couple, a family or even as part of a group of friends, co-workers, fan club or sports league. You can charge your membership on a monthly or quarterly basis. In addition, if your employer matches charitable contributions, a gift of $500 or more can qualify you for membership at the $1,000 level.

For more information about the benefits of The Angels Circle, please contact Ryan Walls, major gifts officer, at walls@broadwaycares.org or 212.840.0770, ext. 275.

Executive Producer The Fred Ebb Foundation

Hollis Stern Theatrical Stage Employees Local One/IATSE The Tiger Baron Foundation Robert Tuschman

Producer

Orchestra Seat

Bonnie Pfeifer-Evans & the Charles Evans Foundation* The Shubert Foundation

Sam Altman in memory of Murray Schapiro The Apatow-Mann Family Foundation ATPAM The Barrington Foundation, Inc. Bertsch Family Charitable Foundation in memory of June Bertsch George L. Bielitz & John Derco The Carl Jacobs Foundation City National Bank Gloria & Charles I. Clough Jr. The Column Awards Patrick Crosetto Scott Dainton Deborah Dakin Michael G. Delhaise & George E. Jordan Dr. Gerald J. & Dorothy R. Friedman Foundation in honor of Samuel J. Friedman Sam Ellis in memory of Doris Eaton Travis The Fosdick Fund I. Steven Goldstein & William Popeleski, Jr. Jill & Marty Handelsman James C. Hormel & Michael P. Nguyen Detlef Kamps Mike Keating Harriett Kittner William Ludel & Tracy Cohen Larry Luing & Dario Espinosa Kevin R. Lyle Scott R. Mallalieu Steven Markov & Jeffrey Meleski Daniel Maury Peter McKown Cookie & Mike Miller Calvin Mitchell Jane Morison-Iwanowski Ruth Neale Mimi Prentice Reel Time Video Production & Alex Pearlman Jose Rojas & Nina Cavalli

gifts of $100,000 and above

gifts from $50,000 to $99,999

Director

gifts from $25,000 to $49,999 Laura M. Boedeker Front Runners New York Myrna & Freddie Gershon remember Marvin Hamlisch, Peter Allen, Jerry Bock, Allan Carr, Tom Eyen, Ron Field, Tyler Gatchell, Shirley Herz, Paul Jabara, Arthur Laurents, Robbie Lantz, Marty Richards, Joe Stein & Paul Woerner H. van Ameringen Foundation John W. Holloway Sam & Happy Shipley The Ted Snowdon Foundation Lizzie & Jonathan M. Tisch Anonymous

House Seat

gifts from $10,000 to $24,999 Paul Boskind William W. Donnell Aaron Frankel George W. Schaeffer Foundation Paul & Florence Rowe Libin Newman’s Own Foundation, Inc. John Okuloski & Frank Duff The Palette Fund Platt Family Foundation in memory of Gary Platt Martin Richards The Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation, San Francisco Mickey Rolfe & Bruce Tracy Thomas Schumacher & Matthew White 32 [behind the] scenes

gifts from $5,000 to $9,999

Schaeffer Family Foundation Schmackary’s Amy Sherman-Palladino Kevin Spacey The Stephanie & Carter McClelland Foundation Anthony Sweeney David Terveen Theatrical Wardrobe Union Local 764 IATSE Nina & Gary Wexler Barbara Whitman Diane M. & Kevin Wilshere Anonymous Anonymous

Box Seat

gifts from $2,500 to $4,999 Actors’ Equity Foundation Actors Federal Credit Union James D. Akins, Jr. James J. Andrews* Michael Artura Richard P. Baks Alec Baldwin Nan & Joe Benincasa Elaine D. Berger Melvin Bernhardt & Jeff Woodman Robert Billig & Richard Vida Walter Bobbie & David Frye John Bowab Carleton Carpenter CESD Talent Agency Charlie & Moll Anderson Foundation Cathy Chernoff William Craver Mitties M. DeChamplain in loving memory of Stephen Anthony Moore Jamie deRoy in memory of Bradshaw Smith Drew Desky & Dane Levens The Edith Meiser Foundation in memory of Irving Cheskin Joe Evall & Richard Lynn in memory of Spencer Cox Robert Evers Peter Farrell* Jules Fisher & Graciela Daniele Maggie Flanigan & Richard Dow Marianne Ganzer

in memory of John Ganzer John Paul Geurts & Robert W. Stolt Dale & Ellyn Glasser in memory of Steven Glasser Dan Goggin Linda Harris Jerry Herman William S. Hoover, MD Matthew P. Hui J. Russell Jackson Joe Allen Restaurant Amy Kaufmann & Ruth Ro Kathryn Keneally & Thomas Marshall Karen Kennedy in memory of Muriel & Bob Kennedy Edgar A. Knudson Angela Lansbury Jay Laudato & Thomas Watson Stephanie Lee/Group Sales Box Office Judith Light & Robert Desiderio James Martin Marin Mazzie & Jason Danieley in memory of Gary Bonasorte David R. McShane & The Samantha Fund Mark Mendelson Mr. & Mrs. E. Van R. Milbury Keith Miller Marianne McGrath Mills Jonathan Mintzer Ira Mont & Jill Cordle Mont in memory of Annette Mont William Morey James L. Nederlander R. Wayne Nederlander Judith A. Nelson* in memory of Wayne McCarthy Maury Newburger Phyllis Newman in honor of Adolph Green Paul Oppedisano Gilbert Parker in memory of Richard Bauman Lee Perlman & Linda Riefberg Jonathan Pickhardt Richard E. Rauh Warren D. Riffle & Kurt A. Fleagle David Romero & David Greiss Rose Brand Steven Schnepp & Mark Basile in memory of Paul Penfield and John Heppenstall

D Mark Schumann Rob Sinacore in memory of Dr. Malcolm Berg (our love lives on) Eileen T. Stapleton Andrew W. Stern Tina & Jeffrey Bolton Family Fund Stuart Thompson & Joe Baker Clay Thornton Joyce Van Patten Allen Walker Ric Wanetik & David Hagans Max Weintraub Michael Wescoe & Randy Thompson Whittier & Associates in honor of David H. Whittier Wyncote Foundation George Zuber & Anthony Snyder Charitable Fund at Our Fund, Inc

Front Mezzanine gifts from $1,000 to $2,499

Robert & Noah Aberlin* Kenneth & Ellen Adler John R. Alchin & Hal Marryatt Lee Anisman James L. Ansin Gerald M. Appelstein* Stuart S. Applebaum in memory of Mr. Vincent Zito The A.R. Hughes Family Fund David Glenn Armstrong & Jeffrey Miller in memory of Todd Coroliuc The Arthur Loeb Foundation Terrie-Marie Assous Bob Avian & Peter Pileski Paris Baldacci & Andrew S. Dolkart Christopher & Paris Barclay Stephen Bardfield Clay & Karen Barnes in honor of Gracie & Christina John Barnes & Charles Champagne Scott Barnes & Brian Kellow in memory of our best gal, Marianne Challis Willard Beckham Kevin Beebee Beech Street Foundation Alan Bell & David Ziff Douglas Bella Nancy Duggan Benson Phillip Bettencourt Phil & Mary Beuth Jon Bierman Chuck Blasius in memory of Linda Accardi Dave Boone Carl & Karen Bowen Briggs, Inc. J. Arthur Brost Barry Brown Don Buchwald & Associates James & Debbie Burrows Michelle L. Butler Robert Callely Frank Carucci & David Diamond

remembering Michael DeBenedittis, gone 30 years Rev. Thomas M. Catania The Charles & Lucille King Family Foundation Paula & David Chase Mr. & Mrs. Edward A. Chernoff Evan Cohen Bill Condon Mark Connel Frank Conway* Casey Cook Joel Steven Cook

Kenneth E Cooke Thomas Cott* in memory of Philip Carlson William C. Cubberley* Maurice Brandon Curry* Mark & Susan Dalton Duke Dang & Charles Rosen* in loving memory of David Panzer Merle Debuskey & Pearl Somner DeCarlo Cooper Family Keith Degi, M.D. Sam P. Del Propost Michael Demby-Cain* Louis J. Denkovic Jay Deratany Charles Deull Alvin Deutsch Senator Mike & Fran DeWine Ankur & Julie Doshi Judy & Tim Dove Randall Drain The Edgar Foster Daniels Foundation Valerie Eigner Steven Elkin Anthony & Kristin Ellenbogen Peter Entin & Barbara Janowitz Ken Fakler Joel & Jan Feidelman Donald Filicetti & John Mackerey Andrew & Betsy Fippinger Edward & Lori Forstein Dale J. Fournier & Michael R. Wellington* Ronald & Susan Frankel Steve Frasheur Fraydun Foundation, Inc. Sean Free William & Carol Ann Freeman Barbara & Buddy Freitag David A. Friedman in memory of my mother Shirley Friedman Pierre Frinault David M. Fromm in memory of my partner Robert Motley Vincent Gaeta Michelle Garcia Christopher Garek Bruce & Alice Geismar The Gelfand Family Foundation Thomas Gentile Richard Gerrig & Timothy Peterson Maxine Gerson John Gibson & Allerton Cushman III Mark Gibson & Roger Hyde Roger Gindi & Gregory Victor Joanna Gleason & Chris Sarandon Mary Cox Golden Ernest Gonzalez & Scott Siler Kathryn Goodman Crawford Gordon Doug Johnson & Valerie Gordon-Johnson Stefanie M. Gorman Barbara Gottlieb The Gould-Shenfeld Family Foundation Dane Grams John Graves & Dennis Lonergan Emily Grishman & Susan Sampliner Barry & Maggie Grove Sarah & Joel Handelman Eugene Harbin The Harkness Foundation for Dance, Inc. Carrie Anne K. Harrell Michael P. Harrell Edward A. Harris & Amy Madigan Jennifer Hatch & Sue Smith The Hatch Family Jeffrey Hayenga & Michael Belanger Joseph Heffernan

Joseph R. Heller Joy Henshel Richard M. Hester Robert C. Hickman Jerry Hirsch Susan & Neal Hirsch Judith M. Hoffman* Holland Costello Charitable Giving Fund Sally Horchow Andrea & Craig Horowitz Ira M. Resnick Foundation in honor of Robin Sherman Michael T. Isbell in honor of Spencer Cox Jeanne & Waldo Jackson in memory of our son Robert Jackson Jane Street Entertainment The Janis & Alan Menken Foundation Thai Jason in honor of Tom Viola John L. McHugh Foundation Earl Johnson & Douglas Ward Cherry Jones John Kander & Albert Stephenson Dr. Steven Kaplan & Court Whisman Kelly Karavites Karma Foundation Karpoff Affiliates, LLC Karl Kemp* Hillary & Bruce David Klein Kenneth Koen* Ronald & Isobel Konecky Ram Koppaka Lillian Kraemer Robert J. Kunikoff Michael Kuzma Trey LaFave Nathan Lane in memory of Stanley DeSantis Nina & Timothy Lannan in memory of Arthur Siccardi III Ann M. Lehman Laurie Levinberg Diane Lippert Michael Lombard Tom Lombardi Philip & Rita Loy Thomas Luciano David C. Ludwigson & LaMont Craig in honor of Rodger McFarlane Steve Lukens Donald Lutt Steven F. Lutz Maureen A. Macfadden William & Fran Macferran John J. Mackerey Maidstone Productions in memory of Ted Tulchin Spiro & Marlena Malas John Mandler Lee Manford Barbara Manocherian Clif Mathews & Dustin Basco Jo Mayer Elizabeth I. McCann Mary McColl David McKillop Richard V. McCune City National Entertainment Bill Melamed Jr. & Jamey Lundblad Lawrence & Nancy Meleski in honor of Jeff Meleski & Steve Markov MeritDirect, LLC Michael Mills & Mark McGrath Brian Stokes Mitchell & Allyson Tucker Javier Morgado Sally Campbell Morse Jason J. Moyer Mark Mullett & Keith Bloomfield

Gary Munk Bebe Neuwirth & Chris Calkins* Stanley Newman & Dr. Brian Rosenthal Maddi, Charlie & Bridget Niebanck friends of John Lloyd Young Albert Nocciolino Nora Roberts Foundation Adrian Noriega Michael Novin Stuart Oken Old Gaspard, Inc. Roger Oliver John K. Orberg Stephen Osada Ronald Painter Alfredo Paredes Philip Paroian Gregg Passin Ralph L. Pellecchio & James C. Wernz, M.D. Brad Plunkett L. Glenn Poppleton The Pritzker Pucker Family Foundation in honor of Friends of Relevant Theatricals James Rado Anthony Ramos Jonathan Rebell Monica & Greg Reid Michael Renzo Teresa Reyes & Martin Monas* Bob Rhodehamel & Dana Snyder Richard F. Walsh/Alfred W. Di Tolla/ Harold P. Spivak Foundation Michael Risinger Tim Robinson & Paul Habig Jonathan Rock & Patrick Delacruz Rockers on Broadway Janet Rose Jack & Moe Rouse Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation Lori Rubinstein in honor of Bill Sapsis Samuel L. Phillips Family Foundation Dorothy & Peter Samuels Robert Schaffer* William Schermerhorn Michael Schober & Don Harrison Will Schwalbe & David Cheng Debra & Michael Segal Elliott R. Sernel Shake Shack Kenneth G. Shelley Mary Jo & Ted Shen in memory of Gordon Stokes Kurtti Carl & Fay Simons Sky Bar Times Square Michael Sodomick Mark Sohn James Spiegelhoff Peter Steinman & Todd Geringswald Robin Strasser in honor of Ed Richmond and Robert Kilgore Meryl Streep & Don Gummer Steve Sweet Peter M. Taub Sharon Terrill John Henry Thomas III Stephen & Valerie Toups Matthew D. Tumminello TWANDA Foundation Twelfth Night Club, Inc. Mark Tynan Beth M. Uffner Sally Unger William & Helen Van Syckle Rima Vargas-Vetter Ariadne & Juan Villarreal Tom Viola in memory of my dad, “Doc� Viola

[behind the] scenes 33

legacy & leadership The Angels Circle contin u e d f r om p r e vio u s pag e Visit Orlando Richard & Debra Voller Carol Waaser Honey Waldman Suzyn Waldman Thomas Walsh Emery Warren Herbert & Shelley Washer

We Care Cruises Arthur E. Webster, Esq. Mati Weiderpass Weinberg Family Foundation Peg & Gary Wendlandt Cortright Wetherill, Jr. Nancy A. Wheeler Fred White & Greg Kammerer

Danny Whitman & Robert Bartley in memory of Francine Whitman Richard C. Wiggers Margo Wintersteen Terrence J. Witter & Artie de la Cruz Carley & Mike Zaccaro ZBI Employee Allocated Gift Fund The Ziegfeld Club

Lucinda Zink Elliot Zulver & Sally Gold Anonymous (2) Anonymous in memory of Bruce Savan Anonymous in memory of Ruth Hoefgen * Indicates members of the DRA Angels Circle

Leadership Council Expands Impact, Inspires New Angels

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his year has been a time of exciting growth and inspiring fundraising for the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Leadership Council, an outstanding team of supporters and volunteers committed to expanding and diversifying the BC/EFA donor base.

On May 22, high above the clamor of midtown Manhattan in the Central Park South home of longtime Broadway Cares friend Ron Pobuda, the Leadership Council gathered 40 friends and colleagues to learn about The Angels Circle, BC/EFA’s major giving society.

As the setting sun cast a yellow glow over the park, Executive Director Tom Viola and Leadership Council Co-chair Matt Tumminello presented a compelling case for supporting Broadway Cares and joining The Angels Circle. Tumminello, who owns an LGBT target marketing firm, shared a heart-wrenching experience he had recently when listening to a focus group of young, newly diagnosed HIV-positive men and women.

“We asked all of them the same question, ‘‘What’s the hardest part about HIV?’” Tumminello said. “They answered: ‘I’m completely alone.’ ‘No one knows.’ ‘Not telling my family.’ ‘The shame of having it.’ When other serious illnesses strike, families, neighbors, friends – even strangers – rally to support us. They help us fight to get healthy. That’s not what’s happening for these men and women. It’s hard to imagine anything more terrifying and isolating than going through this alone. But they are. The only support they are getting – their only lifelines – are AIDS service organizations like the ones

34 [behind the] scenes

supported by Broadway Cares. That is why BC/EFA is so important and why The Angels Circle is so vital.”

By the end of the evening, 18 new people had joined The Angels Circle. Thanks to a collective matching gift from the Leadership Council, the evening raised more than $49,000 to help fund grants to AIDS and family service organizations around the country.

Less than three weeks later, the Leadership Council hosted the first Broadway Cares Tony Awards Viewing Party at Lillie’s Times Square, an ornate Victorian restaurant in the heart of the theatre district. Guests anxiously filled out Tony pool ballots while sipping specialty cocktails like the “Kinky Boots Cosmo” and the “Lucky Guy Greyhound.” But when Tonys host Neil Patrick Harris appeared on the six screens throughout Lillie’s, everyone hushed in unison.

Leadership Council co-chair Drew Desky said later: “It was an electric experience watching the Tony Awards at a beautiful bar in the heart of the Theatre District steps away from Radio City Music Hall where Neil Patrick Harris and the Broadway community were celebrating live. The excitement in the room was contagious and everyone was having far too much fun to leave when it was over.”

The success of the evening was due to the commitment and creativity of the Leadership Council, who initiated the event and invited friends and colleagues, as well as the team at Lillie’s, who generously donated the space and food. The Leadership Council is already talking about the second annual Tony Awards Viewing Party next year. n

Inaugural whyDance i giveFestival Delights Hudson Valley Motivated for Different Reasons, United in Mission

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arianne Ganzer lost her brother John to AIDS in 1988, leaving her feeling “tremendously

helpless and impotent.” She was one of John’s primary caregivers during his 18-month struggle and his death left an immeasurable void in her life. “I wracked my brain for a way to do something, anything that would matter in some way,” she said. “I was young and had more passionate energy than good sense.”

Although John’s life was cut short when he was 33, he was able to realize his dream of performing on Broadway in the 1982 production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. John liked “fighting the good fight” and was proud to serve on the Actors’ Equity Council as Equity Fights AIDS was founded.

Supporting his colleagues and friends while the virus ravaged the theatre community was one of his crowning achievements.

An avid athlete, Ganzer decided to harness her own physical strength to raise money for the cause that was deeply meaningful to her brother: Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. “I envisioned a route along and around the Charles River in Boston where I was a recreational rower and cyclist,” Ganzer said. The original Riverrun Triathlon took place in 1989. It was a solo, 50-mile trek. A year later it grew twice as long and included a couple of incomparably loyal friends whose ranks have now swelled. Ganzer has raised more than $100,000 for BC/EFA through the triathlon, something that would make her brother very proud. n

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herry Jones knows firsthand the devastation caused by HIV/AIDS over the years. “I’ve lost dear friends and loved ones to the virus and I continue to see the way that it wreaks havoc in people’s lives,” the two-time Tony Award-winning actor said.

Now a member of the BC/EFA Board of Trustees, Jones has been an ardent fundraiser since her Tonywinning role in The Heiress in 1995. There’s something powerful about breaking the fourth wall to speak directly to the audience after a performance. “Being able to fundraise for Broadway Cares in this way is tremendously empowering,” Jones said. She takes great pride in leading her company’s fundraising efforts, doing so in A Moon for the Misbegotten, during her Tony-winning role in Doubt and in Mrs. Warren’s Profession. She will again step forward this fall for Gypsy of the Year collections with her co-stars Zachary Quinto, Celia Keenan-Bolger and Brian J. Smith at Broadway’s Booth Theatre in the critically acclaimed revival of Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie. “I’m ready for us to raise pots of money at the Booth.”

Jones’ support runs even deeper than collections. She’s also a proud member of The Angels Circle of Broadway Cares. “Not only because of the amazing reach to hundreds of AIDS service organizations around the country,” she said, “but also because of the way they care for my friends and colleagues in the theatre community through their outstanding support of The Actors Fund.” n

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att Tumminello is all too familiar with the scourge of HIV/AIDS in the world. “I’m not sure

if it’s possible to be a 44-year-old gay man living in New York City and not have been affected

by HIV/AIDS,” Tumminello said. “The epidemic brings a heartache that no person, partner, family or friend should ever experience.”

Tumminello is one of BC/EFA’s many angels, himself a member of The Angels Circle, who make the life-affirming work possible. Beyond being a generous supporter, Tumminello is co-chair of the Leadership Council, a group of dedicated volunteers working to expand the donor base for BC/EFA. As volunteer fundraisers, members of the Leadership Council introduce their network to Broadway Cares, The Angels Circle and BC/EFA events.

“It’s impossible not to be moved by the passion that the entire Broadway community has to help those affected by HIV/AIDS,” Tumminello said. “The generosity of people who are giving so much of their time and talent to make a difference is incredibly inspiring to me. Supporting Broadway Cares lets me be a part of this magnificent team that is making a real and significant impact in people’s lives through grants that reach across the country. Until we have a cure, I’m staying in this fight.” n

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Save The Date

25th Annual Gypsy of the Year

Christmas Eve with Christmas Eve

Debra Monk’s Birthday bash

Broadway Backwards

Monday, Dec. 9, 4:30 pm Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2 pm Minskoff Theater

Monday, December 2 XL Nightclub

Monday, February 24 Gerald W. Lynch Theatrer at John Jay College

Monday, March 24 Theatre TBA

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28th Annual Easter Bonnet Competition Monday, April 21, 4:30 pm Tuesday, April 22, 2 pm Minskoff Theatre