Behind the Scenes Fall 2015

Broadway Flea Market

& Grand Auction Easter Bonnet Competition $ 5 . 2 M i l l i o n s u p p o rt

The Actors Fund BROADWAY BARES

$ 6 . 2 M i l l i o n Awa r d e d

National Grants b r o a d w ay

bets

b r o a d way c a r e s . o r g 1 [behind the] scenes

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 Tom Viola, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Larry Cook, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION Valerie Lau-Kee Lai, PRODUCING DIRECTOR Danny Whitman, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

AND DEVELOPMENT

BC/EFA OFFICERS Paul Libin, PRESIDENT Robert E. Wankel, EXECUTIVE VICE 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 David Binder Chris Boneau Barry Brown Kate Burton Robert Callely Kathleen Chalfant Gavin Creel Alan Cumming Gavin Darraugh Michael David B. Merle Debuskey Maria Di Dia Paul DiDonato Sam Ellis Richard Frankel Roy Harris Richard Hester Richard Jay-Alexander Cherry Jones

Nathan Lane Jay Laudato Peter Lawrence Margo Lion Joe Machota Nancy Mahon Mary McColl Kevin McCollum Terrence McNally Jerry Mitchell Bernadette Peters Chita Rivera Jordan Roth Nick Scandalios Robert Score Kate Shindle Philip J. Smith Charlotte St. Martin David Stone Stuart Thompson Tim Tompkins Tom Viola (ex-officio)

Behind the Scenes Tom Viola, Danny Whitman, Lane Beauchamp, EDITORS Aaron Waytkus, LAYOUT & DESIGN Joy Nelson, DESIGN Contributors Peter Borzotta, John Halpin, Alona Volinsky Photographers Whitney Browne, Billy Bustamante Kevin Thomas Garcia, Joann Coates, Peter Gibbons, Daniel T. Gramkee, Ryan Mueller Joy Nelson, Daniel Roberts, Monica Simoes Matthew Stocke, Jonathan Tischler

Dear Friends: Three times a year, I have the privilege of sitting among some of the most committed and thoughtful stage managers and actors in the business. They make up our national grants committee, carefully studying, discussing and approving hundreds of applications for funding.

It’s even more gratifying to be a part of this important process after a successful fundraising period, where the generosity of our donors combines with the hard work of dozens of Broadway, Off-Broadway and national touring companies to benefit AIDS and family service organizations in all 50 states.

This has been a particularly fortunate year for Broadway Cares. It is a year when you helped us set fundraising records for six events and add an exciting new one - Broadway Bets - to our calendar.

Your faithfulness continues to inspire us to do more for those who need us and rely on our support.

For many, though, this year did not bring good news. Continual state and federal cutbacks in social services, raising rates of new HIV infections and record levels of income inequality coupled with persisting stigma and discrimination make it harder and harder for those living with HIV/AIDS. In this issue of Behind the Scenes, we share with you the stories of people who have to choose whether to pay for their medication or for their next meal, who struggle to pay their electricity bill despite working and who still face tremendous stigma associated with their health condition.

You’ll also learn more about the invaluable work of The Actors Fund, including the increasingly important programs of the Addiction and Recovery Services and the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative.

Plus, you will read about some of the magic that helps make the grants possible. We share stories of the record-breaking Easter Bonnet Competition, the inaugural Broadway Bets, the bodacious 25th celebration of Broadway Bares, the memorable Fire Island Dance Festival and our annual fan-favorite Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction.

Thank you for helping Broadway Cares stand by those who need us. Your continuous support and commitment helps us prove that what we do together makes a difference.

Sincerely, Tom Viola Executive Director

Thank You for the Music and the “Moolah,” Mamma Mia! After 5,758 extraordinary performances, Mamma Mia! concluded its Broadway run at the Winter Garden and Broadhurst Theatres on September 12.

The company’s remarkable efforts onstage and behind the scenes have played an enormous role in Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS’ grant-making efforts over the last 14 years. Since its first fundraising campaign in October 2001, the Broadway company of Mamma Mia! and two national tours raised more than $5.5 million for Broadway Cares, with $2,673,006 raised by the Broadway company.

From 28 rounds of fundraising appeals through the sale of thousands of signed memorabilia, Broadway Flea Market tables and auction lots, walk-ons, backstage tours, participation in Gypsy of the Year and Easter Bonnet Competition, benefits and more, Mamma Mia!’s generosity of spirit, humor and commitment has set a long-running example for the entire community.

broadwaycares.org 2 [behind the] scenes

Our thanks to all who “danced on the island,” with a special salute to BC/EFA Trustees Nina Lannan, Mamma Mia! general manager; Sherry Cohen, stage manager; and Joe Machota, who opened the show as “Sky.” We are especially grateful to producer Judy Craymer for so graciously allowing BC/EFA to have shared a dream with Mamma Mia!.

BC/EFA 2015 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

$ 800,000

AL HIRSCHFELD FREE HEALTH CLINIC

$ 650,000

ARTISTS HEALTH INSURANCE RESOURCE CENTER (AHIRC)

$ 400,000

ADDIcTION AND RECOVERY SERVICES

$ 350,000

ACTORS FUND WORK PROGRAM / CAREER CENTER

$ 300,000

THE DANCERS’ RESOURCE

$ 300,000

STAGE MANAGERS’ PROJECT

$ 200,000

MISCELLANEOUS

Annual Gala, Memorial Donations, Benefit Support, etc.

$

THE ACTORS FUND

75,500

$ 5,175,500

NATIONAL GRANTS

FOOD SERVICE and MEAL DELIVERY PROGRAMS

118 Organizations in 39 States

$ 1,725,000

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED

AIDS SERVICE and ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS

41 Agencies

$

835,000

LOCAL AIDS SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

300 Organizations in 50 States, Washington DC and Puerto Rico

Direct Services and Case Management, Supportive Housing Programs,

Emergency Financial Assistance, Harm Reduction Programs,

Quality of Life Services

$ 2,020,000

SUPPLEMENTAL/EMERGENCY GRANTS

$

632,415

THEATRE COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS, RESEARCH GRANTS, SPECIAL ONE-TIME and SHARED SUPPORT

$

968,802

$

65,000

PHYSICIAN VOLUNTEERS FOR THE ARTS Broadway Flu Shot Initiative

NATIONAL GRANTS

$ 6,246,217

INTERNATIONAL GRANTS South Africa / THE LION KING

Grants to 22 AIDS Service Organizations TheatreMAD, London ACTORS FUND of CANADA OTHER

INTERNATIONAL GRANTS

SUBTOTAL

the ACTORS FUND NATIONAL Grants

SUBTOTAL

INTERNATIONAL Grants

SUBTOTAL

2015 BC/EFA GRANT-MAKING TOTAL broadwaycares.org

$

331,370

$ $ $

26,533 165,000 79,000

$ 601,903 $ 5,175,500 $ 6,246,217 $

601,903

$ 12,023,620 [behind the] scenes 3

[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; • 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;

[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 National Grants 19 Broadway Bares: Top Bottoms of Burlesque 22 South Africa Grants 23 Broadway Barks 24 Fire Island Dance Festival 26 Broadway Bets 27 Angels Circle 30 Legacy and Leadership 31 Broadway Cares Online Store

• 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 1988–May 1992 Broadway Cares $ 1,067,000

BC/EFA Contributions 5/92–12/92 $ 634,000 $ 771,780 1993 $ 1,654,000 $ 1,184,119 1994 $ 1,758,000 $ 676,404 1995 $ 1,791,000 $ 707,916 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 2001 $ 2,829,500 $ 3,238,765 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 2006 $ 3,517,500 $ 4,518,364 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 2012 $ 4,625,000 $ 6,218,796 2013 $ 4,300,000 $ 6,218,706 2014 $ 4,603,000 $ 6,077,237 2015* $ 5,175,500 $ 6,848,120

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 $ 10,680,237 $ 12,023,620

* unaudited

Total Support 1988–2015

BC/EFA Grant-Making Total 1988–2015 4 [behind the] scenes

$ 78,226,086

$ 89,280984

$167,507,070

Broadway flea market & grand auction

Biggest Day for Broadway Fans Celebrates Record Success

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roadway fans celebrated the 29th Annual Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction by bidding on and buying everything from tickets to a bevy of opening night performances to custom-made music mixes, from autographed musical phrases to once-in-a-lifetime theatrical experiences. The result: a record $756,655 was raised for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

The biggest day of the year for Broadway fans brought tens of thousands of theatre lovers into Times Square, Shubert Alley and onto West 44th Street. They were greeted by 74 tables full of Broadway treasures and 68 of Broadway’s brightest stars at the Autograph Table and Photo Booth. In addition, more than 200 auction lots were offered in live and silent auctions throughout the day.

The tables of this year’s flea market represented Broadway and Off-Broadway’s top shows, theatre owners, producing organizations, unions, guilds, marketing groups, ticket agencies,

concessionaires and fan clubs.

Fans added a wide range of items to their theatrical treasure chests: flash drives with custom music mixes by Hamilton creator and star Lin-Manuel Miranda; Ariel’s original wedding dress from Disney’s The Little Mermaid, which made one fan particularly happy; bracelets made from guitar strings from Hedwig and the Angry Inch; as well as costume pieces, vintage Playbills and show posters, CDs and collectible records, costume sketches and much more.

Many Broadway stars appearing at the tables created some unforgettable moments for their fans. Les Misérables’ Chris McCarrell invited fans to join him in Marius Karaoke (or “Mari-oke”). Hamilton’s Anthony Ramos live-rapped his character’s part in the song “Take a Break.” Matilda The Musical’s cast of kids broke into spontaneous singing of the show’s anthem “When I Grow Up,” to the cheering screams of excited crowds. [behind the] scenes 5

The Grand Auction included the live auction, which concluded the day under the bright lights of Times Square, and a series of silent auctions, which were held every 30 minutes throughout the day.

The most popular lots of the live auction were once-in-alifetime walk-on roles in many of Broadway’s biggest hits.

The top-selling lot of the day left its winning bidder saying “yeah” to an appearance onstage in Kinky Boots, which raised $13,000. In all, the opportunities to appear in Broadway shows raised $84,000.

Also popular were VIP tickets and backstage meet-andgreets with cast members of this season’s first smash hit, Hamilton. Three different packages offering the chance to meet Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr. and Jonathan Groff sold for a collective $16,950.

Broadway and TV favorite Bryan Batt and Broadway Cares’ esteemed auctioneer Lorna Kelly again entertainingly handled hosting duties for the live auction.

6 [behind the] scenes

Earlier in the day, actors Stephen Wallem and Kirsten Wyatt co-hosted the silent auction with auctioneer Dan Perry. The handwritten musical phrase “Sherry” from Jersey Boys, signed

by Bob Gaudio and the late Bob Crewe, was the top silent auction item, fetching $4,750.

The fan-favorite Autograph Table and Photo Booth featured 68 special guests, representing many of Broadway’s current hits and upcoming shows. Those appearing included Michael Arden, Annaleigh Ashford, Bryan Batt, Richard H. Blake, Heidi Blickenstaff, Stephanie J. Block, Sierra Boggess, John Bolton, Matt Bogart, Alex Brightman, Danny Burstein, Haven Burton, Joseph Leo Bwarie, Scott J. Campbell, John Cariani, Geneva Carr, Michael Cerveris, Kathleen Chalfant, Chuck Cooper, Leanne Cope, Gavin Creel, Brandon Victor Dixon, Laura Dreyfuss, Robert Fairchild, Jonathan Groff, Ann Harada, Jessica Hecht, Cherry Jones, Adam Kantor, Andrew Keenan-Bolger, Jessica Keenan Wynn, Laura Michelle Kelly, Andy Kelso, Alix Korey, Marc Kudisch, Judy Kuhn, Telly Leung, Jose Llana, Jake Lucas, Sydney Lucas, Rebecca Luker, Erin Mackey, Beth Malone, Lesli Margherita, Andy Mientus, Ruthie Ann Miles,

TABLES

Top 10

Hamilton ............................................... . $22,624

The Phantom of the Opera.................. $12,187

Wicked ................................................... $21,916

Something Rotten! ............................... $11,405

TDF’s Pik-a-Tik ..................................... $15,212

Stage Directors

Creative Goods Merchandise .............. $13,745

& Choreographers Society....................$10,944

Finding Neverland ............................... . $13,434

Hedwig and the Angry Inch,

ATPAM ....................................................$12,850

Bebe Neuwirth, Christopher John O’Neill, Brad Oscar, Ben Platt, Colin Quinn, Kate Reinders, Alice Ripley, Chita Rivera, Robert Sella, Christopher Sieber, Emily Skeggs, Phillipa Soo, Jarrod Spector, Sarah Stiles, Rachel Tucker, Brandon Uranowitz, Quinn VanAntwerp, Max von Essen, Shanice Williams, Julie White and Josh Young. The table was hosted by Jim Caruso of Jim Caruso’s Cast Party at Birdland and Ben Cameron, host of Broadway Sessions.

Mamma Mia! and On the Town ..........$10,385

The Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction, which has raised $11.8 million in its 29 years, is sponsored annually by The New York Times and United Airlines. n PHOTOS & VIDEO

broadwaycares.org/fleamarket2015

[behind the] scenes 7

The actors fund

Helping Women Prosper in the Entertainment Industry and Beyond

F

rom the presidential campaign trail to respected theatre blogs, women’s health issues have finally moved to the forefront of conversations. Several of Broadway’s leading ladies have bravely shared their battles with cancer and courageously addressed the stigma around miscarriages and depression. For women in the entertainment industry, with distinctive talents and opportunities come unique obstacles, especially when health becomes a concern, whether it’s a life-threatening illness or a career-impacting injury.

“When you’re in the arts field, it’s nothing like the corporate world where people have paid time off, sick days and health insurance,”

HIV/AIDS Initiative The HIV/AIDS Initiative provides an array of supportive services to create a holistic plan that will meet each client’s emotional, medical and financial needs. In 2015, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS provided $2.1 million in support.

8 [behind the] scenes

said Alexandra Frederick, a musician who turned to the social service programs of The Actors Fund after suffering an injury that impacted her ability to play. “I’m always teaching or performing, and if for some reason I need to stop - like when I was hurt - there is no money coming in. It’s very difficult. If I didn’t have support from The Actors Fund I’m not sure where I would be at this point.”

In 1996, with a $10,000 grant from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, The Actors Fund established the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative to provide a safety net for women in the industry to get through their hardest times with support tailored to their needs. “Today, my female colleagues in entertainment have a safe place to go to address serious medical concerns and get confidential and compassionate help,” said

Artists Health Insurance Resource Center The Artists Health Insurance Resource Center, also known as AHIRC, helps the industry understand and participate in the Affordable Care Act. In 2015, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS provided $400,000 in support.

Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic The Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic addresses immediate medical needs, including urgent sick visits, vaccinations, physical examinations, blood testing, vision screening, mammograms and more.

In 2015, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS provided $650,000 in support. the initiative’s namesake, Phyllis Newman, who battled breast cancer in 1983. The initiative was started to give women artists a place to turn for help and advice without the fear and stigma often present in other medical surroundings.

In 2015, BC/EFA awarded $800,000 to the Women’s Health Initiative. Since that first grant nearly 20 years ago, Broadway Cares has provided more than $8.6 million to support this invaluable program of The Actors Fund.

As an active fundraiser for Broadway Cares during her days in Broadway’s The Addams Family and First Date, Krysta Rodriguez was well-versed on the supportive services offered through The Actors Fund. Then, on the heels of her 30th birthday last year, Rodriguez, who’s now starring in the acclaimed Spring Awakening revival on Broadway, heard the news no one wants to hear at any age: “you have breast cancer.” Rodriguez chose to be transparent about her diagnosis and treatment. “It opened a channel of help and support that was really vital to me,” she said. “I heard from others who had been through it. I was able to add to the conversation myself of things I had learned. It was also important for me to be open about the help I was getting.

I had an incredible support system so imagining someone going through this that didn’t have such a great support was heartbreaking. I want people to know there are organizations who will be there for you. I got help from all sides, for everything from my rent to fertility treatments. The help is out there.”

Stage Managers’ Project The Stage Managers’ Project offers Broadway and national touring companies a carefully assembled, Web-based directory of doctors and health professionals in 28 cities across the country. In 2015, Broadway Cares provided $200,000 in support.

The comprehensive nature of the initiative’s case management approach encompasses employment, economic and other factors that impact each client’s ability to fight for her health with maximum success. Case workers help women deal with difficulties triggered by medical conditions and the subsequent challenges around financial, psychological and family issues, staying involved with clients on an ongoing basis and providing the support and referrals they need to best cope with these pressing issues. Counselors offer vital assistance in treatment and recovery, applying for benefits, filing insurance claims, coordinating childcare and devising financial plans.

“I had worked all my life and felt very awkward asking for help, but my anxiety evaporated the moment I walked into the office,” said Zoe Morsette, veteran prop and costume fabricator who

When women who have recently been diagnosed with an illness go to The Actors Fund, they are concerned about their ability to work, family issues, managing everyday expenses as well as medical bills, and coping both physically and mentally with a challenging medical situation. The Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative dedicates a range of resources solely to addressing the health needs and concerns specific to women, including HIV/AIDS, breast, cervical and ovarian cancers, domestic violence, chemical dependency and mental health issues.

The Dancers’ Resource The Dancers’ Resource provides counseling and support group services to address the physical and emotional issues that are specific to dancers In 2015, Broadway Cares provided $300,000 in support.

Career Center A comprehensive employment and training program, the Career Center, formerly called the Actors Fund Work Program, helps entertainment professionals identify and find sideline work and new careers in industries where their skills and experience are also valued. In 2015, Broadway Cares provided $300,000 in support. [behind the] scenes 9

The Actors Fund cont i n u e d f r om p r e v i o u s pag e

was diagnosed ovarian cancer in 2003. “I remember noticing how clean and professional everything was, which might seem like a small thing, but it inspires confidence. As we discussed my situation, I realized I was no longer dealing with my medical and financial crisis by myself. I suddenly had the support of a skilled social worker and an entire organization behind me. What could have been a stress-filled, careerdestroying period in my life actually became manageable and even positive in many ways.”

All women working in performing arts and entertainment are eligible for individual services, groups and educational seminars, which include discussions on navigating the healthcare system, managing personal finances, acquiring health insurance, wellness and locating affordable housing. n

PHOTOS & VIDEO

actorsfund.org

Addictions and Recovery Services Added to Annual Support

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roadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS expanded its financial support of The Actors Fund this year by adding Addiction and Recovery Services to the essential programs receiving annual funding.

Addiction and Recovery Services is part of The Actors Fund’s work to provide a safety net of programs for those who are in need, crisis or transition. In 2015, Broadway Cares awarded $350,000 for Addiction and Recovery Services.

While working in the entertainment industry can bring moments of euphoria for most, it can also be fraught with challenges, including some that can serve as triggers of addiction. As shows open and close, those who work onstage, backstage and behind the scenes continually face job insecurity.

The competition to prove yourself for that next opportunity helps add layers of self-doubt and anxiety. And if you’re injured, the stress only increases.

Pain killers, muscle relaxants, sleep aids, alcohol and other drugs can easily become the self-medication of choice, often resulting in a dangerous addiction that destroys careers and lives.

“There are so many aspects of a career in the industry that make people more vulnerable and lead to feelings of insecurity and frustration, anxiety and depression,” said Roz Gilbert, supervisor of The Actors Fund’s Addiction and Recovery Services. “Alcohol and drugs can help keep those feelings at bay, at least for a while. But some people become addicted.

They’ve found a false solution to wanting something different in themselves, in their life and in their career.”

Addiction and Recovery Services help entertainment industry professionals and their families address drug and alcohol abuse and addiction. The programs provide intensive case management to address the addiction and what led to it, helping clients get back on their feet and regain stability in their lives.

Case managers try to create a comprehensive support system to 10 [behind the] scenes

help clients address challenges in all aspects of their professional and personal life. “Recovery plans often include other services by the Fund, such as career counseling, financial assistance or psychiatric help,” said Tamar Shapiro, director of social services at The Actors Fund.

Gilbert has been one of the calming voices and strong shoulders at The Actors Fund for more than 25 years. “I’ve really seen people’s lives turn around,” she said. “It’s been amazing. Once someone stops using drugs and alcohol to cope with feelings and starts to learn about who they are, they can begin to grow and develop healthier coping mechanisms. They’re able to live productive lives and have good relationships and be more successful in terms of their work. It’s an amazing thing to see somebody change their life so radically.”

Addiction and Recovery Services also acts as conduit to the Fund’s broader community services. Addictions show up in the workplace and jeopardize people’s jobs, Shapiro said, so The Actors Fund also educates and assists industry employers, managers and union representatives in correctly addressing these issues to prevent any long-term damage to people’s careers.

“It takes a lot of courage to admit that there is a problem and ask for help,” Shapiro said. “But once folks turn to us, we mobilize all our resources to hold their hand through this difficult process until they are able to live productive lives, have good relationships and be successful in their work.” n

29th Annual Easter bonnet competition

52 Shows Propel 29th Annual Edition to New Heights

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he generosity of the American theatre community shined brightly as six weeks of spring fundraising raised a record-breaking grand total for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. The 29th Annual Easter Bonnet Competition raised a remarkable $4,711,386.

The news was revealed April 21 after two days of Easter Bonnet Competition performances, which honored the fundraising efforts of 52 Broadway, Off-Broadway and national touring productions in song, dance, comedy and 18 ornate, handmade bonnets.

More than 200 of Broadway and Off-Broadway’s most talented performers participated in this year’s show, which was once again held at the Minskoff Theatre, home to Disney’s The Lion King.

the winner of the presentation award. In “Bonnet of Life,” the Avenue Q cast delivered a side-splitting parody of the longrunning Disney hit’s signature number “Circle of Life.”

Runner-up presentation honors went to Jersey Boys, featuring current and alumni cast members who showed what happened when the legendary show went global. The company delivered international versions of the show’s hits as performed by a mariachi band, a German oompah band, a reggae quartet and full-scale Bollywood production.

Other wildly creative performances by current Broadway and

Andy Karl, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Helen Mirren and Matthew Morrison announced the top fundraisers and the winners of outstanding bonnet design and best presentation at this year’s show.

The company of Jersey Boys took top design honors for its shimmering crystal-and LED-covered bonnet, created by Ricky Jay Yates.

Winning the best presentation award was the company of Avenue Q, which lamented The Lion King’s perennial status as [behind the] scenes 11

Off-Broadway companies included Chicago, Hand to God, Les Misérables, The Lion King, NEWSical The Musical, On the Town and Mamma Mia!, which played its final performance in September after nearly 14 years on Broadway.

Gavin Creel, of Broadway’s The Book of Mormon, closed the show with an ethereal arrangement of “Help is on the Way,” the Easter Bonnet anthem written by David Friedman. And Broadway favorite Tituss Burgess, who recently made a splash in the Netflix series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, made a special appearance on behalf of Broadway Cares affiliate organization ASTEP (Artists Striving to End Poverty) to sing the moving “Because of One,” written by Tina Lear to honor Nobel Peace Prize winner and Liberian activist Leymah Roberta Gbowee.

This year’s Easter Bonnet Competition original opening number riffed on the abbreviated versions of Broadway shows that play in Las Vegas, “where luck runs high and shows run short.” The original number included a special appearance by Hand to God star Steven Boyer with hand puppet “Tyrone,” and featured Jason Kravits and Jen Perry.

A bright, upbeat celebration of the 17 national touring productions, which raised $2.2 million this spring, was choreographed by Charlie Williams and featured 16 of Broadway’s best dancers.

fundraising Awards Bonnet Presentation Winner....................................... Avenue Q Bonnet Design Winner............................................ Jersey Boys

Broadway Musicals Top Fundraiser First Runner-up Second Runner-up Third Runner-up

The Book of Mormon.................. $325,556 Aladdin........................................ $150,869 The Phantom of the Opera......... $147,178 Jersey Boys................................ $142,765

Broadway Plays Top Fundraiser First Runner-up

Fish in the Dark........................... $140,374 It’s Only a Play............................ $120,720

National Touring Shows Top Fundraiser First Runner-up

Wicked – Munchkinland............. $348,552 The Book of Mormon – Latter Day Company

..................................................... $347,943 Second Runner-up Kinky Boots................................. $265,917 Third Runner-up The Book of Mormon – Jumamosi Company

..................................................... $168,545

Off-Broadway Top Fundraiser First Runner-up

Hamilton.........................................$96,819 Into the Woods..............................$29,084

52 Companies Raised $4,711,386 12 [behind the] scenes

The show included special performances representing Classical Action: Performing Arts Against AIDS and Dancers Responding to AIDS, both programs of Broadway Cares.

The all-male singing string quartet Well-Strung performed Leonard Cohen’s haunting “Hallelujah.” And accomplished young dancers David Guzman and Jacob Guzman enthralled the audience with an excerpt from the whimsical “Me Before We Met,” choreographed by Al Blackstone. Bonnets also were presented, in a special number choreographed by Dionne Figgins, for affiliate organizations Broadway Green Alliance, Broadway Impact, Broadway Serves and R.Evolución Latina.

The Easter Bonnet Competition judges were The Actors Fund President and CEO Joseph Benincasa, actors Michael Cerveris, Corey Cott, Robert Fairchild, Vanessa Hudgens, Judith Ivey, Judy Kuhn, Nathaniel Parker and Rufus Wright, and director/ choreographer Christopher Wheeldon. Also joining the judging panel were Jake Perlman and Peg Wendlandt, who won their spots by being high bidders on exclusive VIP packages at the 28th Annual Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction.

The judges were introduced by the incomparable Andrea Martin and Seth Rudetsky. The show was hosted by Adinah Alexander, Jen Perry and Daniel Stewart Sherman from Kinky Boots; Francesca Faridany and Alex Sharp from The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time; Ann Harada from the original Avenue Q cast; Jasmine Cephas Jones, Renée Elise Goldsberry and Phillipa Soo from Hamilton; Rob McClure and Nancy Opel from Honeymoon in Vegas; and Micah Stock from It’s Only a Play.

The 29th Annual Easter Bonnet Competition was directed

by Kristin Newhouse with music supervision by Ben Cohn.

Jason Trubitt served as production stage manager. The Easter Bonnet Competition is sponsored by The New York Times and United Airlines. n

PHOTOS & VIDEO

broadwaycares.org/easterbonnet2015

[behind the] scenes 13

2015 National grants

Increasing Infection Rates, Federal Cuts Heighten Need for Help

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he numbers can be staggering. Twenty-seven percent of clients receiving care through AIDS Resource Center Ohio do not have health insurance. At RAIN Oklahoma, social workers saw 25 newly diagnosed HIV clients in one month alone, all of them younger than 28. And in the tiny town of Austin, IN, the incidence of HIV was higher earlier this year than in any country in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The stories behind those numbers can be heartbreaking. “My medication is $3,185 for a 30-day supply,” said Kevin, who turned to RAIN Oklahoma in Oklahoma City for support. “If you don’t have an HIV drug assistance program, you don’t have a chance for survival. If I didn’t have that help, I wouldn’t be here today.”

The continuing reduction in federal and state funding for social service programs, coupled with an increase in the number of people living with HIV complicates the ability of AIDS service organizations to provide timely and effective responses to the needs of their clients.

Thanks to the generosity of the American theatre community and thousands more major donors and supporters across the country, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS awarded more in grants this year through its annual National Grants Program than ever before: $6.2 million to 459 AIDS and family service organizations in all 50 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

This summer, in the largest of three annual grant rounds, Broadway Cares’ national grants committee awarded more than $2 million to 300 AIDS and family service organizations. The grants cover four key categories: $657,500 was awarded to 98 agencies providing direct services; $675,000 was allocated for emergency

14 [behind the] scenes

financial assistance; $475,000 for harm reduction services; and $213,500 for 51 agencies providing quality of life services.

Earlier this year, the grants committee awarded $1.7 million to 118 food pantries, congregate meal programs and meal delivery services across the country. This first round of annual funding, awarded in January, continues to be a priority in BC/EFA’s grant-making mission, ensuring that a person who is sick has a decent meal. For people living with HIV/AIDS and other serious illnesses, nutritious food is an essential component of lifesaving medical regimens.

“

he only way I’m gonna survive T is to show people that I can’t be kept down by this. I want to do stuff to help other people.”

David in Columbus, OH

In March, an additional $835,000 was awarded to 41 nationally recognized AIDS service agencies, health clinics and advocacy organizations. The work of many of these agencies directly impacts the hundreds of service providers Broadway Cares funds.

The record level of funding comes at a time when it’s desperately needed. For many clients of the organizations Broadway Cares helps, continued cuts in government and foundation funding means not just reductions in support for lifesaving medication, but also increased hardship in accessing counseling and transportation, difficulty paying rent and health insurance co-payments, securing safe housing and more.

David, a client of AIDS Resource Center Ohio in Columbus, was diagnosed with AIDS 15 years ago. Once the owner of a thriving small business, David now faces the daily financial dilemma of choosing whether to pay for his medication, food or keeping the lights on. “I would never have thought I would be in the position to need help paying an electricity bill, but I am,” David said. “Thanks to the ARC Ohio’s help, I’m able to pay that bill and that helps take some of the stress off me.”

In an effort to pay things forward, David and his husband donate excess fruits and vegetables from their garden to a local food bank. “I get help so I feel I need to give that back,” he said.

“The only way I’m gonna survive is to show people that I can’t be kept down by this. I want to do stuff to help other people.”

Julie Lovegrove, executive director of RAIN Oklahoma in Oklahoma City, which received a $12,500 grant this year, sees the reality of government cutbacks in her daily work. “Some of whom were receiving six prescriptions on their Medicaid now can only get three,” she said. “Moreover, individual clients who are HIV-positive have to come to Oklahoma City for treatment.

Sometimes that’s a two-hour drive each way, several times a month. Our folks can’t pay for that much gas or they don’t even have reliable transportation. We rely on grants like what we receive from Broadway Cares to help us provide alternative transportation and bring them to their doctor.”

primarily among intravenous drug users. The grant of $7,500 will help the program enhance its direct and harm reduction services across the region.

Performers and stage managers involved in fundraising efforts form the committee that reviews the grants applications. “The generosity of spirit, enthusiasm and great commitment of time and talent by the theatre community is what allows us to maintain and, when we can, increase our funding,” said Tom Viola, executive director of Broadway Cares. “It warms my heart to think about the thousands of men, women and children across the country whose life will get a bit better thanks to these grants.”

The national grants committee carefully reviews all applications, many of which address emerging challenges such as a rise in HIV infections in rural communities, the special needs of HIV/AIDS survivors or the growing need for holistic treatment approaches that not only address the client’s physical state, but also improve their quality of life.

Vickie in Coeur d’Alene, ID, knows firsthand how important holistic treatment is. Diagnosed with HIV in an early stage of her pregnancy, Vickie coped with the sudden death of her husband, uncertainty regarding her own health, harsh stigma and financial challenges. Thanks to a holistic and continuous support from North Idaho AIDS Coalition, Vickie was able to slowly rebuild her life. “I’m not overwhelmed with all the things that come with managing this illness emotionally and physically,” Vickie said. “I have a place that I can go that will look at all of my needs, help me prioritize them, sit down with me and make a plan with me. They help me help myself.” n STATE

BY STATE

National

Grants

Among the organizations receiving grants is the Indiana Recovery Alliance, which operates the only syringe exchange program in southern Indiana. Like other rural areas, the region has experienced an alarming increase in HIV infections,

broadwaycares.org/grantsbystate

$1,725,000

$2,020,000

Food Service and Meal Delivery Programs $1,725,000 to 118 Organizations

Nationally Recognized AIDS Service and Advocacy Organizations $835,000 to 41 Organizations

$835,000

Local AIDS Service Organizations $2,020,000 to 300 Organizations

[behind the] scenes 15

THE RES

$12 MILLION AW

THE NEEDS

THE ACTORS FUND

NUTRITIOUS MEALS

COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT T H E AT R E

BILLS

EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

COUNSELING & SOCIAL SERVICES

Helping those throughout the performing arts community in need of assistance.

$5,175,500

HEALTH CARE

LIFESAVING MEDICATIONS

TURNING LOVE INTO MONEY

16 [behind the] scenes

SPONSE

WARDED IN 2015

THE IMPACT

NATIONAL GRANTS PROGRAM

VICKIE IN COEUR D’ALENE, ID “Thank you for seeing not my HIV and my AIDS, but seeing me as a person. You're helping me help myself.”

CALEB IN COLUMBUS, OH “I’ve learned that there is life after receiving a diagnosis of being positive.”

466 AIDS and family service organizations in 50 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.

$6,246,217

ALLEN IN SAN DIEGO, CA “Being ill, it takes every bit of you just to take your medicine and to eat. To know that meals will be delivered to you really means a lot.”

FAYET TA IN NEW YORK, NY “The programs I'm in give you the real education on how this virus works in your system, breaking it down in layman’s terms.

So now I know about me – and how to keep me alive and in good health.

AND MONEY INTO LOVE

[behind the] scenes 17

Sharing resources

BC/EFA Helps Expand the Generosity of the Broadway Community

T

he impact of the American theatre community extends far beyond the Broadway stage. Actors and companies who take part in our fundraising efforts donate additional time and effort to many other charitable organizations. To thank these incredibly generous actors and companies for their tireless work for Broadway Cares, BC/EFA awards grants to organizations in their honor.

Tony Award-winning composer Cyndi Lauper accepted a check for $150,000 on behalf of True Colors Fund, a New York Citybased organization she founded. True Colors Fund works to end homelessness among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth through community organizing, public engagement, public policy, research and youth collaboration programs. The grant honors the remarkable fundraising efforts by the Broadway and national touring companies of Kinky Boots since the show opened in April 2013.

The company of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time accepted a check for $20,000 on behalf of The Valentine Center.

A dream of special education teacher Janet Mino, The Valentine Center provides a special haven for young adults with autism who have “aged out” of public school care. Mino and The Valentine Center were featured in the PBS documentary Best Kept Secret.

The donation comes in addition to a $30,000 check presented on the show’s behalf to Quality Services for the Autism Community earlier this year.

In honor of the company of Fish in the Dark and in celebration of Rita Wilson’s return to the cast, Broadway Cares presented a special grant of $25,000 to the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative at The Actors Fund. Wilson took a one-month leave from the show after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Following the Easter Bonnet Competition collections, the enthusiastic company won the top fundraising award for plays. n 18 [behind the] scenes

broadway bares

Broadway Bares Turns 25 with Bodacious Birthday Party

I

n 1992, as the AIDS crisis engulfed the theatre community, Jerry Mitchell recruited a handful of Broadway dancer friends to join him in a little striptease performance at a New York City bar to raise money for those in need.

of asses,” a pageant of bottoms colorfully representing each season in elegant showgirl costumes. The opening number was choreographed by Mitchell and Nick Kenkel, who also joined Mitchell as co-director of this year’s show. The opening was written by Andrew Lippa and Hunter Bell.

In June, Mitchell’s now not-so-little striptease show celebrated its 25th edition with two sold-out performances in front of 6,000 fans. The evening at New York City’s Hammerstein Ballroom raised a record $1,598,501 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, bringing Broadway Bares’ grand total to $14.3 million.

As the starry-eyed “Petey Sawyer” from Allentown, Nick Adams arrived too late for the audition and was left to adventurously find his own way on to a Broadway stage. The evening also featured guest performances

by Laverne Cox, Bianca Del Rio, Lesli Margherita and Christopher Sieber.

This year’s edition, Broadway Bares: Top Bottoms of Burlesque, featured a colorful cast of classic characters, from ripped dancers and cheeky choreographers to studly stagehands and sumptuous showgirls. The thrilling extravaganza offered a bodacious Broadway Bares spin to the classic musical 42nd Street, the story of a bright-eyed ingenue looking to make it big on the Great White Way. The show began with a curtain-raising reveal of 100 beautiful, bouncing booties, all auditioning for the next Broadway hit, “Top Bottoms of Burlesque.” As delectable dance captain Callan Bergmann cut want-to-be bottoms, special guest Harvey Fierstein, fabulously dressed in drag, introduced a “parade

In a special number highlighting veterans of Bares past, three of Broadway Bares’ favorite women - Jen Cody, Nikka Graff Lanzarone and Rachelle Rak - helped Petey find his gimmick to be noticed as a “top bottom.” In a tribute to the first 24 editions of Bares, 10 of its most iconic lead strips returned for a “hot vintage booty” alumni [behind the] scenes 19

number: Kristine Bendul, Timothy Bish, Joshua BuscherWest, Katy Grenfell, Sandor DeGrazia, Grasan Kingsberry, Daniel Robinson, Michael Lee Scott and Ryan Worsing.

In an epic finale, Joey Taranto, with Ashley Loren and Lisa Ramey, led the entire cast of 222 dancers in a fist-pumping tribute to the 25 editions of Broadway Bares. And to close the evening, Sieber reigned over the show’s spirited “rotation” where audience members get the opportunity to personally tip the dancers, a throwback to how Bares began.

“When we did that first show, I knew we were on to something because of how the crowd responded,” Mitchell, now a twotime Tony Award-winning director and choreographer, said.

“I felt so empowered by actually doing something to help, and everyone else who was there felt the same way. I created a show from my heart and audiences have continued to embrace it.

Now every year, we get to take off our clothes, raise a heck of a lot of money and truly make a difference in the lives of men, women and children across the country.”

Joel Goodness, one of the original seven Bares dancers with Mitchell, returned to this year’s show, this time as a VIP

20 [behind the] scenes

guest. “It is so exciting to see what this show has grown into,” Goodness said. “I’m having tears of joy remembering that night, Jerry’s vision, the traditions we started. It makes me feel so proud to have been a part of this.“ A longtime friend and supporter of BC/EFA, two-time Tony winner Judith Light congratulated Mitchell and thanked him at the show’s close for “making a difference for people who don’t have the access to the services and money that we often take for granted.”

Light and Mitchell also underscored a message that has been key to Bares from the beginning: protect yourself and those you love. Broadway Bares offers a unique opportunity to remind the full company of the show and, indeed, the entire theatre community of the importance of sexual health, wellbeing and safer sex. From backstage posters to program ads, the “stay safe” message continues to be shared every year.

“This reminder is as important as the money raised,” said Tom Viola, executive director of Broadway Cares. “This message, particularly to a young generation of dancers, volunteers and audience members is, in fact, Broadway Bares’

We all have a starring role when it comes to fighting the spread of HIV. Take care of yourself and each other.

STAY SAFE Condoms provide significant, if not perfect, protection.

If you’re HIV negative and are potentially at risk for HIV infection, talk to a doctor. Taking Truvada, a form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), every day can greatly reduce your risk.

Stay sober. Alcohol and drugs often go hand-in-hand with risky sex.

You can reduce your risk by being in a monogamous relationship, by limiting your number of sex partners and even by practicing abstinence.

GET TESTED Everyone should know their status. One in seven people in the U.S. who have HIV don’t know they are infected.

Knowing your status allows you and your sex partners to make informed decisions about your behaviors and how to protect each other.

TREAT EARLY When HIV-positive people on antiretroviral treatment have an undetectable viral load, they are 96 percent less likely to pass on the virus.

If you think you’ve been exposed to HIV, protect yourself with a 30-day post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP, within 36 hours.

For more information call

800.541.AIDS

By supporting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, we’re all committed to fighting HIV. Keep the conversation going.

Learn more at cdc.gov/hiv

best and greatest legacy.“ Jennifer Balbier, M∙A∙C senior vice president of global product development and M∙A∙C AIDS Fund board member, delivered a $300,000 check on behalf of M∙A∙C VIVA Glam, Bares’ presenting sponsor. Balbier also acknowledged the extraordinary skills of more than 70 M∙A∙C makeup artists who volunteered on the show.

This year more than 300 people participated in Stripathon, an online fundraising competition among Bares cast, crew and supporters that raised a record $581,225. Ben Ryan was honored as the top individual fundraiser, generating $17,095 in donations.

The anniversary celebration was made possible thanks to Broadway Cares Producing Director Valerie Lai and Production Stage Manager Eric Insko, who led a team of 11 stage managers with more than 700 other volunteers behind the scenes.

In addition to Mitchell and Kenkel, nine of Broadway’s best choreographers contributed to the show: Laya Barak, Jim

Cooney, Armando Farfan Jr., Peter Gregus, Brice Mousset, Rachelle Rak, Michael Lee Scott, Kellen Stancil and Sydney Erik Wright.

The Bares season opened on May 30 in Fire Island Pines, marking Broadway Bares’ return to Fire Island after a oneyear absence. Twenty-three extraordinary dancers tempted, teased and tantalized their sold-out audiences in two intimate photography-themed performances. Directed by Scott, the eye-popping photographers, alluring aviators and seductive swingers raised a record $55,994.

Generous support for Broadway Bares: Top Bottoms of Burlesque came from presenting sponsor M∙A∙C VIVA Glam, United Airlines, Mark Fisher Fitness, Showtime, Zarley Family Foundation, CAA, Devotion Vodka, DKoye: The Product, Get Services, Next, New York Marriott Marquis, Out and Pride.com. n PHOTOS & VIDEOS

broadwaycares.org/bares2015

[behind the] scenes 21

SoutH Africa Grants

The Lion King’s Fundraising Sends $4 Million in Help

I

t’s one of the longest-running productions in Broadway history and is now the highest-grossing show of all time. In June, Disney’s The Lion King added another milestone to Pride Rock: surpassing the $4 million mark in grants its cast members have helped facilitate from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS to more than 60 South Africa HIV organizations.

a native of South Africa and original cast member still performing in the show. “BC/EFA’s willingness to share resources in this way has given us a common goal that affects people here in New York City, across the United States and thousands of miles away in cities and towns across South Africa. It is something that’s incredibly moving to me, my fellow actors and company members.”

The Lion King has deep roots in South Africa. The story, of course, takes place in Africa and a significant number of its cast members were born in South Africa, which remains a country beset with the highest HIV/AIDS rates in the world. Despite the great progress that has been made in providing essential AIDS services across the country, HIV continues to take an extraordinary toll. According to UNAIDS, in 2014 an estimated 6.8 million people in South Africa were living with HIV, with 140,000 South Africans dying from AIDS-related illnesses.

This year, a group of the Broadway company’s members embarked on a journey across South Africa to visit some of the supported organizations and learn more about the needs of the struggling communities. In June, they gathered at Broadway Cares to award the latest round of grants: $145,000 to 18 AIDS service providers. “More than 450 grants have been awarded over the last 18 years to more than 60 South African organizations large and small, from Johannesburg to Durban, Cape Town to Pretoria, in Springs, Tongatt, Greytown and more,” said Tom Viola, executive director of Broadway Cares.

“It is a legacy that we are very proud to be a part of.”

Currently in its 18th year, the Broadway production of The Lion King and two subsequent national touring productions have raised more than $7 million for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. More than half of that has been sent to support South Africa AIDS and family service organizations in honor of the South African cast members. The grants helped a variety of service providers including well-established organizations, food pantries, orphanages, struggling health clinics and community centers.

“The unity this has created within the company here in New York and on the road is tremendous,” said Ron Kunene, 22 [behind the] scenes

The partnership between Broadway Cares and The Lion King dates back to 1998, shortly after the show’s opening. Viola was preparing to speak with the Broadway company prior to their first fundraising campaign. He realized that he couldn’t ask a company that has more than a dozen South African actors to help people living with AIDS across the United States without acknowledging what was happening to their loved ones back home. He proposed sharing the grant resources with their home country, which Broadway Cares has been doing ever since. n

broadway barks

Broadway Stars and their Furry Friends Return to Shubert Alley

M

ore than 200 lovable, adoptable dogs and cats, the brightest stars of Broadway and the fans who love them all gathered in Shubert Alley on July 11, for a sunny, 17th annual edition of Broadway Barks.

Broadway Barks supports 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.

This year’s event was hosted by Broadway Barks co-founder and Tony Award winner Bernadette Peters, who was joined for the day by special guest host Andrew Rannells, a Tony nominee for The Book of Mormon and star of HBO’s Girls.

The most anticipated part of the day for many is the annual parade of adoptable pets presented by more than 70 Broadway and Off-Broadway actors. Hugging and snuggling their cuddly partners for the afternoon, the stars introduced each shelter and rescue group represented at the event and urged the audience to adopt a new friend.

Beth Malone, Tony Award nominee from this year’s Best Musical winner Fun Home, revels in being the parent of rescue dogs.

“Each and every little set of eyes that looks back at you from these shelters is having a huge emotional life,” Malone said. “They have little broken hearts until somebody loves them. And once you know the love of a stray, it’s this very intense bond and they are forever grateful.”

Lena Hall, Tony winner for Hedwig and the Angry Inch, made a surprise appearance to announce she just adopted a puffy Pomeranian from the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons. “I lost my dog a few weeks ago and my heart was broken,” Hall said. ”I came here today to find a new friend and I’m taking her with me. Meet my new daughter, Piper.”

Among the other Broadway stars who helped introduce everything from unique mixed breeds to fabulous purebreds and strays were Clyde Alves, Brooks Ashmanskas, James Barbour, Ian Barford, Bill Berloni, Heidi Blickenstaff, Sierra Boggess, Christian Borle, Marylouise Burke, Mary Callanan, Scott J. Campbell, John Cariani, Carolee Carmello, Michael Cerveris, Leanne Cope, Corey Cott, Veanne Cox, Gavin Creel, Nikki Renée Daniels, Tracy Jai Edwards, Alison Ewing, Robert Fairchild, Francesca Faridany, Tori Feinstein, Jonathan Freeman, Montego Glover, Harriet Harris, Glenne Headly, Edward Hibbert, Jackie Hoffman, Dee Hoty, Jayne Houdyshell, James Monroe Iglehart, Rebecca Naomi Jones, Andy Karl, Chilina Kennedy, Jeff Kready, Judy Kuhn, Marvin Laird, Peter Land, Kara Lindsay, Sydney Lucas, Alison Luff, Kim Maresca, Lesli Margherita, Jefferson Mays, Andrea McCullough, Howard McGillin, Rita McKenzie, Judy McLane, Tori Murray, Michael Oberholtzer, Brad Oscar, Jill Paice, Joel Paley, Mary Beth Peil, Kate Reinders, Christopher Sieber, Emily Skeggs, Jarrod Spector, Sarah Stiles, Taylor Trensch, Brandon Uranowitz, Michael Urie, Max von Essen, Amra-Faye Wright and Chip Zien.

The afternoon included a special performance by Jessica Keenan Wynn, star of Beautiful - The Carole King Musical, who dedicated “He’s Sure the Boy I Love” to Romeo, a delightful top-hat wearing bulldog. Peters herself dedicated another special serenade to Sandy, a pup brought to stage by Broadway’s renowned animal trainer Bill Berloni.

Broadway Barks, which was founded by Peters and Mary Tyler Moore, was sponsored by the new Broadway play Sylvia 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

broadwaycares.org/barks2015 [behind the] scenes 23

Fire Island Dance Festival

World-Class Dance Transforms Fire Island Pines

F

ire Island Dance Festival returned for its 21st edition with some of the most talked-about worldclass dance companies, raising a record-breaking $544,555 for Dancers Responding to AIDS, a program of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. The exquisite lineup featured 43 professional dancers entertaining sold-out crowds with Broadway, ballet, contemporary and modern dance.

Five choreographers premiered stunning new works at the festival: Al Blackstone, a New York-based Capezio A.C.E. Award winner; Charlie Williams, a Broadway performer and rising choreographer whose work has been seen on the Academy Awards, Tony Awards and NBC’s Sound of Music Live! and Peter Pan Live!; Manuel Vignoulle, a French choreographer who has danced with Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève and Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet; Joshua Beamish, who just finished working with former New York City Ballet principal Wendy Whelan on Restless Creature; and Pontus Lidberg, a renowned Swedish choreographer, actor, dancer and filmmaker.

“We feel so rewarded to witness all the talent and the commitment of our crew, dancers, choreographers and volunteers who come together every year to make this weekend happen for those not as fortunate as we are,” said Denise Roberts Hurlin, founding director of Dancers Responding to AIDS.

24 [behind the] scenes

Duets and romance dominated this year’s stellar lineup.

Ailey II stunned the audience with the energetic Shaking Duet choreographed by Vignoulle. Lidberg and Boston Ballet Principal Paulo Arrais created an intimate, kinetic conversation between their sinewy bodies in Lidberg’s new piece. Beamish premiered Stay, a sensual dance that followed a relationship suspended in space and time performed by Dimitri Kleioris, who danced with the Royal New Zealand Ballet, and Stephanie Williams, a member of the corps de ballet at American Ballet Theatre.

10 Hairy Legs showcased “Bud,” with intricate partnering expertly handled by Alex Biegelson and Nicholas Sciscione. In a

contemporary male duet called Shifting Shadow, Vignoulle and Isaies Santamaria illustrated a man scared by his own reflection and shadow. Mary Carmen Catoya and Kleber Rebello, former and current principals with Miami City Ballet respectively, captivated the audience with a classical pas de deux from La Esmeralda, the story of a beautiful gypsy girl and her love for a man who is not her husband.

In Williams’ dream-like Rise, Tony Award nominee Karine Plantadit, surrounded by six bare-chested male dancers, followed one woman’s journey from this world to the next, set to the celebratory sounds of Delta Rae’s “Dance in the Graveyards.”

In a captivating solo choreographed by the legendary Dwight Rhoden, Clifford Williams created an onstage fantasy to the sounds of Bach’s “Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue.”

former principal dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and a Tony Award nominee for Fosse.

Intermezzo Dance Company kicked off the festival on July 17 with an enchanting tale of secret romance and desire, choreographed by Duncan Lyle, a member of American Ballet Theatre’s corps de ballet. This exclusive performance, sponsored

by DIRECTV, was part of the opening event exclusively for the festival’s Leadership Supporters.

Fire Island Dance Festival was generously sponsored by The New York Times, United Airlines, DIRECTV, Movmnt Magazine, Sayville Ferry and Tony’s Barge, Inc. n

Effortlessly gliding across the stage, the elegant men of Ballet Hispanico donned bowler hats and colorful jeans for the intricate and explosive “Sombrerísimo,” a piece that contrasted the men dancing for the audience and for themselves.

Broadway’s Blackstone closed the shows with the premiere of his comedic Not for Me, a piece that follows a young man looking for love in all the wrong places.

This year’s sold-out festival was hosted by Complexions Contemporary Ballet co-founder Desmond Richardson, a

PHOTOS & VIDEOS

dradance.org/fireisland2015 [behind the] scenes 25

BROADWAY bETS

Theatre Insiders, Fans Go “All-in” for Broadway Cares

B

roadway insiders, theatre fans and celebrities grabbed their seats at poker tables on May 18 to raise $137,200 at the inaugural edition of Broadway Bets.

Hosted by Sardi’s restaurant in the heart of New York City’s theatre district, the first-of-its-kind Broadway poker tournament offered a unique new way to support Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. The rollicking evening started with 16 classic Texas Hold ’em poker tables filling the two floors of the iconic restaurant. Using skill, strategy and a bit of luck, 10 players bested more than 120 other competitors to win their way to the championship table.

One by one they dropped until only two remained. The final head-to-head was a classic showdown of management versus union, as Bill Paness, controller for The Shubert Organization, faced off against IATSE Local 311 member Eric Castaldo.

Friends, poker fans and busted-out players hovered around the table, cheering and cajoling the final players. In this congenial battle, Paness ultimately bested Castaldo to become the first Broadway Bets champion and winner of a VIP weekend at Foxwoods Resort Casino, the official tournament host.

Executive Director Charlotte St. Martin and professional poker champion Erik Seidel.

In addition to Paness and Castaldo, the final “high stakes” table featured Landis, Rapp, Rego, Lorraine Gale, Gina Green from SpotCo, Eric Gross, Michael Hyde from Sweet Hospitality Group and Emma Kerr from The Araca Group.

For those not ready to go “all in,” Broadway Bets guest passes offered an opportunity to observe the poker table action and play for prizes in other casino games, including roulette, blackjack and craps.

The evening’s co-chairs were Paul Libin, executive vice president of Jujamcyn Theaters and BC/EFA Board of Trustees president, and Robert E. Wankel, president and co-CEO of The Shubert Organization and longtime BC/EFA trustee. Micah Hollingworth of Jujamcyn Theaters and Mark Shacket of Foresight Theatrical served as Broadway Bets’ tournament directors.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is grateful to Foxwoods Resort Casino for its generous support of Broadway Bets.

Many thanks to Felix Rappaport, president and CEO, and his Foxwoods team for sharing their best with us. n

“Broadway Cares presents a number of ‘capital B’ events each spring and summer with Backwards, Bonnet, Bares and Barks,” Executive Director Tom Viola said. “We are thrilled to welcome a fifth: Bets! Broadway Bets fits like a glove in the midst of them all, bringing a little Texas Hold ’em fervor to that eagerly anticipated annual fundraising mix of fun, excitement and community.”

The tournament welcomed an array of fans, industry insiders and celebrities, including Tony Yazbeck, a 2015 Tony Award nominee for Best Actor in a Musical for On the Town, reigning Miss Universe Paulina Vega, actors Hank Azaria, Eric Bogosian, Paige Davis, Richard Kind, Patrick Page, Anthony Rapp and Steve Rosen, writer Brian Koppelman, producer Scott Landis, Michael Rego of The Araca Group, The Broadway League 26 [behind the] scenes

PHOTOS

broadwaycares.org/broadwaybets2015

Angels Circle 2014-2015 Providing a Sustainable Foundation The following are members of the Angels Circle as of November 3, 2015. 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 John Halpin, major gifts officer, at halpin@broadwaycares.org or 212.840.0770, ext. 275.

Executive Producer gifts of $100,000 and above

The Fred Ebb Foundation Harriett Kittner & The Samuel and Rebecca Kardon Foundation Bob Rhodehamel & Dana Snyder

Producer

gifts from $50,000 to $99,999 The Estate of Robert Sinacore in memory of Dr. Malcolm Berg (Our Love Lives On) Bonnie Pfeifer Evans & The Charles Evans Foundation* The Shubert Organization

Director

gifts from $25,000 to $49,999 Laura M. Boedeker Myrna & Freddie Gershon remember Marvin Hamlisch, Peter Allen, Tom Eyen, Arthur Laurents, Marty Richards and Lou Reed Granny B. and P. Foundation H. van Ameringen Foundation John W. Holloway The Palette Fund Happy Shipley in memory of John T. Rowe, Jr. Hollis Stern The Ted Snowdon Foundation

House Seat

gifts from $10,000 to $24,999 James D. Akins, Jr. Willard Beckham Paul Boskind The Column Awards Disney Worldwide Services, Inc.

William W. Donnell The Edith Meiser Foundation in memory of Irving Cheskin Jules Fisher & Graciela Daniele George W. Schaeffer Foundation James C. Hormel & Michael P. Nguyen William J. Levy Paul Libin & Florence Rowe Libin Mary D. Fisher Fund Mary Lea Johnson Richards 1997 Charitable Trust in memory of Mary Lea Johnson Richards & Martin Richards Jane Morison Newman’s Own Foundation John Okuloski & Frank Duff Tony Origlio Reel Time Video Production: Jonathan Frank & Alex Pearlman Ann Reinking The Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation, San Francisco Mickey Rolfe & Bruce Tracy Schmackary’s Thomas Schumacher & Matthew White Theatrical Stage Employees Local One/IATSE The Tiger Baron Foundation John Voege & Geoffrey Paul Claude Bernstein & Melody Wang Diane M. & Kevin Wilshere Anonymous

Orchestra Seat

gifts from $5,000 to $9,999 Actors’ Equity Foundation ATPAM The Barrington Foundation, Inc. Ben & Jerry’s Times Square Elaine D. Berger Roger Berlind George L. Bielitz & John Derco

The Carl Jacobs Foundation City National Bank DeWitt Stern Group in honor of our clients Dr. Gerald J. & Dorothy R. Friedman Foundation in honor of Samuel J. Friedman Jerome S. Glazer Foundation Miriam Schaeffer Family Foundation Samantha & Drew Cohen Scott Dainton Deborah Dakin Maggie Flanigan & Richard Dow Ken Fakler The Fosdick Fund I. Steven Goldstein & William Popeleski, Jr. Jill & Marty Handelsman Alan Hassell* in loving memory of H. Thomas Axt Ray Iwanowski The Jackman Family Foundation George E. Jordan in memory of Michel G. Delhaise Scott Brady & Nancy Karpf Tom Lombardi Larry Luing & Dario Espinosa Kevin R. Lyle Scott Mallalieu & Nathaniel Fuchs Casey Blass & Lee Manford Peter McKown & Kenneth Heng David R. McShane & The Samantha Fund Jonathan Mintzer Calvin Mitchell Stanley Newman & Dr. Brian Rosenthal Paul Oppedisano Platt Family Foundation in memory of Gary Platt Playbill, Inc. ® Mimi Prentice The Merle Reskin Charitable Fund NJ Center for Pain & Rehabilitation LLC, Jose Rojas, Jr. Amy Sherman-Palladino

Eileen T. Stapleton The Stephanie & Carter McClelland Foundation Anthony Sweeney David Terveen Theatrical Wardrobe Union Local 764 IATSE Robert Tuschman The Waldman Foundation David Wackman & Jason Rardin Barbara Whitman

Box Seat

gifts from $2,500 to $4,999 Mark Abrams Actors Federal Credit Union James J. Andrews* Stuart S. Applebaum in memory of Mr. Vincent Zito Liz Armstrong Rich Aronstein Bob Avian & Peter Pileski Richard P. Baks Paris Baldacci & Andrew S. Dolkart Jordan Barbakoff & Philip Jeffery in loving memory of Rob Sinacore John Barnes & Charles Champagne Steven Schnepp & Mark Basile in memory of Paul Penfield & John Heppenstall Beatrice Mannering Living Trust Erich R. Bechtel Chad Beguelin & Thomas Sleeman Nan & Joe Benincasa James M. Berichon Melvin Bernhardt & Jeff Woodman Robert Billig & Richard Vida Walter Bobbie & David Frye John Bowab Briggs Inc. Carleton Carpenter Davic Cartee

[behind the] scenes 27

Angels Circle 2014-2015 Deborah & Steven Cavalier CESD Talent Agency Cathy Chernoff Charlie & Moll Anderson Foundation Gloria & Charles I. Clough, Jr. William Ludel & Tracy Cohen Paul & Kelly Cole Merle Debuskey & Pearl Somner Drew Desky & Dane Levens Senator Mike & Fran DeWine Christopher Durang & John Augustine Joe Evall & Richard Lynn in memory of Spencer Cox Robert Evers Laura G. Fahsbender Peter Farrell* Donald Filicetti Kevin & Helen Flanagan* Maggie Flanigan & Richard Dow Kenneth R. Fulton Vincent Gaeta Marianne Ganzer in memory of John Ganzer John Paul Geurts & Robert W. Stolt John R. Gibson Dale Glasser in memory of Steven Glasser Dan Goggin Robert D. Gonzales Emily Grishman & Susan Sampliner Jerry Herman Robert C. Hickman Geoffrey Hoefer & Thomas Wei William S. Hoover, MD Matthew P. Hui Kathy Inch Alan Klein & Jeffrey Erb* Kevin R. Lyle James Martin John L. McHugh Foundation Scott Johnson The Johnson Family Foundation Howard & Janet Kagan Paula Kaminsky Davis Kelly Karavites & Francis P. King Kathryn Keneally & Thomas Marshall Karen Kennedy in memory of Muriel & Bob Kennedy David Lam Nina & Timothy Lannan in memory of Arthur Siccardi III Angela Lansbury Jay Laudato & Thomas Watson Stephanie Lee/Group Sales Box Office Judith Light & Robert Desiderio Fran Macferran Steven Markov & Jeffrey Meleski Scott & Harriet Mauro Marin Mazzie & Jason Danieley in memory of Gary Bonasorte Mary McColl Marianne McGrath Mills Brian Stokes Mitchell & Allyson Tucker in honor of Tom Viola 28 [behind the] scenes

Debra Monk Ira Mont & Jill Cordle Mont in memory of Annette Mont William Morey Ruth Neale James L. Nederlander Judith A. Nelson* in memory of Wayne McCarthy Phyllis Newman in honor of Adolph Green Joseph Obermayer Rob O’Neill & Shawn Anderson Joe Pacetti & Tristan Nieves Michael Paleos Gilbert Parker in memory of Richard Bauman The PATH Fund/Rockers on Broadway Lee Perlman & Linda Riefberg Brad Plunkett Dr. Amit Rakhit & Mr. Brad Senatore Richard E. Rauh Michael C. Ray Richard F. Walsh/Alfred W. Di Tolla/ Harold P. Spivak Foundation Warren D. Riffle & Kurt A. Fleagle Michael Risinger Rose Brand Larry & Debbie Schneider Elliott R. Sernel Shake Shack Showboy Bakeshop LLC Andrew W. Stern Eddie Sarfaty & Court Stroud Steve Sweet Theater Extras Stuart Thompson & Joe Baker Tina & Jeffrey Bolton Family Fund Matthew D. Tumminello & Dominick J. Marangi Sally Unger Tom Viola Allen Walker Marilyn Miller in memory of Trygve F. Wasbotten Weinberg Family Foundation Dave Wells Michael Wescoe & Randy Thompson Whittier & Associates in honor of David H. Whittier Wyncote Foundation George Zuber & Anthony Snyder Charitable Fund at Our Fund, Inc Anonymous

Front Mezzanine gifts from $1,000 to $2,499 Jonathan Adler Kenneth & Ellen Adler John R. Alchin & Hal Marryatt anonwasawoman The Alec Baldwin Foundation Gerry & Hank Alpert* Matthew Amico

Lee Anisman James L. Ansin Gerald M. Appelstein* The A.R. Hughes Family Fund in loving memory of our cousin Thomas H. Anderson David Glenn Armstrong & Jeffrey Miller in memory of Todd Coroliuc The Arthur Loeb Foundation Gary Bagley Christopher & Paris Barclay Scott Barnes & Brian Kellow in memory of Bud Nease Clay & Karen Barnes in honor of Gracie & Christina Barnes Ivan M. Bart Beech Street Foundation Alan Bell & David Ziff Douglas Bella David Benaym & Danny Tidwell Benaym* Robert & Helen Bender Nancy Duggan Benson Mark Bernhardt* James C. P. Berry Phillip Bettencourt Phil & Mary Beuth Jon Bierman Terry & William Biggins Chuck Blasius in memory of Linda Accardi Dave Boone Carl & Karen Bowen Loraine Alterman Boyle Roy Brayton & Mickey Sullivan Andrew Briedis & Sarah Jenkins Broadway Bazaar Lucy A. Brooke J. Arthur Brost Barry Brown & Douglas Cohn, D.V.M. Joy Browne Don Buchwald & Associates James & Debbie Burrows Michelle L. Butler Michael-Demby Cain* Robert Callely Len Cariou & Heather Summerhayes Frank Carucci & David Diamond

remembering Michael DeBenedittis, gone 30 years Stockard Channing Randolph R. Charles The Charles & Lucille King Family Foundation Paula & David Chase Mr. & Mrs. Edward A. Chernoff Dolores Childers Charles and Margaret Levin Family Foundation Melinda DeChiazza Cloobeck* Evan Cohen Bill Condon John Contratti

Frank Conway* Kenneth E. Cooke Harriet Cooperman Donald Correll Thomas Cott* in memory of Philip Carlson Clayton D. Crawley William C. Cubberley* Mark Dalton Duke Dang & Charles Rosen* in loving memory of David Panzer Kevin & Sherri Daugherty Todd Davis Felipe de Bustamante Keith Degi, M.D. Louis J. Denkovic Sheri Deterling Charles Deull Alvin Deutsch Toni Downey The Edgar Foster Daniels Foundation Charles DiNicolas & Saul Lopez Silva Michael K. Douglas William D. Eichman & Michael C. Yount Valerie Eigner Alan Eisenberg & Claire Copley Steven Elkin Anthony & Kristina Ellenbogen Peter Entin & Barbara Janowitz Robert Eppenstein Barrie Estes Shane Ewen Michael J. Fagan Richard Fatzinger & Ramon Contreras Jack Feldman & Matthew Liss Doug P. Fiebelkorn Ronald Fierstein Steven Filenbaum & Matthew Woolf, CFP Elliot Fishman Edward & Lori Forstein Clay Francis Steve Frasheur Fraydun Foundation, Inc. Sean Free David A. Friedman in memory of my mother Shirley Friedman Barbara & Buddy Freitag Merle Frimark David M. Fromm in memory of my partner Robert Motley Nancy Gallt Marsi & Eric Gardiner Thomas Garner* Bruce & Alice Geismar The Gelfand Family Foundation Thomas Gentile Richard Gerrig & Timothy Peterson Sue Gilad Roger Gindi & Gregory Victor Joanna Gleason & Chris Sarandon Sam Gonzalez Doug Johnson & Valerie Gordon-Johnson

Stefanie M. Gorman Barbara Gottlieb Dane Grams John Graves & Dennis Lonergan Mike Greenly Howard Grossman, M.D. Barry & Maggie Grove Marc J. Gurell Sarah & Joel Handelman David G. Hanna* Eugene Harbin, Jr. Michael P. Harrell Carrie Anne K. Harrell Edward A. Harris & Amy Madigan Jennifer Hatch & Sue Smith Steve Hatfield & Patrick Riordan* Jeffrey Hayenga & Michael Belanger Joseph Heffernan Joseph R. Heller, PhD Joy Henshel Richard M. Hester in memory of Spook from Mastro & Hester Susan & Neal Hirsch Jim Hoelz & Bill Welsh Marnee J. Hollis Sally Horchow Andrea & Craig Horowitz Craig J. Horsley Bill Hutton Carol A. Ingram in memory of Peter Neufeld and in honor of Yvonne Ghareeb Ira M. Resnick Foundation in honor of Robin Sherman Michael T. Isbell in honor of Spencer Cox Jack & Moe Rouse Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation Jeffrey L. Jackman Jeanne & Waldo Jackson in memory of our son Robert Jackson Mark Jacobson Randy James* David Jansen Thai Jason in honor of Tom Viola Jerl Machine, Inc. Jerome and Dolores Zuckerman Gewirtz Charitable Trust Joe Allen Restaurant The Joe & Hellen Darion Foundation, Inc. Earl Johnson & Douglas Ward Cherry Jones Ilana Kameros Detlef Kamps Anne M. Kandra Laurence Kaplan* Karma Foundation Jodi, Jim, Matthew & Allison Kaye Greg & Karin Kayne Thomas Kazmierczak & Ted Blankenship Michael Keith Jeffrey Kent F. Gary Knapp Edgar A. Knudson

Kenneth Koen* Ron Kollen Ram Koppaka Lillian Kraemer Hilda Kraker* Robert J. Kunikoff The Kutch Family Fund of The Dallas Foundation Michael Kuzma Trey LaFave LaFountaine Family Foundation Nathan Lane in memory of Stanley DeSantis Brian Lawlor Winston Bernard Layne* Christopher Leary* Jay H. Lefkowitch Ann M. Lehman in loving memory of Rick Burglund & Gary Warren Michael A. Leppen Stuart Lippner Stephen Littell Michael Lombard David C. Ludwigson & LaMont Craig in honor of Rodger McFarlane Steve Lukens Donald Lutt Steven F. Lutz Mark & William Macatee John J. Mackerey Qahir Madhany Jesse Manocherian Barbara Manocherian Joseph R Mantello The Margolies Team at Compass Real Estate Samara Martin & Not Your Mama’s Broadway Clif Mathews Jo Mayer Elizabeth I. McCann Kevin McCollum Richard V. McCune City National Entertainment Robert W.F. & Derek McNally Kathryn Meister Svend Mejdal Bill Melamed Jr. & Jamey Lundblad in honor of Judy Dove & Frank Conway MeritDirect, LLC Michael Halebian & Co. Inc. Mr. & Mrs. E. Van R. Milbury Keith Miller Michael Mills & Mark McGrath Kathleen Moloney Javier Morgado & Nick Pennink Sally Campbell Morse Tiffany A. Neill Bebe Neuwirth & Chris Calkins* Maury Newburger Maddi, Charlie & Bridget Niebanck friends of John Lloyd Young

Albert Nocciolino Nora Roberts Foundation Dr. Sharon Novak* Michael Novin Roger Oliver Lisa Orberg John K. Orberg Ronald Painter Philip Paroian Gregg Passin Robert Payea III Charles A. Pelicane Ralph L. Pellecchio & James C. Wernz, M.D. Donald R. Pickens Erik Piecuch & Alex Wright* Gloria Piraino L. Glenn Poppleton Anthony Ramos Michael Raymond Jonathan Rebell Monica & Greg Reid Teresa Reyes & Martin Monas* Jonathan Rock & Patrick Delacruz Larry Rogowsky David Romero & David Greiss Lucy Rose Lori Rubinstein & John McGraw in honor of Bill Sapsis Evan Sacks Loren Ruch & David Salas Dorothy & Peter Samuels Harry Saunders Megan M. Savage Matt Scanlan* Carolyn Schiff & Noah Millman S. Fred Schiffman Michael Schober & Don Harrison Adam Schwab Will Schwalbe & David Cheng Debra & Michael Segal Shapiro Family Foundation Kenneth G. Shelley Monty Silver & Tracy Jamar Kenneth & Kenda Singer Mary Solomon/Goldman Sachs Gives James Spiegelhoff Split Rock Charitable Foundation Eric Stine Meryl Streep & Don Gummer Peter M. Taub Sharon Terrill John Henry Thomas III Anthony V. Thompson Lila & George Todd Stephen & Valerie Toups Jeffrey Trachtman The Trico Foundation Twelfth Night Club, Inc. Mark Tynan Beth M. Uffner Richard J. Underwood Derek Vadala

Joyce Van Patten William & Helen Van Syckle Ariadne & Juan Villarreal Richard & Debra Voller Carol Waaser Suzyn Waldman Ryan Walls & Arrash Jalali* Tom & Connie Walsh Arthur E. Webster, Esq. Stephan & Sheryl Weisbuch Peg & Gary Wendlandt Lucille Werlinich Nancy A. Wheeler Frederick M. White & Greg Kammerer Todd Whitley* Danny Whitman & Robert Bartley in memory of Francine Whitman Lois Whitman Richard C. Wiggers Elizabeth P. Williams & Joseph C. Forte Margo Wintersteen Terrence J. Witter & Artie de la Cruz Howard & Diane Wohl Russ Woolley Matthew Zaccagni The Ziegfeld Club Zufall Family Foundation* Elliot Zulver & Sally Gold Anonymous (4) Anonymous, in memory of Marian Seldes Anonymous, in memory of Meghan Robinson

* Indicates members of the DRA Angels Circle

[behind the] scenes 29

Inaugural Dance Festival Delights Hudson Valley LEGACY & LEADERSHIP

Leadership Council Hosts Tony Awards at 54 Below

W

hile the spotlights and cameras focused on Radio City Musical Hall on June 7, in-the-know theatre lovers gathered on the other side of Broadway for what was the second hottest ticket in town that evening: BC/EFA’s third annual Tony Awards viewing party.

Presented by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS’ Leadership Council, the party raised an incredible $55,127, a record total.

The event had a new home this year at 54 Below, which helped fuel its success.

“We knew that having the event at ‘Broadway’s supper club’ was going to be a big draw,” said Rick Fatzinger, the Leadership Council’s event committee co-chair. “But when the tickets were nearly gone in 48 hours, we were stunned.”

Co-hosts Lesli Margherita and Christopher Sieber from Broadway’s Matilda The Musical kicked off the evening. Sieber, a two-time Tony Award nominee, captivated guests with hilarious stories about the drama backstage that sometimes threatens to derail the drama on stage. The Olivier Award-winning Margherita even climbed on top of the piano at one point to serenade the audience with a sultry rendition of “Making Love Alone,” originally made famous by Bernadette Peters.

Leadership Council Co-chairs Drew Desky and Matt Tumminello shared how the evening’s proceeds would help BC/EFA continue its support for the social service programs of The Actors Fund and for more than 450 AIDS and family service organizations in all 50 states. Many members of the audience dug a bit deeper into their pockets after Desky and Tumminello’s appeal to offer additional support.

At 8 pm, all eyes were on the big screens for the live broadcast of the Tony Awards as the guests enjoyed a delicious dinner specially designed by 54 Below. Inspired by the nominated shows, entrée selections included “Tyrone Flips the Bird” (a duck confit inspired by Hand to God’s terrifying puppet, Tyrone), Hildy Can Cook, Too (a grilled brook trout that On 30 30 [behind the] scenes

the Town’s Hildy would have been proud of) and Tuptim’s Thai Green Curry (a delicious dish fit for a King … and I).

Before the broadcast began, guests matched wits with each other by playing in a special Tonys pool, picking who they thought would take home the golden statue. The Tonys pool winner, Jules Ochoa, earned a pair of house tickets to the nominated show of his choice.

The evening was sponsored by Christopher Street Financial, Ken Fakler, Rob O’Neill and Shawn Anderson, and Peg and Gary Wendlandt. Led by co-chairs Desky and Tumminello, the Leadership Council includes Ramon Contreras, Ken Fakler, Rick Fatzinger, Elliot Fishman, Sue Gilad, Dane Grams, Jennifer Hatch, Steve Markov, Peter McKown, Jeff Meleski, Rob O’Neill, Jonathan Rebell, Bob Tuschman and Barbara Whitman. n

Leave a Legacy of Caring Remember Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS in your estate planning. Join the Colleen Dewhurst Society and make a difference for years. The enduring nature and spirit of planned giving perpetuates your values beyond your lifetime and helps sustain vital, life-saving programs.

For more information, please contact John Halpin, major gifts officer, at halpin@broadwaycares.org or 212.840.0770, ext. 275.

“I am so proud of what we do for each other. There were many who thought this couldn’t be done. But it happened because so many came forward and in many different ways made it happen. And to this very day, I love you for that.”

Colleen Dewhurst, 1991

[behind the] scenes 31

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Save The Date

27th Annual Gypsy of the Year

Christmas Eve’s Holiday Hunkfest

Monday, Dec. 7, 4:30 pm Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2 pm New Amsterdam Theatre 214 West 42nd Street, NYC

Monday, Dec. 14, 7 pm The Cutting Room 44 East 32nd Street, NYC

The Choreography of Ray Mercer Monday, February 29 The Ailey Citigroup Theater 405 West 55th Street, NYC

Broadway Backwards Monday, March 21, 8 pm Theatre TBD

broadwaycares . or g

30th Annual Easter Bonnet Competition Monday, April 18, 4:30 pm Tuesday, April 19, 2 pm Minskoff Theatre 200 West 45th Street, NYC