$4 MILLION SUPPORT
THE ACTORS FUND BROADWAY FLEA MARKET AND GRAND AUCTION EASTER BONNET COMPETITION
N AT I O N A L G R A N T S
$ 4 . 8 M I L L I O N AWA R D E D
BROADWAY BARES XXI:
MASTERPIECE
EDUCATION & OUTREACH FIRE ISLAND DANCE FESTIVAL 17 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 Telephone: 212.840.0770 Facsimile: 212.840.0551 Email: info@broadwaycares.org broadwaycares.org
Dear Friends:
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 Richard Frankel, 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 Roy Harris Richard Hester Craig Jacobs Richard Jay-Alexander Cherry Jones Nathan Lane Nina Lannan Jay Laudato
Margo Lion Nancy Mahon Michael McElroy Kevin McCollum Terrence McNally Jerry Mitchell Bernadette Peters Martin Richards 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 and Lane Beauchamp, EDITORS Aaron Waytkus, LAYOUT & DESIGN BC/EFA Photos Peter Gibbons, Monica Simoes, Ken Vlauvelt, Tomas Vrzala and Peter James Zielinski DRA Photos Christopher Duggan, Mike LaChiomas and Rosalie O’Connor Classical Action Photos Steve J. Sherman
broadwaycares.org
Sincerely, Tom Viola Executive Director In September, BC/EFA signed a new 10-year lease, making the entire 13th floor of 165 West 46th Street our home. By securing the last available space, BC/EFA is proud to offer offices and administrative support to four vital organizations in the Broadway community supported by Broadway Cares: ASTEP (Artists Striving to End Poverty), Broadway Impact, The Broadway Green Alliance and R.Evolucion Latina. Each of these organizations sprung up in the Broadway community with the same enthusiasm and commitment that has fueled BC/EFA’s efforts for more than 20 years. Broadway Cares is glad to welcome each as we work together on a variety of important issues in the name of social justice. It is my hope that BC/EFA’s home on the 13th floor of the Equity Building will be the place where our community can come together to work for the common good around many issues. Look for more details in future editions of Behind the Scenes.
2 [behind the] scenes
[BC/EFA] 2011 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
$
600,000
AL HIRSCHFELD FREE HEALTH CLINIC
$
600,000
ACTORS FUND WORK PROGRAM
$
350,000
THE DANCERS’ RESOURCE
$
200,000
STAGE MANAGERS’ PROJECT
$
75,000
MISCELLANEOUS Annual Gala, Memorial Donations, Benefit Support, etc.
$
89,500
THE ACTORS FUND
$ 4,014,500
NATIONAL GRANTS
FOOD SERVICE and MEAL DELIVERY PROGRAMS 123 Organizations in 34 States
$ 1,345,000
LOCAL AIDS SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS $ 2,222,074 375 Organizations in 47 States Health Clinics, Housing Programs, Case Management, Emergency Financial Assistance, Harm Reduction Programs, Quality of Life Services NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED AIDS SERVICE and ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS
$
680,000
THEATRE COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS and SPECIAL GRANTS
$
488,416
AIDS RESEARCH amfAR and IAVI (International AIDS Vaccine Initiative)
$
80,000
PHYSICIAN VOLUNTEERS FOR THE ARTS Broadway Flu Shot Initiative
$
50,000
NATIONAL GRANTS
$ 4,865,490
INTERNATIONAL GRANTS SOUTH AFRICA / THE LION KING Grants to 32 AIDS Service Organizations and Whole Grain Bread Project
$
287,050
THEATREMAD, LONDON JAPANESE RED CROSS Broadway community’s response to earthquake and tsunami in Japan
$ $
41,250 100,000
OTHER
$
26,751
INTERNATIONAL GRANTS
$ 455,051
SUBTOTAL
THE ACTORS FUND
$ 4,014,500
SUBTOTAL
NATIONAL GRANTS INTERNATIONAL GRANTS
$ 4,865,490 $ 455,051
SUBTOTAL
2011 BC/EFA GRANT-MAKING TOTAL
$ 9,335,041
broadwaycares.org [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;
[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 2011 National Grants 16 National Grants Map 18 Broadway Bares XXI 20 Education & Outreach 22 Broadway Delivers 24 Broadway Barks 25 Classical Action 26 Dancers Responding to AIDS 28 The Angels Circle 30 Legacy & Leadership 31 Broadway Cares Online Store
• 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 Natl & Actors Fund Intl 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 $ 5,320,541 * unaudited
Total Support 1988–2010 4 [behind the] scenes
$ 59,522,586
$ 63,932,966
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 $ 9,335,041
BROADWAY FLEA MARKET & GRAND AUCTION
Move Into Times Square Helps Boosts Total
B
roadway Cares supporters and theatre fans opened their hearts and wallets at the 25th Annual Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction, propelling the event to raise an astonishing $547,658. The all-day event, held September 25, extended beyond its traditional West 44th Street location to include, for the first time, the Times Square pedestrian plaza between West 43rd and 44th Streets. It featured 63 tables of rare and unique Broadway memorabilia, more than five dozen celebrities at the Autograph Table & Photo Booth and 203 lots up for bid in live and silent auctions. The inaugural edition of the event in 1987 raised $12,000. The 25 editions of the Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction have raised a grand total of $9,185,327. “It’s wonderful to see so many supporters and fans from across the country, and exhilarating to witness such extraordinary efforts by New York’s theatre community,” said Tom Viola, executive director of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. “We all come together to sell and auction an amazing array of incredible, hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind treasures, experiences and just plain ‘stuff,’ all in an effort to help Broadway Cares
fund hundreds of vital social services organizations. It truly confirms that we can care for one another – and have a heck of a good time doing it!” Producing this year’s event relied on logistical mastery because of anticipated construction in Shubert Alley. This year, the Grand Auction and several tables moved into Times Square. “We met the challenges presented by the expected unavailability of Shubert Alley so well that the necessity of re-imagining the day, in fact, re-invented it,” Viola said. “Without a doubt, the new configuration is now the map for future editions of the Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction.” In the end, the 63 tables raised $273,886 and represented nearly every show on Broadway and several Off-Broadway shows, as well many organizations within the theatrical community. The creativity found on New York stages spilled onto the tables. The company of Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark created bracelets from the Kevlar cables used in the show’s web-slinging and flying sequences. Follies delivered printed party invitations that are carried in the show. Fans could get a Wicked make-up session or buy handmade holiday ornaments from Billy Elliot. [behind the] scenes 5
“Everyone finds their own volunteers and merchandise, designs their table and helps spread the word that they’ll be there,” explained Broadway Cares Producer Kim Russell. “We guide them and provide tables and chairs. The rest is up to them and they do a magnificent job.” In all, the 63 tables represented a wide range of the theatrical community on Broadway and off, from Anything Goes, Cirque du Soleil’s Zarkana, Rent, Million Dollar Quartet and Avenue Q to The Actors Fund and Actors’ Equity, Broadway Green Alliance and The Broadway League; from Michael Crawford International Fan Association to the Educational Theatre Association. Each added to the wide variety of memorabilia and merchandise available throughout the day. Stretching the event into Times Square and moving the Grand Auction to the pedestrian plaza prompted new challenges. Production Manager Nathan Hurlin explained, “Because we weren’t adjacent to a theatre, we had to figure out everything from how to store auction items to how we power lights and sound. The Times Square Alliance was fabulously helpful.” 6 [behind the] scenes
The Grand Auction portion of the day included both live and silent auctions, as well as instant-experience “flash auctions,” which were new this year. “We had more auction items than ever,” said Michael Graziano, Broadway Cares’ producing director. “Putting up new items every half hour definitely increased the adrenaline of the crowd.” The live auction included 63 lots and raised $201,500. The auction was masterfully executed by longtime Broadway Cares auctioneer Lorna Kelly and new BC/EFA friend Tasha Lawrence, who recently appeared in Good People and comes from a family of auctioneers. Actor Bryan Batt (TV’s Mad Men) kept the audience entertained as host. The top-selling lot was a day at The Phantom of the Opera, including a walk-on role in the Broadway show with special costumes and make-up, which went for $10,500 to two bidders, raising $21,000. A one-of-kind photograph of the late Elizabeth Taylor taken by Rivka Katvan backstage during the 1981 production of The Little Foxes raised $10,000. It was autographed by Taylor exclusively for Broadway Cares shortly before her death.
TABLES
TOP 10
Wicked............................................. $15,367
The Book of Mormon ..............................$9,229
Follies.............................................. $14,819
How to Succeed in Business..................$9,192
TDF ................................................. $11,635
Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark...............$7,697
Broadway Beat .............................. $10,580
United Scenic Artists Local 829.............$7,346
The Phantom of the Opera..............$9,313
War Horse/Lincoln Center Theater........$7,217
A set visit to two-time Emmy Awardwinning best comedy Modern Family also sold for $10,000. And opening night performance and party tickets for 12 Broadway shows collectively raised $24,150, including $4,000 for On A Clear Day You Can See Forever and $3,800 for Evita. The series of silent auctions included 140 items and raised $59,365. Musical phrases handwritten and signed by Broadway composers proved most popular. The top item sold was Godspell’s “Day by Day” musical phrase, written and signed by Stephen Schwartz, selling for $3,500. New “flash auctions” featured instant experiences with Broadway stars live on the Grand Auction stage. An appearance with actress Susan Blackwell in her popular Web series “Side by Side by Susan Blackwell” raised $1,120 while singing Spamalot karaoke with Tony Award-nominee Christopher Sieber went for $600. The always popular Autograph Table and Photo Booth raised $16,500 from fans who made donations in exchange for autographs and photos with their favorite stars. “With the Grand Auction moving out of Shubert Alley this year, space that would normally be occupied by tables and auctions was instead filled with fans,”
said Trisha Doss, an associate producer for Broadway Cares it was an unexpected boon for the autograph table.” More than 60 actors volunteered to meet with fans in one-hour shifts, including: Sutton Foster, Joel Grey, Jonathan Groff, Alice Ripley, Nick Adams, Danny Burstein, Charles Busch, Bobby Cannavale, Jason Danieley, Anna Maria Perez de Taglé, Joyce DeWitt, Ana Gasteyer, Josh Gad, Montego Glover, Rose Hemingway, Megan Hilty, Jackie Hoffman, Jayne Houdyshell, Nikki M. James, Beth Leavel, Telly Leung, Judith Light, Marin Mazzie, Lindsay Mendez, Patina Miller, Seth Numrich, Rory O’Malley, Brad Oscar, Laura Osnes, Patrick Page, Hunter Parrish, Adam Pascal, Ron Raines, Anthony Rapp, Roger Rees, Andrew Rannells, Thomas Sadoski, Tony Sheldon, Terri White and more. Entertainer Jim Caruso returned as host of the Autograph Table.
truly serve as an integral part of all that we do.” Miraculously, the entire event appears and disappears within 13 hours. “We only have three hours to set up,” Hurlin, Broadway Cares’ production manager, said. “By 10 a.m. we are open for business. Then, by 8 p.m., you would never know we had been there. Until next year, anyway, when it all happens again.” The 25th Annual Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction was generously sponsored by The New York Times and United Airlines. n PHOTOS
broadwaycares.org/fleamarket2011
This year’s event welcomed more than 200 volunteers, including stagehands, technical theatre students, actors, corporate and high school groups, regional student officers of the International Thespian Society and, of course, Broadway Cares’ loyal team of local volunteers. “We could not do it without any of them,” said Broadway Cares Producer and Volunteer Coordinator Scott Stevens. “By sharing with us their own individual talents and a willingness to pitch-in no matter what the task, they [behind the] scenes 7
THE ACTORS FUND Actors Fund Support Headline Actors Fund
T
hey dance on stages across the country and perform for presidents. They build award-winning sets and design eye-popping costumes. They string miles of cable and make-up millions of faces. They are the strongest among us and often the most vulnerable. They are women and men whose passion is, simply, to tell a story and to entertain.
Over the past 25 years, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has awarded $59.5 million to help maintain a safety net for all who give so much of themselves in the entertainment community. When sickness strikes, when jobs disappear, when hardships prevail, help is there. Broadway Cares funds vital social service programs of The Actors Fund: 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. In 2011, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS awarded more than $4 million to The Actors Fund in support of these essential programs. Behind the dollars and statistics are people from all aspects of the industry positively impacted every day by these programs. These are some of their stories.
HIV/AIDS Initiative | 2011 Grant: $ 2,100,000 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 over the long term. What led you to the HIV/AIDS Initiative? I was in the middle of a series of chemotherapy treatments for pulmonary Kaposi’s sarcoma. My doctors were dubious about my prognosis. I had lost countless friends and co-workers and was simply trying to survive with the arrival of new medications for HIV/AIDS. How did they help?
Joseph Carman Joseph Carman performed professionally for nearly 25 years with The Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theater, Dutch National Ballet and the Metropolitan Opera Ballet. In 1992, he learned he had AIDS and eventually turned to The Actors Fund for help and support.
The Actors Fund helped me pay my mortgage when I couldn’t work. They provided me with emotional counseling and support groups to deal with the trauma of HIV/AIDS. They steered me toward a lawyer who drafted a will for me for very little money. They helped pay medical bills that my insurance wouldn’t cover. My social worker helped guide me and counsel me on insurance, disability and other financial and logistical issues.
In the last several years, I have experienced the ending of a long-term relationship, the death of my dog and other health-related issues. My HIV/AIDS Initiative social worker shepherded me through those dark nights of the soul. How is your life different today? Without The Actors Fund at a time of fragile health, I might have slipped through the cracks. There is a misperception that AIDS has been cured, that the problems of living with HIV have been solved. In reality, survivors encounter numerous obstacles including the emotional ramifications of the disease, medications with negative side effects, the financial burden of medical necessities and the physical toll the virus takes over time. Without The Actors Fund and the extraordinary support it receives from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, I don’t know if I would have survived.
Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative | 2011 Grant: $ 600,000 The Actors Fund established the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative in 1996 to provide a safety net for women coping with critical health concerns, including breast, cervical and ovarian cancers, domestic violence, chemical dependency and mental health issues.
Zoe Morsette In the spring of 2003, doctors found a suspicious mass on Zoe Morsette’s fallopian tube. After a sevenhour surgery, the veteran prop and costume fabricator awoke to learn surgeons had found cancer and performed a radical hysterectomy.
What led you to the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative? My doctors said I’d need a month of recovery and then three months of chemotherapy. Because the surgery was so extensive and debilitating, 8 [behind the] scenes
I was not allowed to work until chemo was finished. But if I didn’t work, I’d have no income. A friend at a costume shop referred me to Broadway Cares and The Actors Fund where I ultimately discovered I was eligible for help through the Women’s Health Initiative.
How did they help?
How is your life different today?
I initially felt a lot of trepidation going in for my interview with The Actors Fund’s social worker. I had worked all my life and felt very awkward asking for help, but my anxiety evaporated the moment I walked into the office. 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. Thanks to the support of Broadway Cares, The Actors Fund was not only able to paid for a month’s rent and health insurance, but immediately referred me to other organizations that helped with financial aid through the rest of my chemo period.
What could have been a stress-filled, careerdestroying period actually became manageable and positive. When you work by yourself in a studio most days, it is easy to forget you’re not alone. I’ve met so many wonderful theatre people – my people – through all of this. By keeping involved with these new friends, I always feel engaged and part of a larger community.
Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic
Actors Fund Work Program
The Al Hirschfeld Free Heath Clinic was established in 2003 to address immediate needs of entertainment community members who are uninsured or underinsured. The clinic provides medical services and works to prevent illness and emergency room visits.
The Al Hirschfeld Free Heath Clinic was established in 2003 to address immediate needs of entertainment community members who are uninsured or underinsured. The clinic provides medical services and works to prevent illness and emergency room visits.
2011 Grant: $ 600,000
2011 Grant: $ 350,000
McKenzie Frye
John Herrera
Everyone has those moments when some relatively small health concern seems like an incredibly big deal. For actor McKenzie Frye, it was a sty forming in her eye just before a film shoot, which triggered a call to the Hirschfeld Clinic and a life-changing impact.
Most every actor can relate in some way to John Herrera’s story. A native of Havana, Cuba, he moved to New York to pursue his acting dreams. He landed roles and continues to work regularly off-Broadway, on Broadway and in national tours, but about seven years ago, as happens to all in this industry,
What led you to the Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic? A fellow performer had mentioned there was a free clinic for members of the theatre community. I couldn’t believe it. My insurance had drifted away like a beloved memory and I was taking Vitamin C and goldenseal like it was going out of style to avoid anything that might compromise my health. When I had my eye issue, I decided to seek out the clinic. I received a referral to a fabulous eye doctor who didn’t see my worries as over-dramatic or vain at all. I honestly felt as though this collective of individuals was working for the benefit of both my health and happiness. How did they help? Whether I’ve been there for a routine check-up, stomach pains or preventative health, the staff gives the kind of service that I would call “mom quality.” It’s the care and kindness that a loving mother would give and hope for her child to get elsewhere. There’ve been times when I’ve left the clinic and immediately – and excitedly – called my mom just to tell her that someone hundreds of miles from home made both the time and effort to simply care. How is your life different today? In these quite uncertain times, no good thing is too small for me to implore my greatest sense of gratitude. I know that this great benefit of free health care is the result of a host of kind souls who “paid it forward,” not the least of whom are the generous supporters of Broadway Cares. I am eternally appreciative and now thriving, healthily and happily as an artist in NYC while feeling even more motivated to continue the tradition of “paying it forward.”
What led you to the Actors Fund Work Program? After eight months of not working as a paid actor, a colleague suggested I talk to The Actors Fund Work Program about STARRR, which stands for Substitute Teachers for the Arts and 3 Rs. It’s a collaborative effort between The Actors Fund and the New York City Department of Education to get regular substitute teachers who help build a theatre culture in the schools. I went to an orientation meeting and realized it might just be a good fit for me. How did they help? The Actors Fund Work Program trained me as a teacher in a six-week session. Through that, I was able to obtain my per diem certificate to teach drama. Now, I teach five days a week in NYC public schools. At P.S. 112 in East Harlem, a school with 40 percent special needs students, I run a story theatre program for kindergarten to second grade. At P.S. 316 in Brooklyn, which has a large at-risk population, I’ve created a drama and poetry performance program for third to fifth grade. At a time when the arts have been cut back in the schools, I feel both a calling and a responsibility to help make a difference in the lives of children pushed for higher test scores often without regard for their artistic needs. Plus, I’m able to continue to work as an actor by getting a substitute teacher when I have television and movie shoots or important auditions. How is your life different today? If the Actors Fund Work Program didn’t exist, I might have left the
[behind the] scenes 9
The Actors Fund CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
business or New York all together. I so appreciate the additional funding that Broadway Cares has set aside for the Work Program, particularly since 2008 when so many more of us are looking for work. I never thought that a parallel career was even a possibility. I thought it was all or nothing. They opened the door to a whole new world for me.
The Dancers’ Resource | 2011 Grant: $ 200,000 Launched in 2007 with a grant from Broadway Cares, The Dancers’ Resource was created in response to the unique situation dancers face due to the physically demanding nature of their work coupled with the significant financial challenges of earning a living in dance.
Jesse Factor In a three-day span in 2010, professional dancer Jesse Factor went from performing on tour to scheduling surgery in New York. A rare type of tendon rupture off his pelvis left him terrified and unsure of his future.
What led you to The Dancers’ Resource? I was not prepared for the experience of injury and how that would affect my entire life. I felt ill-equipped to deal with my situation in many respects: emotionally, psychologically, professionally and financially. Even as I made progress in my physical recovery, I was struggling to find hope in my situation. So I called The Dancers’ Resource of The Actors Fund. How did they help? I remember the first day I attended the weekly support group for injured dancers. That day changed my life. It was the first time I was able to be with others in my situation and feel I was not alone. Hearing others’ experiences, exchanging information and learning ways to advocate for myself lit a spark of hope. I left feeling that I could and would regain a sense of forward motion in my life. Because of the ongoing support from Broadway Cares, The Actors Fund became instrumental in helping me find my place as I recovered. Oneon-one counseling allowed me to learn coping techniques, find emotional stability and maintain my mental health during a tumultuous time.
“ Frankly, I don’t know where I would have turned. I probably wouldn’t have survived. I give The Actors Fund credit for saving my life.” David, HIV/AIDS Initiative client
“ Dancing is a career so driven by passion and heart that an injury can leave you feeling more mentally defeated than physically. The Dancers’ Resource addressed all of my problems including physical pain, financial stress and the emotional depression of not being able to do what you love.” Abbie, The Dancers’ Resource client
“ It’s not just the money, it is the support: the unfailing, absolute courtesy shown by those people. They absolutely understood everything I was talking about.” Daniel, HIV/AIDS Initiative client
“ The Actors Fund Work Program helps instill confidence and helps to focus and open the paths so that people can see that they have so much more than they may give themselves credit for. AWP saw something in me I may not have necessarily seen in myself.” Erik, Actors Fund Work Program client
“ When you don’t work you need someone to say, “It’s not about quitting being an artist, but what are the other sideline jobs you can do? What are the skills you have?” Jacqueline, Actors Fund Work Program client
How is your life different today? I now have a salaried position teaching dance at a private school in Manhattan, which I balance with freelance work as a choreographer and teacher. I have remained close with many of the dancers I met in the support group. I feel more balanced – literally and figuratively. Thank you to The Actors Fund. And thank you, Broadway Cares.
“ I made my first visit to the clinic last week. I lost my health insurance and with the economy the way it is, it is such a blessing to have access to this facility.” Tracey, Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic client
Stage Managers’ Project | 2011 Grant: $ 75,000 Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS funds the printed and online version of The New York Stage Managers’ Unofficial Health Directory, compiled by The Actors Fund. There is a long tradition among stage managers of maintaining a select list of doctors and other emergency service providers who can be called when medical care is needed. This directory is a single, reliable, regularly updated resource for this vital information. 10 [behind the] scenes
“ My social worker at the HIV/AIDS Initiative helped guide me through the process of finding good housing for me and my family.” Maria, HIV/AIDS Initiative client
LEARN MORE
actorsfund.org
25TH ANNUAL EASTER BONNET COMPETITION
Audience Appeals Lead to Star-Studded Show
S
ix weeks of enthusiastic audience appeals, unique memorabilia sales and one-of-a-kind auctions by 52 Broadway, Off-Broadway and national touring companies pushed the 25th Annual Easter Bonnet Competition fundraising grand total to an extraordinary $3,706,085. The 2011 grand total was revealed April 26 at this year’s Easter Bonnet Competition, which ended in two star-studded, sold-out shows featuring hilarious original skits and songs, eye-popping dance numbers and the true stars of the show: the extravagantly elaborate, custom-made bonnets from 17 of the participating productions. Since Easter Bonnet began in 1987, the event has raised more than $46 million for Broadway Cares. The show started in high gear with a Glee-inspired original opening number, directed and choreographed by Shea Sullivan with musical direction, arrangements and orchestrations by Ben Cohn. The number pitted the “Broadway Gleeks” against the pop music-inspired “Cheerios,” complete with Broadway’s version of Mr. Shue and Coach Sue. Lori Barber served as associate director and choreographer with lyrics by Jordan Mann and additional material by Jeff Thomson. Robin Williams from Broadway’s Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo delivered a side-splitting comedic run through of some of the differences between today and 1987, the year of the first Easter Bonnet Competition, balancing his unique humor with reminders about the early days of the AIDS epidemic.
Christopher Sieber, co-star of the most recent La Cage aux Folles revival, shared the history of the Easter Bonnet Competition, which was started by company members of the original production of La Cage. “The company attacked the fear, the misinformation, the panic with humor, style and grace,” Sieber said. As the Cagelles sang “We Are What We Are,” they shared the names of original company members lost to AIDS with members from the original 1983 company then joining them for “The Best of Times.” Harvey Fierstein emerged, donning a recreation of the winning 1987 La Cage bonnet designed by the late Howard Crabtree. Another moving moment occurred when choreographer Christopher Gattelli led a tribute to Doris Eaton Travis with the help of dancer Logan Epstein. Doris was an original Ziegfeld Girl who performed in 12 editions of Easter Bonnet and died last year at the age of 106, just two weeks after her final Bonnet appearance. The bonnet presentation honoring the national tours was a satirical ballet featuring Chicago’s Michael Cusumano as Russian ballerina Olga Vaghinavah, providing advice to the tours of Les Misérables, The Lion King – Gazelle and Wicked – Emerald City. Sixteen national tours collected donations and played an integral role in Easter Bonnet’s success. This year’s top fundraising award went to Wicked – Munchkinland tour, which raised $360,021. Jen Cody and Don Richard returned to the Easter Bonnet stage as crowd favorites Officer Lockstock and Little Sally toasting and roasting Broadway. [behind the] scenes 11
Fashion runways took center stage with the company of The Lion King and the cellblock ladies of Chicago, with an appearance by supermodel Christie Brinkley. Priscilla Queen of the Desert celebrated with a steamy line of scantily clad male dancers in platform heels. The young cast of Billy Elliot, which features 23 performers under the age of 16, celebrated individuality and being who you are, while the 6-foot, 6-inch Zachary James and diminutive 12-year-old Adam Riegler, who portray Lurch and Pugsley in The Addams Family, teamed for a humorous rendition of “Me and My Shadow,” directed by their illustrious co-star Bebe Neuwirth. The company of Broadway’s longest-running musical, The Phantom of the Opera, brought together the extended families of Phantom companies past and present. R.Evolución Latina, a collective of artists and activists inspiring the Latino community, delivered a fiery flamenco. The cast of Mamma Mia! combined a capella vocals with dance, transforming an oversized BC/EFA collection bucket into a beautiful bonnet with a flowing red AIDS ribbon and flowers. 12 [behind the] scenes
Off-Broadway was well-represented by performances from Avenue Q and Freud’s Last Session. And representing Dancers Responding to AIDS, a program of Broadway Cares, was Monica Bill Barnes & Company. The 25th Easter Bonnet Competition concluded with Catch Me If You Can’s Aaron Tveit introducing co-star Kerry Butler, who beautifully sang the inspirational Easter Bonnet anthem, “Help is on the Way,” written by David Friedman. Harvey Fierstein, Sutton Foster and Daniel Radcliffe presented awards to the top fundraising companies and the outstanding bonnet presentation. This year’s hosts included Heidi Blickenstaff, Maxwell Caulfield, Josh Gad, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Jayne Houdyshell, Ron Kunene, Dan Lauria, Jose Llana, Judith Light, Selloane Nkhela, Andrew Rannells and Roger Rees. The Easter Bonnet Competition was directed by Kristin Newhouse and made possible by an army of volunteers including a stage management team led by Valerie Lau-Kee Lai. The company of La Cage aux Folles took top honors for bonnet
presentation while The Addams Family was runner-up. The award for bonnet design went to Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, created by Moira MacGregor-Conrad and Tree Sarvay and featuring a replica of the show’s tiger cage set, complete with an imprisoned tiger. The Easter Bonnet judges, introduced by Rob Bartlett and John Leguizamo, included Nick Adams, Montego Glover, composer Robert Lopez, Actors’ Equity Association
Executive Director Mary McColl, director and choreographer Casey Nicholaw, costume designer Marty Pakledinaz, Estelle Parsons and Kate Shindle. n PHOTOS & VIDEOS
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Bonnet Presentation Winner......................... La Cage Aux Folles Bonnet Design Winner................Bengal Tiger at the Bagdad Zoo
Top Fundraiser Wicked – Munchkinland tour...............................$360,021
Broadway Top Fundraiser First Runner-up Second Runner-up Third Runner-up
How to Succeed in Business...... $271,916 Wicked......................................... $165,979 Billy Elliot...................................... $151,363 The Phantom of the Opera.......... $149,194
National Touring Shows Top Fundraiser First Runner-up Second Runner-up Third Runner-up
Wicked – Emerald City................ $242,212 Mary Poppins............................... $150,472 Les Misérables............................. $124,019 Billy Elliot ..................................... $116,384
Broadway Play Top Fundraiser First Runner-up
That Championship Season ....... $163,542 Lombardi.........................................$86,099
Off-Broadway Top Fundraiser First Runner-up
Avenue Q .......................................$41,549 Freud’s Last Session......................$24,398
52 Companies Raised $3,706,085 [behind the] scenes 13
2011 NATIONAL GRANTS
Grants Help Fill Government Support Gap
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or those battered by a series of punishing economic events that have proven most devastating to the weakest among us, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS continues to help fill the widening gap left by diminishing government and private foundation support. In 2011, Broadway Cares awarded $9,335,041 in grants. Of that, $4,865,490 was awarded to 487 AIDS and family service providers across the country, $455,051 was awarded internationally and $4,014,500 went to support essential programs at The Actors Fund. These include 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 more, providing a safety net of social services to tens of thousands in the entertainment industry in times of need, crisis and transition. “HIV has always created and helped to perpetuate economic hardship,” Executive Director Tom Viola says. “Even with availability of anti-viral medications, for many it magnifies issues of poverty, the absence of decent, affordable health care, addiction, homelessness and a fraying network of resources.” Disconnection from the most basic social services can be devastating for a person living with HIV/AIDS. “It can be the beginning of the end,” Viola says. “That disconnection could keep a mother or a brother on medications from sticking to their essential drug regimens, which then compromises their own health and increases the likelihood they’ll be unable or unwilling to follow other prevention and safe sex practices.” 14 [behind the] scenes
While Broadway Cares cannot fully replace the budgets cuts that have been made in public, corporate and foundation funding, the generosity of the theatre community and Broadway Cares supporters allows us to address immediate short-term needs so these essential social services are able to address long-term challenges. In the third of three annual grant rounds that make up its National Grants Program, Broadway Cares awarded $1,676,100 in early June to 324 AIDS and family service organizations nationwide. Broadway Cares has developed funding opportunities for social service organizations whose essential work enhances the quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS and supports the integrity of families, by every definition of the word, who live each day with the multiple challenges of this disease. The AIDS service providers supported through the third annual grant round address these specific and serious challenges for hundreds of thousands of people living with HIV/AIDS across the country. This grant round covers four categories: Direct Services; Emergency Financial Assistance; Harm Reduction Programs and Quality of Life Services. Direct Services grants were awarded to 96 providers in 33 states, Washington, DC and Puerto Rico for a total of $511,100. Direct Services includes support programs that assist individuals living with HIV/AIDS with a wide range of needs including general case management, assistance with public benefits and disability payments, supportive housing programs, transportation, advocacy with a health provider and direct expenses such as personal care items.
Emergency Assistance grants totaling $685,000 were awarded to 127 providers in 42 states, Washington, DC and Puerto Rico. These grants include emergency or short-term support for utilities, rent, food vouchers, transportation or short-term health insurance premium support for people living with HIV/AIDS. These vital grants often bridge the gap in time between someone’s initial illness and when public benefits or disability payments begin. Grants for Harm Reduction Services totaling $322,500 were given to 48 providers in 18 states. These help fund projects focusing on injection drug users and others struggling with addition who are HIV-positive or at high-risk for HIV infection. Harm reduction is an important HIV prevention measure seeking to reduce new infections. Statistics prove that many who come to harm reduction services connect with other social services as a result. As the chaos surrounding their lives is reduced, some take the first steps toward recovery. The fourth category in this round, Quality of Life grants, awarded $157,500 to 45 organizations in 23 states and Washington, DC. These grants provide financial support to programs for people living with HIV/AIDS and their families, including group outings, art and hobby supplies, pet support, recreational activities and summer camps for children. While these efforts may not appear as substantial as our grant-making on nutrition, housing and health care, they make a profound difference in the lives of families and children for whom these simple pleasures are otherwise impossible. In the first round of grants in January for food service and meal delivery programs, BC/EFA awarded $1,345,000 to 123 organizations. In March, 40 nationally recognized AIDS service organizations, health clinics and advocacy organizations received $680,000. The 2011 grants represent a nearly full recovery from the necessary cuts that were made in BC/EFA’s funding since its highest levels in 2008.
The grants make an impact immediately. The morning of the grants committee’s June meeting, Broadway Cares received a letter from Our House in Portland, OR, a previous round’s grant recipient. The letter confirms that what we do together makes a difference. n STATE BY STATE
broadwaycares.org/granteesbystate
“ Thank you for the recent $7,500 grant. We witness daily the challenges people living with HIV/AIDS face. As the only AIDS care facility in the Portland area, this generous gift enables us to continue doing good, reaching many without resources and who would otherwise go without services. Our thanks to everyone at BC/EFA and especially the supporters and folks in the theatre community who make your grants possible.” Our House in Portland
[behind the] scenes 15
2011 NATIONAL GRANTS MAP Missoula AIDS Council Missoula, MT | Grant: $7,500
A client in fragile health recently relocated to Missoula. Executive Director Christa Weathers explains that the only housing he could afford was filthy. The council helped him clean out and sterilize his new home, “which made the difference for him between living independently and prolonged hospitalization.”
of Life Harm Reduction 45 Quality 9 Organizations 48 Organizations & Public 53 Service Policy Organizations
487
Special Delivery San Diego San Diego, CA | Grant: $20,000
While rising gasoline prices present challenges to retain and recruit volunteer drivers to delivery meals, this year’s support from Broadway Cares helps relieve this burden and allow Special Delivery to provide more than 7,000 meals to the neediest of San Diego.
Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation Tucson, AZ | Grant: $7,500
With government and private support continuing to wane, many people with HIV are living under increased stress because their health care, medication assistance and other services are in jeopardy. Broadway Cares’ support of Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation helps address an estimated 8.6 percent increase in meals provided, up to 45,400 meals to 425 HIV-positive individuals and dependant children.
Camp Corazones Santa Fe, NM | Grant: $2,500
“Every child has the right to experience the wonder and innocence of childhood,” says Executive Director Jewel Cabeza de Vaca. “For 15 years now, that’s what we’ve delivered for kids 5 to 13 who are affected or infected with HIV/AIDS.”says BaileyBoushay’s Lene Hansen.
AIDS Foundation Houston Houston, TX | Grant: $20,000
Over the past decade, women accounted for 31 percent of new HIV cases diagnosed in Houston. AFH provides the only community residence where single, low-income, HIV-positive women can stabilize their health and rebuild their lives.
In 2011, BC/EFA’s National Grants Committee awarded $4,865,490 to 487 AIDS and family service organizations. AIDS Partnership Michigan Detroit, MI | Grant: $5,000
Service Service 96 Direct 123 Food Organizations Organizations Assistance 127Emergency Organizations
“Our clients who are HIV-positive youth and young adults have been shunned by family, thrown out of their homes and largely left on their own,” says Associate Executive Director Hank Millbourne. “This grant helps our neediest client population with counseling and testing.”
Down East AIDS Network Ellsworth, ME | Grant: $5,000
Cold winters, poverty and scarce services present major challenges to people living with AIDS in rural Maine. “The long distances clients travel is a hardship that infringes on their ability to pay for basic needs,” says Finance Coordinator Heather Foster. “The grant helps with fuel, utilities and housing so clients can move toward self-sufficiency.”
Asian & Pacific Islander Coalition on HIV/AIDS New York, NY | Grant: $7,500
The coalition uses its grant to provide emergency funds for clients, such as a newly diagnosed, monolingual Chinese man who lost his job due to illness and contemplated suicide when he was unable to pay his rent. “He was provided with emergency funds to pay his rent while other resources could be obtained,” says Chief Executive Officer Therese Rodriguez.
South Arkansas Fights AIDS El Dorado, AR | Grant: $5,000
With record-breaking heat and draught plaguing her community, Director Janet Beane says: “Broadway Cares’ grant goes a long way in providing relief through emergency utility assistance for our clients living on fixed incomes and dealing with HIV/AIDS during these tough times. You have no idea how much this small, rural nonprofit agency appreciates the support.”
Chicago House Chicago, IL | Grant: $25,000
With HIV-positive clients living longer, healthier lives and increased poverty among those newly infected, programs like Chicago House’s Employment Training Program is key to graduating people out of systems of support. “BC/EFA helped us pioneer this innovative program,” explains Chief Executive Officer Rev. Stan Sloane, “which provides a way for people to move out of poverty and into self sufficiency.”
BROADWAY BARES XXI
Masterpiece Turns Living Art Into Million-Dollar Night
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lipping the traditionally staid art auction into a racy, risqué and sexy parade of art-come-to-life paintings and statues, Broadway Bares XXI: Masterpiece served up a modern-day burlesque spectacle, raising a record $1,103,072.
We were then quickly transported to the historic painting, Washington Crossing the Delaware. Featured dancer Joshua Buscher turned George Washington into a sexy general as he whipped his revolutionary soldiers into shape.
Created by Jerry Mitchell, who serves as executive producer, the first Broadway Bares in 1992 featured seven dancers stripping on a bar and raised $8,000. To date, the 21 editions of Broadway Bares have raised more than $8.6 million.
Beautiful full-figured women paid tribute to Dutch painter Peter Paul Rubens as Christine Danelson, Michelle Dowdy and Katy Grenfell led 22 dancers in a sexy display of femininity. Tony nominee Robin De Jésus played a mischievous frog in a game of hide-and-seek in a Monet-inspired lily pond.
From a feisty opening number setting Masterpiece in motion to the roof-raising finale, the gallery of fine art that came to life for more than 6,000 people during two sold out shows June 19, 2011, at Roseland Ballroom delivered something for everyone. This year’s edition was conceived by director Josh Rhodes and associate director Lee Wilkins and featured 192 of Broadway’s hottest dancers. Beth Leavel opened the evening with the provocative “Going, Going, Gone,” written by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin. One of history’s best known pieces of art is Michelangelo’s “The David,” and Leavel was joined by one of Broadway’s most beloved “Davids,” David Hyde Pierce, who emerged in a white suit and fig leaf. 18 [behind the] scenes
Belgian surrealist René Magritte inspired a dance of surreal elegance, featuring dancer Adam Perry and a trio of aerialists from the Living Art of Armando, who performed a jawdropping routine of strength and grace high above the crowd. David Gray’s intimate, solo dance with a classic statue displayed the same power and grace while finger painting took on a frisky interpretation of Pablo Picasso’s abstract expressionism. The classic American Gothic inspired a slightly naughty, country-themed hoedown. DaVinci’s Mona Lisa took a mischievous spin. A nerdy gallery visitor transformed into a warrior in a celebratory, harddriving African dance inspired by the pop art of Keith Haring
The razzle-dazzle of Broadway shined in an all-female salute to “Get Happy” by Judy Garland, inspired by the iconic Andy Warhol painting. On the naughty side, an S&M-fueled number, reminiscent of Edvard Munch’s The Scream and Edgar Degas’ love of ballerinas, featured a stellar turn by Reed Kelly and choreographer Melissa Rae Mahon. In irreverent sketches written by Hunter Foster, the evening featured celebrity cameos from Roger Rees, Rory O’Malley, Jim Parsons, Christopher Sieber and New York Post columnist Michael Reidel. Sister Act’s Patina Miller led the full company in the high-energy “Final Masterpiece,” an uplifting homage to Sunday in the Park with George. Judith Light, from this season’s Lombardi, reminded the crowd: “What we do tonight makes a huge difference to hundreds of thousands of men, women and children across the country living with HIV and AIDS. Remember that safe sex is hot sex
– and that we can best love each other by always remembering to protect each other. Then what we do together will indeed make a difference.” M•A•C’s Senior Vice President and Creative Director James Gager joined Judith to present Broadway Cares with a $200,000 check, bringing M•A•C’s 14-year support of Broadway Bares to $1,764,500. M•A•C also provided more than 70 volunteer make-up artists. Both shows ended with “Rotation,” the only opportunity for the audience to tip performers for their fine art, which raised more than $27,000. Thirteen remarkable choreographers brought Masterpiece to life including director Josh Rhodes, associate director Lee Wilkins, Armando Farfan, James Harkness, Nick Kenkel, Dontee Kiehn, Stephanie Lang, Melissa Rae Mahon, Barry Morgan, Rachelle Rak, Jon Rua, Michael Lee Scott and Mark Stuart.
Hats off to production supervisor Richard Hester, production stage manager Jennifer Rogers and the extraordinary 38-member stage management team. More than 700 volunteers’ generosity of time and talent make Broadway Bares possible. Additionally, more than 220 people raised funds through the online Strip-a-thon competition, raising $233,371. In addition to Broadway Bares XXI’s presenting sponsor M•A•C VIVA Glam, corporate sponsors included The New York Times, United Airlines, 1-800 Postcards, Absolut Vodka, aussieBum, CAA, Club H Fitness, Element New York Times Square West, Get Gay Chauffeur, Here! Media, Logo, Next Magazine, PMD Promotion, Showtime Networks and the Zarley Family Foundation. n
PHOTOS & VIDEO
broadwaycares.org/broadwaybaresXXI [behind the] scenes 19
EDUCATION AND OUTREACH Rent Productions Nationwide Fuel Fundraising Efforts
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easons of Love,” Jonathan Larson’s unforgettable anthem from his groundbreaking musical Rent, has helped more than $21,000 worth of love flow to thousands affected by HIV/AIDS over the last year, thanks to the generosity, creativity and tenacity of college, high school and amateur groups across the country. Music Theatre International, which licenses Rent and its high school version, Rent: School Edition, includes information about Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS in the show’s licensing packages and promotes fundraising campaigns. The productions are encouraged to coordinate campaigns to engage their audiences in one of the show’s messages, that AIDS affects us all. Fifteen years after the show’s Broadway debut AIDS remains an on-going health crisis, exacerbated still by a lack of resources and stigma. In the process, casts and crews are becoming more involved in the fight. For Charlie Polinger, a member of the student-run Yale Dramatic Association, Rent connected the college students to the impact of AIDS. “We had all grown up on Rent’s music, so we were excited to do it at Yale,” Polinger said. “We were always aware of the disease in terms of statistics, but we became emotionally engaged in the iconic story told in the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical. We started understanding that this is a real issue and there are real people facing this every day. It was very emotional for us to realize that we have to face this now, not see it as just historical. It’s what needs to be done now .” University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music director Richard Hess inspired his students to raise more than $6,000 for Broadway Cares during their spring production. “We set a goal of raising $100 a night during our 10-show run,” Hess said. “Much to our delight, we raised more than $500 a show! Our students have taken to the cause and to activism in new ways. This has been such an educational experience. I brought in some friends who are HIV-positive, in many cases the first time members of this cast had ever met someone open about his or her HIV status. I also brought in a panel of the AIDS Quilt to hang on the wall. This show has helped us get connected to the fight against AIDS. Rent is such a gift.” Schools are creative when it comes to using Rent as an opportunity to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. At chARTer~TECH High School for the Performing Arts in Somers Point, NJ, director Brian McGuire brought in original Broadway cast member Rodney Hicks to inspire his cast. In turn, they inspired their audiences to help them raise more than $1,100. “It’s a rare opportunity to bring real-life lessons and community service concepts to our school musical,” McGuire said. “The generosity of Broadway Cares in supplying us red ribbons and Rent memorabilia was instrumental in helping us to raise funds and inspired our students to learn more about your mission.”
20 [behind the] scenes
The world premiere of Rent: School Edition, in which the song “Contact” is cut as well as some more harsh language, was presented as a benefit for Broadway Cares last year by director Lou Volpe at Truman Senior High School in Levittown, PA. Since that premiere, Rent has inspired fundraising and benefits from central Vermont to Kenosha, WI. Special thanks to MTI and the Larson Family Foundation for joining forces with Rent performances around the country to make a difference. In Larson’s own words: “No other road / No other way / No day but today.” n
College Students Step Up To Show They Care
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heatre and activism go together, especially for college students. Students pursuing degrees in theatre across the country raised more than $60,000 – and a whole lot of awareness – for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS during the past year. Theatre departments large and small hosted special performances, audience appeals, auctions, health forums, HIVprevention awareness and testing campaigns. BoCo Cares, a student group of Boston Conservatory, was the top collegiate fundraiser, bringing in more than $13,900 through cabarets, concerts, bucket brigades and auctions.
“You can’t walk the halls of The Boston Conservatory without finding someone who knows about or has participated in one of our fundraising events,” says BoCo Cares’ Steven Cardona. “It has been exciting to watch our college community get motivated to make and surpass our goals for the past two years of the club’s existence.” There is a deep connection to Broadway Cares among college students in Boston, where there are more colleges per capita than anywhere else in the country. Theatre students at Tufts University raised more than $7,000 and the longest-running official college effort for Broadway Cares, Emerson Fights AIDS Week (now in its 11th year) raised more than $4,000. In New York City, schools emulate what their counterparts are doing across town on professional stages. Pace Cares hosts an annual holiday benefit which includes an audience appeal, The Julliard School features all of the performing arts in their annual World AIDS Day concert for Broadway Cares and the Stella Adler School of Acting offers an annual Shakespeare showcase as a benefit. Broadway Cares is fortunate to also have the support of student groups not directly affiliated with campus theatre departments. Some groups make a connection as a way to raise awareness about AIDS with their student population. Others come through LGBT offices, student activities or residential life offices. The Residence Hall Association at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences combines all of the above into one big fundraiser for BC/EFA and takes the opportunity to deliver a check during their annual pilgrimage to see Broadway shows.
The Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities, whose members are campus programmers, promotes service by supporting Campus Cares, our initiative to reach college groups not involved with theatre. At the annual APCA leadership conference this summer, Broadway Cares friend and supporter Eric Lambert, APCA’s executive director, presented a $1,000 donation. During the year, APCA members bid on signed show posters to bring APCA’s total contributions for the year to more than $3,000.
“ Producing the show changed my outlook on theatre from being purely for entertainment to being a form of service, too.” Allison Dufford, Wagner College More and more, theatre students are taking the initiative to produce benefits off-campus, as well. Allison Dufford, a theatre student at Wagner College in Staten Island, NY, spent her summer break putting together a cabaret for Broadway Cares. Dufford recruited nine performers to be part of I’ll Cover You, a concert that raised more than $1,400. “I started brainstorming a cabaret that followed the theme of love through music,” Dufford explains. “Producing the show changed my outlook on theatre from being purely for entertainment to being a form of service, too. If I can help other organizations as they aid those in need, why not use this creative outlet to do so? Any opportunity to raise money for Broadway Care, we can and will!” n
TOP 10 FUNDRAISING SCHOOLS The Boston Conservatory.......$13,942
Stella Adler School of Acting.... 2,347
Tufts University.......................... 7,027
Pace University......................... 2,300
Emerson College....................... 4,100
Elon University.......................... 2,088
Marist College........................... 3,500
Georgia State University............ 1,564
Salem State University.............. 3,000
West Chester University........... 1,449
LEARN MORE
broadwaycares.org/educationoutreach [behind the] scenes 21
BROADWAY DELIVERS
Cocktails & Tony Clocks with Audemars Piguet
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s an encore to a wildly successful year of partnering and raising money for Broadway Cares in 2010, Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet this summer continued its commitment with three stunning displays of support.
On May 16, CEO Francois Bennahmias hosted an exclusive benefit dinner at Audemars Piguet’s elegant flagship showroom on East 57th Street in Manhattan. Surrounded by dozens of stunning and elegant watches on display, an intimate group of 40 by-invitationonly guests enjoyed delectable cuisine and a special performance by the stars of Bennahmias’ favorite Broadway musical, the Tony Award-winning hit Memphis, including Tony Award-nominee Chad Kimball, Dan’yelle Williamson, Derrick Baskin, J. Bernard Calloway and James Monroe Iglehart. That same week, Audemars Piguet hosted a special cocktail reception at their flagship showroom for Fire Island Dance Festival. As the presenting sponsor of the Friday night Leadership Event, which would kick-off the festival on July 20 and feature a special performance by Complexions Contemporary Ballet, our friends at Audemars Piguet hosted this special event to help Dancers Responding to AIDS, a program of Broadway Cares, show appreciation for the festival’s leadership patrons . Audemars Piguet’s 2011 support culminated at the Tony Awards with a display of special Audemars Piguet wall clocks, represent22 [behind the] scenes
ing the Tony nominees for Best Musical and Best Revival of a Musical: Catch Me If You Can, Sister Act, The Book of Mormon, The Scottsboro Boys, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Anything Goes. These one-of-a-kind aluminum wall clocks were created by David Masenheimer for Broadway Cares and autographed by each cast. The clocks appeared along the red carpet as the nominees made their entrance into the Beacon Theatre. A special Tony Awards clock was created and signed by each of the nominees, including Tony winners Ellen Barkin, Edie Falco, John Larroquette, Patti LuPone, Norbert Leo Butz, Sutton Foster, Joel Grey, Whoopi Goldberg, Joe Mantello and John Kander. Following the Tony Awards, the clocks appeared in the windows of the Audemars Piguet flagship boutique before being auctioned off for Broadway Cares. This summer’s support came after Audemar Piguet hosted 2010’s “Time to Give” celebrity watch auction, which resulted in an extraordinary donation of $405,000 to Broadway Cares. Also, last February, the company sponsored a special performance of Memphis for more than 1,100 underserved teens from New York City public schools.n Pictured above: Friday night Leadership Event, which would kick-off the festival on July 20 and feature a special performance by Complexions Contemporary Ballet, our friends at Audemars Piguet hosted this special event
AFCU Remains Outstanding ‘Friend’ to Broadway Cares
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ive years ago, the Actors Federal Credit Union launched its “Refer-aFriend” program. For every referral from a credit union member that results in a new customer, $25 is deposited into the member’s account and another $25 is donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. On July 6, Credit Union Chairwoman Denise Nolin and Board Secretary Gil Rogers presented Broadway Cares Executive Director Tom Viola and Director of Communication and Development Danny Whitman with a check for $10,425, representing the total donation to BC/EFA since the program started. Viola added: “The Refer-a-Friend program is just one of the many ways our friends at the credit union stand side-by-side with us in the struggle against AIDS and in support of everyone in the theatre community.” n
Texas-Sized Column Awards Makes a Difference
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n March 14, the only celebration of live theatre in the Dallas-Fort Worth area raised $10,000 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
This year’s 12th edition tapped the Broadway community. The event’s hosts – Les Miserables veteran Max von Essen and Altar Boyz favorite Tyler Maynard – were joined by Tony Award-winner Donna McKechnie, who performed her legendary number “The Music and the Mirror” from A Chorus Line. “It’s remarkable what the Dallas-Forth Worth theatre community has contributed to Broadway Cares ,” shared BC/EFA Executive Director Tom Viola. “As far as I know, the Column Awards is the only awards organization to donate proceeds every year to Broadway Cares and, with that, we’re able to help so many around the country, as well support local AIDS service providers in Texas.” Conceived and produced by John Garcia, the awards honor theatre excellence throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex
“It was a truly magical evening,” Garcia said. “Everyone was mesmerized by Donna, and Max and Tyler’s chemistry and ad-libs were sublime. We are proud to be a part of Broadway Cares’ good work across Texas, including five social service agencies here in Dallas-Fort Worth.” n
Tony Night Delivers Stars for Corporate Sponsors
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hanks to our friends at The Broadway League, who – in collaboration with the American Theatre Wing – masterfully presented the Tony Awards at their new home, the historic Beacon Theatre, Broadway Cares coordinated entertainment for the evening’s major sponsors for a generous donation. Visa threw a cocktail party at The Plaza with special guests Montego Glover and Chad Kimball from Broadway’s Memphis. Both of the show’s Tony-nominated stars performed their signature songs from Memphis, which earned last year’s Tony for best musical.
A little farther uptown, IBM hosted a pre-Tonys party at ,Cesca. IBM’s guests met Tony-nominee and original “Annie” Andrea McArdle, two-time Tony nominee Christopher Sieber and animal trainer extraordinaire Bill Berloni, who later that evening was honored with a special Tony for his work in the theatre with rescue animals, which started with McArdle and Annie. Simultaneously, in the theatre district, BC/EFA Executive Director Tom Viola hosted the cast of Broadway’s Million Dollar Quartet for VIP guests of Tony Awards sponsor InterContinental Hotels. Many thanks to Broadway Cares’ friends at The Broadway League for their continued support and collaboration. Many thanks to Broadway Cares’ friends at The Broadway League for their continued support and collaboration. n [behind the] scenes 23
BROADWAY BARKS 13
Stars and Their Four-Legged Friends Fill Shubert Alley
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ore loyal (and certainly more cuddly) than the swallows of Capistrano, dozens of adorable dogs and cats returned to Shubert Alley on July 9, for Broadway Barks 13, the annual pet adopt-a-thon that benefits New York City’s animal shelters. Barks founders Mary Tyler Moore and Bernadette Peters welcomed animal lovers who stood shoulder-to-shoulder and foot-to-paw at the event. “I’m so happy that the Broadway community embraces Broadway Barks each year,” Peters told the crowd. “It’s a sweet day for all of us working to make New York City a more humane place for animals.”
Moore added: “You have all helped us make so many wonderful changes for our four-legged friends. We are that much closer to turning New York City into a no-kill community.” More than 40 Broadway favorites served as “celebrity dog walkers,” presenting adoptable dogs and cats. “I’m the owner of a rescue dog and can tell you first-hand it enhances your life,” John Larroquette told the crowd as he introduced two shaggy Maltese pups. “If you have a place in your home and your heart, please rescue a dog.” Other presenters included Nick Adams, Nina Arianda, Heidi Blickenstaff, Steel Burkhardt, Kerry Butler, Bobby Cannavale, Reeve Carney, Victoria Clark, T.V. Carpio, Jennifer Damiano, Paige Davis, Matt DeAngelis, Sutton Foster, Adam Godley, Joel Grey, Linda Hart, John Benjamin Hickey, Jackie Hoffman, Nikki M. James, Isabel Keating, Josh Lamon, Beth Leavel, Michael McGrath, Judy McLane, John McMartin, Patina Miller, Michael Mulheren, Bebe Neuwirth, Rory O’Malley, Brad Oscar, Patrick Page, Andrew Rannells, Paris Remillard, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Kacie Sheik, Aaron Tveit, Will Swenson and Yul Vázquez, as well as Bill Berloni, trainer to Broadway’s four-legged stars and behavior consultant for the Humane Society of New York. 24 [behind the] scenes
Broadway Barks featured pets from 27 New York City shelters and adoption agencies, including Animal Care & Control of NYC, Adopt A Boxer Rescue, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Animal Haven, Anjellicle Cats Rescue, Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons, BARC, Bideawee, Bobbi & the Strays, City Critters, Humane Society of New York, Husky House, Kitty Kind, Long Island Greyhound Rescue, Loving Touch, Manhattan Valley Cat Rescue, Metropolitan Maltese Rescue, Mid Atlantic Great Dane Rescue, Pet-I-Care, PLUTO, Russell Refuge, SaveKitty Foundation, Sean Casey Animal Rescue, Stray from the Heart, Tigger Foundation, Urban Cat League and Waggin’ Train Rescue. Funds raised at Broadway Barks are distributed to the participating shelters and groups and the Picasso Veterinary Fund which helps cover extreme medical costs. Broadway Barks 13 was presented by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and produced by Scott T. Stevens, Patty Saccente and Richard Hester. n PHOTOS
broadwaycares.org/barks2011
CLASSICAL ACTION
Four of the Hottest Classical Artists Close 2010-2011 Michael Palm Series
T
he eighth season of Classical Action’s Michael Palm Series of intimate house concerts concluded this spring with unforgettable performances by two magnificent mezzo-sopranos, two incomparable pianists and a surprise Broadway guest. On April 6, mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe and pianist Warren Jones delivered a remarkable evening of music-making, from Brahms’ folk melodies and his “Rhapsody No. 2” to gems of the ‘20s and ‘30s. Blythe and Jones brought a sweet sassiness to Irving Berlin’s saucy “If You Don’t Want My Peaches” and the piano rags of Scott Joplin. On May 4, the season’s final Michael Palm house concert featured mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato and pianist Jeremy Denk. The pair captured the audience’s hearts, whether performing Mozart’s great sonatas for solo piano, individual works of Leoncavallo and Buzi-Peccia or the hauntingly poignant “O del mio amato ben” by Stefano Donaudy, which was performed in memory and honor of those lost to HIV/ AIDS. For an encore, DiDonato sang the Cole Porter classic “You’re The Top” with surprise guest Emmy- and Tony Awardwinning actor David Hyde Pierce. It was difficult to tell who was having the most fun: DiDonato and Hyde Pierce trying to out-compliment one another, Denk vamping at the piano or the audience thrilled by the surprise duet. Special thanks to Kevin Roon and Simon Yates for hosting the Michael Palm Series in their spectacular Tribeca home. n
Up Our Alley 13 Scores with $120,000
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hoever said 13 was an unlucky number? Classical Action’s 13th annual benefit bowling bonanza was anything but unlucky, raising more than $120,000 and making it the second-highest edition of Up Our Alley since it started in 1999. The 2011 total was up $41,000 over last year. To expand participation, the traditional heart and soul of Up Our Alley, the performing arts community, was joined by corporate financial teams organized through the Interbank Roundtable Committee. The top fundraising music industry team was “Ball Busters” with $9,411 and the top banking industry team was UBS with $7,941. Best Team Name honors went to Carnegie Hall for “Carnegie Balls: Bigger, Better and Bowlder” and Best Team Costume went to IMG Artists. Up Our Alley 13 was held Sept. 19 at Bowlmor Lanes Union Square For information on how you can join Up Our Alley 14, contact Classical Action Director Chris Kenney at 212.997.7717 or kenney@broadwaycares.org. n PHOTOS
classicalaction.org [behind the] scenes 25
FIRE ISLAND DANCE FESTIVAL 17
Sold-Out Audiences Push Festival to Record High
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he 17th annual edition of Fire Island Dance Festival raised a record-breaking $340,445.
Two-time Tony Award-winner and distinguished actor, singer, dancer Bebe Neuwirth hosted the event, which featured an eclectic mix of world-renowned and emerging dancers, dance companies and choreographers. The program, presented three times during the weekend, celebrated ballet, modern, Broadway and contemporary dance, all performed outdoors against the stunning backdrop of the Great South Bay. The festival, produced by and benefiting Dancers Responding to AIDS, a program of Broadway Cares, was presented July 15-17 and included the world premiere of an unprecedented five works, created for the festival with the generous support of five major choreographic sponsors and four choreographic sponsors. “The first Fire Island Dance Festival in 1995 raised $6,000, which was remarkable,” said Denise Roberts Hurlin, founding director of Dancers Responding to AIDS. “Reaching this record-breaking fundraising total demonstrates the extraordinary commitment by the artists who perform 26 [behind the] scenes
every year, which is matched only by the enthusiasm of the community that continues to support the festival.” Paul Taylor Dance Company, one of the most prestigious dance companies in the world, returned to the festival to open and close each performance. They danced two excerpts from the sexy “Brief Encounters” and the crowd-pleasing “Arden Court.” New York City Ballet principal ballerina Wendy Whelan and soloist Craig Hall captivated the audience with grace and strength as they performed Christopher Wheeldon’s wondrous “Liturgy.” Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble, a cultural treasure for New York City, evoked solemn longing in an emotional, wistful dance. Brian Brooks Moving Company gave the event a bounce, literally, with an energetic piece set to electronic music while Kyle Abraham/Abraham.In.Motion explored masculinity from two very different perspectives. Brandon Bryant, season 5 runner-up on So You Think You Can Dance, mesmerized the audience with a powerful, gravitydefying performance to the classic “O Fortuna” from Carmina
Burana. Cambodia native Sokvannara “Sy” Sar, featured in the Anne Bass documentary Dancing Across Borders, premiered a solo by Jill Johnson that was created in collaboration with Vail International Dance Festival. The festival also showcased a pièce d’occasion by Dontee Kiehn, a choreographer and alumna of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts. Complexions Contemporary Ballet presented a special performance July 15 as part of an exclusive festival kick-off event for Leadership Supporters, made possible by presenting sponsor Audemars Piguet. For the festival, a team of more than 60 volunteers transform the grounds owned by Jon Biondo, Tim Horman and Ryan Coutu into a waterfront oasis for dance lovers. In a matter of days, a glorious stage and theatre seating for 300 methodically rise on the banks of the Great South Bay, giving shape to one of the most spectacular dance venues anywhere. Neuwirth took the stage as host after completing an acclaimed 15-month run as Morticia Addams in Broadway’s The Addams Family. In addition to her remarkable work on stage, screen and television, she also is founder of The Dancers’ Resource, a program of The Actors Fund that creates a unique health, financial and emotional support system for dancers and choreographers. Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS was
the original funder of The Dancers’ Resource and remains its primary financial supporter. In honor of Neuwirth’s dedication and devotion, Executive Director Tom Viola presented her with a special donation of $25,000 for The Dancers’ Resource, bringing Broadway Cares’ support of the program since 2007 over the $1 million. “Broadway Cares and Dancers Responding to AIDS are blessed to work with artists whose passion for movement and creative expression is matched by a great generosity of spirit and commitment to looking after and reaching out to each other,” said BC/EFA Tom Viola. “While I hope none of you ever need The Dancers’ Resource, if you do, may it always be there.” Fire Island Dance Festival 17 was sponsored by The New York Times, United Airlines, Audemars Piguet, Absolut Vodka, Beaulieu Vineyard, The Fire Island News, Fire Island Pines, Get Gay Chauffeur, Here Media, Logo Networks, Movmnt Magazine, Next Magazine, Peeq, Pines Bistro, Sayville Ferry Service and Tony’s Barge Service. PHOTOS & VIDEOS
dradance.org/fireisland
Dancin’ Downtown Leads to Summer Stage Showcase They came from 17 dance studios in seven states and filled New York’s landmark Joyce Theater with a competitive energy that invigorated a remarkably talented group of dancers. On May 16, they came together for Dancin’ Downtown at the Joyce Theater performance and choreography competition benefiting Dancers Responding to AIDS. The adjudicated event, showcasing schools from Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Virginia, raised more than $29,000. Performing Arts Academy of Pompton Lakes, NJ, took the top prize for choreography while Mid-Atlantic Center for the
Performing Arts of Baltimore, MD, took home the performance award. Both troupes also won the opportunity to perform at New York’s Central Park Summer Stage. The judges also awarded numerous scholarships to workshops and summer intensives. n PHOTOS
dradance.org/joyce2011 [behind the] scenes 27
THE ANGELS CIRCLE 2010-2011 Providing a Sustainable Foundation The following were members of the Angels Circle between April 1, 2010, and September 30, 2011. 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, 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 life-threatening illnesses who count on Broadway Cares for assistance, we salute these donors. 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 212.840.0770, ext. 275 n
Producer
gifts of $50,000 and above The Fred Ebb Foundation
Director
gifts from $25,000 to $49,999 Laura M. Boedeker H. Van Ameringen Foundation The Shubert Foundation The Ted Snowdon Foundation Lizzie & Jonathan M. Tisch
House Seat
gifts from $10,000 to $24,999 Applause Video Productions The Barbara & William Rosenthal Family Foundation The Barrington Foundation, Inc. The Charles Evans Foundation The Column Awards William W. Donnell Sam Ellis in memory of Doris Eaton Travis Aaron Frankel in loving memory of Abetha Aayer Frankel Myrna and Freddie Gershon remember Peter Allen, Allan Carr, Tom Eyen, Ron Field, Tyler Gatchell, Tom Hatcher, Paul Jabara, Jerry Kravat, Floria Lasky, Robbie Lantz, Flora Roberts, the great Joe Stein & Paul Woerner John W. Holloway Anita Jaffe Jujamcyn Theatres Paul Libin & Florence Rowe Libin Platt Family Foundation in memory of Gary Platt Martin Richards Theatrical Stage Employees Local One/IATSE Thomas Schumacher & Matthew White Tiger Baron Foundation
Paul Boskind Camp Arowhon in honor of Camp Arowhon Campers of 2011 The Carl Jacobs Foundation CESD Talent Agency Scott Dainton Deborah Dakin Michel G. Delhaise & George E. Jordan The Edith Meiser Foundation in memory of Irving Cheskin Mickey Rolfe & Bruce Tracy The Fosdick Fund Christopher Garek George W. Schaeffer Foundation I. Steven Goldstein & William Popeleski, Jr. Winnie Holzman & Paul Dooley James C. Hormel & Michael P. Nguyen Jane Morison Iwanowski Jerome S. Glazer Foundation John L. McHugh Foundation Detlef Kamps William Ludel & Tracy Cohen Kevin R. Lyle Rachel E. Lyle Daniel Maury Mickey Rolfe John M. Scott James D. Spry, Jr. The Stephanie & Carter McClelland Foundation David Terveen Theatrical Wardrobe Union Local 764 I.A.T.S.E. Nina & Gary Wexler Barbara Whitman & David Carlyon Anonymous
Box Seat
gifts from $2,500 to $4,999
Actors’ Equity Foundation Actors Federal Credit Union Alec Baldwin Todd A. Bentjen Melvin Bernhardt & Jeff Woodman gifts from $5,000 to $9,999 George L. Bielitz & John Derco Sam Altman in memory of Murray Schapiro Gregory Blake City National Bank ATPAM William Craver Bertsch Family Charitable Foundation in memory of June Bertsch CESD Talent Agency
Orchestra Seat
28 [behind the] scenes
Mitties M. DeChamplain in loving memory of Mitties Rathbun McDonald Keith Degi, M.D. Jamie deRoy in memory of Aaronel deRoy Gruber Drew Desky & Dane Levens Maggie Flanigan & Richard Dow Entertainment Industry Foundation Joe Evall & Richard Lynn Maggie Flanigan & Richard Dow Jay Garner Dale & Ellyn Glasser in memory of Steven Glasser Leslie Haarup in memory of Ralph and Gram Leonard C. Haas Jill & Marty Handelsman Jerry Herman Carl Jacobs Amy Kaufmann & Ruth Ro Jay Laudato Judith Light & Robert Desiderio The Lucky Guy Company Scott R. Mallalieu Steven Markov & Jeffrey Meleski Kathy Keneally & Tom Marshall Marin Mazzie & Jason Danieley in memory of Gary Bonasorte Mitch Mitchell Ruth Neale Phyllis Newman in honor of Adolph Green John Okuloski & Frank Duff Gilbert Parker in memory of Richard Bauman Mimi Prentice Richard E. Rauh Rose Brand Angela Lansbury Mary Jo & Ted Shen in memory of Gordon Stokes Kurtti Amy Sherman-Palladino Hannah Shipley in memory of Judy Peabody Kevin Spacey Anthony Sweeney Jay Laudato & Tom Watson Max Weintraub Wyncote Foundation Anonymous
Front Mezzanine gifts from $1,000 to $2,499
The A.R. Hughes Family Fund Robert & Noah Aberlin Rich Ahrens John R. Alchin & Hal Marryatt Kenneth Alhadeff Lee Anisman Stuart S. Applebaum in memory of Mr. Vincent Zito David Glenn Armstrong & Jeffrey Miller in memory of Todd Coroliuc Lucie Arnaz & Larry Luckinbill in memory of Keith Dodge Bob Avian H. Thomas Axt & Alan Hassell Paris Baldacci & Andrew S. Dolkart Barbara & Buddy Freitag Christopher & Paris Barclay Stephen Bardfield John Barnes & Charles Champagne Clay & Karen Barnes in honor of Gracie & Christina Scott Barnes & Brian Kellow Brent Barrett Ivan M. Bart Beech Street Foundation Roger Berlind Phillip Bettencourt Phil & Mary Beuth Robert Billig & Richard Vida Chuck Blasius in memory Sally Hamilton Dave Boone Carl & Karen Bowen Briggs, Inc. Dan T. Brink J. Arthur Brost Barry Brown & Rick Weiss James & Debbie Burrows Ms. Michelle L. Butler Robert Callely Carleton Carpenter Frank Carucci in memory of Robert Diario Deborah & Steven Cavalier Stockard Channing Charlie & Moll Anderson Foundation Paula & David Chase Edward A. Chernoff Cathy Chernoff Scott Clearwater Charles I. Clough Jr.
Joel Steven Cook Casey Cook Mario M. Cuomo Mark & Susan Dalton The Edgar Foster Daniels Foundation Merle Debuskey & Pearl Somner Louis J. Denkovic Alvin Deutsch Erick Devine Senator Mike & Fran DeWine Judy & Tim Dove Valerie Eigner Steven Elkin Anthony & Kristin Ellenbogen Davis Elliott Peter Entin & Barbara Janowitz Joel G. Fink Ken Finkelstein & James Higginbotham Edward & Lori Forstein Vincent Forzano Hunter Foster & Jen Cody Founders Community Bank Stephen Frasheur David A. Friedman in memory of my mother Shirley Friedman Rochelle Friedman David M. Fromm in memory of my partner Robert Motley Bruce Geismar The Gelfand Family Foundation Thomas Gentile Richard Gerrig & Timothy Peterson John P. Geurts Roger Gindi & Gregory Victor Rachel Ginsberg David M. Goldenberg Robert D. Gonzales Doug Johnson & Valerie GordonJohnson Dane Grams Michael Greif & Jonathan Fried Emily Grishman & Susan Sampliner Barry & Maggie Grove Dena Hammerstein Sarah & Joel Handelman Michael Harrell Edward A. Harris Joseph R. Heller Joy Henshel
Mel Hertzig Richard M. Hester Robert C. Hickman Jerry Hirsch Susan & Neal Hirsch James Hoelz & William Welsh Beth Holland in honor of Sonia Alden Andrea & Craig Horowitz Ira M. Resnick Foundation in honor of Robin Sherman Jeanne & Waldo Jackson in memory of our son Robert Jackson Janis & Alan Menken Foundation Thai Jason in honor of Tom Viola Karma Foundation The Karma Foundation Kathryn Keneally & Thomas Marshall Karen Kennedy in memory of Muriel & Bob Kennedy Abigail Kertzman Terence E. Kilburn Edgar A. Knudson Kompolt Ronald & Isobel Konecky Lillian Kraemer Michael Kuzma Larry L. Luing Family Foundation Ann M. Lehman Diane Lippert Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Litwak The Arthur Loeb Foundation Michael Lombard Tom Lombardi Luke 12:48 Foundation David C. Ludwigson & LaMont Craig in honor of Rodger McFarlane Steven F. Lutz Maureen A. Macfadden John Mandler Fraydun Foundation, Inc. Richard McCune David R. McShane Alan Menken Metropolitan Community Athletic Association Mr. & Mrs. E. Van R. Milbury Keith Miller Marianne McGrath Mills Calvin Mitchell Ira Mont & Jill Cordle Mont
William M. Moore William Morey Sally Campbell Morse Jason J. Moyer MRC & Co, Inc. Albert Nocciolino Briggs, Inc. The Nathan Cummings Foundation Robert E. Nederlander R. Wayne Nederlander The Neeb Family Foundation Judith A. Nelson in memory of Wayne McCarthy Maury Newburger Stanley Newman & Dr. Brian Rosenthal Maddi, Charlie & Bridget Niebanck Friends of John Lloyd Young Bill Nolte Stuart Oken Paul Oppedisano John K. Orberg Philip Paroian Ralph L. Pellecchio & James C. Wernz, M.D. Kathy Phillips Jonathan Pickhardt L. Glenn Poppleton in memory Gerald Schoenfeld Mark Primavera James Rado Paul Reisch in memory of my partner, Bret Adams Bob Rhodehamel Richard F. Walsh/Alfred W. Di Tolla/ Harold P. Spivak Foundation Jeffrey Richards Associates Mr. & Mrs. Michael D. Richman Bob Richter Jonathan Rock David Romero & David Greiss Janet Rose Lori Rubinstein in honor of Bill Sapsis Samuel L. Phillips Family Foundation Dorothy & Peter Samuels Michael Schober Debra & Michael Segal Segal Family Foundation Sally J. Seiberlich Elliott R. Sernel Shake Shack
Robin Silechnik Prakken Rob Sinacore in memory of Dr. Malcolm Berg (our love lives on) Michael Sodomick Sonia Alden Foundation Eileen T. Stapleton Linda Lewin Stark The Students of the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in memory of Casey Kizziah Meryl Streep Steve Sweet Holland V. Taylor John Henry Thomas III Stuart Thompson Tina & Jeffrey Bolton Family Fund Alice Torre Stephen & Valerie Toups Matthew D. Tumminello Twelfth Night Club, Inc. Beth M. Uffner United Parcel Service Joyce Van Patten William & Helen Van Syckle Tom Viola in memory of my dad, “Doc” Viola Richard Voller Suzyn Waldman Honey Waldman Allen Walker Arthur E. Webster, Esq. Michael Wescoe Cortright Wetherill Nancy A. Wheeler Zoe A. Whitehead Whittier & Associates in honor of David H. Whittier Richard C. Wiggers Diane M. Wilshere Margo Wintersteen Terrence J. Witter Brian R. Yorkey David Ziff & Alan Bell Lucinda Zink Elliot Zulver and Sally Gold Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous in memory of Ruth Hoefgen
The Angels Circle Angels Circle supporters provide a sustainable foundation for the vital grants that Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS makes to more than 400 AIDS and family service organizations nationwide and seven vital programs of The Actors Fund, including the HIV/ AIDS Initiative, the Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic and the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative. In appreciation of an annual contribution of $1,000 or more, Angels receive VIP status at some of Broadway Cares’ most highprofile events, including Gypsy of the Year and the Easter Bonnet Competition, as well as a host of other exciting benefits. Please consider standing with Broadway Cares to ensure that hundreds of thousands of men, women and children struggling with HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses will have access to the critical support they need. Join The Angels Circle today. n
[behind the] scenes 29
LEGACY & LEADERSHIP The Colleen Dewhurst Society Keep your legacy alive and help Broadway Cares take care of our most vulnerable for years to come. Join the Colleen Dewhurst Society by including Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS in your will. You believe in the mission of BC/EFA, you understand the critical nature of our work, now you can help ensure that this work continues well into the future. For more information about The Colleen Dewhurst Society, contact Ryan Walls, major gifts officer, at 212.840.0770, ext. 275 or walls@broadwaycares.org.
The Broadway Cares Leadership Council
• Are you passionate about the work that Broadway Cares does for AIDS service organizations and The Actors Fund?
• Are you committed to helping BC/EFA’s impact extend to all who need our help?
• Are you looking for the opportunity to work closely with other motivated and influential individuals in a leadership capacity?
Broadway Cares’ newly formed Leadership Council is a group of dynamic individuals with a demonstrated passion for the work of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and a commitment to our fundraising goals. Members of the Leadership Council play an integral role, both individually and collectively, in expanding BC/EFA’s Angels Circle, deepening the relationships with donors and enhancing existing fundraising efforts.. n If you are interested in learning more about the Leadership Council, contact Danny Whitman, director of communications and development, at 212.840.0770, ext. 239, or whitman@broadwaycares.org.
30 [behind the] scenes
THE PERFECT GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAY
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he best Broadway gifts return for another year at the Broadway Cares Online Store. Offering something for every theatre fan, the Broadway Cares Collection includes the always popular Snow Globe, this year designed by Tonynominated set designer David Rockwell, and dozens of other gifts adorned with the logos of more than 20 Broadway musicals.
And this year, in tribute to her unforgettable performance in Sunday in the Park with George, the inimitable Bernadette Peters joins Angela Lansbury, Chita Rivera and Carol Channing in the Broadway Legends series of exclusive collectible hand-made glass ornaments.
To explore the entire selection of holiday and everyday gifts, visit broadwaycares.com/store VIP TICKETS TO THE HOTTEST SHOWS
Visit broadwaycares.org/caretix for details and call 212.840.0770, ext. 229 to arrange your tickets.
HOLIDAY CARDS FOR A CAUSE
Visit broadwaycares.org/store to see our new collection of holiday cards supporting the cause. [behind the] scenes 31
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Help stop wasteful duplicate mailings. If you receive more than one copy of this newsletter, please send us the labels and indicate which one is correct. Thank you for helping us to spend money wisely.
SAVE THE DATE
The 23rd Annual GYPSY OF THE YEAR COMPETITION Monday, Dec. 5, 4:30 pm Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2 pm New Amsterdam Theatre
DANCE FROM THE HEART
THE BROADWAY BEARS 15
Monday, Jan. 23 Tuesday, Jan. 24
Sunday, March, 18, 8 pm
Cedar Lake Theater
BB King Blues Club & Grill
BROADWAY BACKWARDS 7 Monday, March 5
BROADWAYCARES.ORG
Theatre TBA
The 26th Annual EASTER BONNET COMPETITION Mon. April 23, 4:30 pm Tuesday, April 24, 2 pm Minskoff Theatre