GYPSY OF THE YEAR THE ACTORS FUND 28 YEARS OF SUPPORT BROADWAY BACKWARDS NATIONAL FOOD GRANTS $1.85 MILLION TO 118 PROVIDERS HUDSON VALLEY DANCE FESTIVAL
MICHAEL PALM SERIES
HOUSE
CONCERTS
B R O A D WAY C A R E S . O R G
WHO’S WHO
[AT BROADWAY CARES]
[ ] EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FROM THE
Behind the Scenes is published by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS 165 West 46th Street, Suite 1300 New York, NY 10036 212.840.0770 info@broadwaycares.org broadwaycares.org
Dear Friends:
We got an email at the office the other day from one of our volunteers who recently moved away from New York. He wrote that the only volunteering he knew as a kid in Texas was through church. But as he grew older and more open about being gay, he found himself distanced from his family, his church and his charity work. “Seeing the work and love Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS puts out in the world,” he wrote, “has brought me so much joy and helped me grow as an artist and person.”
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 Contributors Peter Borzotta, John Halpin, Chris Kenney, Sarah Mitchel, Alona Volinsky Photographers Mo Brady, Whitney Browne, Billy Bustamante, Kevin Thomas Garcia, Daniel T. Gramkee, Joy Nelson, Daniel Roberts, Cheri Root, Monica Simoes, Jonathan Tichler
broadwaycares.org 2 [behind the] scenes
No matter one’s religion, I think many of us who now come together through Broadway Cares have had to redefine generosity of spirit for ourselves in more expansive, less rigidly dogmatic ways. And perhaps, just through example and many conversations, we slowly move our families into a place we all can happily live without judgment. With so much hate and vitriol being spewed on a daily basis by our would-be national leaders, it’s important to frequently remind ourselves of the impact our collective efforts have on men and women we may never know. People isolated, stigmatized and alone, without the resources to get medication or a healthy meal. Folks shunned by their families or their community and church simply because of who they are or the challenges they’ve been dealt. In this issue of Behind the Scenes, you’ll read about the good work that your support has enabled for 118 food pantries, congregate meal programs and meal delivery programs across the country. You’ll learn about another successful Gypsy of the Year fundraising campaign, a record-breaking 11th edition of Broadway Backwards and our phenomenal journey to upstate New York to produce Hudson Valley Dance Festival. Read about the always-spectacular Lillias White spicing up Bucks County Cabaret and a special night of dance recognizing emerging choreographer Ray Mercer from the cast of Disney’s The Lion King. You’ll also learn how the vital partnership between Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and The Actors Fund grew from the singular support of the HIV/AIDS Initiative 28 years ago into an indispensable relationship helping thousands of our own in the entertainment industry. Just last year, thanks to your kindness, Broadway Cares awarded $5.2 million to The Actors Fund essential social service programs. The author Richard Bach once wrote, “The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life.” No matter where you live or how you first became connected to us, our very diverse Broadway Cares family gives help to the most vulnerable, encouragement to the discouraged and hope to the hopeless. Thank you for being a part of that family. Thank you for helping us prove, every day, that what we do together makes a difference. Sincerely, Tom Viola Executive Director
Jersey Boys Celebrates 10 Years on Broadway Oh, what a night it was on November 8 as the Tony Award-winning smash hit Jersey Boys celebrated its 10th anniversary and more than 4,300 performances on Broadway. Dozens of current and former cast members gathered at the August Wilson Theatre to commemorate the milestone for a show that’s proven that to reach out and care for others is to “walk like a man.” To date the Broadway company of Jersey Boys has raised more than $2.1 million for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. With four national touring companies adding another $4.1 million, Jersey Boys’ 10-year grand total tops $6.2 million. Our sincere gratitude to the hundreds of theatre professionals onstage and off who have made this extraordinarily generous support possible. Special thanks to Jersey Boys producer Michael David and Production Supervisor Richard Hester, both BC/EFA trustees, with a salute to Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio who over the last 10 years have become good friends of Broadway Cares, sharing their legendary music and lending their presence, names and signatures to us time and again.
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
[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 Gypsy of the Year 8 The Actors Fund
• 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
11 Broadway Backwards 13 National Food Grants 16 Sharing Resources 17 Pure Motion 18 Beyond the Footlights 19 Education & Outreach 20 Hudson Valley Dance Festival 21 Bucks County Cabaret 22 Up Our Alley 22 Christmas Eve’s Holiday Hunkfest 23 Classical Action 24 Angels Circle 27 Broadway Cares Online Store
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 4 [behind the] scenes
BC/EFA GRANT-MAKING TOTAL 1988–2015
$ 78,226,086
$ 89,280,984
$167,507,070
27TH ANNUAL GYPSY OF THE YEAR
Broadway’s Best Make Lasting Memories at Gypsy
F
or the 27th year, more than 150 of the best and brightest Broadway “gypsies” showed off their talent and dedication with funny, dramatic, emotional and thought-provoking presentations at the annual Gypsy of the Year competition.
Six weeks of energetic fundraising efforts by 54 Broadway, OffBroadway and national touring companies led to an incredible $4,786,239 being raised for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. The grand total was revealed by special guests Michael Cerveris, George Takei and Julie White following two festive afternoons of performances at Broadway’s New Amsterdam Theatre, home to Disney’s Aladdin. Cerveris, Takei and White also presented awards to the top fundraising companies and for the best performances in this year’s show. The cast of Kinky Boots took honors for best onstage presentation for a freestyle rap led by the show’s newest star,
Wayne Brady, and surprise guest rappers Christopher Jackson and Lin-Manuel Miranda from this season’s Broadway sensation Hamilton. The trio joined Kinky Boots cast members Ellyn Marie Marsh and Jennifer Perry to show off their improvisational chops, topping each other in a rap based entirely on words provided by the audience. The company of The Lion King was runner-up with a gripping number created by cast member and choreographer Ray Mercer. Through carefully staged acrobatic movements set on graffitied wooden boxes and inspired by the spoken-word poetry of cast mate L. Steven Taylor, Mercer cast a cautious eye at society’s obsession with social media and self-image. Gypsy of the Year opened with the tap-happy journey of a stage manager, played by Ryan Kasprzak, who reluctantly ditches his headset and clipboard to step into the spotlight as a last-minute replacement. The energetic opening number was directed and choreographed by Al Blackstone, assisted by Morgan Rose, with music direction and arrangements by Ben Cohn.
[behind the] scenes 5
Several of this year’s numbers reflected the unsettling reality of inequality and injustice that has beset the world recently. Finding Neverland’s Laura Michelle Kelly led “We Can Be Kind,” a poignant response to the recent escalating unrest at home and abroad, featuring a chorus of kids from the companies of Finding Neverland, Fun Home, The King and I, Kinky Boots, Les Misérables, The Lion King, Matilda The Musical and On Your Feet!. The cast of Hamilton provided an emotionally charged a cappella version of their show’s soul-stirring “Wait for It.” Several companies offered irreverent, self-reflecting spins on their own shows. The long-running Avenue Q admirably kept its biting humor topical with an emergency cast meeting to update lyrics to some of its best-known songs. Finding Neverland teased their own show about a boy who never grows up while skewering critics who welcomed the now-hit musical with less than glowing reviews. The afternoon also featured performances by the companies of An American in Paris, The Book of Mormon, Chicago, Fun Home, Les Misérables, Company XIV’s Nutcracker Rouge, On Your Feet!, The King and I and Trip of Love. 6 [behind the] scenes
Geoffrey Goldberg directed and choreographed a special number recognizing the tireless fundraising efforts by national touring productions. The number followed the national tour companies’ fast-paced journey from security at the airport to the stage and after-show collections for Broadway Cares. Seth Rudetsky made his eighth annual appearance as Gypsy of the Year’s master of ceremonies. Hamilton’s Renée Elise Goldsberry, Dames at Sea’s Lesli Margherita and Matilda The Musical’s Christopher Sieber joined the celebration as guest presenters. A longtime friend and supporter of BC/EFA, two-time Tony winner Judith Light led the audience in a touching moment of silence to remember the countless lives lost and impacted by HIV/AIDS. The esteemed panel of judges that selected the best presentation award winners was introduced by Camryn Manheim from Spring Awakening, Brad Oscar from Something Rotten! and Brandon Uranowitz from An American in Paris.
FUNDRAISING AWARDS
Broadway
Off-Broadway
Top Fundraiser The Book of Mormon..................... $313,857 1st Runner-Up Hamilton........................................ $271,666 2nd Runner-Up Jersey Boys...................................... $264,374 3rd Runner-Up Beautiful The Carole King Musical............... $168,955 4th Runner-Up Kinky Boots.................................... $161,242
Top Fundraiser
Broadway Play Top Fundraiser
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time ......... $78,258
(Play or Musical)
The Humans..................................... $34,122
National Tours Top Fundraiser
1st Runner-Up 2nd Runner-Up 3rd Runner-Up
4th Runner-Up
The Book of Mormon Latter Day ..................................... $344,643 Kinky Boots.................................... $290,339 Wicked - Munchkinland............... $284,399 Beautiful The Carole King Musical............... $191,901 Newsies........................................... $159,915
54 Companies Raised $4,786,239
This year’s judges were Philip Birsh, president and chief executive of Playbill and BC/EFA’s Board of Trustees treasurer; John Cariani and Kate Reinders from Something Rotten!; Veanne Cox from An American in Paris; Alma Cuervo and Ana Villafane from On Your Feet!; Telly Leung from Allegiance; Actors’ Equity Association President Kate Shindle and esteemed Broadway choreographer Sergio Trujillo. Also joining the panel were Lee Perlman and Gary Wendlandt, who won their judging spots by bidding on exclusive VIP packages at the 29th Annual Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction in September. Gypsy of the Year was directed by Kristin Newhouse with Jason Trubitt serving as production stage manager, leading a team of 11 expert stage managers, and Ben Cohn as music supervisor. Lighting design was by Philip Rosenberg and sound by Marie Renee Foucher and Kurt Fischer. Gypsy of the Year is sponsored by The New York Times and United Airlines. n PHOTOS & VIDEO
broadwaycares.org/gypsy2015 [behind the] scenes 7
THE ACTORS FUND A Vital Partnership, 28 Years in the Making
T
he special relationship between Broadway Cares and The Actors Fund stretches almost three decades. From the earliest days of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, support for The Actors Fund’s safety net of social services has been critically important to the organization’s mission. Our fundraising success contributes directly to the vital programs The Fund provides for professionals in the theatrical community. Last year’s overall support reached $5.2 million for the most essential programs of The Fund. Thanks to the generosity of your support, since 1988 BC/EFA has awarded The Actors Fund more than $78 million.
HIV/AIDS INITIATIVE
$2,100,000
BC/EFA PROVIDED
4
$5,175,000 TO
THE ACTORS FUND
IN 2015
9 3
8
5 7
2
1
6
PHYLLIS NEWMAN WOMEN’S HEALTH INITIATIVE
$800,000 AL HIRSCHFELD FREE HEALTH CLINIC
$650,000 ARTISTS HEALTH INSURANCE RESOURCE CENTER
$400,000 ADDICTION AND RECOVERY SERVICES
$350,000 THE CAREER CENTER
$300,000
STAGE MANAGERS’ PROJECT
$200,000 Broadway Cares expanded financial support of The Actors Fund in 2015 by adding Addiction and Recovery Services to the essential programs receiving annual funding. The services help performing arts and entertainment professionals and their families cope with situations of drug and alcohol abuse or addiction. The program provides intensive case management to address addiction and its causes by creating a comprehensive support system to help clients address challenges in all aspects of their professional and personal lives.
8 [behind the] scenes
THE DANCERS’ RESOURCE
300,000
MISCELLANEOUS
$75,000
The Dancers’ Resource was launched in 2007 with a $150,000 grant from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS to address the unique challenges dancers face due to the physically demanding nature of their work, coupled with the significant financial challenges of earning a living in dance. Today, The Dancers’ Resource is a support system that addresses the needs of dancers, including emotional support for those dealing with injuries, by providing individual and group counseling, referrals for health care and health insurance, information and advocacy with Workers’ Compensation and Disability Insurance and more.
In 2015, The Actors Fund created the Stage Managers’ Project, a single reliable directory of primary care doctors, specialists and other health care providers that can be used by Broadway and Off-Broadway theatres and other live performance venues. Following the success of the New York version, The Actors Fund teamed with Actors’ Equity to widen the database to serve touring companies. Today, the carefully assembled Web-based directory provides contact details for doctors and health professionals in 28 cities across the country.
The Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic provides quality health care to uninsured and underinsured professionals in the entertainment industry. The clinic opened its doors in 2004 with a $500,000 grant from Broadway Cares. Today, the Hirschfeld is the only full-time free clinic in New York City. A team of general practitioners and specialists volunteer their time to provide primary and specialty urgent care, vaccinations, physical examinations, blood testing, vision screening, mammograms and more. The clinic, along with Artists Health Insurance Resource Center, also provides onsite health insurance counseling and guidance in enrolling qualified patients into pharmaceutical drug assistance programs.
Since 1998, Artists Health Insurance Resource Center, known as AHIRC, has connected entertainment industry workers around the country to health insurance and affordable health care. Today, AHIRC continues to counsel the theatre community and help the industry understand and participate in the Affordable Care Act. It does so by working hand-in-hand with entertainment unions and local performing arts organizations to spread the word about the available assistance. AHIRC offers its services through one-on-one counseling sessions, telephone helplines and more.
With the support of Broadway Cares, what’s now known as The Career Center was created in 1998 to assist the entertainment community in identifying and finding meaningful sideline employment or a new career. The goal is to help people increase their economic stability through alternative forms of work. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the AIDS Training and Education Project of the work program helped clients responding well to protease/anti-viral regimens deal with the important implications of suddenly increased life expectancies, including the challenges of returning to the workplace, although not necessarily in the entertainment industry. Today, The Career Center, formerly known as the Actors Fund Work Program, serves as a comprehensive employment and training program that provides a resource for referral of highly skilled and creative workers to the larger employment community.
The Actors Fund CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
With a $10,000 grant from Broadway Cares, The Actors Fund created the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative in 1996 to provide a safety net for women in the industry who are coping with critical health concerns. Today, the initiative is a place where women artists get help and advice without fear and stigma. The program dedicates a range of tailor-made resources aimed at addressing the health needs and concerns specific to women, including breast, cervical and ovarian cancers, domestic violence, chemical dependency and mental health issues. The Initiative provides services and financial assistance to women without health insurance.
In 1988, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS stepped up as the primary funder of the HIV/AIDS Initiative, established to help people in the entertainment industry living with HIV/AIDS cope with the extraordinary physical and emotional challenges brought on by the disease. Today, the HIV/AIDS Initiative continues to be a key resource within The Actors Fund for those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. Experienced social workers help men and women in the industry create confidential, holistic support systems that address emotional, medical and financial needs over the long term. The program’s support extends to advocacy, crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, financial assistance, financial management skills development and referrals to community resources.
LEARN MORE
10 [behind the] scenes
actorsfund.org
BROADWAY BACKWARDS
Annual LGBT Celebration Exhilarates Sold-Out House
T
he sold-out audience at Broadway’s Al Hirschfeld Theatre was dazzled March 21 by this year’s stirring edition of Broadway Backwards.
The annual celebration where men sing songs originally written for women and vice versa set a new record with an incredible $480,287 raised to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center in New York City. Tony Award winner Julie White handled hosting duties with her characteristic wit and warmth. Stage and screen star Kathleen Turner made a special appearance to thank the audience for its support of the two organizations and to remind them of the challenges still faced daily by the LGBT community. The evening, in which LGBT stories are told through the great songs of musical theatre, featured 18 delightful numbers by an immensely talented 67-person cast and a live onstage orchestra, conducted by music director Tim Rosser. Broadway legend and two-time Tony Award winner Chita Rivera razzle-dazzled everyone in the theatre with Kander and Ebb’s “All I Care About is Love” from Chicago. As lawyer Billy Flynn, she was surrounded by a bevy of feathery beauties, many from the original 1996 Chicago revival cast. Danielle Brooks provided a heart-wrenching rendition of “Hold Me in Your Heart,” from the Tony Award-winning smash hit Kinky Boots, the longtime resident at the Hirschfeld. Jay Armstrong Johnson let his inner Marilyn Monroe fly in a glittery “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” from Gentlemen
Prefer Blondes. The number also featured Jamison Stern and the dancing ensemble of handsome men in tuxes and gorgeous Ziegfeld-like showgirls. Tony nominee Tony Yazbeck showed off impressive tapping skills in a high-spirited “Forget About the Boy” from Thoroughly Modern Millie, joined by Eddie Korbich and the show’s brilliant ensemble dancers. Kinky Boots star Wayne Brady thrilled the house with a rhythmic “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” from Footloose. Kenita R. Miller took the audience and her sexy female attendants on a journey down the Nile with a delicious “Too Darn Hot,” complete with a shirtless, cameo appearance by Nick Adams as the Egyptian king. An ordinary trip to the supermarket turned much more interesting when limber grocery boy Ricky Ubeda garnered the attention of the store’s shoppers: Dave August, Ward Billeisen, Joshua Buscher-West, Peter Nelson and Waldemar Quinones-Villanueva. Under the skeptical eye of manager Jerry Gallagher, they quickly tossed aside their shopping carts in favor of a delectable “Can That Boy Foxtrot!” from Side by Side by Sondheim. Emmy Award nominee Tituss Burgess provided a touching glance into the world of an expectant parent with a rich rendition of “The Story Goes On” from Baby. The perfectly mismatched duo of Olivier Award winner Lesli Margherita and Tony nominee Beth Malone completed each other in an adorable take on “Opposites” from Skyscraper. [behind the] scenes 11
Broadway Backwards CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
Broadway trio Apollo Link, featuring Jake Odmark, Adam Roberts and Brandon Rubendall, transformed the classic “Gimme Gimme” from Thoroughly Modern Millie into a tightly harmonized contemporary crowd-pleaser. The evening also featured several powerful solos by Broadway Backwards veteran and Tony winner Len Cariou, Karen Mason, two-time Tony nominee Brad Oscar, Krysta Rodriguez, Tony nominee Tony Sheldon and Treat Williams. Adams, Nathan Lee Graham and Telly Leung opened the show with a sexy and playful “Welcome to Holiday Inn” from Seesaw. And in the spirit of Turner’s speech, Olivier Award winner Laura Michelle Kelly brought the show to an emotional close with an inspiring version of “Everybody Says Don’t” from Anyone Can Whistle, singing “Maybe you’re going to fall, but it is better than not starting at all.”
12 [behind the] scenes
Broadway Backwards Creator Robert Bartley wrote and directed this year’s show, which included choreography by Bartley, Al Blackstone, David Bushman, JoAnn M. Hunter and Roberts. Mary-Mitchell Campbell served as music supervisor. The creative team included lighting designer Paul Miller, costume designer Matthew J. Kilgore and sound designer Matt Kraus. Chris De Camillis served as production stage manager. This year’s Broadway Backwards was sponsored by Facebook, HBO, John’s Pizzeria, The New York Times and United Airlines. n
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
broadwaycares.org/backwards2016
2016 NATIONAL FOOD GRANTS
Much-Needed Meals Delivered Coast-to-Coast
I
n 1985, a grandmother and retired food-service worker in San Francisco named Ruth Brinker saw the early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic through the eyes of friends and neighbors. After watching a close friend with AIDS suffer from malnutrition, Brinker knew what she wanted to do.
She began preparing meals in her kitchen for seven neighbors with AIDS. She delivered the meals to their homes, along with a friendly smile and an encouraging word. And with this, Project Open Hand was born. Today, Project Open Hand prepares 2,500 nutritious meals and provides 200 bags of healthy groceries every day to help sustain clients who battle serious illnesses, isolation and the health challenges of aging. Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has been there for Project Open Hand for the past 20 years, providing annual grants that ensure a regular supply of healthy meals to thousands of the most vulnerable people throughout San Francisco and Alameda Counties in California. Project Open Hand has received $450,000 in grants from Broadway Cares including a grant this year in the amount of $35,000.
Diagnosed with HIV in the late 1980s, Paul, a Project Open Hand client, considers himself lucky to be a long-term survivor. Project Open Hand’s support was a crucial part of his treatment. “Visiting Open Hand opened my eyes,” he said. “I saw they were helping a lot of people and I was really glad to find out they could help me, too. Getting healthy food from Project Open Hand so I can eat right is one of the things that has folded into my life.” Project Open Hand is just one of 118 food service organizations that received grants from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS in January. A total of $1,850,000 was awarded to food pantries, congregate meal and meal delivery programs in 36 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico in this first of three annual grant rounds. Ensuring a person who is sick has a decent meal is a fundamental part of Broadway Cares’ mission. That’s why, in 2006, BC/EFA decided to make the food service organizations category its own separate grant round giving the opportunity for a larger award than what might be available in the overall national grant round awarded every spring. [behind the] scenes 13
National Grants
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
For the people receiving the benefits of these grants, a healthy meal can often save a life. A medically tailored diet helps HIVpositive clients recover, heal and lead a higher quality of life. A decent meal can be the first line of defense, the road back to health and recovery. The organizations that receive funding through this grant round see Broadway Cares as an old friend on whom they can always count. “We are committed to providing long-term support to a variety of food pantries, meal delivery services and congregate meal programs, large and small from all across the country, helping them develop and expand their services,” said Tom Viola, executive director of Broadway Cares. “While we always encourage organizations not to count on the same level of support every year, we do our best to keep our funding consistent. Folks need us and we want to make sure they can rely on us year after year.” Food For Life Network in Miami is among the organizations that depend on Broadway Cares’ annual funding. More than 90 percent of the program’s HIV/AIDS clients represent minorities and are among the poorest and sickest of Miami’s residents. With the medical advancements that have allowed individuals affected by HIV/AIDS to live longer with their diagnosis, the demand for Food For Life’s services has only increased. Founded in 1987 by a group of individuals concerned with malnutrition of people with HIV/AIDS in their community, this meal delivery program has received $130,000 in grants from Broadway Cares since 1998. The grant of $12,500 from BC/EFA provided this January will be used to prepare 250 grocery bags, each containing enough ingredients to prepare 33 nutritious meals for a person living with HIV/AIDS. In many cases, organizations supported by Broadway Cares are the only HIV/AIDS services providers in their geographic area. This is the case for Shepherd Wellness Community in Pittsburgh, which solely serves HIV-positive people from the Pittsburgh metropolitan area and 11 surrounding counties since 1987. Broadway Cares has been providing steady support since 1995, awarding $200,000 to the organization’s HIV/AIDS Wellness Dinner Program. In addition to providing meals to about 200 people living with HIV/AIDS, the program offers complimentary fitness classes, support groups and social events,
14 [behind the] scenes
granting its clients a comprehensive net of support and a sense of community. “Shepherd Wellness Community gave me my life back,” said John, a client of the organization. “Before I started coming to the dinners I was alone and depressed. Now I have a wonderful group of friends who are always there to help me. I really think it saved my life.” Broadway Cares’ long-term support of Project Open Hand, Food For Life Network, Shepherd Wellness and the 115 other food service and meal delivery programs receiving grants this year is made possible thanks to the commitment and energy of men and women onstage and behind the scenes at Broadway, Off-Broadway and national touring companies, and hundreds of thousands more Broadway Cares supporters. BC/EFA’s grants committee consists of members of the theatre community who champion the fundraising efforts at their shows. Twenty actors and stage managers gathered in Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS’ conference room in January to review the grant applications. “The generosity and the talent of people sitting in that room is a true inspiration,” Viola said. “Thanks to their efforts thousands of people across the country who battle HIV/AIDS and other
life-threatening illnesses will receive healthy meals that will support their recovery and make their daily struggles a little bit easier.” Following this first grant round, grants will be awarded at two additional times. This spring support will go to nationally recognized service and public policy programs. In June, the final round of annual grants will be awarded to emergency assistance programs, direct services, substance abuse and harm reduction services, and quality of life programs. Since 1988, more than $89 million has been distributed by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS through the National Grants Program. n
LEARN MORE
broadwaycares.org/grantsbystate
VIDEO PROFILES
Broadway Cares for Flint
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s her hometown of Flint, MI, captured the attention and disgust of a nation for its poisoned water supply, actor Phyre Hawkins looked to make any difference she could for those she grew up with. Garnering support from her fellow cast members in Broadway’s The Book of Mormon and friends in other shows, Hawkins raised money to purchase bottled water for Flint residents. After castmate John Eric Parker alerted BC/EFA Executive Director Tom Viola to the campaign, Broadway Cares stepped up with a $1,000 donation.
When Rene was diagnosed with HIV, he turned to the San Antonio AIDS Foundation for healthy meals in their dining room. Now, Rene works as a case manager helping others overcome the struggles he experienced just a few years ago.
But Hawkins, Parker and Viola all knew that Flint’s problems wouldn’t be solved quickly or easily. Viola sought out a longerterm connection between Broadway Cares and the troubled city. The search ended at the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, which serves thousands of the underserved, health challenged and struggling in Flint and the surrounding area. Its operational capacity was deeply affected by the water crisis, which continues to pose serious health risks. Broadway Cares added the Flint-based food bank to the list of 118 food service organizations to receive a grant in 2016. The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan received a check for $5,000 as a discretionary grant tied to January’s Food Grants round.
Allen and David were both diagnosed with HIV prior to meeting 15 years ago. As their health has ebbed and flowed in the years since, they’ve come to rely on nutritious meals from Mama’s Kitchen in San Diego to not only manage their diagnoses, but to feel supported and taken care of.
TO WATC H S TO R I E S O F P E O P L E H E L P E D B Y YO U R G E N E R O S I T Y , G O TO
“It makes but a dent in what they are facing in Flint, but it does offer some additional support,” Viola said. “More importantly, with this grant the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan will now become an annual grantee.” n
BROADWAYCARES.ORG/VIDEOPROFILES [behind the] scenes 15
SHARING RESOURCES
Sharing the Generous Spirit of the Broadway Community
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he impact of the American theatre community extends far beyond the Broadway stage. Actors and companies who take part in our fundraising efforts often invest their time in supporting other charitable organizations. To thank
these incredibly generous actors and companies for their tireless efforts in support of Broadway Cares, BC/EFA awards grants to organizations in their honor. To celebrate the success of the first fall fundraising campaign by the company of Hamilton, BC/EFA awarded $35,000 to Graham Windham, an organization striving to make a lifealtering difference for children, youth and families affected by abuse, neglect and delinquency. The organization was founded in 1806 by Eliza Hamilton, widow of Alexander Hamilton. The funds will support two essential programs: The Eliza Project, an arts and creative writing initiative led by Hamilton’s Phillipa Soo (who plays Eliza Hamilton) and Graham Windham’s Manhattan Mental Health Project in Harlem. Tony Award-winning actor Michael Cerveris and the cast of Fun Home accepted a check for $10,000 on behalf of the New Orleans Musicians Clinic, an innovative not-for-profit health center providing services to musicians in Cerveris’ hometown of New Orleans. The clinic is dedicated to sustaining the city’s musicians by providing access to affordable medical services, regardless of the individual’s ability to pay. The grant honors the fundraising efforts by the company of Fun Home and salutes the musicians of New Orleans. In honor of the remarkable fundraising efforts of Spring Awakening, Broadway Cares presented a special $10,000 grant to New York City-based Hands On. This service organization provides greater accessibility to arts and cultural events for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Hands On produces more than 20 interpreted productions a year, including Broadway, Off-Broadway and a theatre program for young people in collaboration with The New Victory Theatre. The grant will allow them to expand this program of interpreted performances. n
16 [behind the] scenes
PURE MOTION
Mercer Creates Unforgettable Night of Dance
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oving from dramatic and passionate to sexy and playful, Pure Motion, an evening of dances by choreographer Ray Mercer, left the audience at The Ailey Citigroup Theater in New York dazzled, wowed and wanting more. A 13-year veteran of Disney’s The Lion King and a prolific emerging choreographer, Mercer presented seven contemporary pieces, including two premieres created especially for the evening, the first full production of his works. The February 29 evening of performances, produced by and benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, raised $34,409. Mercer’s inspiring and provocative artistic vision was masterfully executed by a radiant cast of dancers featuring Aubree Brown, Randy Castillo, Savannah Joy Cobb, Solomon Dumas, Josh D. Green, Pia Hamilton, Lindsey Jolyn Jackson, Jakob Karr, Jaysin McCollum, Jon Ole Olstad, Courtney Ortiz, Lauren Perry, Willie Smith III, Jeffrey C. Sousa, Kellen Stancil and Donna Michelle Vaughn. The show opened with “Unplug and Connect,” an emotionally charged piece inspired by the spoken word poetry of L. Steven Taylor, who plays Mufasa in The Lion King. The number explored the loss of personal connection in the age of Internet and social media. Through carefully staged acrobatic movements set on graffitied wooden boxes, the dancers presented a glooming reality of modern society’s obsession with online self-image and people’s inability to unplug and connect with each other. The evening closed with “The Writing’s on the Wall,” created by Mercer in 2014 as a reaction to the unsettling reality that
continues to capture today’s headlines across the country. The number started with the word “Justice” written on a chalkboard wall. In a flurry of arm movements and flying chalk dust, speed artist Clarione Gutierrez transformed the wall into a dove of peace as dancers personified the struggles of racism and fairness. In “Roxanne,” one of the two premieres of the evening, Brown, Cobb, Ortiz and Perry turned an empty stage into an intimate, dark and sexy universe set to a soulful rendition of The Police’s “Roxanne,” provided by singer and Broadway regular Morgan James. Spinning, rolling and twisting, the slinky dancers explored the emotional weight of the song, before disappearing into its captivating darkness. In the sexy and playful “Nirvana,” the evening’s second world premiere, Taylor’s poetry set the stage for a sizzling exploration of physical connection between men and women brought to life by three interchanging couples effortlessly hovering across the stage. Other numbers performed at the event included the breathtaking and socially charged “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” first performed at Gypsy of the Year in 2008; the highly athletic “Tossed Around,” first performed at 2012’s Gypsy of the Year; and the dynamic “Boys, Boys, Boys,” first performed at Dance from the Heart in 2010. Pure Motion was generously sponsored by Disney Theatrical Productions, The New York Times and United Airlines. n LEARN MORE
broadwaycares.org/puremotion2016 [behind the] scenes 17
BEYOND THE FOOTLIGHTS
Theatre Lovers Flock to First BroadwayCon
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hey came dressed as Elphaba and the Phantom. They fawned over stars from Rent and Hamilton. And for three days in January, fans from across the country joined in an all-out love fest for all things theatre.
producers’ roles, lighting, sound, costumes, company management, marketing and more. Panels discussed everything from diversity in casting to how to write your own show. Special presentations included Q&As with the casts and creative teams of current and past shows.
Despite a winter storm that essentially shut down New York City, the first BroadwayCon rallied above the weather to create an experience that those in attendance won’t soon forget.
The event was co-founded by Melissa Anelli and Anthony Rapp, who created the role of Mark in the landmark production of Rent. Among the weekend’s highlights was a reunion of Rent’s original Broadway cast, celebrating the show’s 20th anniversary.
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS was the beneficiary of a portion of the proceeds from the weekend confab, which welcomed about 4,000 people to midtown Manhattan. Part conference, part theatre camp, BroadwayCon featured workshops that explored every aspect of theater, including
As BroadwayCon wrapped up, Rapp thanked the audience. “You guys have been unbelievably patient and joyful and this is exactly what we hoped it would be,” he said. “I promise you that we will be back next year.” n
Friend Requests Accepted at Leadership Council Fundraiser lifesaving care or being turned away. By the end of the evening, 20 guests joined the Angels Circle, pledging $27,650 in support for BC/EFA. A generous matching gift from the M∙A∙C AIDS Fund doubled the total to an outstanding $55,300. “I am grateful and inspired by the commitment and compassion engendered by members of their Leadership Council and embraced by their guests,” BC/EFA Executive Director Tom Viola said. “It was a wonderful evening, offering such a unique opportunity to get to know Broadway Cares. And who wouldn’t want to get a peek inside of Facebook’s New York City headquarters?”
roadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS gained a lot of new “friends” at a special Broadway Cares event at Facebook’s New York headquarters. Hosted by BC/EFA’s Leadership Council, the event offered an opportunity for guests to learn more about Broadway Cares and to deepen their involvement by joining the Angels Circle, BC/EFA’s annual major giving society.
At the end of the evening, Facebook’s Scott Reed gave our new Angels an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of their offices, which were designed by famed architect Frank Gehry. Hosting this event was just one of the ways Facebook has championed BC/EFA over the past year. The company not only joined the Angels Circle as a corporate member but has also lent its expertise in a variety of ways to help us fulfill our mission to help those in need.
While the crowd enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, Leadership Council co-chair Matt Tumminello shared how an individual’s support matters. For a person living with HIV/AIDS it can often mean the difference between being able to access
For more information about the Angels Circle or Leadership Council, contact John Halpin, major gifts officer, at 212.840.0770, ext. 275, or halpin@broadwaycares.org. n
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18 [behind the] scenes
EDUCATION & OUTREACH
Schools Keep the Passion Alive for Broadway Cares
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etween studying, rehearsing and extracurricular activities in high schools across the country, the next generation of Broadway Cares supporters is hard at work raising money and awareness for those in need It’s been five years since Cape Henlopen High School produced its first Broadway Cares fundraiser - a rock ‘n’ roll performance that raised an impressive $1,000. Martha Pfeiffer, theatre director at the Delaware school, was inspired to start the fundraiser in memory of her mentor, whom she lost to AIDS in 1984. But what began as a personal cause, quickly became a theatre-wide project. As the Cape Henlopen theatre students learned more about Broadway Cares and where the money goes, their passion for the cause increased, as did their fundraising efforts. Pfeiffer says that she and her students “pull out the red bucket at every opportunity now.” Today, 20 percent of the proceeds from every show are donated to Broadway Cares, as well as all proceeds from their annual Broadway Cares benefit performance and auction. Pfeiffer said the students love feeling connected to the Broadway community through BC/EFA, but that that’s not why they
continue to successfully fundraise. It’s the ideas of standing for what’s right, getting educated and knowing where to turn for help that drive these students to keep asking audience members to drop a dollar in the red bucket. “You can do great things when you really care,” Pfeiffer tells her students. It’s a message that’s resonating. This year, the Cape Henlopen theatre students surpassed their $10,000 fundraising goal, bringing their total donations to $21,593 in five years. “What’s even more exciting is that the students at Cape Henlopen are not alone in their generosity,” said Sarah Mitchel, Broadway Cares’ director of education and outreach. “More and more high schools are taking on Broadway Cares as an annual and personal effort.” Four years ago, the students of Hunter College High School in New York City have started Hunter Cares, a club dedicated to fundraising and increasing awareness about BC/EFA. The club, run entirely by students, has donated $8,170 over its lifetime and continues today as a legacy project, passed down by one graduating class to the next. North Penn High School in Lansdale, PA, Broadway Cares’ longest-serving high school connection, has raised an astounding $63,098 through its unwavering commitment to BC/EFA. Pfeiffer and her students attribute their fundraising success to the passion and persistence of everyone in the drama department. This winter, in an bold choice for a high school, Cape Henlopen presented The Laramie Project and proudly made an appeal for BC/EFA after each performance. The play chronicles life in Laramie, WY, in the year after the murder of Matthew Shepard, an openly gay college student who was kidnapped, severely beaten and left to die on the outskirts of the small Wyoming town. Currently, Cape Henlopen is working on its sixth annual Broadway Cares benefit, a Broadway review, and continuing to prove that every dollar really does make a difference. n LEARN MORE
broadwaycares.org/educationoutreach [behind the] scenes 19
DANCERS RESPONDING TO AIDS
Dancers Leave Unforgettable Impression in Hudson Valley
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our of the most sought-after world-class dance companies delighted a sold-out audience at the Historic Catskill Point on October 10 at the third annual Hudson Valley Dance Festival. The evening in Catskill, NY, featured captivating performances by Brian Brooks Moving Company, The Chase Brock Experience, Jessica Lang Dance and Martha Graham Dance Company. They explored a range of human conditions from anger to harmony, from violence and terror to pure love and joy. Performed in a converted 19th century warehouse on the banks of the Hudson River, Hudson Valley Dance Festival raised $125,555, setting a new record for the event. Hudson Valley Dance Festival is produced by and benefits Dancers Responding to AIDS, a program of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Jessica Lang Dance opened the evening with the visually captivating Lines Cubed, a highly symmetrical piece inspired by the paintings of Dutch artist Piet Mondrian. Set on a stark white stage, Lang’s nine dancers - in colorful red, yellow, blue and black costumes that changed for each movement - explored the meaning of line and color through crisp, sharply coordinated geometric movements performed to changing electronic music. Martha Graham Dance Company, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary, presented Rust, created by renowned Spanish choreographer Nacho Duato. Rust illustrates the modern plagues of terrorism, torture and violence and the need to stir public awareness to their horrors. In the harrowing, demanding piece, an all-male quintet explored the viciousness and emotional heaviness of the theme set to the slashing music of composers Arvo Pärt and Pedro Alcalde.
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Brian Brooks Moving Company showcased the athletic Torrent, a restaging for eight performers of a piece originally commissioned by Juilliard Dance. Set to Max Richter’s version of Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons,” the expansive, windswept piece found the dancers playing with lines and forms as they danced solo, in pairs, trios and as a company. Closing the evening was The Chase Brock Experience, which carries the name of its founder known for his astonishing Broadway and independent dance choreography. The company premiered Splendor we only partially imagined, a highly kinetic and colorful piece that shifted from a slower romantic pace to energetic tribal rhythms while finding joy and delight in every movement. Following the performance, VIP ticket buyers joined the cast for a special reception at the Catskill Mill, a property stretching from Main Street to the Catskill Creek that is being renovated into a complex devoted to craftsmanship. The money raised helps Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS provide grants to AIDS and family service organizations nationwide, including seven based in the Hudson Valley. The area organizations receiving grants in 2015 were Alliance for Positive Health in Albany, Animalkind in Hudson, Community Hospice in Catskill, Hudson Valley Community Services in Hawthorne, Hudson Valley LGBTQ Center in Kingston, Matthew 25 Food Pantry in Catskill and TOUCH (Together Our Unity Can Heal) in Congers. Hudson Valley Dance Festival was sponsored by United Airlines, The New York Times, City National Bank and the Catskill Mountain Foundation. n PHOTOS & VIDEOS
dradance.org/hvdf2015
BUCKS COUNTY CABARET
Sultry and Sassy Lillias White Wins Raves in Bucks County
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himmering in a sequined fuchsia cocktail dress, Tony and Emmy Award winner Lillias White raised the roof of the Bucks County Playhouse with a sassy, highspirited evening of song and stories at the 2015 edition of Bucks County Cabaret.
Since the earliest days of the AIDS crisis, White has been a loyal supporter. “Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has saved some of my dearest friends,” she told the audience. “I am a witness to the work and the strength of this organization. It has helped countless people.”
White effortlessly sang her way through a jukebox of Broadway’s classic composers, from Cy Coleman to Stephen Sondheim, Jule Styne to Jerry Herman. Sharing stories of her life onstage and off, she left the crowd cheering for more at the annual benefit concert October 24 in New Hope, PA.
White used Coleman’s rollicking “Those Hands” as an opportunity to introduce the strong hands backing her on stage: music director and pianist Michael O. Mitchell, Gary Haase on bass and Buddy Williams on drums. The show was directed by Will Nunziata.
A native of Brooklyn, White has brought to life iconic roles in Broadway’s Cats, Once on This Island, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Chicago, Fela! and more. But on the Bucks County Cabaret stage she shared there are still some roles she longs to sink her teeth into, promptly launching into a vivacious version of “Some People” from Gypsy.
To close the evening, White shared a sultry version of “If He Walked Into My Life” from Mame, followed by the inspiring “It Started with a Dream” from Pamela’s First Musical.
White opened the show with a lively mash-up of “Something’s Coming” from West Side Story and “It’s Today” from Mame. Then, revisiting the role that won her the Tony Award, she kicked off her silver heels and channeled Sonja, a prostitute lamenting her extended career in “The Oldest Profession” from Coleman’s The Life. White glided through songs from Peter Pan, Coleman’s Like Jazz and Funny Girl, including her thrilling rendition of “Don’t Rain on My Parade.” The evening’s set list also included “Come Down from the Tree,” a song from Once On This Island and a heart-wrenching rendition of Ann Hampton Callaway and Lindy Robbins’ “How Can You Be Gone?”
Following the performance, Broadway Cares friend and favorite auctioneer Lorna Kelly led a lively auction that included backstage meet-and-greet experiences at some current Broadway hits, as well as with White herself at her upcoming Broadway return in Gotta Dance. In the four years the event has been produced by Broadway Cares, Bucks County Cabaret has raised $542,790. Bucks County Cabaret was sponsored by The New York Times and United Airlines, with special thanks to Bridge Street Foundation, Kevin and Sherri Daugherty, Alex Fraser, Robyn Goodman and the staff of Bucks County Playhouse. n
PHOTOS
broadwaycares.org/buckscountycabaret2015 [behind the] scenes 21
BOWLING BONANZA & HOLIDAY HUNKS Up Our Alley Raises an Impressive $155,268
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inanciers, marketers, media professionals and members of the performing arts community gathered to socialize, network and let their collective hair down at Up Our Alley, Classical Action’s 17th annual bowling bonanza benefit. Celebrating a fundraising total of $155,268, the campaign ended with two nights of strikes, spares and socializing November 16-17 at Bowlmor Chelsea Piers in New York. The grand total was the second-highest amount raised since Up Our Alley’s inception in 1999. While the business of fundraising can be serious, these teams also participate in Up Our Alley to take a break from their routines and enjoy friendly competition for an important cause. The top fundraising teams were Morgan Stanley with $18,236 and Orchestra of St. Luke’s with $17,005. The individual fundraising champs were Charles Hamlen from Orchestra of St. Luke’s with $9,375 and Edward Wastell from Morgan Stanley with $5,060. To add more fun to the evening of bowling, the teams are encouraged to come up with creative names. This year’s choices included Equity Bowls, Les Miserabowls and Philarmonic Pinguins. Best team name honors, went to “The Nathan Lanes” from Target 10 and “Barbra Strikes and Patti LuPin: One Night Only” from Actors’ Equity Association.
This year’s participants also included 21C Media Group, Columbia Artists Management, Comedy Central, Credit Suisse, Facebook, Get Services, IATSE International, IATSE Local 1, IATSE Local 751, IMG Artists, JPMorgan Chase, Kimberly Hotel, League of American Orchestras, Lotte New York Palace, New York Philharmonic, Nielsen, OPEN Finance, OPERA America, Opus 3 Artists, Patron Technology, Publicis Groupe Égalité, Shake Shack, Theatre Development Fund, Thomson Reuters and Vayner Media. Special thanks to Devotion Vodka for sponsoring the spirits for the evening. For information on how to participate in Up Our Alley, contact Classical Action Director Chris Kenney at 212.997.7717 or kenney@broadwaycares.org. n
Christmas Eve Makes Wishes Come True in Holiday Hunkfest Each year, Christmas Eve asks Santa to grant her one holiday wish: to sing with Broadway’s hunkiest men. Apparently Christmas Eve had been just nice enough - or just naughty enough - to get her wish and was graced with a dozen hunks to share the stage. From comic to romantic, emotional to sarcastic, Harada and her guests paid homage to some of Broadway’s biggest past and present hits including Avenue Q, Cabaret, Call Me Madam, Chess, Chicago, Follies, Gigi, Les Misérables, Once, Pippin and The King and I.
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he incomparable Ann Harada returned to spread holiday spirit along with some of Broadway’s leading men at Christmas Eve’s Holiday Hunkfest, a one-night-only benefit December 14 at New York City’s The Cutting Room. Harada stepped back into the iconic character of Christmas Eve, the hysterically inappropriate yet sincere therapist from Avenue Q she originated on Broadway. In an audaciously entertaining evening of song and dance Harada reinterpreted Broadway and classic holiday tunes with the help of a bevy of Broadway hunks.
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The list of talented Broadway men who shared a song with Harada included John Bolton, Joe Carroll, Jordan Gelber, Adam Jacobs, Telly Leung, Jose Llana, Joel Perez, Tony Award winner Michael Rupert, Robert Sella, Ryan Silverman and Howie Michael Smith. Dan Horn and Kevin Munhall served as Christmas Eve’s dancers. Christmas Eve’s Holiday Hunkfest was directed by Alan Muraoka with choreography by Darren Lee and music direction by Gary Adler. n PHOTOS
broadwaycares.org/christmaseve2015
CLASSICAL ACTION
Strings and Opera Stars Open Michael Palm Series
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our of the world’s most gifted string artists and four of the Metropolitan Opera’s brightest talents filled a New York City loft with captivating music in two awe-inspiring concerts this winter to open the 2015-2016 Michael Palm Series for Classical Action, a program of Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS. The Takács Quartet, hailed for their supreme artistry, expressive depth and technical refinement, started the season November 20 with an exhilarating program featuring the works of composers Joseph Haydn and Antonín Dvořák. The Takács, the only string quartet to be inducted into Gramophone’s first Hall of Fame, performed in their first Classical Action house concert since in 2005. Their welcome return to the series after a 10-year absence was met with thunderous applause and a prolonged standing ovation. The series continued February 27 with a stellar quartet of Metropolitan Opera vocalists: soprano Anita Hartig, bassbaritones Luca Pisaroni and Adam Platchetka and tenor Matthew Polenzani. The artists treated the sold-out audience to a special 90-minute recital with several thrilling pieces, beautifully accompanied by pianist Howard Watkins, assistant conductor at the Met.
Polenzani was both touching and elegant in Mozart’s “Dalla sua pace” and represented the throb (and heartthrob) of a true Italian tenor in his Verdi and Neapolitan songs. Perhaps the biggest surprise of the evening was Platchetka, who stepped in at the last minute for an ailing Mariusz Kwiecień, and learned his lyrics overnight. Polenzani and Platchetka electrified the audience with one of the best-loved duets in the operatic canon, “Au fond du temple saint” from The Pearl Fishers. The encore, “Là ci darem la mano” from Don Giovanni, was sung by a trio of three Don Giovannis, vying for Zerlina (fittingly played by Hartig). In honor of Platchetka’s beyondthe-call-of-duty appearance, his Don Giovanni got to spirit away Zerlina at the end of the piece. The Michael Palm Series concludes its season May 16 with soprano Susanna Phillips, whose honors include the Metropolitan Opera’s Beverly Sills Artist Award. The series is held in the apartment of Simon Yates and Kevin Roon, two of Classical Action’s most devoted supporters. The Michael Palm Series is generously underwritten by the Michael Palm Foundation and is sponsored by United Airlines. n
Pisaroni, who invited the evening’s singers to join him for the concert, was both a marvelous host to his fellow artists and an exemplary performer in his own right. His voice, darkhued and sensuous, is easy to listen to in the best sense. His phrasing was supple and original. Hearing Italian patter come so easily and stylishly from his mouth brought great joy to the applauding audience. Born in Romania, Hartig wrapped her voice and entire being around Puccini’s signature aria, “Musetta’s Waltz” from La Bohème. Hartig’s voice is sizable and brilliant – a sound that would easily fill the Met – and she was particularly touching in her Romanian song “Muzica,” from the opera Valurile Dunarii.
PHOTOS
classicalaction.org [behind the] scenes 23
ANGELS CIRCLE 2015-2016 Providing a Sustainable Foundation The following are members of the Angels Circle as of March 23, 2016. 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
Lizzie & Jonathan M. Tisch
The Edith Meiser Foundation in memory of Irving Cheskin Facebook Mary D. Fisher Fund George W. Schaeffer Foundation John W. Holloway James C. Hormel & Michael P. Nguyen Jerry & Terri Kohl Florence Rowe Libin & Paul Libin Mary Lea Johnson Richards 1997 Charitable Trust in memory of Mary Lea Johnson Richards & Martin Richards Jane Morison Newman’s Own Foundation NJ Center for Pain & Rehabilitation LLC, Jose Rojas, Jr. Frank Duff & John Okuloski Ann Reinking The Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation, San Francisco Mickey Rolfe & Bruce Tracy Schmackary’s Theatrical Stage Employees Local One/IATSE The Tiger Baron Foundation John Voege & Geoffrey Paul The Waldman Foundation William J. Levy Diane M. & Kevin Wilshere Anonymous (2)
House Seat
Orchestra Seat
James D. Akins, Jr. Sam Altman in memory of Murray Schapiro and Shirley Herz Willard Beckham Claude Bernstein & Melody Wang Paul Boskind The Column Awards William W. Donnell
Actors’ Equity Foundation ATPAM - Association of Theatrical Press Agents & Managers The Barrington Foundation, Inc. Ben & Jerry’s Times Square Andrew M. Berdon* George L. Bielitz & John Derco Casey Blass & Lee Manford
gifts of $100,000 and above
The Fred Ebb Foundation Harriett Kittner & The Samuel and Rebecca Kardon Foundation
Producer
gifts from $50,000 to $99,999 Dwight H. Curry The Shubert Organization Brian S. Snyder
Director
gifts from $25,000 to $49,999
Laura M. Boedeker Jules Fisher & Graciela Daniele Myrna & Freddie Gershon remember Marvin Hamlisch, Peter Allen, Tom Eyen, Arthur Laurents, Marty Richards and Lou Reed H. van Ameringen Foundation The Palette Fund Thomas Schumacher & Matthew White Happy Shipley in memory of John T. Rowe Jr. Hollis Stern The Ted Snowdon Foundation
gifts from $10,000 to $24,999
[behind the] scenes
gifts from $5,000 to $9,999
Scott Brady & Nancy Karpf The Carl Jacobs Foundation City National Bank Samantha & Drew Cohen Scott Dainton Deborah Dakin DeWitt Stern Group in honor of our clients The Dorothy Strelsin Foundation William D. Eichman & Michael C. Yount Ken Fakler The Fosdick Fund Dr. Gerald J. & Dorothy R. Friedman Foundation in honor of Samuel J. Friedman I. Steven Goldstein & William Popeleski, Jr. Dan Goggin 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 Tom Lombardi Larry Luing & Dario Espinosa Peter McKown & Kenneth Heng David R. McShane & The Samantha Fund The Merle Reskin Income Charitable Fund Jonathan Mintzer Miriam Schaeffer Family Foundation Jerry Mitchell Calvin Mitchell Stanley Newman & Dr. Brian Rosenthal Paul Oppedisano Tony Origlio The PATH Fund/Rockers on Broadway Platt Family Foundation in memory of Gary Platt Playbill, Inc. Michael Raymond
Reel Time Video Production: Jonathan Frank & Alex Pearlman Eileen T. Stapleton The Stephanie & Carter McClelland Foundation Anthony Sweeney David Terveen Theatrical Wardrobe Union Local 764 IATSE Stuart Thompson & Joe Baker Robert Tuschman Venable Foundation David Wackman & Jason Rardin Nina & Gary Wexler Barbara Whitman Lois Whitman Wyncote Foundation
Box Seat
gifts from $2,500 to $4,999
Actors Federal Credit Union Liz Armstrong James J. Andrews* Gerald M. Appelstein* David Glenn Armstrong & Jeffrey Miller in memory of Todd Coroliuc Rich Aronstein Bob Avian & Peter Pileski Richard P. Baks Paris Baldacci & Andrew S. Dolkart Anne Banfield Jordan Barbakoff & Philip Jeffery in loving memory of Rob Sinacore John Barnes & Charles Champagne Mark Basile & Steven Schnepp in memory of Paul Penfield & John Heppenstall Beatrice Mannering Living Trust Erich R. Bechtel Elaine D. Berger James & Melanie Berichon Robert Billig & Richard Vida Paula Marie Black
Chuck Blasius in memory of Linda Accardi Walter Bobbie & David Frye John Bowab Roy Brayton & Mickey Sullivan Briggs, Inc. Carleton Carpenter David Cartee Deborah & Steven Cavalier CESD Talent Agency The Charles & Betti Saunders Foundation Fund Charles and Margaret Levin Family Foundation Charlie & Moll Anderson Foundation Cathy Chernoff Gloria & Charles I. Clough, Jr. William Ludel & Tracy Cohen Paul & Kelly Cole Thomas Cott* in memory of Philip Carlson Paula Kaminsky Davis Merle Debuskey & Pearl Somner Jamie deRoy in memory of Bradshaw Smith Drew Desky & Dane Levens Christopher Durang & John Augustine Joe Evall & Richard Lynn Robert Evers Laura G. Fahsbender Donald Filicetti Kevin & Helen Flanagan* Maggie Flanigan & Richard Dow Kevin Foley-Littell & Stephen Littell Kenneth R. Fulton Vincent Gaeta Marianne Ganzer in memory of John Ganzer Richard Gerrig & Timothy Peterson Roger Gindi & Gregory Victor Dale Glasser in memory of Steven Glasser Marilyn & Michael Glosserman in honor of Daryl & Steven Roth Robert D. Gonzales Emily Grishman & Susan Sampliner Jerry Herman Robert Hickman William S. Hoover, MD Matthew P. Hui Kathy Inch Jerome S. Glazer Foundation John L. McHugh Foundation Scott Johnson Howard & Janet Kagan Kelly Karavites & Francis P. King Karen Kellman Kathryn Keneally & Thomas Marshall Karen Kennedy in memory of Muriel & Bob Kennedy Alan Klein & Jeffrey Erb* David Lam Nina & Timothy Lannan William Lauch Angela Lansbury Jay Laudato & Thomas Watson Stephanie Lee/Group Sales Box Office Judith Light & Robert Desiderio Kevin R. Lyle 25
Fran Macferran John J. Mackerey Marangi Disposal Steven Markov & Jeffrey Meleski James Martin Elliott & Cathy Masie Scott & Harriet Mauro Marin Mazzie & Jason Danieley in memory of Gary Bonasorte Matt McClanahan Mary McColl Keith Miller Marilyn Miller in memory of Trygve F. Wasbotten Marianne McGrath Mills Debra Monk Ira Mont & Jill Cordle Mont in memory of Annette Mont William Morey Ruth Neale Judith A. Nelson* in memory of Wayne McCarthy Phyllis Newman in honor of Adolph Green Joseph Obermayer Omomuki Foundation Rob O’Neill & Shawn Anderson Joe Pacetti & Tristan Nieves Michael Paleos Gilbert Parker in memory of Richard Bauman Lee Perlman & Linda Riefberg Brad Plunkett Dr. Amit Rakhit & Mr. Brad Senatore Richard E. Rauh Michael C. Ray Jonathan Rebell & Noah Levine Richard F. Walsh/Alfred W. Di Tolla/ Harold P. Spivak Foundation Warren D. Riffle & Kurt A. Fleagle Michael Risinger Rose Brand The Ross Foundation Eddie Sarfaty & Court Stroud Larry & Debbie Schneider D Mark Schumann Elliott R. Sernel Shake Shack Amy Sherman-Palladino Joseph Short Showboy Bakeshop LLC James L. Simon Theater Extras Tina & Jeffrey Bolton Family Fund Matthew D. Tumminello & Dominick J. Marangi Sally Unger Tom Viola Allen Walker Weinberg Family Foundation Michael Wescoe & Randy Thompson Cory Scott Whittier in memory of David Rupert Hewes Russ Woolley Jeff Woodman in memory of Melvin Bernhardt
George Zuber & Anthony Snyder Charitable Fund at Our Fund, Inc Anonymous (2)
Front Mezzanine gifts from $1,000 to $2,499
Ken Adler in memory of Ellen Adler Jonathan Adler The Arthur Loeb Foundation John R. Alchin & Hal Marryatt The Alec Baldwin Foundation Sara M. Allan Gerry & Hank Alpert* Richard Ambrose Matthew Amico Lee Anisman anonwasawoman James L. Ansin The A.R. Hughes Family Fund in loving memory of our cousin Thomas H. Anderson Gary Bagley Christopher & Paris Barclay Clay & Karen Barnes in honor of Gracie & Christina Barnes Scott Barnes and Brian Kellow in honor of Alix Korey’s glorious return to Broadway Ivan M. Bart Andrew C. Baumgartner Beech Street Foundation Alan Bell & David Ziff Douglas Bella & David Hunt David Benaym & Danny Tidwell Benaym* Robert & Helen Bender Nan & Joe Benincasa Nancy Duggan Benson Mark Bernhardt* James C. P. Berry Phillip Bettencourt Phil & Mary Beuth Jon Bierman Terry & William Biggins Dave Boone Ann Marie & Robert Borsdorf Carl & Karen Bowen Joan C. Bowman* Loraine Alterman Boyle Susan Brewster Andrew Briedis & Sarah Jenkins Broadway Bazaar Lucy A. Brooke J. Arthur Brost Barry Brown & Douglas Cohn, D.V.M. Joy Browne Don Buchwald & Associates Jon Buckland James & Debbie Burrows Michelle L. Butler Michael-Demby Cain* Robert Callely Len Cariou & Heather Summerhayes Debra Carmichael Frank Carucci & David Diamond remembering Michael DeBenedittis, gone 30 years
Stockard Channing The Charles & Lucille King Family Foundation David & Paula Leggett Chase Mr. & Mrs. Edward A. Chernoff Dolores Childers Melinda DeChiazza Cloobeck* Evan Cohen Bill Condon John Contratti Frank Conway* Kenneth E. Cooke Harriet Cooperman Donald Correll 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 Charles Deull Alvin Deutsch Senator Mike & Fran DeWine Maria Di Dia & Doug Salmon Charles DiNicolas & Saul Lopez Silva Toni Downey The Edgar Foster Daniels Foundation Valerie Eigner Alan Eisenberg & Claire Copley Steven Elkin Anthony, Kristina & David Ellenbogen The Estate of Patricia Elliot Peter Entin & Barbara Janowitz Robert Eppenstein Barrie Estes Shane Ewen Michael J. Fagan James & Anna Fantaci Peter Farrell* 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 Barbara & Buddy Freitag David A. Friedman in memory of my mother, Shirley Friedman Merle Frimark Pierre Frinault 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
John R. Gibson Suzanne and Boaz Gilad Joanna Gleason & Chris Sarandon Sam Gonzalez Doug Johnson & Valerie Gordon-Johnson Stefanie M. Gorman Barbara Gottlieb Dane Grams Mike Greenly Howard Grossman, M.D. Barry & Maggie Grove Marc J. Gurell Edward E. Hale Jr. Diann Hall in memory of John Rainwater Sarah & Joel Handelman David G. Hanna* Eugene Harbin, Jr. Michael P. Harrell Edward A. Harris & Amy Madigan Harris Family Foundation in honor of Michael Riedel Jennifer Hatch & Sue Smith Steve Hatfield & Patrick Riordan* Jeffrey Hayenga & Michael Belanger Joseph Heffernan Joseph R. Heller, PhD Joy Henshel Richard Hester & Michael Mastro Susan & Neal Hirsch Jim Hoelz & Bill Welsh Marnee J. Hollis Sally Horchow Andrea & Craig Horowitz Craig J. Horsley Bill Hutton in memory of Dr. Joel D. Weisman Peter L. Ianniello, PhD 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 Keith & Patti James Randy James* The Janis & Alan Menken Foundation David Jansen Thai Jason in honor of Tom Viola Jerl Machine, Inc. Jerome and Dolores Zuckerman Gewirtz Charitable Trust The Joe & Hellen Darion Foundation, Inc. Joe Allen Restaurant Earl Johnson & Douglas Ward Cherry Jones Barbara Josso Ilana Kameros Detlef Kamps Anne M. Kandra Laurence Kaplan* 26 [behind the] scenes
Karma Foundation Jodi, Jim, Matthew & Allison Kaye Karin & Greg Kayne Thomas Kazmierczak & Ted Blankenship Michael Keith Jeffrey Kent F. Gary Knapp Edgar A. Knudson Kenneth Koen* 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 Leppen Diane Lippert Stuart Lippner Michael Lombard Dennis Lonergan and John Graves Steve Lukens Donald Lutt Steven F. Lutz Mark & William Macatee Qahir Madhany Scott Mallalieu & Nat Fuchs Barbara Manocherian Jesse Manocherian & Adrian Frandle The Margolies Team at Compass Real Estate Thomas Marino 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 Michael Mills & Mark McGrath Lin-Manuel Miranda Brian Stokes Mitchell & Allyson Tucker in honor of Tom Viola Kathleen Moloney Marie Moody* Oscar E. Moore
Javier Morgado & Nick Pennink Sally Campbell Morse Tiffany A. Neill Bebe Neuwirth & Chris Calkins* Maury Newburger Evan Newman Maddi, Charlie & Bridget Niebanck friends of John Lloyd Young Albert Nocciolino Nora Roberts Foundation Dr. Sharon Novak* Michael Novin David O’Brien Roger Oliver John K. Orberg Lisa Orberg Ron 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 Reed Prescott in memory of Corrie Grudin Frances Pu Anthony Ramos Monica & Greg Reid Teresa Reyes & Martin Monas* Bob Rhodehamel & Dana Snyder Jonathan Rock & Patrick DelaCruz Larry Rogowsky David Romero & David Greiss Lucy Rose Amy Rosenthal Lori Rubinstein & John McGraw in honor of Bill Sapsis Evan Sacks Loren Ruch & David Salas Samuel L. Phillips Family Foundation Dorothy & Peter Samuels Harry Saunders Megan M. Savage 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 Mary Solomon/Goldman Sachs Gives James Spiegelhoff Split Rock Charitable Foundation Eric Stine Meryl Streep & Don Gummer Stuart S. Applebaum Giving Foundation in memory of Mr. Vincent Zito Peter M. Taub Hal Tepfer Sharon Terrill John Henry Thomas III
Anthony V. Thompson Lila & George Todd Tim Tompkins Jeffrey Trachtman Jennifer Trepeck in honor of Sue Gilad 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 Alice Wang Arthur E. Webster, Esq. Stephen & Sheryl Weisbuch Ira M. Weitzman Peg & Gary Wendlandt Lucille Werlinich Nancy A. Wheeler Frederick M. White & Greg Kammerer Todd Whitley* Danny Whitman & Robert Bartley in memory of Francine Whitman Richard C. Wiggers Elizabeth P. Williams & Joseph C. Forte Margo Wintersteen Ben Wiseman Terrence J. Witter & Artie de la Cruz Lori A. Yaspan Matthew Zaccagni The Ziegfeld Club Zufall Family Foundation* Elliot Zulver & Sally Gold Anonymous in memory of Marian Seldes Anonymous in memory of Meghan Robinson Anonymous (4)
* Indicates members of the DRA Angels Circle
BROADWAY CARES COLLECTION Broadway’s best performers know where to find Broadway’s best gifts. The Broadway Cares Collection includes pillows, totes, T-shirts, snow globes and more, all perfect for the musical theatre-lovers in your life.
BARBRA SHINES BRIGHT FOR BROADWAY CARES Already a Broadway, music and movie icon, she’s now the fastest-selling ornament in Broadway Cares history. The incomparable Barbra Streisand shattered sales records as the 2015 addition to our Broadway Legends holiday ornament collection. The holiday glass ornament features the star as the memorable Fanny Brice from Funny Girl. Not surprisingly Streisand’s popularity knows no borders. Orders for the ornament came in from all 50 states and 18 foreign countries. “Barbra Streisand is, simply, Broadway’s all-time greatest export,” said Tom Viola, executive director of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. “She’s a champion for the most vulnerable among us and has long been a generous friend to Broadway Cares.”
ORDER ONLINE AT BROADWAYCARES.ORG Kyle Scatliffe
The Color Purple
Alex Brightman School of Rock
Ruthie Ann Miles
The King and I
Renée Elise Goldsberry
Hamilton
Adam Kantor
Fiddler on The Roof [behind the] scenes 27
NON-PROFIT ORG. U. S. POSTAGE PAID New York, N.Y. Permit No. 9472
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS 165 West 46th Street Suite 1300 New York, NY 10036
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SAVE THE DATE
30th Annual EASTER BONNET COMPETITION
BROADWAY BETS
BROADWAY BARES
Monday, May 16
Sunday, June 19
Monday, April 25, 4:30 pm Tuesday, April 26, 2 pm
8 pm
9:30 pm & Midnight
Sardi’s 234 West 44th Street, NYC
Hammerstein Ballroom 311 West 34th Street, NYC
Minskoff Theatre 200 West 45th Street, NYC
FIRE ISLAND DANCE FESTIVAL Friday, July 15 Saturday, July 16 Sunday, July 17 Fire Island Pines, NY
BROADWAYCARES.ORG
30th Annual BROADWAY FLEA MARKET & GRAND AUCTION Sunday, September 25 10 am - 7 pm Times Square, West 44th St. & Shubert Alley