number: Kristine Bendul, Timothy Bish, Joshua BuscherWest, Katy Grenfell, Sandor DeGrazia, Grasan Kingsberry, Daniel Robinson, Michael Lee Scott and Ryan Worsing. In an epic finale, Joey Taranto, with Ashley Loren and Lisa Ramey, led the entire cast of 222 dancers in a fist-pumping tribute to the 25 editions of Broadway Bares. And to close the evening, Sieber reigned over the show’s spirited “rotation” where audience members get the opportunity to personally tip the dancers, a throwback to how Bares began. “When we did that first show, I knew we were on to something because of how the crowd responded,” Mitchell, now a twotime Tony Award-winning director and choreographer, said. “I felt so empowered by actually doing something to help, and everyone else who was there felt the same way. I created a show from my heart and audiences have continued to embrace it. Now every year, we get to take off our clothes, raise a heck of a lot of money and truly make a difference in the lives of men, women and children across the country.” Joel Goodness, one of the original seven Bares dancers with Mitchell, returned to this year’s show, this time as a VIP
20 [behind the] scenes
guest. “It is so exciting to see what this show has grown into,” Goodness said. “I’m having tears of joy remembering that night, Jerry’s vision, the traditions we started. It makes me feel so proud to have been a part of this.“ A longtime friend and supporter of BC/EFA, two-time Tony winner Judith Light congratulated Mitchell and thanked him at the show’s close for “making a difference for people who don’t have the access to the services and money that we often take for granted.” Light and Mitchell also underscored a message that has been key to Bares from the beginning: protect yourself and those you love. Broadway Bares offers a unique opportunity to remind the full company of the show and, indeed, the entire theatre community of the importance of sexual health, wellbeing and safer sex. From backstage posters to program ads, the “stay safe” message continues to be shared every year. “This reminder is as important as the money raised,” said Tom Viola, executive director of Broadway Cares. “This message, particularly to a young generation of dancers, volunteers and audience members is, in fact, Broadway Bares’