Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS will hold their annual "Broadway Bears" charity event at 7 PM Feb. 15 at the Hudson Theatre (145 W. 44th St. In Manhattan). As usual, the auction will feature dozens of stuffed bears, each decked out in the fashion of a particular theatre production or personality, and signed by the artist the bear resembles. In the weeks leading up to the auction, Playbill On-Line will feature a different Broadway Bear each day. For information on the auction, call (212) 840 0770, ext. 268. *

"Mimi," from Rent

Original Costume Designer: Angela Wendt
Bear Costume Designer: Mary Beth Regan
Signed by Daphne Rubin-Vega

From her faux-leopard boots to the vanilla scent in her untamed coiffure, our bear has been carefully modeled after the original Mimi, Daphne Rubin-Vega. Her costume even uses the same (almost all non-breathing) fabrics Ms. Rubin-Vega wore. Black vinyl "arm warmers," a fishnet and silver spandex halter top, and shiny blue lurex ("fur"-tight) pants combine to create a look only the most self-assured bear could carry off. It's safe to say Mimi Bear has "the best (bear) ass below 14th Street," and she's ready to go "o-o-ou-u-u-t tonight."