The annual benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS will be hosted by actor, musician and Playbill.com columnist Seth Rudetsky. Show times are Dec. 8 at 4:30 PM and Dec. 9 at 2 PM.
The afternoon events will also feature Gypsy of the Year favorites Jen Cody and Don Richard, reprising their comical turns as Little Sally and Officer Lockstock. The cast of [title of show] — Hunter Bell, Jeff Bowen, Heidi Blickenstaff and Susan Blackwell — will make a special appearance when they present the show's final number.
In a statement Tom Viola, executive director of BC/EFA said, "I'm thrilled that Tyne and Jonathan will be back to help us mark the 20th Anniversary of The Gypsy of the Year Competition with Broadway's own Seth Rudetsky joining us as this year's host. Tyne and Jonathan have always been great friends to BC/EFA, but to have them return 20 years later and see how much the event has grown will be a very special moment. I offer our deepest appreciation not only to Tyne, Jonathan, and Seth, but to the thousands of people in the Broadway community and theatres across the country who have over the last 20 years helped BC/EFA reach out to so many facing the on-going challenges of HIV/AIDS and other serious health issues."
For more information visit www.broadwaycares.org.
* The starry event is one of the hottest tickets of the theatre season. At it, New York's most talented "gypsies," chorus members from Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, join in a competition/variety show at the end of six weeks of intensive fundraising to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA).
This year will see the return of "Team Raiser," an online fundraising method introduced last year that allows theatre fans to make donations to BC/EFA via the Broadway Cares website (www.BroadwayCares.org).
"Team Raiser" allows theatre fans from across the globe to make donations to BC/EFA and be a part of the "Gypsy of the Year" festivities without having to go to the theatre.
In honor of the first anniversary of "Team Raiser," people who make donations via the venture can enter to win the following prizes:
(In order to be eligible for the raffles, donations via "Team Raiser" must be made between Monday, Oct. 27 (12:01 AM) and Sunday, Dec. 7 (11:59 PM). One winner will be chosen per price break. Raffle winners will be drawn on Dec. 10. Certain restrictions apply.)
Organizers are expecting performers from Broadway and Off-Broadway's biggest and most lavish productions.
The Gypsy of the Year Competition "is the culmination of six weeks of fund raising when shows on and Off-Broadway engage in a friendly competition to see which show can raise the most money for the organization," according to BC/EFA. "Awards are presented to the companies that raise the most money and for the winning presentation."
VIP and Priority tickets ($350 and $200) and other tickets ($110/$40/$20) can be purchased online at www.BroadwayCares.org, in person at BC/EFA (165 West 46th Street, Suite 1300), by phone at (212) 840-0770, or at the door the day of the event.
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Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is the nation's leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grants making organization. By drawing upon the talents, resources and generosity of the American theatre community, BC/EFA raises funds for AIDS-related causes and other critical illnesses across the United States. Since its founding in 1988, BC/EFA has raised over $150 million dollars for critically needed services for people with AIDS and other serious illnesses.
BC/EFA is the major supporter of seven programs at The Actors' Fund – including The AIDS Initiative, The Phyllis Newman Women's Health Initiative, The Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic at The Aurora in NYC, The Dancers' Resource and two supportive housing residences. BC/EFA also awards grants to over 400 AIDS and family service organizations yearly.
For more information, visit www.BroadwayCares.org.
