The 11th Annual Gypsy of the Year competition, the two-day revue of songs, spoofs and sketches that brings attention to the fund-raising efforts of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, is being performed Nov. 29-Nov. 30 at Broadway's Marquis Theatre. The Nov. 29 performance began at 4:30 PM; the Nov. 30 performance starts at 4 PM.
Broadway, Off-Broadway and touring companies raised a record $1,751,000 in the multiweek fundraising period prior to the Gypsy of the Year performances in 1998.
The performances are judged by a panel. On the second day of performances, the top earners of the six-week fundraising period are revealed. Expected to participate in this year's line-up are The Lion King, Footloose, Cabaret, Annie Get Your Gun, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Chicago, Fosse, Ragtime, Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables and Miss Saigon.
Benefactor and VIP tickets for the event went on sale Nov. 8; general admission tickets ($20-$75) went on sale Nov. 22. For all ticket purchases call (212) 840-0770.
* The 1997 total was $1,335,313.18.
Other popular BC/EFA events this season will include "Nothing Like A Dame" (March 6, 2000), and the "Easter Bonnet" Competition (April 17-18, 2000).
Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS was founded Oct. 1987 and has raised millions in the fight against HIV and AIDS and raised tens of millions "through the mobilization of the theatrical expertise of the entertainment industry."
How does such a grass-roots organization fight an international plague?
By distributing funds in three ways: to individuals, to AIDS service organizations and to events that raise money for the cause. Each year, thousands of entertainment industry individuals living with AIDS receive money through the Actors' Fund Of America's AIDS Initiative. Projects funded to help PWA (People With AIDS) include those offering food, shelter, transportation and non-reimbursed emergency medical expense coverage. Other annual events include Broadway Bears gift items and the Broadway Bares talent show.
-- By Kenneth Jones and David Lefkowitz
