The annual competition comes after six weeks of intensive fundraising by various shows on and off Broadway as well as touring productions throughout the country. It's a chance to celebrate the Broadway gypsies while raising funds for the worthy organization. Awards are presented in two categories: for best skit and for most money raised for BC/EFA. Last season, the competition raised $2,992,800. Best skit honors went to The Color Purple with The Lion King and The Beauty and the Beast tying for runner-up. Purple also raised the most money for BC/EFA, bringing in $194,500. Other front-runners: Wicked ($192,900), The Drowsy Chaperone ($185,900), The Phantom of the Opera ($153,800) and Jersey Boys ($133,250). The top touring company was the Wicked Chicago company with $175,000. The Little Dog Laughed was the top play with $44,330, and The Clean House won the Off-Broadway award with $26,700.

Tickets for this year's event will be available shortly by calling (212) 840-0770. For further information visit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS on the web at http://www.bcefa.org.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA) is the nation's leading industry based, not-for-profit AIDS fundraising and grant making organization.