Fundraising begins March 9. In fact, many theatre lobbies in New York City and beyond will be filled with casts, crew members, and volunteers accepting donations with Broadway Cares’ signature red buckets in hand.
Audiences at many shows can also purchase autographed posters, Playbills, and other memorabilia or one-of-a-kind experiences, including backstage tours and meet-and-greets, in exchange for a donation.
Seven Broadway shows begin their appeals tonight: Aladdin, Anastasia, The Book of Mormon, A Bronx Tale, The Lion King, Once On This Island, and Wicked. Next week, Avenue Q, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Dear Evan Hansen, Hamilton, Kinky Boots, and The Play That Goes Wrong will begin their fundraising, and more shows will be added throughout the six-week campaign.
On April 23 and 24, performers from Broadway, Off-Broadway, and national touring companies will share original songs and skits, as well as their bonnet designs, in the annual competition. Special guests and celebrity judges will be announced at a later date.
Since 1987, the 31 editions of the Easter Bonnet Competition have raised more than $75.2 million to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
Advance tickets can be purchased online at broadwaycares.org or by calling (212) 840-0770, ext. 229. VIP and Priority tickets are $375 and $250, respectively, and other tickets are available at $130, $50, and $30.
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is one of the nation’s leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations. By drawing upon the talents, resources, and generosity of the American theatre community, since 1988 Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has raised more than $300 million for essential services for people with HIV/AIDS and other critical illnesses across the United States.
