Broadway Cares/Equity Fights 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.

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Belle, from Beauty and the Beast

Original Costume Designer: Ann Hould-Ward (Tony Award Winner)
Bear Costume Designer: Joelyn Draut, with the assistance of Lynn Grassy (Hair)
Signed by Susan Egan

The "tale as old as time" is about the transforming power of love. When, to their great (and mutual) surprise, Belle and the Beast realize there's "something there," they don their finest and dance contentedly within the castle halls. Like the original, our Belle's dress is made of hand-gathered silk layered with organza and edged in lace. The bodice and skirt are finished with silk-and-gold lace bows with yellow and white roses, which also adorn her hair. A model of detail, Belle's corset (unseen, of course!) has been crafted from an authentic 1860 pattern, and she wears a hooped petticoat layered with lace-edged ruffles under her ball gown. This Belle is a true beauty: "Ever just the same -- ever a surprise."