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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Gino, Her Gardener, from A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine
Original Costume Designer: Michel Stuart
Bear Costume Designer: Anne Robin Luckett, with special thanks to Patricia Eubanks
Signed by Priscilla Lopez
While Harpo Marx built a career on being speechless, we're at no loss of words when it comes to describing "Harpo Bear." Sparkling eyes with hand-sewn lids, human lashes, and a sculpted nose capture the silent, expressive humor of Harpo's face. He wears an authentic style, fully-lined trench coat of khaki gabardine with epaulets on the shoulders, topstitching in the back, a real kick-pleat and tortoise shell buttons. His off-white chino slacks are detailed with side and back pockets and even a fly opening. A handmade cowhide belt with a gold buckle holds them up. Harpo's shirt is hand-painted with blue polka-dots and his handmade necktie is decorated with big blocks of bright colors. Free-standing in brown leather loafers, a curly blond wig and signature ribbon-trimmed black felt hat bring the costume to a comedic whole.