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. *

"Hesione" from Triumph of Love

Original Costume Designer: Catherine Zuber
Bear Costume Designer: Norma Bucknor with the assistance of Steven Bryant (wig) and Woody Shelp (ship)
Signed by Betty Buckley

Having clearly abandoned any hope of "serenity," this Hesione bear comes dressed in a full array of period underwear, including a boned corset, and side pannier/hoops. She wears an underskirt of raw silk and a silk brocade overskirt embellished with silver organza appliqués trimmed with braid and cording. The back-laced bodice has a front "stomacher" with organza bows. And the fan-shaped sleeves have 2 tiers of lace topped with hand-turned rosettes. She wears bronze leather shoes, carries a heart-shaped purse decorated with pearls and crystals -- and how about that boat?!