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. *

Louis Blore, from Du Barry Was a Lady

Original Costume Designer: Raoul Pene du Bois
Bear Costume Designer: Martin Izquierdo Studio

In Du Barry Was A Lady, the inimitable Bert Lahr played Louis Blore, a men's room attendant who dreamed he was Louis XV, with Ethel Merman as his mistress, Mme. DuBarry (and, to mix metaphors, amid "love affairs among gentility," what "a perfect blend-ship" that was!). As the King of France, he, like our bear, appeared in this elaborate white 18th-century ensemble complete with white curled wig, white lace jabot, and white satin shoes trimmed with more ribbons and rhinestone buckles. His white satin coat, vest and knee breeches feature copper buttons, gold trims, and faux "embroidery" lavishly detailed in pearlized paints and glitter. An altogether delicious reproduction of a classic role, "well, did you evah" see the likes of him?