Two of Broadway’s most anticipated performances of the season, the shows comprising the 12th Annual “Gypsy Of The Year” competition take place Mon., Dec. 4 and Tue., Dec 5 at Broadway’s Palace Theatre. The shows take place at 4:30 and 3 PM respectively.

Benefitting the charitable industry group Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids (BC/EFA), the Gypsy of the Year show features “New York’s most talented ‘gypsies,’” including chorus members from Broadway and Off Broadway shows, as they participate in a competition/variety show capping off six weeks of community fundraising.

The Gypsy of the Year Competition is an “all-singing, all-dancing, all dishing extravaganza,” featuring performances by the casts of The Lion King,, Cabaret, Aida, The Full Monty, Seussical, Annie Get Your Gun, Chicago, Fosse, Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Miss Saigon and others.

Broadway, Off-Broadway and touring shows compete to raise money to fight AIDS through post-performance appeals to audiences by cast members. Altogether, 50 shows participated in this season’s race, with 19 shows to appear on stage Dec. 4 and 5.

According to production notes, “Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is the entertainment industry’s most active and vital organization working to address the challenges of AIDS. Since Oct. 1987, BC/EFA has distributed over $45 million in the fight against AIDS by mobilizing the expertise of the entertainment industry. The Gypsy of the Year Competition is sponsored by The New York Times, Continental Airlines, the official airline of BC/EFA, and Target Stores.” General admission tickets range from $20-75. A limited number of benefactor ($300) and VIP($150) tickets are available and can be purchased in person at BC/EFA, 165 W. 46 St., Suite 1300, by phone at (212) 840-0770 or at the door on the day of the event(s). For information call (212) 840-0770. For more information visit the BC/EFA website at www.broadwaycares.com

-- By Murdoch McBride