The April 3 benefit tribute to Elton John, "This Is Your Song: Broadway Sings Elton John," which raised equal amounts for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the Elton John Aid Foundation, brought in a total of $436,000. A statement from the show's publicist also indicates that the show was an entertaining affair: Elton John appeared on stage wearing Harry Winston diamonds, said to be worth $5 million, and was accompanied by a "gaggle of buff, shirtless chorus boys" to the strains of “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.”
At the New Amsterdam Theatre, Broadway stars performed a variety of John's hits. Highlights included Aida's Heather Headley singing “Your Song,” Beauty and the Beast's Andrea McArdle on rollerblades, singing “Bennie and the Jets,” Sam Harris singing “The Bitch Is Back,” Sandra Bernhard singing “Madman Across the Water" and Sherie Rene Scott singing “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters” among other performances.
-- By Murdoch McBride