The annual competition is being held this year at the New Amsterdam Theatre, home of Broadway’s The Lion King. The two-day spectacular features the companies of more than 20 Broadway, Off Broadway and touring productions, and the various shows will offer skits, songs and/or dances as well as a bonnet created specially for the competition. The April 21 performance is scheduled for 4:30 PM, and the April 22 show will begin at 1:30 PM.

A benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, the Easter Bonnet Competition ends a six-week period of intensive fundraising by the assorted Broadway and Off-Broadway shows. Curtain speeches, autographed posters and program sales, auctions and cabaret performances are all part of the fundraising effort, which brings in hundreds of thousands of dollars. The company that raises the most funds for BC/EFA will be awarded a prize at the Easter Bonnet Competition. A second prize will be awarded to the company with the best bonnet design and presentation. Additional awards will be presented to the Broadway play, national tour and Off-Broadway production raising the most money.

Tickets for the event are priced at $200 (priority viewing) and $350 (VIP tickets). General admission tickets are also available at $20, $35 and $75. Tickets may be purchased at the Broadway Cares office (165 West 46th Street, Suite 1300) or by calling (212) 840-0770, ext. 268. The New Amsterdam Theatre is located at 214 West 42nd Street.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA) is the nation's leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fund raising and grant making organization. For more information, go to www.broadwaycares.org.