Broadway Bares 2017: A Night of Burlesque, Broadway Magic, and Fundraising
Broadway Bares 2017 was a spectacle that combined the glitz and glamour of Broadway with the allure of burlesque, all for a worthy cause. This annual event, held on June 19, 2017, at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, was a celebration of creativity, talent, and the power of giving back.
About Broadway Bares
Broadway Bares is a fundraising event produced by and benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BCEFA), one of the nation's leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations. Since its inception in 1992, Broadway Bares has raised over $19.3 million for BCEFA and other HIV/AIDS-related causes.
Broadway Bares 2017: "Naked Boys Singing!"
The 2017 edition of Broadway Bares, titled "Naked Boys Singing!", was a tribute to the longest-running musical revue in history, "Naked Boys Singing!". The show featured Broadway's hottest talents stripping down to their bare essentials while singing and dancing their way through a variety of musical numbers.
Theme and Production
The theme of "Naked Boys Singing!" was a playful exploration of various genres and styles, from classic Broadway to pop, rock, and even country. The production was directed by Nick Kenkel, with choreography by Al Blackstone, and featured a live band led by musical director Joshua Zecher-Ross.
Performances and Highlights
Some of the standout performances included a sultry take on "Big Spender" from "Sweet Charity", a high-energy rendition of "Don't Stop Believin'" from "Rock of Ages", and a heartwarming version of "I Dreamed a Dream" from "Les Misérables". The show also featured a hilarious and unexpected tribute to "The Sound of Music", complete with nuns and a striptease to "Climb Ev'ry Mountain".
More Than Just a Show
While the performances were certainly the main attraction, Broadway Bares 2017 was also about community, unity, and giving back. The event brought together Broadway fans, industry professionals, and HIV/AIDS activists, all united in their support of BCEFA's mission.
Fundraising and Impact
Through ticket sales, sponsorships, and a live auction, Broadway Bares 2017 raised a record-breaking $1.87 million for BCEFA. These funds go directly towards providing lifesaving medication, medical care, and other essential services to those affected by HIV/AIDS.
Moreover, Broadway Bares 2017 served as a powerful reminder that the fight against HIV/AIDS is far from over. The event honored the memory of those lost to the disease, celebrated the progress made in the fight against it, and reaffirmed the Broadway community's commitment to supporting those living with HIV/AIDS.
Join the Fight Against HIV/AIDS
Broadway Bares 2017 may be over, but the fight against HIV/AIDS continues. If you would like to support Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and its mission, you can make a donation or learn more about upcoming events at broadwaycares.org.
And who knows? You might just find yourself at the next Broadway Bares, ready to strip down, sing out, and make a difference.
