Celebrating XXX Broadway Bares, our Fundraising Video Tribute
By Lawrence Pfeil, Jr, and Randy Slovacek
In 1992 when the first Broadway Bares was put on, or rather “taken off” at Splash bar in New York City by Jerry Mitchell and the company of The Will Rogers Follies it was a late night fundraiser for the newly formed Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Eight dancers “in rotation” on the bar Go-Go dancing raised more than $8,000.
Since then, Broadway Bares has grown in size, scope, and spectacular sizzle becoming the “hottest ticket in town” every year. Playing to sell-out crowds in some of Manhattan’s largest clubs, last year’s 29th edition, Take Off! raised a record shattering $2 Million.
Tonight, BC/EFA would have celebrated 30 years of baring it all in the fight against AIDS, the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancelation of Broadway Bares XXX and has been rescheduled for June of 2021. But their vital and lifesaving work continues, and the need has only increased in the fight of a new pandemic. ” to The Actors Fund. Since March they’ve raised nearly $6M to support everyone in the entertainment industry who has been devastated by the pandemic.
In the spirit of “the show must go on,” we’ve curated our “Best of Broadway Bares” past and present in tribute to the show that “should be” tonight and our plea for your support of BC/EFA. If you are able, please donate directly at the link below. Thank You!
Broadway Cares/Equity fights AIDS, COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund
On with the Show!
From 1997’s Barest Show on Earth at Webster Hall this is “Anti-Gravity”
Presented at the legendary Roseland, Broadway Bares Openings 2006: “The New York Strip”
United Strips of America, “Maine” from 2013
A lot goes into Broadway Bares before the clothes come off like this scandalous photo shoot, hosted by Tony Award winning director/choreographer and the creator of Broadway Bares, Jerry Mitchell.
One of us has actually taken it off for Broadway Bares, but his ongoing association and commitment to BC/EFA runs long and deep as Randy shared in a heartfelt post, “Pride In My Tribe – Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.”
“In the mid-1980s, I was a young actor pursuing my dreams of working on the Broadway stage in New York City as the world was reeling from the AIDS epidemic.
It was a time when friends disappeared seemingly overnight. You would hear of someone’s diagnosis, and in a matter of weeks, they were dead.
Until 1987, when AZT was approved for treating HIV, there were practically no effective treatments. Even then, while AZT slowed the progress of the disease, there could be severe side effects (nausea, vomiting, headache, numbness).
But it was something.
The theater community can be quite tribal, and artists from all walks of life in the Broadway community felt the need to mobilize and do something.
And boy, did they.
Actor’s Equity Association, the union that represents actors and stage managers, created Equity Fights AIDS in 1987. The mission was to mobilize the unique abilities of the entertainment industry to address the needs of those affected by the crisis. In those early years, the aim was to help fund the newly-created AIDS initiative program of The Actors Fund.
Almost in tandem, a group of producers formed Broadway Cares in response to the death of Tony Award winning director/choreographer Michael Bennett (A Chorus Line, Dreamgirls). Their focus was to provide grants and funding for many of the young (and struggling) AIDS service organizations in New York city and other large cities heavily affected by the disease.
In 1992, the two organizations decided to merge, join forces for maximum impact, and officially become Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
Over the years, the result has been an unbelievable confluence of community coming together with purpose and passion.”
Read the rest of Randy’s post, learn the incredible story behind this poster, and watch as he helped Broadway welcome Carol Channing back where she belongs at the 2010 Easter Bonnet Competition.
“Pride In My Tribe – Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS”
To date the 29 editions of Broadway Bares have raised over $21M, but there won’t be another one until June 2021. Before our second act starts, if you’re able please consider supporting BC/EFA directly through the link below. Thank You!
Broadway Cares/Equity fights AIDS, COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund
Now, Off with their clothes!
“Throne Game” was On Demand at the Hammerstein Ballroom in 2016
You’re not crazy. 2017’s Strip U, “Psych Class” is HOT AF
Game Night 2018 “Flashlight Tag” in 360 makes you feel like you’re it!
From last year’s Take Off! here’s your “Ground Crew”
Our Grand Finale is a never before online performance just released from their 25th sizzling edition in 2015.
In a statement from BC/EFA, “It wouldn’t be Father’s Day without Broadway Bares. And while we can’t all gather together tonight as we’d like, we’re excited to share – for the first time online – “Undress Rehearsal” from Broadway Bares: Top Bottoms of Burlesque.”
At the end of every performance when BC/EFA is fund raising, there’s always volunteers with their red bucket waiting to take you donations and this is no exception.
You may not be aware, but shouldn’t be surprised, BC/EFA recently made $125K in grants to several Social Justice organizations including The Bail Project, Color of Change and NAACP Legal Defense Fund. In their continued commitment to equality and anti-racism, “These three organizations will also be added to Broadway Cares’ National Grants Programs, ensuring annual grants continue in 2021.”
If you’re able please donate with PRIDE at the link below.
Broadway Cares/Equity fights AIDS, COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund
THANK YOU!
Larry and Randy
Videos of all Broadway Bares events are available for purchase HERE
Previous posts from Pride Marches On!
“WATCH: “My Gay Identity”, a 62-Year Old Gay Man”
“Juneteenth 2020: ‘Hear Me Now,’ My Message Continues”
“Podcast: Billy Porter, Coming Out Stories, And More”
“Sankofa, An African American’s Ancestral Messenger”
“SCOTUS Rules 6 -3, Civil Rights Act Protects Transgender and Gay Employees from Discrimination”
Pride Month and Protest 2020, Pride Marches On
Be sure and check out our special “In their own Words” Pride series on Twitter. @TheOUTFront .
And our new #InstaPride series on Instagram @theoutfront
Give us a follow and we’ll follow back!
#PrideMarchesOn
(all images courtesy of BC/EFA)
