Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS is an amazing organization, that does many amazing things. Founded in 1987 at the height of the AIDS epidemic that was sweeping through the theater community, BC/EFA now raises millions of dollars a year for the support of people living with AIDS and other illnesses in the theater community. They do this in a number of ways – the casts of Broadway shows collect after performances for two months out of every year (or auction off their undershirts, in the case of Hugh Jackman – thanks again, Hugh!), in addition to holding various other fund-raising events throughout the year.
Our favorite, though, might just be the Broadway Bears. Every year, each Broadway show is given an identical stuffed bear, and asked to costume the bear in a miniature version of the show costume. They are usually signed by the actor who normally wears that (human-sized) version of the costume, and then a selection of this and previous year’s bears are put on display and auctioned off. And every year, the bears are hilarious. Clearly, the wardrobe departments go all out, and the Bears look fab. And there’s something about these little blank-faced bears with their wigs and little costumes, well, it just gets us every time.
This year, the auction will be held on February 14th, and all the info is here. But the auction begins before that, so they’ve released the images of the bears. Here are some of our faves:
It's a HAIRBEAR!!
The 'Finian's Rainbow' bear, which actually may be wearing the real shorts from the show - they were not large.
Beethoven from '33 Variations', which beats the Berger Bear for the best wig of the year.
Although the Daniel Craig bear from 'A Steady Rain' has the best facial hair, by far. Also note that these bears are wearing authentic underwear.
A Doralee bear from '9 to 5', signed by Dolly Parton. Love the bear boobs.
And in case you were wondering, they never do stage little numbers with all the Bears. Only in our dreams.
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