Zennie62.com
The Wizard of OZ, San Francisco Sunday Event: Help Is On The Way
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/abraham/detail?blogid=95&entry_id=70007#ixzz0wQohx7H7
Aug 12, 2010

For some reason, these events go together: today’s the 71st Anniversary of The Wizard of OZ and on Sunday, August 15th, at 7:30 PM PDT at The Herbst Theater in San Francisco, REAF, The Richmond Ermet AIDS Foundation holds its 16th annual presentation of “Help Is On The Way” called Help Is On The Way XVI.

It’s hard to believe The Wizard of OZ is a full 71 years young. In fact, it seems timeless. Music and songs from The Wizard of OZ are etched into my brain, in part because one of my favorite songs to sing at The Alley in Oakland, is If I Only Had A Brain.

But it is 71 years yound, so it’s important to stop and consider the impact this awesome musical movie has had on American Culture. It has been translated in 40 languages, and been the basis for scores of reinterpretations, including the popular musical, The Wiz.

Which reminds this blogger why the link with Help Is On The Way XVI was made in my pea brain!

Over it history, REAF’s Help Is On The Way has featured performers from plays, movies, and musicals like The Wiz.

This year Leanne Borghesi, Carol Channing, Davis Gaines, La Toya London, Carole Cook, James Darren, Paula West, Bruce Vilanch, Kimberley Locke, and Melissa Manchester headline the performers as of this writing. And that list expands as we get closer to Sunday. You can get tickets for Help Is On The Way XVI at 415-273-1620.

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• Bruce Vilanch To Perform At Durham, NC Gay & Lesbian Film Festival (bootlegbetty.com)

Hamptons.com
“A Bipolar Evening” with Disparate Friends
By Tiffany Razzano

Just when you think that you’ve seen everything in the Hamptons, East Hampton’s Guild Hall is bringing together an unlikely duo on July 24 in an event dubbed “A Bipolar Evening with Friends.”

The two performers on the bill, longtime friends, couldn’t be more different from one another. Comedy writer and performer Bruce Vilanch is best known for his raunchy one-liners and writing for just about every awards show you can think of, while actress Florence Henderson, who has starred on stage, television and in film, is best known for her role as the squeaky clean Carol Brady on TV’s “The Brady Bunch.” The two go back to the 1970s, when Vilanch worked as a writer for “The Brady Bunch Variety Hour.”

It was Vilanch who coined the event “A Bipolar Evening,” to Henderson’s delight. “Nobody expects the two of us together,” he said. “I have a much spicier reputation than Florence. But I plan on changing that for her. It’s not too late for her to be Joan Rivers.”

In the two-part show, Vilanch will take the stage first, telling tales from his career and tackling tabloid fodder. “My half of the show is about my bizarre life behind the scenes, writing for everybody else,” he said. For those quick to consider it a stand-up act, think again. “I like to call it sit-down. I just tell stories.”

Following Vilanch, Henderson will perform her one-woman autobiographical musical, All the Lives of Me, touching upon everything from growing up during the Great Depression to her years as America‘s favorite TV mom. And Henderson says you can expect Vilanch to make a special appearance during her segment and vice versa. “Usually Bruce would work alone or I would work alone,” she said. “This should be a tremendous amount of fun for us and the audience.”

Growing up in Kentucky, Henderson knew she wanted to get into show business at a young age. “Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be an entertainer,” she said. After high school, she received sponsorship to study at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, and never looked back.

She debuted on Broadway at 18, with a small role in Wish You Were Here, capturing the attention of the legendary Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. She was then cast in Oklahoma! in the lead role for its last national tour, leading to many other Broadway roles.

However, Henderson didn’t limit herself to the stage. “My goal always was to have longevity [in this industry.] So I diversified early,” she said. “I loved theater and I still do.” She became the first woman to guest host “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” in 1962 and became “The Today Girl” for NBC’s morning show.

Then, in 1969, she landed the iconic role of Carol Brady on “The Brady Bunch,”-a role she still embraces. “I can’t ignore it,” she said. “It’s the elephant in the room.” But she’s never felt pigeon-holed because of it, like many actors known for portraying legendary characters. “For me it’s part of the fabric of my career, not the whole thing.” Carol Brady is a role Henderson revisits. She has lovingly skewered the character in various comedy sketches, made a cameo in the first Brady Bunch parody movie and participated in the reality show “My Fair Brady.”And her career continues to thrive in other ways, with the many charitable organizations she represents, as well as being a product spokeswoman and motivational speaker and appearing at events as varied as singing the national anthem at the Indianapolis 500 to hosting wrestling matches.

As for Vilanch, recently nominated for an Emmy for his role as a writer for the 82nd Annual Academy Awards, his career has been vastly different from Henderson’s, but no less successful. Studying theater and journalism, he began his career covering music for the Chicago Tribune. This is how he met Bette Midler. He began writing bits for her, and slowly built up the list of performers he wrote for: Cher, Eartha Kitt, Diana Ross.

From there he moved on to Hollywood, writing for various variety shows, most notably “The Donny and Marie Show,” and many awards shows. He’s written for 21 consecutive Academy Awards. But he was able to move from behind the scenes and into the limelight while a head writer for “Hollywood Squares” in the 1980s. He was asked to sit in one of the squares, which, as a performer, he says he jumped at. “I got to sit next to Whoopi [Goldberg] for four years and crack wise,” he said. “I think they just wanted someone to tame her. I got lucky.”

This opportunity kick-started his performance career, leading to engagements around the country at various events and venues, performing a one-man off-Broadway show in 2000 and starring in Broadway’s Hairspray as Edna Turnblad. “I had to shave for that,” Vilanch said. “I couldn’t talk them into a bearded lady.” And many of the stories he’ll be telling on July 24, could very well find their way into the book he’s working on about his career.

“A Bipolar Evening with Friends,” featuring Bruce Vilanch and Florence Henderson, John Drew Theater at Guild Hall. Saturday, July 24, 8 p.m. For tickets, go to guildhall.org.

Jungle Fantasy Carnival 2010 – Provincetown, August 15 – 20
Posted: Sunday, July 25th 2010, 5:13 AM
by Provincetown Business Guild

Jungle Fantasy Carnival 2010 – Provincetown, August 15 – 20. Announcing Parade Grand Marshals and Event Highlights.

The Provincetown Business Guild will hold its annual Carnival Week August 15-20, 2010. This year’s theme is Jungle Fantasy.The PBG is proud to announce that Margaret Cho and Bruce Vilanch will be the Grand Marshals of the Parade. Miss Margaret Cho and Mr. Bruce Vilanch will also be performing during Carnival Week at the Madeira Room/Vixen located at 336 Commercial Street. Margaret Cho returns with new material from her newest stand up tour, Cho Dependent. Margaret will be performing August 15 – 24 (no show August 19th) at 9 p.m. Tickets are $40. Bruce Vilanch takes you on a trip behind the scenes of every major show business event and into the distressed minds of the participants. Bruce will be performing August 21 & 22 at 7:30 p.m Tickets are $25.

Tickets for both performers can be purchased at the Madeira Room /Vixen box office or by calling 508-487-6424.

The PBG is excited to announce a new event this year: Jungle Jam Pier Dance and Jungle Fantasy Costume Contest, taking place on MacMillan Pier. This new event is produced by David Flower Productions and the PBG and will include a Costume Contest with a $300 cash prize!

Welcome to the Jungle opening night party at the Boatslip has brought back resident DJ Mary Alice to spin for the night and there will be a super fun Safari Challenge interactive course designed by David Flower Productions who created last year’s Haunted House at the Aquarium Mall.

The Awards Ceremony for the winning Parade entries has been moved to the closing night party, Monkey Business at the Crown & Anchor.

For information on these events and other PBG events visit our website at www.ptown.org

The Provincetown Business Guild, PBG, has been promoting gay and lesbian tourism to Provincetown since 1978. The PBG is comprised of member business, throughout the community, who recognize the significant impact of the gay and lesbian market to the Provincetown economy.

Two-Time Emmy Winner Bruce Vilanch Returns to Host Fire Island Dance Festival Featuring Ailey, Momix, Cunningham, Travis Wall and More

The Fire Island Dance Festival returns to Fire Island Pines for a trio of first rate outdoor performances/parties on Saturday, July 17 and Sunday, July 18, 2010. This year’s festival will feature offerings from eleven internationally renowned dance companies and artists including premier dances by “So You Think You Can Dance” finalist/choreographer Travis Wall (July 17 only) and Stephen Petronio Company. Returning to emcee the event for a second year is two-time Emmy Award winner Bruce Vilanch.

Fire Island Pines, NY, July 09, 2010 –(PR.com)– Lauded by The New York Times, Out Magazine, (CBS News on) LOGO and The Village Voice, the Fire Island Dance Festival returns to Fire Island Pines for a trio of first rate outdoor performances / parties on Saturday, July 17 and Sunday, July 18, 2010. Now in its 16th year, Fire Island Dance Festival is the premier cultural event on Fire Island and is produced by and benefits Dancers Responding to AIDS (DRA), a program of Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS. Returning to emcee the event for a second year will be two time Emmy Award winner Bruce Vilanch.

Performing outdoors against a stunning backdrop of the Great South Bay, FIDF 16 will feature an eclectic program of classical and contemporary ballet, and modern dance performed by eleven emerging and world renowned dance companies and artists. This year’s festival will prove to be yet another unforgettable event with performances by: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre principal Marcelo Gomes, Joffrey Ballet Chicago principals Fabrice Calmels and Erica Lynette Edwards, Camille A. Brown, Gallim Dance, Mark Stuart Dance Theatre and San Francisco Ballet principals Yuan Yuan Tan and Damian Smith performing choreography by Christopher Wheeldon. FIDF 16 will also showcase a pièce d’occasion by Shea Sullivan, mark premiere dances by Travis Wall (July 17 only) and Stephen Petronio Company and feature a “Legacy Tour” performance by Merce Cunningham Dance Company. MOMIX will present a special performance as part of an exclusive festival kick-off party for Leadership Supporters only on Friday July 16.

Dancegoers are offered a choice of show times. The opening performance is on Saturday, July 17th at 5:00 p.m. (party at 4:00 p.m.). The sunset performance is on Saturday, July 17th at 7:00 p.m. (party following). And the closing performance is on Sunday, July 18th at 5:00 p.m. (party following). Leadership Supporters are included in the special kick-off party on Friday evening July 16th at the Lepage Pavilion at Whyte Hall.

To charge tickets by phone, call 212.840.0770 x268 – Monday through Friday and in person on weekends in the Fire Island Pines harbor or order online on the Dancers Responding to AIDS website.

Corporate Sponsors for Fire Island Dance Festival 16 include: The New York Times, Continental Airlines, GRW Advertising, Absolut Vodka, Steel Gym, NEXT Magazine, PEEQ Media, BV Wines, and Movmnt Magazine.

Founded in 1991, by former Paul Taylor dancers Denise Roberts Hurlin and Hernando Cortez, Dancers Responding to AIDS (DRA) is a program of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS the nation’s leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organization. By drawing upon the talents, resources and generosity of the American theatre & dance communities, BC/EFA raises funds for AIDS-related causes and other critical illnesses across the United States. Since its founding in 1988, BC/EFA has raised over $175 million.

###
Contact Information
Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS
Bobby McGuire
212-840-0770
mcguire@broadwaycares.org
www.dradance.org

Durham Herald Sun
Gay & Lesbian Film Festival announces August lineup
07.07.10 – 09:20 pm
From staff reports

DURHAM — Comedy writer Bruce Vilanch will perform at the 15th annual North Carolina Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, to be at the Carolina Theatre Aug. 12-15.

Vilanch is best known as the joke and gag writer for the Oscars, the Tonys, the Grammys and other awards shows. His life and often requested skills as a joke writer were the subject of a 1999 documentary titled “Get Bruce!” Vilanch was an entertainment writer for the Chicago Tribune, an assignment that put him in touch with Bette Midler, who in 1970 hired him to write jokes for her.

He continues to write for Midler. He also has contributed material to comedians Lily Tomlin, Joan Rivers and others. His extensive writing credits include the television shows “Donnie and Marie,” “The Brady Bunch Hour,” and Dolly Parton‘s variety show “Dolly.” He played the role of Edna Turnblad in the touring show of the Broadway production of “Hairspray.”

Vilanch will perform at the festival at 9:30 p.m. Aug. 13.

The four-day festival is dedicated to screening films that reflect the many voices of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. The 2010 festival will present 73 feature and short films from the United States, Canada, Argentina, India, Israel, France, New Zealand, Peru and Colombia.

In other festival highlights, director Robert Gaston will present an exclusive North Carolina sneak peek of his new film, “Flight of the Cardinal,” filmed entirely in North Carolina.

“Howl” is a documentary about the late poet Allen Ginsberg and the making of his ground-breaking Beat Generation poem of the same name. It was produced and filmed by Academy Award-winning documentarians Rob Epstein (“The Times of Harvey Milk“) and Jeffrey Friedman. It includes animation by Ginsberg collaborator Eric Drooker that captures the essence of the poem.

“Edie and Thea: A Very Long Engagement,” a documentary from the makers of “The Brandon Teena Story,” tells the story of two women who met in the early 1960s and shared their lives and their love for the next 42 years. “Gen Silent,” from director Stu Maddox, director of “Bob and Jack’s 52-Year Adventure,” is a documentary about elderly LGBT people who go back into the closet to survive in the health care system. Maddox will lead an audience discussion after the screening.

The festival will have three short film programs for women, four programs of men’s shorts, and a program of five transgender shorts.

The 2010 festival Plaza Party takes place at 8 p.m. Aug. 14 with partial proceeds benefiting the LGBT Center of Raleigh. A VIP Reception and party for filmmakers, sponsors and festival donors takes place at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 13 in the Connie Moses Ballroom.

Tickets for the festival 10-Pass, Bruce Vilanch and the Plaza Party 2010 go on sale at 11 a.m. Monday. The Festival 10-pass is $75, $63 for Star Members. Tickets for Vilanch are $37, $27 and $22 for Star Members. Tickets for the Plaza Party are $10 in advance and $13 at the door.

For information on the VIP Reception and party, call the box office at 560-3030. Tickets may be purchased online at www. carolinatheatre.org and www.ncglff.org or call the box office at 919-560-3030 or toll free at 1-888-241-8162.

Tickets for individual films are $9 and $7.50 for Star Members and go on sale at 11 a.m. July 28.

For more information and a complete list of films, visit www.ncglfff.org.

Theatermania
Bruce Vilanch to Join Wicked, Young Frankenstein Casts for AIDS Benefit in San Francisco
By: Andy Propst · Jun 28, 2010 · San Francisco

Bruce Vilanch will be a special guest at a one night only cabaret to benefit the Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, to be held at Club Fugazi, on Monday, July 12 at 7:30pm.

Cast members from the touring casts of Young Frankenstein and Wicked will perform at the event, offering personal favorites. In addition the evening will feature comedy and dance material.

Tickets for this “One Night Only Cabaret” range from $25 to $100.

Tickets are available by phone by calling 415-421- 4222.

STAGE TUBE: 2010 BROADWAY BARES Highlights!
Back to the Article
by BroadwayWorld TV

As BroadwayWorld previously reported, Sunday’s BROADWAY BARES XX: “STRIP-OPOLY” made history by raising $1,015,985 to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. This marks the first time in BROADWAY BARES history that the $1 million dollar mark was reached, a goal that had been set this January by BARES creator and executive producer, Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell. On Monday, BroadwayWorld brought you complete photo coverage of the event. Today, we bring you video highlghts of the 2010 BROADWAY BARES installment below!

This year’s total shatters the previous fundraising record which was set in 2008 when $874,000 was raised. The first BROADWAY BARES, in 1992, featured seven dancers stripping on a bar and raised more than $8,000. To date, the 20 editions of BROADWAY BARES have raised more than $7.5 million for BC/EFA.

BROADWAY BARES XX: “STRIP-OPOLY” was produced by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS lead by producing director Michael Graziano, executive produced by Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell (Love Never Dies, Catch Me If You Can, Legally Blonde), and was directed by Josh Rhodes (The Drowsy Chaperone, Fosse) and associate director Lee Wilkins (Spamalot, Wonderful Town).

The evening featured the work of 15 choreographers and 216 of the sexiest male and female dancers from Broadway‘s biggest shows baring nearly all to benefit BC/EFA. A $150,000 check from M·A·C Viva Glam was presented to BC/EFA by M·A·C’s Senior Vice President Jennifer Balbier who also saluted the extraordinary skills of 93 M·A·C make-up artists who worked on the show.

This year’s BARES featured stars spanning BARES’ 19 previous editions and some new faces to the Roseland stage. Notable names who appeared included: Nick Adams (La Cage Aux Folles), Heidi Blickenstaff ([title of show]), Kevin Burrows (Spamalot on tour), Charles Busch (The Divine Sister), Kevin Chamberlin (The Addams Family), Tony and Emmy Award winner Kristin Chenoweth (Promises, Promises), Jennifer Cody (Shrek The Musical), Tony Award winner Alan Cumming (“The Good Wife”), Diana DeGarmo (Hair), Lea DeLaria (The Rock Horror Show), Felicia Finley (The Wedding Singer), Tony Award winner Katie Finneran (Promises, Promises), Barrett Foa (Avenue Q), Julie Halston (The Divine Sister), Jackie Hoffman (The Addams Family), Cheyenne Jackson (Finian’s Rainbow), Denis Jones (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), Sebastian LaCause (The Rocky Horror Show), reality television star Reichen Lehmkuhl (“The Amazing Race”), Lucy Liu (God of Carnage), Julia Murney (Wicked), Christopher Sieber (Shrek The Musical), Rachelle Rak (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), Andrew Rannells (Jersey Boys), Bruce Vilanch (Hairspray), Tony Award winner Lillias White (Fela) and Vanessa Williams (Sondheim on Sondheim).

BROADWAY BARES is the hotly anticipated annual event combining the naughtiness of burlesque and the razzle-dazzle of Broadway and has been a smashing success since its inception in 1992. The event features the hottest male and female dancers on Broadway and has become one of Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS’ signature events. The 2010 edition, BROADWAY BARES XX: “STRIP-OPOLY” was held at Roseland Ballroom (239 West 52nd Street) with two performances on Sunday, June 20. For more information and merchandise, visit www.BroadwayBares.com.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is one of the nation’s leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations. By drawing upon the talents, resources and generosity of the American theatre community, since 1988 BC/EFA has raised over $175 million for essential services for people with AIDS and other critical illnesses across the United States.

BC/EFA is the major supporter of seven programs at The Actors’ Fund – including The AIDS Initiative, The Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative, The Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic, The Dancers’ Resource and three supportive housing residences. BC/EFA also awards annual grants to over 400 AIDS and family service organizations nationwide.

For more information, please visit the BC/EFA website at www.broadwaycares.org.

Jerry Mitchell Announces BROADWAY BARES Breaks a Million!
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by BWW News Desk

Producer and Broadway Bares creator Jerry Mitchell has announced online that Broadway Bares 20 has broken its goal of $1 million dollars.

Mitchell writes online: “THANK YOU ALL!!!!! WE DID IT 1,000,000$$$$ Plus a bit! I am so moved!! xxx”

An official release is expected shortly.

BROADWAY BARES XX: “STRIP-OPOLY” was held Sunday, June 20 at Roseland Ballroom (239 West 52nd Street). BROADWAY BARES XX: “STRIP-OPOLY” is produced by and benefits Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS.

This year’s BARES featured stars spanning BARES’ 19 previous editions and some new faces to the Roseland stage. Notable names scheduled to appear include: Nick Adams (La Cage Aux Folles), Kevin Burrows (Spamalot on Tour), Charles Busch (The Divine Sister), Kevin Chamberlin (The Addams Family), Tony and Emmy Award winner Kristin Chenoweth (Promises, Promises), Jennifer Cody (Shrek The Musical), Tony Award winner Alan Cumming (“The Good Wife”), Diana DeGarmo (Hair), Lea DeLaria (The Rock Horror Show), Felicia Finley (The Wedding Singer), Tony Award winner Katie Finneran (Promises, Promises), Barrett Foa (Avenue Q), Tony Award winner Debbie Gravitte (Jerome Robbins’ Broadway), Julie Halston (The Divine Sister), Jackie Hoffman (The Addams Family), Denis Jones (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), Tony Award winner Jane Krakowski (“30 Rock”), Sebastian LaCause (The Rocky Horror Show), reality television star Reichen Lehmkuhl (“The Amazing Race”), Norm Lewis (Sondheim on Sondheim), Lucy Liu (God of Carnage), Julia Murney (Wicked), Christopher Sieber (Shrek The Musical), Rachelle Rak (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), Andrew Rannells (Jersey Boys) Bruce Vilanch (Hairspray), Tony Award winner Lillias White (Fela), Vanessa Williams (Sondheim on Sondheim), and more.

This year’s opening number was entitled “The Best Game in Town,” and is written by David Nehls (The Great American Trailer Park Musical). The number was performed by Euan Morton (Sondheim on Sondheim).

BROADWAY BARES XX: “STRIP-OPOLY” aimed to reach their $1 million fundraising goal to benefit BC/EFA. This year’s BROADWAY BARES brought a whole new definition to the phrase “game night” when over 200 of Broadway’s sexiest dancers came together for the hottest burlesque show this side of Park Place.

BROADWAY BARES XX: “STRIP-OPOLY” was produced by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Executive Produced by Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell (Love Never Dies, Catch Me If You Can, Legally Blonde), and will be directed by Josh Rhodes (The Drowsy Chaperone, Fosse).

The first Broadway Bares in 1992 featured seven dancers stripping on a bar and raised over $8,000. Since then, the 19 subsequent editions of BROADWAY BARES have collectively raised over $6 million to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and grown to a full-fledged production featuring over 200 of Broadway’s sexiest dancers.

BROADWAY BARES is the hotly anticipated annual event combining the naughtiness of burlesque and the razzle-dazzle of Broadway and has been a smashing success since its inception in 1992. The event features the hottest male and female dancers on Broadway and has become one of Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS’ signature events. The 2010 edition, BROADWAY BARES XX: “STRIP-OPOLY” was held at Roseland Ballroom (239 West 52nd Street) on Sunday, June 20 with performances at 9:30 PM and midnight. For more information, visit www.BroadwayBares.com.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is one of the nation’s leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations. By drawing upon the talents, resources and generosity of the American theatre community, since 1988 BC/EFA has raised over $175 million for essential services for people with AIDS and other critical illnesses across the United States.

BC/EFA is the major supporter of seven programs at The Actors’ Fund – including The AIDS Initiative, The Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative, The Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic, The Dancers’ Resource and three supportive housing residences. BC/EFA also awards annual grants to over 400 AIDS and family service organizations nationwide.

For more information, please visit the BC/EFA website at www.broadwaycares.org.

Broadway Bares Announces Special Guests
Posted on June 14, 2010 by bbbblogger

BROADWAY BARES XX
“STRIP-OPOLY”
ANNOUNCES SPECIAL GUESTS
OVER 200 OF BROADWAY’S HOTTEST DANCERS TO BE JOINED BY…
CHARLES BUSCH, KEVIN CHAMBERLIN, KRISTIN CHENOWETH,
ALAN CUMMING, DIANA DEGARMO, LEA DELARIA,
KATIE FINNERAN, BARRETT FOA, DEBBIE GRAVITTE,
JULIE HALSTON, JACKIE HOFFMAN, JANE KRAKOWSKI,
REICHEN LEHMKUHL, NORM LEWIS, LUCY LIU,
EUAN MORTON, JULIA MURNEY, CHRISTOPHER SIEBER,
BRUCE VILANCH, LILLIAS WHITE, VANESSA WILLIAMS,
AND MANY MORE
PRODUCED BY BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER JERRY MITCHELL
BENEFITING BC/EFA
PRESENTED BY M·A·C VIVA GLAM
ROSELAND BALLROOM
(239 West 52nd Street)

BROADWAY BARES XX: “STRIP-OPOLY” is pleased to announce a few of the special guest stars who will join over 200 of New York’s sexiest dancers at Broadway’s hottest night in an event produced by and benefitting Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS.BROADWAY BARES will be held Sunday, June 20 with two performances only (9:30 PM & Midnight) at Roseland Ballroom (239 West 52nd Street). BROADWAY BARES XX: “STRIP-OPOLY” is produced by and benefits Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS.

This year’s BARES will feature stars spanning BARES’ 19 previous editions and some new faces to the Roseland stage. Notable names scheduled to appear include: Nick Adams (La Cage Aux Folles), Kevin Burrows (Spamalot on Tour), Charles Busch (The Divine Sister), Kevin Chamberlin (The Addams Family), Tony and Emmy Award winner Kristin Chenoweth (Promises, Promises),Jennifer Cody (Shrek The Musical), Tony Award winner Alan Cumming (“The Good Wife”), Diana DeGarmo (Hair), Lea DeLaria(The Rock Horror Show), Felicia Finley (The Wedding Singer), Tony Award winner Katie Finneran (Promises, Promises), Barrett Foa (Avenue Q), Tony Award winner Debbie Gravitte (Jerome Robbins’ Broadway), Julie Halston (The Divine Sister), Jackie Hoffman (The Addams Family), Denis Jones (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), Tony Award winner Jane Krakowski (“30 Rock”),Sebastian LaCause (The Rocky Horror Show), reality television star Reichen Lehmkuhl (“The Amazing Race”), Norm Lewis(Sondheim on Sondheim), Lucy Liu (God of Carnage), Julia Murney (Wicked), Christopher Sieber (Shrek The Musical), Rachelle Rak (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), Andrew Rannells (Jersey Boys) Bruce Vilanch (Hairspray), Tony Award winner Lillias White(Fela), Vanessa Williams (Sondheim on Sondheim), and more.

This year’s opening number is entitled “The Best Game in Town,” and is written by David Nehls (The Great American Trailer Park Musical). The number will be performed by Euan Morton (Sondheim on Sondheim).

Grab your favorite piece (Dog? Ship? Boot? Thimble?), roll the dice, and get ready to put money into the community chest to helpBROADWAY BARES XX: “STRIP-OPOLY” reach their $1 million fundraising goal to benefit BC/EFA. This year’s BROADWAY BARES will bring a whole new definition to the phrase “game night” when over 200 of Broadway’s sexiest dancers come together for the hottest burlesque show this side of Park Place.

BROADWAY BARES XX: “STRIP-OPOLY” is produced by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Executive Produced by Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell (Love Never Dies, Catch Me If You Can, Legally Blonde), and will be directed by Josh Rhodes (The Drowsy Chaperone, Fosse).

The first Broadway Bares in 1992 featured seven dancers stripping on a bar and raised over $8,000. Since then, the 19 subsequent editions of BROADWAY BARES have collectively raised over $6 million to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and grown to a full-fledged production featuring over 200 of Broadway’s sexiest dancers.
TICKETING INFORMATION FOR BROADWAY BARES XX: “STRIP-OPOLY”:

Tickets can be purchased online at www.BroadwayCares.org or by calling (212) 840-0770 x 268.

9:30 PM SHOW: $650 Benefactor – includes reserved seat at a cocktail table and open bar before the show; $250 VIP – includes non-reserved standing ticket in VIP area closest to stage or VIP Mezzanine with open bar before the show; $100 Priority – includes non-reserved standing ticket in Priority Viewing area close to the stage; $55 General Admission -non-reserved standing ticket.
MIDNIGHT SHOW: $650 Benefactor – includes reserved seat at a cocktail table and open bar before the show; $250 VIP – includes non-reserved standing ticket in VIP mezzanine with open bar before the show; $55 General Admission – non-reserved standing ticket.

BC/EFA is pleased to announce the return of the “VIP BACKSTAGE PASS” PACKAGE ($10,000). You and a guest will be escorted into Roseland for a sneak peek of the dress rehearsal, and meet Jerry Mitchell and a guest celebrity. Enjoy dinner and drinks at a private cocktail party with Jerry and Broadway stars. Come back to Roseland and join the entire company backstage for a short visit before you are escorted to your table in the VIP lounge and stay for both shows. After the Midnight show, you will join the cast as VIP guests at the post-show cast-party. This package is extremely limited in availability.

BROADWAY BARES is the hotly anticipated annual event combining the naughtiness of burlesque and the razzle-dazzle of Broadway and has been a smashing success since its inception in 1992. The event features the hottest male and female dancers on Broadway and has become one of Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS’ signature events. The 2010 edition, BROADWAY BARES XX: “STRIP-OPOLY” will be held at Roseland Ballroom (239 West 52nd Street) on Sunday, June 20 with performances at 9:30 PM and midnight. For tickets, information, and merchandise, visit www.BroadwayBares.com.
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is one of the nation’s leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations. By drawing upon the talents, resources and generosity of the American theatre community, since 1988 BC/EFA has raised over $175 million for essential services for people with AIDS and other critical illnesses across the United States.

BC/EFA is the major supporter of seven programs at The Actors’ Fund – including The AIDS Initiative, The Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative, The Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic, The Dancers’ Resource and three supportive housing residences. BC/EFA also awards annual grants to over 400 AIDS and family service organizations nationwide.
For more information, please visit the BC/EFA website at www.broadwaycares.org.

Cybill Shepherd, Lee Daniels Honored At 21St Annual Glaad Media Awards

Chely Wright, Sam Sparro perform at San Francisco event presented by Southwest Airlines

Los Angeles, Sunday, June 6, 2010 –Bruce Vilanch, Nikki Blonsky, Wilson Cruz, Jai Rodriguez, Thea Gill, Michelle Clunie, Lynda and Jools Topp, Jan Wahl and Liam Mayclem were among the celebrities who joined the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) as it honored Cybill Shepherd, Lee Daniels, Robert Hanson and the best in documentaries and journalism last night at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards presented in San Francisco by Southwest Airlines.

The GLAAD Media Awards elevate and promote fair, accurate and inclusive stories of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues, people and allies that have increased awareness, understanding and respect for the lives of LGBT people. The GLAAD Media Awards also fund GLAAD’s work to amplify stories of LGBT people and issues that build support for equality.

At the ceremony, Clementine Ford and Ariel Shepherd-Oppenheim presented the Golden Gate Award to their mother Cybill Shepherd, who has been outspoken in her support for full equality for LGBT people. The Golden Gate Award is presented to individuals who, through their work, have increased the visibility and understanding of the LGBT community in the media.

“We stand on the shoulders of our elders and I want to thank everyone who’s worked so hard to make this possible,” Shepherd said in her acceptance speech. “I’m very humbled and I don’t know that I could be more dedicated to this cause, but I could never thank you enough, GLAAD, for your education of me.”

Also at the event, actor Jensen Atwood presented the Davidson/Valentini Award to director Lee Daniels, who received an Academy Award® nomination for his 2009 film Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire. The Davidson/Valentini Award is presented to an openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender person who has made a significant difference in promoting equal rights for the LGBT community in the media.

“I come from a world where I was beaten daily by my dad because of my gayness. I had bullies and I wanted to kill myself,” Daniels recounted while accepting the Award, noting how these experiences had strengthened his determination to succeed.

Robert Hanson, president of Levi Strauss Americas, received the San Francisco Local Hero Award for championing the company’s involvement in supporting full LGBT equality. Hanson was out of the country on business and unable to accept his award in person. Jeff Harlowe, Senior Vice President for Levi’s Latin America Commercial Operations, accepted the award on his behalf.

Writer and comedian Bruce Vilanch hosted the show. Country music artist Chely Wright performed with Rodney Crowell and Jeremy Lister, and pop artist Sam Sparro closed the show for the capacity audience at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis. Other attendees included: Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer, Linda Perry who is dating Clementine Ford; Derrick Martin, a Georgia teenager who was thrown out of his home by his parents when he took his boyfriend to the prom; and Thomas Krever, executive director of the Hetrick-Martin Institute.

Following is a complete list of GLAAD Media Award recipients announced Saturday in San Francisco. Previous awards were presented in New York on March 13 and in Los Angeles on April 17. For a complete list of nominees and award recipients, please visit www.glaad.org/mediaawards.

Golden Gate Award: Cybill Shepherd (presented by her daughters, Clementine Ford and Ariel Shepherd-Oppenheim)
Davidson/Valentini Award: Lee Daniels (presented by actor Jensen Atwood)
Outstanding Documentary: Ask Not (PBS) [Accepted by: director Johnny Symons]
Outstanding Digital Journalism – Multimedia: “The Stonewall Riots: 40 Years Later” (AARP.org) [Accepted by: producer David Singleton]
San Francisco Local Hero Award: Robert Hanson (President of Levi Strauss Americas) [Accepted on his behalf by: Jeff Harlowe, Senior Vice President for Levi's Latin America Commercial Operations]
GLAAD also announced that Lady Gaga received the award for Outstanding Music Artist for her album, The Fame Monster (Interscope). The GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Music Artist is presented to an openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) music artist who has increased visibility of the LGBT community and spoken out for equality via their music or media appearances. Lady Gaga has identified as bisexual in a number of interviews, spoke at last year’s National Equality March in Washington, D.C. and included LGBT images in her music videos.

GLAAD live tweeted from the GLAAD Media Awards red carpet and during the show. GLAAD’s tweets can be seen at http://twitter.com/glaad. If you tweet about the GLAAD Media Awards, please include the hashtag #GLAADMediaAwards in your tweets. Also, please follow @glaad on Twitter at http://twitter.com/glaad.

More than 100 corporate partners are showing their support, including New York Co-Presenting corporate partners IBM and Prudential, Los Angeles Presenting corporate partner ABSOLUT® Vodka and San Francisco Presenting corporate partner Southwest Airlines. GLAAD is also grateful to the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards Platinum Underwriter corporate partners: AT&T, Anheuser-Busch, Inc., Time Warner, Lexus and University of Phoenix, as well as Underwriter corporate partners: Allstate Insurance Company, American Airlines, Comcast, Delta Air Lines, Fox Group, Harrah’s Foundation, Herb Ritts Foundation, Here Media, MTV Networks, MillerCoors, New York City Marriott & Renaissance Hotels, The Palette Fund, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Terry K. Watanabe Charitable Trust and UBS.

For a full list of corporate sponsors or information on how to become a corporate sponsor, please visit www.glaad.org/mediaawards.

About GLAAD
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) amplifies the voice of the LGBT community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org. For the latest updates on our work, visit www.twitter.com/glaad and www.facebook.com/glaad.
[6/7/2010]