Gypsy Magic

The event’s witty host was Hairspray star Bruce Vilanch. In one of several hilarious “political news bulletins,” he informed the crowd that Laura Bush had resigned from the position of First Lady — and that Condoleeza Rice would be moving on up to take the job.

The cast of Bombay Dreams offered a musical skit titled “Minorities Encouraged” in support of non-traditional casting.

The one and only Dame Edna, fresh (and we do mean “fresh!”) from performances of her show at the Music Box, was on hand to introduce the competition’s judges and to interact with the audience in her own inimitable way.

Comedian Joan Rivers turned up in the Hairspray cast members’ sketch, “Broadway Squares.”

The company of Mamma Mia! considered various ways to make their show “Red State Ready,” such as having the chorus women dress in the manner of Lynn Cheney.

“Driven,” a terrific dance number performed by members of the cast of The Lion King, won the presentation award in this year’s competition.

Nicky, one of the stars of Avenue Q, sang “It’s Not Easy Being Green” with a little help from castmate Ricky Lyon.

The company of Wicked demonstrated what a Las Vegas production of the show might look like. (Of course, it would star Britney Spears.)

Though Urinetown is long gone from Broadway, Officer Lockstock (Don Richard) and Little Sally (Jennifer Cody) were on hand to make snarky comments about other shows. Can you feel the love tonight?

For the competition’s finale, the dancers of 42nd Street bid farewell to Broadway. (The revival is set to close on January 2 after a long run.)

When all was said, sung, and danced, Vilanch took the stage along with Whoopi Goldberg and Brooke Shields to announce the winners of the competition in the presentation and fundraising categories. The top fundraiser was Wicked with $362, 918. In total, $2,754,631 was collectively raised by the participating companies. Bravo!