The culmination of six weeks of fundraising efforts by the companies of Broadway, Off-Broadway, and national touring shows that raised a grand total of $2,972,721 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, yesterday’s Gypsy of the Year competition at the Neil Simon Theater was as thrillingly entertaining as the event is every year. Here’s a moment from the opening number, featuring Shoshana Bean.
The event was hosted by Lee Wilkoff and Brad Garrett, who are currently co-starring in The Odd Couple.
The company of Peter Pan performed a sketch titled “The 25th Annual Cathy Rigby Peter Pan Farewell Tour,” featuring Rigby herself.
Urinetown‘s Officer Lockstock and Little Sally, in the persons of Don Richard and Jennifer Cody, were strait-jacketed because of the snarky comments about other shows that they made in years past — but it didn’t make any difference! (Lennon, In My Life, and The Woman in White were among their targets this time.)
Michael Cerveris and the company of Sweeney Todd sang about the significance of the little white coffin in John Doyle’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s masterpiece. (“We don’t understand it either,” they admitted.)
Meredith Inglesby, Brian O’Brien, and young Wolfgang Scheitenger were featured in “Baby Mine,” performed by the cast of Beauty and the Beast.
Led by understudy Neal Benari in the role of Tevye, the company of Fiddler on the Roof welcomed newcomer Rosie O’Donnell, representing “my people” — i.e., “vocally challenged former TV stars who get the lead anyway.”
Christopher Sieber (Spamalot), Ann Harada (Avenue Q), and Jason Ritter (Third) thanked all of the companies that raised money for BC/EFA this year but chose not to perform in Gypsy of the Year.
In My Life‘s Brynn Williams, the youngest-ever recipient of the fabled Gypsy Robe (which she is wearing in this photo), sang her own special version of “I’m Still Here” from Follies.
New Chicago star Huey Lewis was joined by several of his castmates, including Debra Monk (left) and Ryan Lowe (right), for a performance of “The Heart of Rock and Roll,” a song written by Lewis.
The company of Wicked, led by a flying monkey, in a presentation titled “Team Wicked.”
The cast of Hairspray, including Darlene Love and Julie Halston, sang “Love’s in Need of Love Today” by Stevie Wonder.
Patrick Sarb and Andy Kelso were featured in the Mamma Mia! number. (“Dude, your abs really pop. Wanna go tanning later?”)
The kids of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang lamented that they will soon be found on the unemployment line, since the show is set to close on December 31.
We leave you with this image of Keith Roberts and Elizabeth Parkinson in motion in the final Gypsy of the Year presentation by the cast of Movin’ Out, which will close this Sunday, December 11 after a three-year run.
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(Photo © Michael Portantiere)
(Photo © Michael Portantiere)
(Photo © Michael Portantiere)
(Photo © Michael Portantiere)
(Photo © Michael Portantiere)
(Photo © Michael Portantiere)
(Photo © Michael Portantiere)
(Photo © Michael Portantiere)
(Photo © Michael Portantiere)
(Photo © Michael Portantiere)
(Photo © Michael Portantiere)
(Photo © Michael Portantiere)
(Photo © Michael Portantiere)
(Photo © Michael Portantiere)
(Photo © Michael Portantiere)