Theater News

Hold on to Your Hats!

Clay Aiken, Laura Benanti, Alexander Gemignani, Jonathan Groff, Jackie Hoffman, Andy Karl, Lea Michele, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Anika Noni Rose lend some star power to the annual Easter Bonnet Competition.

New York City

The 22nd Annual Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Easter Bonnet Competition, held on April 28 and 29 at the Minskoff Theatre, got off to a hilarious start as Xanadu‘s Jackie Hoffman came onstage as Rivka Klum, the “Jewish half-sister” of Project Runaway host Heidi Klum.

Other participants in the show’s elaborate opening number included Jenna Coker-Jones as reality star Tila Tequila, Andy Karl as Project Runway‘s Tim Gunn, and Marya Grandy as Broadway diva Patti LuPone.

The award for Best Bonnet Presentation went to Sunday in the Park With George‘s young stars Alison Horowitz and Kelsey Fowler, who sang the show’s searing duet “We Do Not Belong Together.”

The cast of Off-Broadway’s Naked Boys Singing lived up to its title.

Spamalot stars Hannah Waddingham (second from left) and Clay Aiken (second from right) sang the inspirational tune “The Prayer” as a roller-skating nun tried to upstage them.

The cast of Spring Awakening — including leads Lea Michele and Jonathan Groff — gave their own singular spin to the songs from Grease.

Gypsy‘s gorgeous Laura Benanti proved to be a great sport as the company skewered her big first-act number “Little Lamb.”

The cast of Mamma Mia! recycled their hysterical “Gypsy of the Year” skit, which imagined how the show would look if it appeared on the gay LOGO network.

The company of Passing Strange, including understudies Lawrence Stallings and Karen Pittman, gently spoofed Michael Jackson’s classic video Thriller.

The folks from The Lion King took aim at another hit Broadway musical.

Alexander Gemignani joined the cast of In the Heights, including Eliseo Roman and Lin-Manuel Miranda, for a send-up of “One Day More” from Les Miserables.

It was a bittersweet day for the cast of Rent. While they performed in their last competition — since the show will close in September — they raised $277,739, the most money of any Broadway show!

The return of the sharp-tongued Officer Lockstock and Little Sally from Urinetown — aka Don Richard and Jen Cody — was greeted with thunderous approval.

104-year-old former Ziegfeld Follies star Doris Eaton Travis, with partner Bill George, showed everyone she’s still got it!

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof star Anika Noni Rose led the emotional final number, David Friedman’s “Help Is on the Way.” Thanks to everyone who helped BC/EFA raise over $3.7 million in the past six weeks!

For TheaterMania’s news story on the event, click here.