Guest post by Lawrence Pfeil Jr.
In 1992 when the first Broadway Bares was put on, or rather “taken off,” at Splash bar in New York City by Jerry Mitchell and the company of The Will Rogers Follies.
It was a late-night fundraiser for the newly formed Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Eight dancers “in rotation” on the bar go-go dancing raised more than $8,000.
Since then, Broadway Bares has grown in size, scope, and spectacular sizzle becoming the “hottest ticket in town” every year. Playing to sell-out crowds in some of Manhattan’s largest clubs, last year’s 29th edition, Take Off! raised a record-shattering $2 Million.
Tonight, BC/EFA would have celebrated 30 years of baring it all in the fight against AIDS, the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancelation of Broadway Bares XXX and has been rescheduled for June of 2021. But their vital and lifesaving work continues, and the need has only increased in the fight against this new pandemic.
Since March BC/EFA has raised nearly $6M to support everyone in the entertainment industry who has been devastated by the pandemic.
In the spirit of “the show must go on,” we’ve curated our “Best of Broadway Bares” past and present in tribute to the show that “should be” tonight and our plea for your support of BC/EFA. If you are able, please consider donating to BC/EFA here. Thank You!
On with the Show!
From 1997’s Barest Show on Earth at Webster Hall, this is “Anti-Gravity:”
Presented at the legendary Roseland, here’s the Opening Number from Broadway Bares 2006, “The New York Strip:”
A lot goes into Broadway Bares before the clothes come off like this scandalous photoshoot, hosted by Tony Award-winning director/choreographer and the creator of Broadway Bares, Jerry Mitchell.
To date, the 29 editions of Broadway Bares have raised over $21M, but there won’t be another one until June 2021. Before our second act starts, if you’re able please consider supporting BC/EFA directly through this link.
Now, off with their clothes!
“Throne Games” was On Demand at the Hammerstein Ballroom in 2016:
“Flashlight Tag” from Game Night 2018 in 360 makes you feel like you’re it!
From last year’s Take Off! here’s your “Ground Crew:”
Our Grand Finale is from an online performance just released from the 25th sizzling edition in 2015.
In a statement from BC/EFA, “It wouldn’t be Father’s Day without Broadway Bares. And while we can’t all gather together tonight as we’d like, we’re excited to share – for the first time online – “Undress Rehearsal” from Broadway Bares: Top Bottoms of Burlesque.
You may not be aware, but shouldn’t be surprised, BC/EFA recently made $125K in grants to several Social Justice organizations including The Bail Project, Color of Change, and NAACP Legal Defense Fund. In their continued commitment to equality and anti-racism, “These three organizations will also be added to Broadway Cares’ National Grants Programs, ensuring annual grants continue in 2021.”
At the end of every performance when BC/EFA is fundraising, there’s always volunteers with their red bucket waiting to take your donations and this is no exception.
If you’re able please donate with PRIDE here.
By the way, videos of all Broadway Bares events are available for purchase HERE
Thank you!
Larry and Randy
p.s. You can check out my post from last year chronicling my long history with BC/EFA, “Pride in my Tribe: Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS,” here.
Lawrence Pfeil, Jr., is a freelance writer/playwright who has reviewed film and theatre, both on and off-Broadway, for media outlets including The Randy Report, the New York Blade, and Edge Publications. You can follow him at TheOUTfront.com.