If you're among the thousands of theatregoers who have been to Broadway over the past month or so, you'll likely have heard an appeal from onstage to support Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS with a donation, no matter how large or small.
Please view the video, learn how Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS supports over 400 local agencies across the country, and then please consider joining me in supporting this vital organization. Every little bit helps. To donate, please go here.
In keeping with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
In years past, I've used this day to talk about the sobering statistics of this deadly disease that affects tens of millions around the world. This year, I'd like to remind you of the wonderful work that the fine people at Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS provide. They're once again in the midst of one of their annual giving campaigns. If you've been to a Broadway show in recent weeks, you'll likely have heard from the stage about this great organization's continuing efforts.
Even if you're nowhere near Broadway, please consider giving to this industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organization by going here to make a donation. As many of you know, I dug deep into my pocket earlier this fall, but that isn't deterring me from digging even deeper today by giving again. I hope you'll join me in giving. No gift is too large or too small.
If you're looking to receive something in return -- in addition to my sincere appreciation -- you might also consider joining me in purchasing one of BC/EFA's annual snow globes like the one designed by Broadway's very own David Gallo. For more details, please go here.
Here's to your good health and all the best for your loved ones. Thank you for your support.
In keeping with the Federal Trade Commission regulations (FTC) that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value in exchange for promotional consideration, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
If you're a regular reader, you already know how much I support this invaluable non-profit, which is one of the nation's leading industry based HIV/AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations. So I'm pleased not only to share details of the snow globe itself, but also present an interview I conducted with David Gallo.
According to BC/EFA:
Our newest snow globe is the most theatrical one yet, with an eye-popping, multi-layered design from Tony award-winning designer, David Gallo. The subway trains run underneath the snow covered theaters and taxi-lined streets of New York, all of which advertise over twenty Broadway musical logos. Inside the globe, three girls dance on a spectacular stage, which rotates to reveal a surprise glimpse of the goings-on backstage. "There’s No Business Like Show Business" is the perfect anthem for this collectable globe, which stands 5 ¾” x 7 ½”.
On Wednesday, I had a chance to talk with David Gallo about his efforts for BC/EFA. Here's a portion of my interview with this master designer:
Steve On Broadway (SOB)- How did your collaboration with Broadway Cares come about?
David Gallo - On this particular project, it was as simple as them just contacting me about doing this. But I’ve been participating in various forms of fundraising for them for probably almost 20 years. I always worked the Flea Market for them and over the years I’ve donated a tremendous amount of artwork.
Whenever I’m asked to sell something of my own to a museum or an individual, I always have the money given to Broadway Cares. So I’ve done that for a long time as well. And occasionally when people want to purchase memorabilia, I always have the money go to Broadway Cares.
But for the snowglobe, it was just as simple as having them call me.
SOB - I only spotted one of your shows in the Snow Globe.
DG - We made sure Memphis was right there in the center.
SOB - Tell me a little about the concept that went into your snow globe design.
DG - I really wanted to be able to tell some kind of a story with it. As an art object, it’s certainly cute enough. But I was hoping to be able to sort of develop into some basic kind of tale and give it a little sense of surprise -- so the notion of it being the street levels of New York and all the taxis and the cars and then below that the subway and then the city.
Then as it sort of spins around, seeing the city as performance -- Times Square and Broadway as performances -- seeing the backstage goings-on with the wardrobe people and the stagehands throwing the snow. It was just sort of meant as New York -- Broadway in the wintertime as kind of the event and let it work on number of different scales. Just sort of be fun from that point of view.
But alternately, the idea was just to tell some kind of silly little tale.
SOB - Have you ever worked on that kind of scale before?
DG - I don’t think I’ve ever done a snow globe before. I wasn’t unfamiliar working in model form because that’s what we do, but usually our stuff ends up getting built bigger. But yes, it really was the first time, certainly the first time.
SOB - I’m looking forward to getting one of my own.
Yeah, it’s cool. It’s actually turned out really, really well. We’re very pleased with it.
To purchase your very own whimsical snow globe (as I since have), visit the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDSonline store. They're just $80 each. To give directly to BC/EFA, please go here.
I'll have more of my interview with David Gallo next week as I focus more on his award-winning career.
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
While Blackwell does wonders with that wonderfully articulate and silky smooth mouth muscle, I found myself absolutely tongue-tied on stage. (And if you're wondering, "What's with his mouth, anyway?" I was swirling around a much-needed breath mint so as not to offend my beautiful donor.)
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
In addition to all the glorious stars from Broadway's firmament, what I loved about the day was the opportunity to see many friends, including theatre bloggers Kevin Daly (Theatre Aficionado at Large), Linda Buchwald (Pataphysical Science), Byrne Harrison (Stage Buzz) and Elisa Schneider (Willing To Be Lucky), and meet other theatre bloggers like Jodi Schoenbrun Carter (Off-Stage Right) and Andrew Asnes (Theater Advisor).
But certainly the highlight for me, personally, was donating to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, an organization that is doing so much for so many. To that end, in addition to buying items from various tables, as well as ponying up ten dollars here and there for a chance to have my photo taken with a few of the assembled Broadway stars, my biggest donation came as a surprise even to me.
I had left the event to see a show, only to come back and find a live auction in high gear. [title of show] star Susan Blackwell was up on the stage -- with Heidi Blickenstaff at her side -- auctioning off something. But I wasn't quite sure. It all seemed so very spirited when I arrived, and the bidding was already in the $200 range. I asked someone standing next to me what they were auctioning off. She told me it was a chance to get licked by Susan Blackwell.
"Of course!" I thought. I completely forgot that I had read on Broadway.com that she would offer up one of her famous face-lickings to the highest bidder. I couldn't resist, especially since I knew I had wanted to make a real tangible donation to BC/EFA and had not yet had the opportunity that day.
Photo Courtesy of Peter Gibbons
So I stuck my hand up. I'm not sure exactly when, but I think it was around the $450 mark. Each time I was outbid, I'd either nod or give a subtle signal to Susan Blackwell that I was still in it, and up the bidding went until she finally reached a threshold that seemed to surprise her where she asked the two highest bidders (including me) if we'd both donate that amount so both of us could be Susan Blackwelled.
We both eagerly agreed, and next thing I knew I was up on the stage. Proving why I'm not in entertainment, she asked me to state my name and I could hardly blurt it out. "My name is Steve." She asked me a quick question and I blurted out a reference to her [title of show] character that seemed to be lost of the audience, and she asked me what I did so I could donate that amount. I told her I was in PR (a profession that has in fact been very good to me).
Photo Courtesy of Peter Gibbons
Then Susan Blackwell proceeded to provide a nice and soft slow lick down the left side of my face. Then she got on my right side and did the same thing down my right cheek. But wait! There's more! She licked across my forehead and then down the ridge of my nose. Silly me, I know I had my eyes shut the entire time, but I was thinking, "My God! Susan Blackwell is licking my face." And you know what? I felt good!
It's my understanding that there were, in fact, lots of cameras capturing the moment, and a video will soon surface on Broadway.com as part of their regular "Side By Side by Susan Blackwell" feature so you can see it all for yourself.
Photo Courtesy of Peter Gibbons
Of all the donations I've ever made in my life, I have to say that this was the best one ever, and without a doubt the sweetest and most satisfying. Not only was I proud to part ways with my money for a little tongue action from the truly stellar Susan Blackwell (OK, it was actually a lot), but she was doing it for an incredibly vital and important cause in which I completely believe: Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
Photo Courtesy of Peter Gibbons
Thank you, Susan, for risking your tongue on my salty face in support of BC/EFA. We'll always have Shubert Alley. Talk about a perfect day!
If you weren't able to attend, but would still like to donate to Broadway Cares/Equity Fight AIDS, please click here. No amount is too large or too small, but your support will be greatly appreciated.
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
If you're a big Broadway fan, the Great White Way's storied Shubert Alley apparently is the place to be this coming Sunday, September 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Every year, some of the Broadway stage's most illustrious luminaries gather in Shubert Alley to raise funds for BC/EFA by signing autographs and posing for photographs -- as well as even selling items from shows, ranging from costumes to pieces of music -- all in exchange for donations.
The Grand Auction serves as the highlight of the day when the highest bidders can win, among other items, walk-on roles in some of their favorite Broadway shows.
Even if you can't attend, there are plenty of silent auction items on which to bid. Go ahead. Bid. And be happy you've given!
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value they might write about, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
First the sobering news. The United Nations estimates that approximately 33.4 million people worldwide were living with HIV in 2008. That number includes over 2 million children and 2.7 million who were infected just last year.
In the United States, the government estimates that 56,300 Americans are newly infected with HIV each year, and that approximately 1.2 million Americans are currently living with HIV/AIDS. The especially sobering news is that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates as many as 21% of HIV-positive individuals don't even know they are infected. That can translate into potential transmission of the disease without anyone knowing it.
That's why World AIDS Day is so vitally important. While just one solitary day of the year, it provides a necessary focus on the devastating impact that the disease can have. It also raises awareness for what individuals can and should being doing to protect themselves, while also seeking to ensure the dignity of those already affected.
Need some good news? The rate of infections is down by 17% over just the last eight years. Also, particularly heartening is that those living with HIV/AIDS are no longer suffering an automatic death sentence from the disease; more and more around the world have greater hope via continually improving medical treatments.
So what does this have to do with Broadway?
First, as an all-too-real human drama that is playing out, not only on the Great White Way, but throughout the world around us, we can't afford not to care.
Second, the lights of Broadway will be dimmed this evening at 8 p.m. to commemorate the day and raise further awareness.
Finally, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is in the midst of one of its annual giving campaigns. If you've been to a Broadway show in recent weeks, you'll likely have heard from the stage about this great organization's continuing efforts.
Even if you're nowhere near Broadway, please consider giving to this industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organization by clicking here to make a donation.
Here's to your good health and all the best for your loved ones. Thank you for your support.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
In keeping with the new Federal Trade Commission regulations (FTC) that unfairly discriminate against bloggers, who are now required by law to disclose when they have received anything of value in exchange for promotional consideration, please note that I have received nothing of value in exchange for this post.
Today marks the 20th anniversary for World AIDS Day 2008, and bloggers from around the world are uniting to join in the observance.
Worldwide an estimated 33 million people are living with HIV. In the United States, an estimated one million Americans are living with HIV.
In the U.S., both the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of HIV/AIDS Policy’s AIDS.gov have come together to share HIV/AIDS information with the blogging community, including Bloggers Unite, for World AIDS Day 2008.
Bloggers Unite is an attempt to harness the power of the blogosphere to make the world a better place. By asking bloggers to write about a particular subject on 1 day of the month, a single voice can be joined with thousands to help make a difference; from raising awareness for cancer, to an effort to better education systems or supporting 3rd world countries.
This month, Bloggers Unite is working with NIDA and AIDS.gov because they value and recognize the power of a voice. Multiply that voice by the thousands and the sound of humanity will echo the blogosphere. HIV/AIDS affects too many in our communities to ignore. Be a part of a growing community of leaders that lift their voices.
This is also a perfect time to give to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Even if you're nowhere near Broadway, please consider giving to the nation's leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organization by clicking here to make a donation.
Here's to your good health and all the best for your loved ones. Thank you for your support.
With the lights on the Great White Way all finally glowing brightly once again, remember that today is World AIDS Day.
If you're heading to any of the more than thirty productions currently playing Broadway, don't be surprised to hear appeals from the stage asking you to give generously to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
Given the recent 19-day Broadway stagehands strike, every dollar you give will be greeted with enthusiasm and lots of gratitude -- perhaps even more so this year since BC/EFA estimates it lost approximately $350,000 per week during the strike that it normally would have collected from those appeals that couldn't occur.
Even if you're nowhere near Broadway, please consider giving to the nation's leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organization by clicking here to make a donation.
Here's to your good health and all the best for your loved ones. Thank you for your support.
Please Donate To Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS
Amidst all the drama playing out on the streets outside the theatres -- due to the 7-day old Broadway stagehands strike -- a serious effort typically taking place inside every Rialto theatre this time of year is being stymied: fundraising for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
I don't normally make appeals in this space for donations, but this is one cause I hope everyone can agree on, whether you're a striking stagehand or a producer.
If you're like me, a member of the audience, you'll want to know that this outstanding organization is the nation's leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant making organization:
BC/EFA is the ongoing, committed response from the American Theatre community to an urgent worldwide health crisis. By drawing upon the talents, resources, and generosity of this community, BC/EFA raises funds for AIDS-related causes across the United States. Since its founding in 1988, BC/EFA has raised over $140 million for critically needed services for people with AIDS, HIV or HIV-related illnesses.
Regardless of whether the show goes on or not, the scourge of AIDS, HIV and HIV-related continues, and those with these illnesses still need our help. Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is making a profound difference.
Won't you please take a moment to click here and make a donation? I just did.
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, think of this as your opportunity to give thanks for your own good health, as well as that of the ones you love.
Thanks to the creative vision of choreographer-turned-director Jerry Mitchell, Broadway Bares has become an annual rite of passage for many Broadway stars and gypsies alike, willing to take it all off to the benefit of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. This year, the June event raised over $700,000.
Now, Vegas is calling with a regular sitdown production called Peep Show looming, according to Variety. As entertaining as the annual Roseland Ballroom event is, the caveat is that it's all for a worthy cause.
As ironic as it may seem, doesn't a legit version of this bawdy annual fundraiser make it seem a little less, well, wholesome?
Rain: A Tribute To The Beatles Limited run extended through May 31, 2011 (Show will go on hiatus starting January 15 and reopen at Brooks Atkinson Theatre on February 8)
Rock Of Ages - Open-ended run (Show will go on hiatus starting January 9 and reopen at Helen Hayes Theatre in March)
As someone who has been involved in both politics and public relations, it's no wonder I love watching theatre. Good or bad, it's the raw energy of seeing a live performance that gets my adrenaline pumping. From the moment I saw my very first Broadway show ("Annie" in London in 1979), I was hooked. Now I see as many as 70 shows each year ranging from soaring musicals to two-hander plays. And these eyes just may be in an audience near you!
