Went last night to the “Broadway Bears” auction which we attend every year. Basically professional costumers outfit teddy bears in exact replicas of costumes from famous characters and shows, and the bears are then signed by the actors represented. For instance, I bought one several years ago that is outfitted like John Adams from “1776” and signed by William Daniels. All money made goes to Actors Equity Fights AIDS.
It’s always a great time, before various actors show up, either to rub elbows or even perform in a traditional custom-written opening act. Last night saw Richard Kind and Alan Ruck from “The Producers,” Mickey Dolenz singing a parody of “I’m a Believer” called “I’m a Collector,” Sondra Lee (the original Tiger Lily from the Mary Martin edition of ‘Peter Pan’), Mary Bond Davis who continues to be wonderful in “Hairspray,” and an original Ziegfeld Follies dancing girl so astoundingly spry that the place was stunned when she said she’d be 101 this March.
We tried for a couple of bears but were outbid this year. Nevertheless we had a wonderful time. If you’re interested in finding out more or seeing the work of the wonderful crafts folk, go to www.broadwaycares.org and check it out.
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Just out of curiosity, did they have any bears for “Avenue Q”? Like a bear with a Muppet-like puppet on his paw?
I’ve only heard the soundtrack of the musical, but it sounds great. I’ve been trying to recommend it for Dementia Radio (especially the song “Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist”) but no bites so far.
Yes they did for the 2nd year in a row. This year it was two bears and the Trekkie Monster. The puppet was made by the puppeteer who build the puppets for Avenue Q. Next year they have a 3rd bear with a Rod puppet (the puppet’s name is Rod not that it is a rod puppet)
And because I’m weird, I wonder how many times Sondra Dee heard someone say “I thought she was dead.”
As I read this, I thought, “Wow, that kinda weird. It’s cool if you’re into that kinda thing and it’s a great cause, but it’s still a little odd.”
Then you go and mention the only musical I’ve seen and actually like. 1776.
In fact I just checked this out from the library and got ripped and watched it last Friday. I love that movie.
Especially seeing as John Adams is my favorite hstorical figure, and the first time I watched it I was surprised he was made the protagonist as he’s—-well, obnoxious and disliked.
Wow, I would’ve bid on that bear.