Industry News2017 Gypsy of the Year Competition Announces Stars and ShowsThe 29th annual fundraiser for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS will be held at the New Amsterdam Theatre.
By
Robert Viagas
November 30, 2017
Monica Simoes
The 29th annual Gypsy of the Year competition, produced by and benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, will be presented December 4 at 4:30 PM and December 5 at 2 PM at Broadway's New Amsterdam Theatre (214 West 42nd Street).
This year’s showcase will feature more than 150 Broadway and Off-Broadway singers and dancers, including Major Attaway (Aladdin); Laura Benanti, Keegan-Michael Key, Amy Schumer, and Jeremy Shamos (Meteor Shower); Richard H. Blake, Will Coombs, Bradley Gibson, Adam Kaplan, Jonah Mussolino, and Chazz Palminteri (A Bronx Tale); Chad Kimball, Caesar Samayoa, and Sharon Wheatley (Come From Away); Lesli Margherita (Who's Holiday!); and others to be announced. National touring productions will be honored in a separate number directed and choreographed by Chaz Wolcott.
Hamilton’s Javier Muñoz will lead a moment of silence for those we have lost.
Awards will be given for the best stage presentation and for the most money raised for the charity during the six-week fall campaign, during which performers from participating shows asked audience members during curtain-call speeches to open their hearts and wallets. Last year, 55 Broadway shows, Off-Broadway shows, and national tours raised $4.5 million.
This year’s event will feature songs, skits, or dances performed by the “gypsies” from Afterglow, Aladdin, Avenue Q, Cats, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Chicago, Come From Away, Hamilton, Jersey Boys, The Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera and School of Rock—The Musical. The Chase Brock Experience will also perform, representing BC/EFA program Dancers Responding to AIDS.
The opening number will be directed by Tony winner Cady Huffman and choreographed by Lorna Ventura.
Check out video from last year's event:
As extra attractions this year, two-time Tony Award nominee Charlotte d’Amboise will share a special performance, and a piece choreographed by Kristine Bendul will honor those whose have gone before and paved the way for today’s Broadway gypsies.
Read: Jersey Boys and Hamilton Earn Top Honors at 28th Gypsy of the Year
As previously announced, actor, musician, radio host, and Playbill columnist Seth Rudetsky will return to host the shows at the New Amsterdam, home to Disney’s Aladdin.
Gypsy of the Year celebrates the talented singers and dancers in the ensembles of shows, historically known as “gypsies.” More than 200 gypsies and special guests will perform original skits, songs, and dances at the December performances, with awards presented to the best presentation and for the top fundraisers from the preceding six weeks.
Since 1989, the 28 editions of Gypsy of the Year have raised more than $72.7 million to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
Tickets to the 2017 Gypsy of the Year performances can be ordered online at Broadwaycares.org. VIP and Priority tickets are $375 and $250, respectively. Other tickets are available at $130, $50, and $30.
This year’s panel of judges who will be choosing the best presentations includes John Bolton and Caroline O’Connor from Anastasia; Noah Galvin and Will Roland from Dear Evan Hansen; Chilina Kennedy and Evan Todd from Beautiful—The Carole King Musical; DonDarryl Rivera from Aladdin; Lea Salonga from Once On This Island; and veteran actors Harvey Evans and Pamela Myers. Also joining the panel are Nicole LaFountaine and Cheryl Miller, who won their judging spots by bidding on VIP packages at the 31st Annual Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction in September.
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is one of the nation’s leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations. By drawing upon the talents, resources, and generosity of the American theatre community, since 1988 BC/EFA has raised more than $285 million for essential services for people with AIDS and other critical illnesses across the United States.
