BC/EFA's GYPSY OF THE YEAR Competition Slates December Return

Broadway's best will take the stage to celebrate six weeks of intensive fundraising efforts at the 27th Annual Gypsy of the Year Competition on Monday, December 7 (4:30 PM) and Tuesday, December 8 (2 PM) at the New Amsterdam Theatre (214 West 42nd Street, NYC), BroadwayWorld has just learned. The event is produced by and benefits Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Gypsy of the Year (#gypsyoftheyear) is a competitive variety show that honors the tireless work of ensemble singers and dancers, known as "gypsies." For two afternoons, more than 200 of New York's most talented gypsies and their special guests will perform original skits, songs and dances. Awards will be presented for the best presentation during the two performances and for the shows raising the money during the six-week effort.

The fundraising campaign of Gypsy of the Year begins today as casts, crews and volunteers at Broadway, Off-Broadway and national touring productions across the country take their places at theatre exits to accept donations with Broadway Cares' famous red buckets in their hands. Many shows also will offer autographed memorabilia and exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences in exchange for a donation. Six Broadway shows begin collecting tonight: Aladdin, Beautiful - The Carole King Musical, The Book of Mormon, The Lion King, Matilda The Musical and The Phantom of the Opera. More shows will be added next week and throughout the six week campaign. Last year, 35 Broadway shows, seven Off-Broadway shows and 16 national tours ultimately participated.

Since 1989, the 26 editions of Gypsy of the Year have raised $62.4 million to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Last year, 64 participating Broadway, Off-Broadway and national touring companies raised a record-breaking $5.2 million.

Broadway insider and longtime Broadway Cares friend Seth Rudetsky, afternoon host of SiriusXM Satellite Radio's "On Broadway" channel, will return as host of the two December shows for the eighth time.

Advance tickets to Gypsy of the Year can now be purchased online at broadwaycares.org or by calling 212.840.0770, ext. 268. VIP and Priority tickets are $375 and $250, respectively, and other tickets are available at $130, $50 and $30.

Gypsy of the Year is sponsored by The New York Times and United Airlines.

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.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is the major supporter of the social service programs at The Actors Fund, including the HIV/AIDS Initiative, the Phyllis Newman Women's Health Initiative and the Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic. Broadway Cares also awards annual grants to more than 450 AIDS and family service organizations in all 50 states.