Kris Koop News

Broadway lovers and teddy bear collectors came together on Sunday, February 15, at the BROADWAY BEARS XII auction, which raised a grand total of $152,116! The event was hosted by Bryan Batt with Lorna Kelly reprising her role as auctioneer. Forty specially made BROADWAY BEARS ? each dressed in original, handmade costumes representing the theater?s most legendary characters - were auctioned to the highest bidder in support of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Last year?s BROADWAY BEARS raised $130,878 and the grand total for all 12 Broadway Bears auctions is $1,644,077.18 with over 500 bears auctioned.

Broadway's cuddliest friends kicked off a new year with the 12th annual BROADWAY BEARS auction on Sunday, February 15, 2009 at the B.B. King Blues Club & Grill (237 West 42 St.), in support of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. BroadwayWorld's cameras joined the fun and the caught bidding of the bears!

Dan May's stunning portrait of composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz--whose Wicked continues to sell out on Broadway, in Chicago, on tour, and in London--was unveiled at Tony's di Napoli for their Broadway Hall of Fame!