The first Broadway Bares was presented in 1992 by Jerry Mitchell and the company of The Will Rogers Follies at the Splash, a gay bar in Chelsea. Eight dancers from Broadway shows performed on the bar and raised more than $8,000. Since then, the event has continuously performed to sell-out crowds in some of Manhattan’s largest clubs. Last year, in the summer of 2019 the event raised $2,006,192 to help support Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
Over the decades, Broadway Bares has evolved into a burlesque extravaganza of music, dance, lighting, effects, and break-away costumes. And, of course, fun. Lots and lots of fun. To date, the show has raised more than $21.2 million for charity.
Broadway Bares, 2018
Summer of 2020.
The coronavirus pandemic has changed all things including Broadway Bares.
Tonight, Saturday, August 1, Broadway Bares—the annual show with impossible-to-get tickets—will be streamed live for everyone to enjoy. It’s free for all; donations are appreciated, but not required.
“We’re so excited to bring the heat of Broadway Bares to screens around the world for the first time with Broadway Bares: Zoom In,” Bares creator and Tony Award winner Jerry said. “This year’s performers have gone full-out in both their show-stopping dance moves and desire to make a difference. You’ve got to Zoom In because it’s sure to make your laptop tingle and your cell phone vibrate!”
Though the stream is free, donations are welcome. Every dollar donated will help those across the country affected by HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, and other critical illnesses receive healthy meals, lifesaving medication, emergency financial assistance, housing, counseling, and more. The donations also support and champion organizations focused on social justice and anti-racism.
@BroadwayBares
Broadway Bares: Zoom In is directed by Jerry Mitchell and written by Troy Britton Johnson. Production stage managers are Matt DiCarlo and Johnny Milani. Video production manager Caite Hevner leads a team of 10 video editors and animators. Sound designers Nick Borisjuk and Nevin Steinberg are handling audio post-production.
