This Sunday was the 25th Annual Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Flea Market! Fortunately the predicted rain never showed up, and we even spotted some patches of blue skiy.
This flea market is one of my favorite events of the year because it can only happen in New York City. Broadway theaters open up their closets and bring their memorabilia, costumes, props, playbills, and much more to 44th Street and Shubert Alley. There are plenty of bake sales too; a cookie from the Lion King table and a cupcake from the Broadway Workshop tided us over as we strolled up and down the block.
During the day, Broadway stars were out signing autographs, including Sutton Foster, Joel Grey, Bobby Cannavale, Ana Gasteyer, Josh Gad, Joyce Dewitt, and many more.
The auction of Broadway tickets, experiences, and memorabilia took place in Times Square itself. You could bid on some incredible opportunities, like conducting the Overture of the Phantom of the Opera; an onstage appearance at Lion King, Mamma Mia, Chicago and several other shows: an evening with Spiderman; and many more truly unique and remarkable only-on-Broadway, only-in–New York experiences.
We enjoyed watching everyone from the shows and in the crowds. My favorites were the fellow trying on the size 13, baby pink, satin pumps, and also meeting the charming young actors from Mary Poppins who play Jane and Michael Banks, Kara Oates and David Gabriel Lerner. I kept my eye peeled for Daniel Radcliffe, but no luck. I did, however, see his likeness as a How To Succeed in Business Broadway Bear (the blue one pictured below).
As we looked through stacks of playbills, waved at one of the Billies (three actors play the lead roll in Billy Elliot at any given time), and snapped photos, we remembered that this event has raised millions of dollars over the years to fight AIDS. So a huge thanks to everyone who organized and participated in this event, and to fans and shoppers who came to find treasures from their favorite Broadway shows!
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