BWW TV Exclusive: Highlights from BC/EFA's 2012 Easter Bonnet Competition!

The 26th Annual Easter Bonnet Competition raised $3,677,855, the result of six weeks of intensive fundraising for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS by 51 Broadway, Off-Broadway and national touring companies. The grand total was announced Tuesday at this year's Easter Bonnet Competition, which ended in two shows featuring original presentations, songs, dances and 18 elaborate, custom-made bonnets. Take a look at highlights from this year's talent packed presentations!

Since the Easter Bonnet Competition began in 1987, the event has raised more than $49 million for Broadway Cares.  The company of The Lion King took top honors for bonnet presentation while Mary Poppins was runner up.

The special award for bonnet design was given to Mamma Mia!. The winning bonnet was created by Glen Russo, Rodd Sovar, Monica Kapoor, Don Lawrence, Lisa Brescia, and John Maloney. The Easter Bonnet Competition, directed this year by Kristin Newhouse, is the culmination of spring fundraising efforts for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS by company members of Broadway, Off-Broadway and national touring productions. This year’s top fundraising award went to The Book of Mormon, which raised $286,725.

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 $195 million for essential services for people with AIDS and other critical illnesses across the United States. Broadway Cares awards annual grants to more than 400 AIDS and family service organizations nationwide and 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. For more information, please visit Broadway Cares online at broadwaycares.org

Video shot and edited by Jonathan Frank