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In The Spotlight: 'BROADWAY BARES 19.0: CLICK IT!' Part 1

BROADWAY BARES 19.0: "CLICK IT!" was an astounding success raising $808,819 to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Both performances of BROADWAY BARES sold out faster than any previous edition with all 5,902 available tickets being sold by Friday, June 19th.

BroadwayWorld.com's master photographer Walter McBride covered all the "BARES" action has created a special "In The Spotlight" series of pictures. These portraits of BROADWAY BARES 19.0: "CLICK IT!" are "in the moment" and taken as they the show unfolded on Sunday night! To see even more photos in Part 2 just "CLICK IT" here!

The first BROADWAY BARES in 1992 featured seven dancers stripping on a bar and raised over $8,000. Since then, the 19 editions of BROADWAY BARES have collectively raised over $6.5 million to benefit BC/EFA. BROADWAY BARES 19.0: "CLICK IT!" was produced by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, created and executive produced by Tony Award®-winner Jerry Mitchell (Catch Me If You Can, Legally Blonde, Peepshow in Las Vegas), and was conceived and directed by Peter Gregus (Jersey Boys).

During the finale Nancy Mahon, the senior vice-president and executive director of The M•A•C AIDS Fund presented BC/EFA with a check for $125,000. Mahon was joined on stage by Cheyenne Jackson (Xanadu), Christopher Sieber (Shrek The Musical), BARES director Peter Gregus and BC/EFA producing director Michael Graziano for the check presentation. This marks M•A•C's 12th year sponsoring BROADWAY BARES. Since 1997, The M•A•C AIDS Fund has awarded BC/EFA $1,414,500. In addition to the generous cash donation, 65 M•A•C make up artists volunteered their time and talents to help make the evening a success.

The evening featured the work of 18 choreographers and 243 of the sexiest male and female dancers from Broadway's biggest shows baring nearly all to benefit BC/EFA.

This year $172,284 was raised via the 261 people who participated in "Strip-A-Thon," an online competition that allows fans of BROADWAY BARES to make contributions via BroadwayCares.org. Since it was started in 2006, over $440,000 has been raised via "Strip-A-Thon."

For the first year, "Strip-A-Thon" allowed people to form fundraising teams. The team that raised the most money was the "Shoes" team raising an amazing $31,184. The team comprised the 24 dancers who performed the "Foot Fetish" number at this year's BARES. The number was choreographed by Pamela Remler and Shea Sullivan.

This year's individual winner was Frankie James Grande who raised a staggering $14,161 for BC/EFA.

Male Runner-ups
First Runner-up (male): Steven Bratton $9,685
Second Runner-up (male): Ben Ryan $9,443

Female Runner-ups
First Runner-up (female): Jennifer Cody $7,210
Second Runner-up (female): Holly Ann Butler $4,560

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is the nation's leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organization. By drawing upon the talents, resources and generosity of the American theatre community, BC/EFA raises funds for AIDS-related causes and other critical illnesses across the United States. Since its founding in 1988, BC/EFA has raised over $160 million dollars for critically needed services for people with AIDS and other serious illnesses. BC/EFA is the major supporter of seven programs at The Actors' Fund - including The AIDS Initiative, The Phyllis Newman Women's Health Initiative, The Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic, The Dancers' Resource and three supportive housing residences. BC/EFA also awards annuAl Grants to over 400 AIDS and family service organizations nationwide. For more information visit www.BroadwayCares.org.

Photos by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.

BROADWAY BARES 19.0 'CLICK IT!'

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As a 14 year old youth, Walter was transfixed by his first Broadway Show, the original production of 'GREASE'. His Journey to celebrity photojournalism began that fateful night. Meeting, photographing and getting to know the cast inspired him to spend his professional life doing what he loved. Walter moved to Manhattan and for a leading role as a Photographer & Photo Researcher. Currently headlining in New Jersey with his partner Richard and family members Dali (Jack Russell) & Gala (Schnoodle). Recently he made his Broadway debut sharing the stage with Hugh Jackman in 'Hugh Jackman on Broadway' as well as receiving the Actors' Equity Association Gypsy Spirit Award. Walter McBride Photography is syndicated worldwide by Corbis/AP.

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