BC/EFA Cancels BROADWAY BARES: SOLO STRIPS Due to 42West Owners' Affiliation with Ted Cruz

BroadwayWorld has just learned that Broadway Bares Solo Strips, which was previously scheduled for Sunday, May 10, 2015, at 42West, has been cancelled. BC/EFA's Tom Viola writes:

It is with regret that we have decided to cancel this year's edition of the #BwayBares Solo Strips fundraiser, which was scheduled for May 10 at the NYC club 42West.

We do business with and accept fundraising support from a variety of people across a wide spectrum of political and religious affiliations. The rich diversity of our community makes what we do together so special. It is a rare instance where the actions of a donor negatively impacts us as an organization and potentially jeopardizes our relationship with others whose support is integral to our success. But when it does occur, in a way that's blatantly against all we stand and work for, we can't pretend it doesn't come with consequences. Silence is not a neutral position. It is complicit.

We cannot in good conscience hold an event at a venue whose owners have alienated our community, as reflected in Thursday's New York Times story (http://nyti.ms/1OhUtk6) and today's follow-up (http://nyti.ms/1OOFCsb).

This is not about partisan politics or punishment. This is about doing what's right to ultimately ensure that our commitment to the men, women and children we serve cannot be questioned.

We will be contacting by email those who purchased tickets to Broadway Bares Solo Strips. For additional information, please visit http://broadwaycares.org/bares2015solostrips.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is one of the nation¹s 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 $250 million for essential services for people with AIDS and other critical illnesses across the United States.

Broadway Cares awards annual grants to more than 450 AIDS and family service organizations in all 50 states 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.