TV Exclusive: GYPSY OF THE YEAR 2010 Highlights!

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The 22nd Annual GYPSY OF THE YEAR Competition raised $3,776,720 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, thanks to the tireless work of 63 participating Broadway, Off-Broadway and national touring companies, it was announced Tuesday. Since 1989, the 22 editions of GYPSY OF THE YEAR have raised a total of $44,137,415 to benefit BC/EFA.

Broadway Beat was there as always to capture the entire production for BC/EFA DVD and here are just a few highlights from the sold out, talent-filled event!

This year's GYPSY OF THE YEAR also marked the return to the New York stage of three-time Tony Award-winner Carol Channing, who was featured in the show's opening number, a tribute to the legendary star's many appearances on Broadway over the last 70 years. After being serenaded by a chorus of male dancers, many from the 1995 revival of Hello, Dolly!, Channing sang two of her most-beloved songs, "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" and "Hello, Dolly."

GYPSY OF THE YEAR is the culmination of six weeks of intensive fundraising where the theater community's most talented "gypsies," chorus members from Broadway, Off-Broadway and national touring shows, join in a competition/variety show.

The opening number was staged by choreographers Melissa Rae Mahon and Sean McKnight with musical direction by Ben Cohn, special lyrics by Rob Krausz and costumes by Brian Hemesath. The 22nd Annual GYPSY OF THE YEAR was directed by Kristin Newhouse.

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 over $195 million for essential services for people with AIDS and other critical illnesses across the United States.  BC/EFA awards annual grants to more than 400 AIDS and family service organizations nationwide and is the major supporter of seven programs at The Actors Fund, including The HIV/AIDS Initiative, The Phyllis Newman Women's Health Initiative, The Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic and more. Click here for more information on the organization.