Bucks County Cabaret with Alan Cumming Raises Over $165,000 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids

Tony Award winner Alan Cumming entertained and captivated a standing-room-only audience at Bucks County Cabaret on October 19, 2013, while raising $165,750 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Taking center stage at the historic Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, PA, Cumming proudly channeled an eclectic mix of the best women of music - from Shirley Bassey to Kristen Chenoweth, from Elaine Stritch to Lady Gaga. He peppered the evening with captivating inside-show-business stories about Liza Minnelli and Ann Miller, fascinating, behind-the-scenes tales of his years on stage and screen, and his successful quest to become a naturalized American citizen.

"Good evening, New Hope, this is Scotland calling," Cumming joked after his opening numbers. "It's very lovely to be here tonight at Bucks County Playhouse and to be celebrating Broadway Cares, raising money for such an important cause that is helping so many people who need it most."

Tom Viola, executive director of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, said: "The community in Bucks County and the surrounding area enthusiastically showed their love for Alan Cumming and again underscored their long-time commitment to helping and compassion for those affected by HIV/AIDS. We are honored to produce and be the beneficiary of Bucks County Cabaret for the second year in a row."

Cumming won a Tony Award for his Broadway debut as the Emcee in Cabaret, a role he will reprise next spring in Roundabout Theatre Company's much-anticipated revival of the classic musical. In a salute to the iconic show, Cumming performed his version of "Mein Herr," which is usually performed by the character Sally Bowles.

Cumming's wide-ranging song list also included a mash-up of tunes by Adele, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry; "Wig in a Box" from the off-Broadway cult hit Hedwig and the Angry Inch, which will make its Broadway debut also this spring starring Neil Patrick Harris; Cummings rendition of "The Ladies Who Lunch" from Company; a witty ode to "Taylor the Latte Boy"; and a biting satire of politically charged zealots.

Cumming was accompanied by music director Lance Horne on piano and Eleanor Norton on cello.

Broadway Cares awarded grants this year to more than 450 AIDS and family service organizations, including 21 in Pennsylvania and Bucks County-based F.A.C.T. - Fighting AIDS Continuously Together.

Following the performance, BC/EFA friend, Broadway actor and professional auctioneer Tasha Lawrence led a spirited live auction that included VIP experiences at Broadway's Kinky Boots, The Glass Menagerie, Waiting for Godot and No Man's Land, and a special evening out-on-the-town with Cumming as your guide.

This year's Bucks County Cabaret was sponsored by DIRECTV, The New York Times, Showtime Networks and United Airlines, with special thanks to Bridge Street Foundation, Kevin and Sherri Daugherty, and the staff and crew of Bucks County Playhouse, led by Producing Director Jed Bernstein.

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 $225 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 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.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride