CHORUS LINE Memorabilia Auction to Benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS

Starting today and continuing throughout September, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is running the ultimate auction of A Chorus Line memorabilia on eBay. More than 50 lots of singularly sensational and unforgettable collectibles from the unique collection of Gary Stevens and the late Alan George will be auctioned online to benefit Broadway Cares.

Among the items being auctioned are one-of-a-kind display pieces that hung outside the historic Shubert Theatre, including the original 1975 marquee, mirrored critics' quotes and cast board. Also up for auction will be vintage collectibles from the show's early years through its record-breaking 3,389th gala performance to its Broadway closing, plus the signature finale costumes, photos from milestone events, framed memorabilia and much more.

A new collection of lots will be put up for bid every Friday in September. To see what's currently available, go to http://broadwaycares.org/achorusline.

"It's truly a treasure trove for every A Chorus Line and musical theatre fan," BC/EFA Executive Director Tom Viola said. "A Chorus Line opened nearly 40 years ago and it continues to hold a very special place in the hearts of so many of us. Broadway Cares was founded partly in response to death of Michael Bennett, the show's genius director and choreographer. The first Broadway Flea Market took place right outside A Chorus Line's stage door in Shubert Alley. This production has played an integral role in the history of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and we're honored to help see its rich history shared with even more fans of theatre."

Among the treasures currently open for bids:

· The mirrored cast board that hung outside the Shubert Theatre, featuring the name plates of the final Broadway cast who closed the original production in 1990.

· A custom-designed handbag crafted out of the original cast album LP, signed by original cast members Kelly Bishop, Priscilla Lopezand Donna McKechnie

· The classic Cassie costume of red leotard and wrap skirt, worn by Pamela Sousa, who played the role on Broadway and on tour.

Future weeks' offerings will include:

· The spectacular original Broadway marquee that hung outside the Shubert Theatre from 1975-1978

· A famed "One Singular Sensation" finale hat created by the late Woody Shelp, who made 706 finale hats for the original Broadway and touring companies, each individually crafted and beaded by hand

· An iconic A Chorus Line poster, signed by the original Broadway cast

· A framed opening night invitation

· An Al Hirschfeld caricature print of the cast, signed by Bishop, Lopez and McKechnie

· An early version of the A Chorus Line script which includes dialog and songs cut from the show

· The show's official closing notice, news release, closing night Playbill and framed closing night tickets stubs

A Chorus Line began as an Off-Broadway production at The Public Theater. After a sold-out, critically acclaimed run it moved to Broadway's Shubert Theatre, opening on April 15, 1975. The show won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Director, Best Choreographer and Best Score for Marvin Hamlisch and Edward Kleban. McKechnie was honored as Best Actress in a Musical; Sammy Williams as Best Featured Actor and Bishop as Best Featured Actress.

When it closed April 28, 1990, A Chorus Line was the longest-running show in Broadway history. It's now the fifth-longest-running show on Broadway and continues to be performed around the world.

Stevens and George were the ultimate fans of A Chorus Line, seeing the original production more than 75 times on Broadway, plus countless tour and regional performances. The pair wrote The Longest Line, a tribute book to "Broadway's most singular sensation," and ultimately collected hundreds of A Chorus Line keepsakes, souvenirs and one-of-a-kind items.

This singularly sensational auction of A Chorus Line memorabilia is done in memory of Alan George and in honor of his husband, Gary Stevens.

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 $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 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, on Facebook at facebook.com/BCEFA, on Twitter attwitter.com/BCEFA, on YouTube at youtube.com/BCEFAtv and on Instagram at instagram.com/BCEFA.

Photo Credit: http://broadwaycares.org/achorusline