STAGE TUBE: Broadway Celebrates 40th Anniversary of THE WIZ in Opening Number of GYPSY OF THE YEAR!

The 26th annual edition of Gypsy of the Year raised a record-breaking $5,229,611 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, thanks to six weeks of fundraising by 64 Broadway, Off-Broadway and national touring companies. The grand total was announced Tuesday, December 9, 2014, by special guests Hugh Jackman, Nathan Lane and Judith Light after two stellar performances of original dances, songs and skits by more than 200 "gypsies" from Broadway and Off-Broadway shows. The show's spirited opening number celebrated the 40th anniversary of The Wiz, one of the first large-scale, big-budget Broadway musicals to feature an all-black cast and winner of seven Tony Awards in 1975. Check out the full number below!

This year's top overall fundraiser was The River, which stars Jackman and raised $549,725. For the first time in history, the top two fundraising plays -- The River and It's Only a Play -- raised more than $1 million. The company of The Lion King took honors for the best onstage presentation for an emotional, socially charged dance, created by Ray Mercer. For the full standings, click here.

Noted Broadway personality Seth Rudetsky ("Seth's Big Fat Broadway" on Sirius/XM Radio), served as host for his seventh consecutive Gypsy of the Year. Rudetsky welcomed a special appearance by James Monroe Iglehart(Aladdin), who performed an impressive freestyle rap based on a random topic yelled out by audience members.

In addition to Pippin, four shows playing their final Broadway performances in January joined the festivities for one last time -- Once, Rock of Ages, Cinderella and Motown. This year's Gypsy of the Year also featured the casts of Mamma Mia!, Avenue Q, Aladdin, Kinky Boots, Chicago and Wicked. Gypsy of the Year also featured special numbers recognizing national touring productions and the volunteers who help fundraise during Gypsy of the Year.