The 27th Annual Easter Bonnet Competition started with a comedic admission that this year's show was being staged several weeks after Easter, but that didn't matter because the Easter Bonnet Competition is a holiday all its own on Broadway. Watch the opening number below!
Three-time Tony nominee Marin Mazzie led a talented ensemble of singers and dancers, with surprise appearances by Ann Harada and Seth Rudetsky. The number was directed and choreographed by Al Blackstone, with music direction and arrangements by Ben Cohn and lyrics by Rudetsky.
The Easter Bonnet Competition, produced by and benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, raised a staggering $4,250,542 -- eclipsing the previous high of $3,734,129 set in 2007. The grand total was announced April 23, 2013, after six weeks of intensive fundraising by 47 Broadway, Off-Broadway and national touring companies.
The show featured original presentations, songs, dances and 19 intricate, custom-made bonnets. Since Easter Bonnet Competition began in 1987, the event has raised more than $53 million for Broadway Cares. Last year's event raised $3,706,085.
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