Monty Python's Spamalot galloped away as the show to raise the most money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS in the 17th Annual Gypsy of the Year Competition, which was held on December 5th and 6th at the Neil Simon Theatre.
Out of the total $2,972,721.15 that was raised for BC/EFA, Spamalot contributed $367,084. This year's Gypsy of the Year Competition is the second most successful ever; the 2003 event continues to keep the record at $3,359,000. Last year, $2,754,631 was raised by the participating shows.
According
to press notes, "The event is the culmination of six weeks of
fund-raising when shows on and Off-Broadway engage in a friendly
competition to see which show can raise the most money for BC/EFA.
Awards are presented to the shows raising the most money and to the
winning presentation." The competition honors
the ensemble performers and dancers of Broadway by presenting skits, songs and dance numbers. This year, The Odd Couple's Brad Garrett and Lee Wilkof served as co-hosts, while Patti LuPone, Cathy Rigby, Michael Cerveris, Harvey Fierstein, Rosie O'Donnell and others took part in the occasion.The Lion King was the winner of this year's Best Skit Award. Last year, the musical tied with Wicked for the honor. Wickedwas last year's most successful show in terms of fundraising.For more information on BC/EFA, visit www.bcefa.org.