Broadway company of ‘Wicked’ gets awarded top fundraiser at ‘Gypsy of the Year’

The Broadway production of the smash hit musical Wicked earned the title of top fundraiser of the year in the 2007 “Gypsy of the Year” competition, which generates money annually toward the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS foundations, raising a total of $208,406 in proceeds, according to an article published Tuesday, Dec. 18 by BroadwayWorld.com.

The 19th annual competition of it’s kind, this year’s “Gypsy of the Year” generated $3,927,000, beating out the previous high record of $3,420,000 in 2004 and reinforcing the power of Broadway, off-Broadway and national touring theater productions to the ever present theater community, according to the article.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the community for their truly generous, indeed heroic, efforts following the strike,” Tom Viola, executive director of BC/EFA, said. “There is no other community, no other business or industry, which has joined hands in a grassroots fundraising effort as the theatrical community has with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Together we have indeed made a difference in the lives of thousands: those in and out of ‘the business’ who depend on the social services of The Actors’ Fund; as well as over 400 food banks, health clinics and AIDS and family service organizations across the country who benefit from your generous fundraising efforts on behalf of BC/EFA.”

The Los Angeles production of Wicked  was a close runner-up to Jersey Boys in the national tour fundraising category, helping to generate more than $200,000 in revenue. This year, 17 shows contributed to helping raise the record-breaking grand total, with many chorus line, Broadway and off-Broadway individuals donating six weeks of intensive acting time toward variety show competitions productions. The event is held annually and more information can be found at www.broadwaycares.org.

Still haven’t seen a Broadway production? Now is a great time to check out a pair of Wicked tickets at Stubhub.com.

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