Sunday night's dual performances of Broadway Bares XXX — which celebrated the annual (give or take a pandemic) fundraiser's 30th anniversary — fishnetted $1,893,715 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
The creation of super choreographer Jerry Mitchell had been sidelined by COVID concerns in 2020 and 2021, but came roaring back to the Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC under the direction and choreography of Laya Barak.
I am what I Tam ...
The opener was a preemptive showstopper, featuring vocals from Jason Tam and Bonnie Milligan as a cast of thousands tens razzledazzled us, providing a recap of 30 years of Bares.
I was excited to attend the intimate book launch for N Is for the Nanny, a new book by Rebecca Kelly with illustrations by Gary Chestney and a foreword by Fran Drescher. The limited edition is sold here or here, and all proceeds benefit Drescher's Cancer Schmancer charity.
Having beat uterine cancer in 2000, it's a cause that means the world to her.
Drescher, looking like a million-dollar engagement ring from Mistuh Sheffield, was totally accessible. As the recently elected prez of SAG-AFTRA, she is poised, articulate and ready to speak on any topic, but was especially comfortable speaking about toxic chemicals and plastics and how she believes America needs to return to simpler eating and all-natural ingredients.
She also told a great story about working with Elizabeth Taylor on The Nanny in 1996 that referenced the magnificent Renée Taylor, who was on hand to vouch for it.
I asked Drescher about the Roe v. Wade debacle, and she was very forthcoming:
The author, Rebecca, was very sweet, as was — as Fran called him — Fran's gay ex-husband Peter Marc Jacobson. Taylor asked me if I had a kid (the book is great for those), asked me to bring her food and made a comedic face when I said I'd get her something but was she picky? (I'm not sure if anyone ate the show-stopping cake!)
Fran with Peter Marc Jacobson & author Rebecca Kelly, Renée with that cake!
The book is lovely, and a great collectible at $24.95 for a great cause.
(Image by Andrew Wilkinson for Cambridge Blues Naked Calendar 2022)
The Cambridge Blues Naked Calendar 2022 is coming — and it's rife with naked students. All monies go toward Jimmy's Cambridge, Teenage Cancer Trust, Student Minds and Rainforest Trust.
