BizBash
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
Topics
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
  • Industry Buzz
  • BizBash Lists
Resources
  • On-Demand
  • White Papers & E-Books
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Events
  • Awards
  • Subscribe
User Tools
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Get Featured
  • Press Releases
  • Newsletter Signup
  • Subscribe to Magazine
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
  • On-Demand
  • White Papers & E-Books
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Events
  • Awards
  • Subscribe
  1. Production & Strategy

Broadway Stars Bare All for Benefit

June 20, 2001
Everyone went The Full Monty at the Broadway Bares 2001: A Strip Odyssey benefit performance at Roseland Ballroom (that's totally nude for those of you who haven't been exposed, so to speak). It was an evening of great dancing and great bodies, all exposed to raise money for AIDS fund-raising group Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
The cast included 167 Broadway chorus dancers and a smattering of stars including The Tale of the Allergist Wife's Michelle Lee; drag performer and Tale playwright Charles Busch; Rent star Idina Menzel (who performed at the show's fifth anniversary party); and The Rocky Horror Show's Tom Hewitt, Daphne Rubin-Vega and Alice Ripley (who also performed at the recent Fashion Rocks Broadway fund-raiser). The cast performed a kicky book musical--the plot was a quest throughout the galaxy for the "power pasties" that would restore sex to 42nd Street--twice in one night, drew two sellout crowds and raised more than $350,000 (plus tips stuck into G-strings by those close enough to the stage).

The Broadway Bares event has been going on for the past 10 years, drawing a mostly male crowd that comes to cheer the buns and bravado displayed in clever performances. Ariadne Villarreal, one of the show's producers, told us for one month the chorus gypsies who populate Broadway shows squeeze in practice between their eight weekly shows to provide the risque and riotous dance numbers. Numerous Broadway designers provided the glorious costumes (yes, there were costumes), and the fabulous makeup--much of it strategically placed sparkles--was done by a team from sponsor M.A.C. Cosmetics.

The lower-priced tickets were standing room only on the floor in front of the stage, and the sponsor tables on the mezzanine provided seating and a great view of the whole scene, audience and show. Against some stunning projections by design consultant Wendall Harrington, the 14 numbers were imaginatively choreographed by a host of dancers, and a mix of recorded pop music and live vocals by stars of past shows such as Rent and Hair rocked the house.

In this performance, the cast of The Full Monty revealed their backsides, rather than their usual frontal shots--it was that kind of an evening. And the second show of the evening went even further. No prudes allowed. The show-stopping number was by EFX, an acrobatic dance group from Las Vegas, who hung from a revolving sphere designed by the Living Art of Armando and thrilled the wildly appreciative audience. The Antigravity performance troupe also delighted the crowd by jumping on stilts. But mostly it was the bodies--which came from a lot of exercise--that drew the most applause. The program included a credit for massage and chiropractic services, and we can see why.

--Susan Silver
Makeup artists from sponsor M.A.C. Cosmetics helped cover some of the skin exposed at the Broadway Bares benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
Makeup artists from sponsor M.A.C. Cosmetics helped cover some of the skin exposed at the Broadway Bares benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
A cast of Broadway veterans performed on stage at Roseland Ballroom for the annual show.
A cast of Broadway veterans performed on stage at Roseland Ballroom for the annual show.
Acrobatic dance group EFX performed inside a sphere designed by the Living Art of Armando.
Acrobatic dance group EFX performed inside a sphere designed by the Living Art of Armando.
The show ended with a skin-filled grand finale.
The show ended with a skin-filled grand finale.
Latest in Production & Strategy
Fords Gin's 'Beyond the Pour' experience spanned a total of 7,378 square feet across four rooms. The final room, 'The Garnish Lounge' (pictured), was the largest, offering guests an array of citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, and even toasted bread to complete their gin cocktail.
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
See Inside Fords Gin's Multisensory Experience at Rockefeller Center
The Method campaign extended to the venue concourse, where a shower-inspired photo booth invites fans to engage with cultural touchpoints like un cafecito, snap selfies with themed backdrops, and even send postcards home. On opening weekend, lines stretched over an hour as fans waited to participate.
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
20 Times Event Bathrooms Became the Star of the Show (Yes, Really)
At the smoothie stand, visitors could snag the Not-Your-$20-Strawberry-Glaze Smoothie, which was inspired by the viral smoothie from a popular LA grocery store.
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
No $20 Viral Smoothies Here—How ALDI Created an Outdoor Farmers Market Pop-Up
The activation was disguised as an ordinary porta-potty.
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
See How Disney’s Phineas and Ferb Transformed a Porta-Potty into a Music Festival Activation
Related Stories
Lyn's Cafe Caterers' executive chef Edward Sylvia with owner Lyn Goldstein at the Public Relations Society of America's Silver Anvil awards at the Equitable Center.
Event Production & Fabrication
Big PR Awards at Equitable Center
The New York American Marketing Association's Effie awards at the Marriott Marquis featured a set designed by Legend Productions that included a 22-foot screen and three smaller plasma screens suspended from a brushed steel pipe frame.
Audiovisual & Lighting
Advertising's High-Tech Awards Show
Kathleen Francis, vice president of marketing at Major League Baseball; baseball Hall of Famer Hank Aaron; and CBS sportscaster Lesley Visser at the Women in Sports and Events Women of the Year awards at the Marriott Marquis.
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Awards for Women in Sports Marketing
New York Times food writer Florence Fabricant was caught flapping for the cameras at the annual gala tribute to James Beard benefiting Citymeals-on-Wheels.
Programming & Entertainment
Citymeals' Roaring '20s Tasting Benefit
More in Production & Strategy
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
See Inside Fords Gin's Multisensory Experience at Rockefeller Center
Forget billboards. Fords Gin invited guests to taste its brand story with a multiroom experience that explored what really makes a good drink.
Fords Gin's 'Beyond the Pour' experience spanned a total of 7,378 square feet across four rooms. The final room, 'The Garnish Lounge' (pictured), was the largest, offering guests an array of citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, and even toasted bread to complete their gin cocktail.
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
20 Times Event Bathrooms Became the Star of the Show (Yes, Really)
Whether functional or just for fun, these cheeky bathroom-themed activations prove no space is too private for creativity.
The Method campaign extended to the venue concourse, where a shower-inspired photo booth invites fans to engage with cultural touchpoints like un cafecito, snap selfies with themed backdrops, and even send postcards home. On opening weekend, lines stretched over an hour as fans waited to participate.
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
No $20 Viral Smoothies Here—How ALDI Created an Outdoor Farmers Market Pop-Up
The grocery store chain showcased its affordable products within a cute farmstand-like setting.
At the smoothie stand, visitors could snag the Not-Your-$20-Strawberry-Glaze Smoothie, which was inspired by the viral smoothie from a popular LA grocery store.
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
See How Disney’s Phineas and Ferb Transformed a Porta-Potty into a Music Festival Activation
At the Vans Warped Tour in Washington, D.C., the network offered the show’s superfans a fun secret spy lair.
The activation was disguised as an ordinary porta-potty.
Strategy
How Over-the-Top Event Invites Can Make a Big Impact
In a world where inboxes are full and attention spans are short, an invitation can make or break your event’s perception.
This SNL50 mailer included a Marshall speaker—an homage to the decades-spanning musical guests on the show—a bottle of Chandon to toast the milestone, and a limited-edition crewneck.
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Disney+ Leaned Into Y2K Vibes for a 'Throwback' Pop-Up Experience in LA
Millennials, this one's for you. The streamer welcomed thousands of guests during a four-day experience celebrating its beloved '90s and '00s IP.
Disney+ hosted a Throwback Experience for fans June 12-15 in Los Angeles.
Most Popular
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
20 Times Event Bathrooms Became the Star of the Show (Yes, Really)
Event Design & Decor
7 Smart Ways to Beat the Heat at Outdoor Events
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
See How Disney’s Phineas and Ferb Transformed a Porta-Potty into a Music Festival Activation
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: Sephora
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
No $20 Viral Smoothies Here—How ALDI Created an Outdoor Farmers Market Pop-Up
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
See Inside Fords Gin's Multisensory Experience at Rockefeller Center
Event Production & Fabrication
WorldPride DC: How Event Organizers Created a Safe Space for the LGBTQ+ Community in the Nation's Capital
The massive celebration was a challenge for many reasons, but the global Pride event was still authentically D.C. Hear from organizers at Destination DC and Capital Pride Alliance.
WorldPride D.C. took place May 17-June 8.
Brands & Event Pros
Industry Innovators 2025: 10 Brands That Took Experiential Marketing to a Whole New Level
These companies broke through the noise with creative activations, events, and experiences that engaged attendees, fans, and consumers.
2025 Industry Innovators Article Image Brands
Opinion & Experts
Top Trending Stories on BizBash: June 2025
Wondering what the rest of the industry is up to? Here, BizBash offers a peek over the fence at what other event profs have been reading this month.
Hennessy returned to Gov Ball with its revamped Hennessy Highline. Festivalgoers stopped by for live mural paintings, DJ sets between performances, custom photo ops, and an interactive claw machine where fans lined up for a shot at exclusive Hennessy premiums, as well as cocktails like the Henny-Rita, Hennessy Berry Mojito, and Hennessy Pineapple. See more: Gov Ball 2025: 25+ Eye-Catching Brand Activations From the NYC Music Festival
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Cannes Lions 2025: 90+ Bold Builds and Big Ideas From the French Festival of Creativity
LinkedIn, Spotify, Canva, Pinterest, Meta, and dozens of other top brands showed up in a big way at the world’s most creative week. Take a look inside their splashy activations.
LinkedIn's Rooftop & Studio
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Block Party: See How Minecraft Was Transformed Into an IRL Video Game
The popular game has been turned into an interactive in-person experience that just opened in Canada.
Visitors embark on a rescue mission with a team of fellow Minecrafters.
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
50 Cool Event Ideas You May Have Missed From Liquid I.V., Martha Stewart, Foot Locker, and More
Here’s a look at some steal-worthy ideas we spotted in June 2025.
The pop-up brought the magazine to life through live hair demonstrations by local stylists, along with immersive moments designed to honor the legacy, creativity, and versatility of Black hair.
Page 1 of 712
Next Page
BizBash
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  1. Privacy Policy
  2. CCPA: Do Not Sell My Personal Info
  3. Contact Us
  4. Site Map
© 2025 Connect Biz, LLC. All rights reserved.