Broadway Legend Joined: 5/11/04
I've seen three different shows' pitches for BC/EFA during the past week (SYLVIA and revisits to CURIOUS INCIDENT and SOMETHING ROTTEN!), and one thing struck me: While the post-curtain speeches were heartfelt and/or humorous, in keeping with the particular show's tone, none approached the zeal and excitement created when Hugh Jackman offered up items (and sometimes people) for auction. I don't think any person or production will ever equal the unimaginably high amounts he collected. If only for that reason, it would be great to have him back on Broadway.
Well, his celebrity has way more to do with that than anything else. They weren't groupies of The River, and Hugh was just a bonus thrown in... plus, it helps when your celebrity friends are there to bid, as well. Like Taylor Swift paying a few grand for his T-shirt the one night, etc.
Hugh Jackman's star power I'm sure helped more than his enthusiasm. When I saw The River last year during the collection period, the playwright himself was in the audience and donated several thousand dollars.
Also, all of the long running musicals are collecting right now, including The King and I and Spring Awakening.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/15/03
Hugh has always been more than just enthusiastic to help a great cause -- over the years, he has collected millions for BCEFA. One of the funniest incidents ( during Back on Broadway time) was when he actually turned down one enthusiastic hand that went up to bid on the item being auctioned. During the show, he was breaking the fourth wall in a banter with a front row seater and even gave him the basketball that was a prop in the show. They became pals! During the auction, the hand went up to bid! Hugh feverishly said " Someone, bring his hand down!". The bidder was a 9-10 year old boy! Fortunately, his Mom said it was alright for her son to bid in the thousands.
Hugh instead told the young boy to join him after the show so he can sign the basketball.
Does anybody know if Spring Awakening is collecting and if they are selling cast signed playbills? Do I have to write to the theater? If so who do I address it to and how much is the donation, and who do I make the check out to ?
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/30/15
I guess I admire their optimism but Sylvia might be overreaching with $60 for signed Playbills.
I don't think On Your Feet is doing anything.
NewsiesForever said: "Does anybody know if Spring Awakening is collecting and if they are selling cast signed playbills?"
Collecting, yes. Not sure about merch.
VintageSnarker said: "I guess I admire their optimism but Sylvia might be overreaching with $60 for signed Playbills.
I don't think On Your Feet is doing anything.
$60 for playbills? Maybe they're just trying to take advantage of the fact that Annaleigh Ashford is fresh off her Tony win. Despite having Matthew Broderick and Julie White, I wouldn't consider Sylvia to have an 'all star' cast that would encourage people to pay $60 for signed playbills, even if it's for a good cause.
When does the collection period end? I have a few shows I am going to see the 1st week of December
The Gypsy of the Year ceremony will be held on December 7, so, the period may end sometime during the week prior.
Featured Actor Joined: 9/17/04
Someone posted you could get a signed playbill for Hamilton for a donation to BCEFA, where is the site you can do this at? Thanks
I think you just send a request, SASE and a check to the theater. Not sure the amount they require, though. Check the thread on Who Have You Heard Back From or somesuch, they'll know in there.
Gpvegas said: "Someone posted you could get a signed playbill for Hamilton for a donation to BCEFA, where is the site you can do this at? Thanks "
Just send a letter request, a $40 donation, and a SASE addressed to Hamilton at the Richard Rogers Theatre. They sent me a playbill within days.
If a show is in previews and isn't collecting, will they still have the Carols for a Cure CD on sale? Merch booth maybe?
Any updates on Spring Awakening? I know that they're collecting, but have yet to hear word about any available merch?
Broadway Star Joined: 12/31/69
Does anyone know if Hamilton is collecting yet? Any signed posters?
On Tuesday, Spring Awakening had a great speech by Krysta Rodriguez (and Ali Stroker) but I don't recall them offering any special merchandise.
Therese Raquin is collecting donations, but they are not offering any signed merchandise.
I saw HAMILTON on Thursday night and they did collect. The only merch was the Carols for a Cure CD.
Does a show like Hamilton, that queues up money selling $40 signed Playbills between collection periods, get to add that to their total during this campaign?
They may only be able to count money received during the collection period, and not before.
Is The Gin Game collecting donations?
Leading Actor Joined: 10/14/15
"Aladdin" collected on Sunday night -- backstage tours for $2,500 for up to four people (and you get to hold the lamp!), aprons and Carols for a Cure CDs.
"Wicked" wasn't collecting yet on Sunday afternoon, I believe they may have started today based on a post I saw.
Finding Neverland is collecting donations and is offering the Carols for a Cure CD and cast-signed posters. Prices unknown.
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