http://www.broadwaycares.org/events/bearsindextemp2005.cfm?Start=1&End=10 I thought that you Broadway Bears fans would like to know that Charlie Brown Bear is up! Lookin' good, Chuck!
In regards to Musetta's comment, I don't think I follow. There is a Boheme bear this year. Musetta is absolutely wonderful!
The way that the bears are chosen is a little bit dodgy. There's no single answer. Some of the bears are requests from Broadway Cares and/or long-time collectors and friends of BC/EFA. Most of the bears are created by the original design teams, and some are created by award winning costumers and doll artisans. In most cases, original costumes are used to produce the smaller versions. I've actually had to cut up full scale versions of Roger's pants from RENT...and Belle's GORGEOUS act I village costume from BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, to name just a few!
I've been with RENT for the past 4 years, and I'll probably continue the bears until their exhausted. In my case, I choose which bear will be represented. The first year that I came on with RENT, they had already produced Angel, Mimi and Collins. I thought that was an interesting order! My first was Anthony as Mark, and then Adam as Roger. I threw in Angel in her ACT II costume last year because I was ITCHING to make it. This year is Idina as Maureen. I don't have 100% authority in the actual costume, though, and there is little room for artistic license...since these have to be exacting replica's of the original. For instance, I made an entire "OVER THE MOON" costume for the bear, patterned after the current "Alien Love Transmission" costume that Maureen wears. If you're a fan of RENT...you'll know the one...the lace-up Diesel jeans and flower/star patch job. I always thought that Idina's original costume was a bit boring, so hence my decision. Well, this didn't sit well with other costumers at The Nederlander or with BC/EFA. So...all that work went down the drain! It joined the rest of the "prototype" Rent costumes in my big plastic bin. HA HA! There was also a prototype "Charlie Brown" shirt that I did, that eventually got scrapped for the one that you can currently see on the web site. Lots of work, but in the end it's all worth it. Of course, when the bear is complete, it's sent over to the respected actor to be signed and photos made. Who can forget that picture of Adam with his bear from 2 years ago?! Classic!
I can't speak for the other costumers, but I'm sure that they choose bears in the same fashion. Avenue Q does their bear every year, as does WICKED. You don't have to be present to bid on a bear. They accept absentee bidding through the website, and you can bid live on the phone on February 20th.
I'm still trying to get a group of Maureen fans to come out and MOO with me!
See y'all at the auction!
-John
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