Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has announced a date and venue for the 33rd edition of “Broadway Bares.” The fundraising event will take place on June 22 at Hammerstein Ballroom. Two performances will be offered, the first at 9:30 p.m. and the second at midnight. The annual benefit, which features burlesque- and striptease-based production numbers, raises monies for nonprofit institution Broadway Cares.
Kellen Stancil, a longtime “Bares” performer, will serve as director for the second year in a row, having held the position of co-director in 2023. Paula DeLuise will return as associate director for the performances, which are expected to feature over 150 dancers.
“I'm overflowing with excitement to return to direct Broadway Bares for a second year — it’s an incredible honor to celebrate this iconic legacy while unleashing fresh, jaw-dropping thrills and sizzling seduction like never before,” Stancil said in a statement. “I’ve been a dancer, then choreographer and now director of ‘Bares’ for more than a decade. When you’re on that stage, feeling the audience’s energy, sharing work from a stellar lineup of choreographers and making a lifesaving difference — there’s nothing else like it.”
“Every strip, strut and gallon of body glitter represents more than just a dazzling night of entertainment,” added Danny Whitman, who recently began his tenure as executive director of Broadway Cares. “It translates into meals and medication, health care and hope for people in our theatrical community and so many more facing critical illnesses in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.”
Since its creation in 1992 by Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell, “Broadway Bares” has raised $28.7 million for Broadway Cares, which provides access to medications, counseling, housing and other services to individuals living with HIV/AIDS and other illnesses. The 2024 “Bares” alone raised $2.26 million.
A theme for the 2025 “Broadway Bares,” as well as performers and choreographers, will be announced.
“Broadway Bares” is being executive produced by Mitchell and frequent “Bares” director and performer Nick Kenkel.
