In its second year since the pandemic, Red Bucket Follies returned to Broadway’s New Amsterdam Theatre on Dec. 9 and 10. The variety show, which features original songs, skits and dances, serves as the culmination of post-performance fundraising efforts by Broadway, Off-Broadway and national touring productions in the previous six weeks. The 53 participating productions raised $5,320,146 for the nonprofit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, which marks a 16.8 percent increase from earnings from the 2023 Follies.
The Broadway production of “Wicked” raised $284,052, the most of any Main Stem show, while its tour raised $318,084, the most of any national production. Broadway’s “Hell’s Kitchen” ($269,562) was the first runner-up for musicals, followed by “Sunset Boulevard” ($258,702) and “The Outsiders” ($200,052).
On the straight-play front, “Oh, Mary!” was the top fundraiser, having collected $203,794. “Our Town” ($152,631) was the first runner-up, and “Romeo + Juliet” ($102,176) the second.
“Back to the Future,” who was last edition’s runner-up for best onstage presentation, took home this year’s top honor. A cast led by Casey Likes, JJ Niemann and Jelani Remy performed parodied songs from the show, alongside Sheryl Goldberg and Verna Hobson, longtime front-of-house staff members of the show's venue, the Winter Garden Theatre.
The runner-up for best onstage presentation was awarded to “The Lion King,” who came in first place last year. The long-running musical offered a piece titled “Mental,” written by cast member L. Steven Taylor. Featuring direction and choreography by cast member Ray Mercer, the performance explored the anxiety and pain that often accompany mental illness.
The 2024 judges included Tom Francis, Nikki M. James, Kimberly Marable, Bianca Marroquín, Mary Kate Morrissey, Bebe Neuwirth, Brad Oscar, Art Panfile, Conrad Ricamora, Steven Skybell, Shaina Taub, Wayne Vincent, Gary Wendlandt and Peg Wendlandt.
The event’s opening number, which had a focus on social justice and activism, was directed, choreographed and conceived by Andrew Turtletaub. The song featured recordings of Tom Viola, who will retire in January 2025 from his longtime post as executive director of Broadway Cares, highlighting his commitment to activism. LaQuet Sharnell Pringle performed spoken-word poetry, after which Melody A. Betts, Arielle Jacobs and Rema Webb led a rendition of the anthem “Keep Marching” from 2024 Best Musical Tony Award nominee “Suffs.”
Viola later addressed the audience, acknowledging his gratitude in advance of his departure from Broadway Cares. “You've joined our work with such commitment, generosity of spirit, kindness and great humanity. You shared your time, talents, energy and resources in ways that have simply been beyond imagining. I will hold the memories of what we shared for these many years in my heart forever. Thank you.”
Seth Rudetsky served as host for the 14th time. Additional appearances were made by Broadway Briefing’s 2024 Showperson of the Year Cole Escola, as well as Betty Buckley, Ruthie Ann Miles, Jim Parsons and Nicole Scherzinger.
The creative team for the Red Bucket Follies included director Jason Trubitt, production stage manager Bernadette Schoenborn, music director Ted Arthur and music coordinator Charles Gordon. Joel Shier served as lighting designer, while Marie Renee Foucher served as sound designer.
Since its creation in 1989, the Red Bucket Follies (formerly called Gypsy of the Year) has raised $104 million to benefit Broadway Cares.
