Broadway lovers and teddy bear collectors came together on February 11 at the 10th Broadway Bears auction, which raised a total of $130,000.
The event was hosted by Bryan Batt with Lorna Kelly reprising her role as auctioneer.
A total of 43 specially made teddy bears—each dressed in original, handmade costumes representing some of the theater’s most legendary characters—were auctioned to the highest bidder in support of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
To date the Broadway Bears have raised well over $1.35 million; last year’s Broadway Bears auction raised $112,000.
Top bids included the $8,000 Mary Poppins bear signed by Julie Andrews and Ashley Brown, the $6,500 Phantom of the Opera bear signed by Sandra Joseph and Hal Prince and the $6,000 A Chorus Line bears (17 bears in total), signed by the entire revival cast.