Yahoo! News: It's a flea market like no other. For one thing, it takes place in Times Square. For another, it's a chance to come face-to-face with some of Broadway's biggest stars.
The annual Broadway Flea Market and Grand Auction celebrates its 25th year on Sunday, offering items far from the typical knickknacks elsewhere: a meeting with Bernadette Peters backstage at "Follies"; the chance to see "The Book of Mormon" and meet the stars; being part of the wedding scene onstage at "Mamma Mia!"
6 comments:
This is obviously an enormously smart move for Broadway productions, getting publicity from all of the Times Square tourists and raising huge amounts of money for relatively low effort. It fits, interestingly, with the idea of Broadway that a lot of people now have- more pandering towards tourists and pure entertainment value rather than smart, boundary pushing theater. More for vacationers who want to See A Broadway Show and maybe Do Some Shopping In New York. The market for such a sale is huge. So, are they raising the money for themselves or for AIDS? I wish this article was a little bit clearer on that regard. AIDS is certainly a noble cause, particularly when it would seem like some shows could use the extra cash generated from something like this.
I would agree, this is an awesome public relations opportunity for New York theater. And it is comforting to know that pieces of set, meticulously hand-crafted props or elaborate costumes will have a second life after the curtain has closed. But I am curious too... is the auction money they raise going to themselves or Broadway Cares? Also, the article mentions how those who see shows get a chance to see those IN the shows... does that mean the actors/production staff/tech make an appearance, for the real-public, not just a VIP event?
I never knew this existed! I would love to get the opportunity to see ym favorite actors and get to bid on items from shows I love! Not only does this event promote various shows on Broadway, but the article clearly states that ALL proceeds go to Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS so I don't question the validity there. TV and Film actors go to various conventions throughout the year, such as San Diego Comicon and Dragon*Con and they do signings and promote their show and fans get to purchase swag from their favorite movies and shows. I think its cool that Broadway fans have something similar that they can go to. Now, that I know about it, I'll see if I can work out a trip to New York next time this is happening.
I'm super excited to hear about this event! This is definitely something I would like to attend in the future to show my support for NY theatre. It sounds like a great atmosphere to meet some of your favorite famous lead actors and actresses in some of the most popular shows on Broadway, as well as do some connecting. I also love the fact that it ties back to the original cast of "A Chorus Line" in 1986 where they sold items from their dressing rooms. This even is great in promoting Broadway theatre and I'm glad to see it's going to good use through Broadway Cares-Equity Fights AIDS.
Now, I hate to be a Debbie Downer, but I wonder if anything that has come to one of these auctions has ever been considered to be the creative property of someone working on one of the shows. Especially for the items that are actually used in the productions.
Not that giving to charity is a bad thing at all, but do the designers need to be consulted before these items are donated?
However, it is a fantastic idea and a way to use items that will likely just sit in a wear house somewhere to actually be used for a good cause. Plus, what a cool place to just browse.
I feel like this is one of those "get rich quick" schemes, but for a great cause. It's a very resourceful idea, and its reassuring in a way to know that the people receiving these items care deeply about keeping theatre alive. It also invites others to enjoy what the theatre world can produce. An architect, for example, could buy the dragon head from the Wicked set as an inspiration for a new project. I would love to attend an event like this and take back a bit of Broadway back home.
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