An abundance of “community, unity and nudity.” A thrilling exuberant in-person return
BY VICTOR MELAMED
Photo by Larry D. Moore,
via Wikimedia Commons
The 30th anniversary of Broadway Bares filled New York City’s Hammerstein Ballroom on June 26, 2022, with an abundance of “community, unity and nudity” as the venerable modern-day burlesque spectacular wrapped up Pride with a raucous return to in-person performances after a pandemic-induced three-year hiatus.
Two standing-room-only performances of Broadway Bares: XXX raised $1,893,715.
Broadway Bares was created in 1992 by Jerry Mitchell, then a Broadway dancer, as a way to raise awareness and money for those living with HIV/AIDS.
The anniversary celebration immersed audiences into a risqué reverie of Broadway Bares’ history, revisiting highlights from Bares‘ colorful 30-year past.
Broadway Bares was created as a way to raise awareness and money for those living with HIV/AIDS.
The journey, a fitting closing celebration for New York City’s Pride Sunday, reimagined superheroes, mythology and fairy tales, peeked under the big top and behind mysterious doors, and honored beloved stories of stage and screen.
The trip down memory lane starred 170 of New York City’s hottest, most exuberant dancers led by host Maulik Pancholy, who was assisted by Broadway Bares spirit guides Nathan Lee Graham and Lesli Margherita.
The electric evening featured special guest appearances by this year’s Tony Awards host and Oscar winner Ariana DeBose, Funny Girl‘s Ramin Karimloo and POTUS’ Julianne Hough, Suzy Nakamura and Julie White.
