By Marilyn Lester****Hats off and applause to the Broadway and theater community for their outpouring of love and for their actions in response to the devastating bush fires in Australia. As a result of record high temperatures and one of the worst droughts in the country’s history, the months-long fires have destroyed millions upon millions of acres of land, along with thousands of homes. Nearly a billion animals, domestic and wild, have perished, with many surviving animals in dire need of care. Some species are even on the brink of extinction. No Australian state has been spared, with New South Wales (NSW) hit the hardest.
In our own sphere, Broadway has joined the international aid initiative. We have reasons aplenty to be proud of our Broadway and performing arts community, not just today, but every day; this outpouring of love is a prime example of what it means to be a global citizen. A giving spirit is an integral part of the persona of the creative artist—as integral to the soul as breathing is to the body. So, our hats are off to these Broadway folks for responding to the call of heartbreaking devastation half a world away. (You can help too, click here to find out how.)
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, on behalf of all of Broadway, Off-Broadway and the national tours involved in the organization’s recent fall fundraising campaign, is giving $100,000 in emergency grants to two Australian organizations. Grants of $50,000 each go to NSW Rural Fire Services & Brigades and to WIRES: The NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service. NSW Rural Fire Services & Brigades (rfs.nsw.gov.au) supports the first responders battling the cataclysmic fires. WIRES: The NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (wires.org.au) is the largest wildlife organization in New South Wales and across Australia. WIRES is rescuing, caring for and helping surviving animals who are facing food and water shortages due to habitat destruction.
A dance class fundraiser organized by Broadway and West End alum Nicholas Cunningham has collected donations for wildlife relief in Australia. Contributions will be given to the Australian Red Cross and Australian WWF.
Several members of the To Kill a Mockingbird company are sewing garments to help recovering animals, an activity spearheaded by actor Kerry O’Malley. Prime among this initiative is the crafting of mittens for injured koalas and “joey pouches” for wallabies and kangaroos. Sewers can help by making joey pouches, hanging joey pouches, bat wraps, quilts, and blankets (but nothing hand-sewn); crocheters can make birds’ nests, blankets, joey pouch outers, and animal jumpers; while knitters can make blankets, joey pouch outers, and animal jumpers, as well. Patterns, approved supply lists, and more can be found courtesy of the Animal Rescue Craft Guild.
Profits from the January 26 performance of Moulin Rouge! The Musical—a Broadway show with Australian ties—will go to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund and WIRES Australian Wildlife Rescue. The following day, company members will take part in the Make It Rain Rally, an initiative developed by Australian castmates Karli Dinardo and and Reed Luplau. The event at (Le) Poisson Rouge, directed by Luplau, will also feature performances by Ben Folds, Postmodern Jukebox, Morgan James, Alexis Michelle, and actors from Frozen, Hamilton, and Tootsie. Proceeds from the event, produced by Luplau and Hayley Isaacson, will also go to the two organizations.
New York theater producers and artists have initiated the “CODE RED” campaign that will be launched with two performances of the acclaimed play The Day the Sky Turned Red at The Tank. Tickets are available at TheTankNYC.org.
And finally, Australian-born jazz pianist, Matt Baker hosts a Benefit for the Australian Bushfire Disaster, an all-star fundraising concert on Tuesday, February 18 at 7 pm (doors open at 5:30pm) at Birdland. The performers will soon be announced for this musical special event. Tickets are $30 Bar seating; $40 General Admission table seating (these are 1st come 1st seated); $50 for VIP Table seating. There is a $10 minimum for all. www.BirdlandJazz.com or 212-581-3080
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