Thursday, September 21, 2006

Flea Market Beginnings - How it all started

FLEA MARKET BEGINNINGS
by Michael Danek

Back in the mid 80’s. 1987 to be accurate, Equity Fights AIDS sent a letter out to all the Broadway shows asking them to come up with ideas as to how to raise money. I was doing ‘A Chorus Line’ at the time, and wanted to help. We organized a small committee to decide what to do. ‘Cats’ was doing a bake sale as I remember, other shows had other ideas. I was one of those people who always loved flea markets, antiques and such, and had the crazy idea of making one for the Broadway community. At first no one thought of anything to sell. But as time went on everybody had something to sell. Old show jackets, records, playbills, but was there a market for this kind of thing? Who knew?!

I went to the Shuberts with the feeling that we were the local show, and asked if we could hold the market in Shubert alley, the heart of Broadway I felt. The bosses at the Shubert Theatre approved with enthusiasm. The difficult permission was the Minskoff building, but after convincing them I wasn’t gong to block the entrances, and the Schuberts had agreed, they did as well. So I had my permissions, and space, now to get the participants.
Most shows didn’t respond at first, but after word spread, things went fast. the company of ‘Me and My Girl’ was one of the strongest supporters, as was ‘Phantom’ offering a Phantom mask & costume for photo’s which proved to be a big seller then. Soon a few other shows followed, I think we had about ten or so tables. All in all we made $7,000 that first day, sold only before the matinee on that Saturday. We had to stop to allow people to go to their shows. The second year we stopped again for the matinees, but picked back up after, and sold between shows as well, adding the live auction.

That is how it started, I only did the first three, as others more organized and connected took over. But I was the one who started it and that gave me great pride in my life to know that so many people have been helped by money raised by Broadway Cares /Equity Fights Aids, including many of my close friends, and people who I have shared the stage with over these years.

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Posted by Broadway Cares at Thursday, September 21, 2006 |

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Off Alley Bidding - Online Flea Market and Auction Options

GET IN ON THE BROADWAY FLEA MARKET AUCTION ACTION
with
OFF ALLEY BIDDING

(New York, NY, September 21, 2006) While nothing beats the fun and excitement of attending Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS' Flea Market and Grand Auction, you can still get a piece of the action online.

Just visit - www.broadwaycares.org to:

  • View and bid on Silent and Grand Auction Items, ranging from an autographed photo of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor in Private Lives, to a night at the 2007 Tony Awards, or your Broadway Debut with one of our “Win a Walk On” packages. Ever dream of owning the original Trekkie Monster from Avenue Q or Alan Cumming’s Mohawk? Well, You can't find these items anywhere else! In the information age, there is no reason to let geography get between you and your dreams!!
  • Experience FLEABAY, our super colossal selection of not-found-in-stores opening night gifts, props from Broadway plays, autographed posters and other unique items up for auction on eBay through the end of September. Current highlights include a signed script from The Pillowman, a prop used onstage in Urinetown, an opening night cast gift from Spamalot, a rare signed photo of Yul Brynner from The King and I, plus signed posters from Sweeney Todd, Paul Newman in a recent revival of Our Town, and The Pajama Game with Harry Connick.

Both the Silent Auction and Grand Auction items are genuine One of a Kind articles or Once in a Lifetime experiences. Although there are no guarantees of winning any item before the auctions on Sunday September 24th, with Off Alley Bidding, you’re in the game!

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Posted by Broadway Cares at Wednesday, September 20, 2006 |

Broadway Flea Market - United Scenic Artists, Local 829 Profile and Preview -

Broadway Flea Market Profile and Preview
United Scenic Artists, Local 829 Profile and Preview

For many Broadway Flea Market aficionados, the trip to Shubert Alley usually starts with The United Scenic Artists, Local 829 (USA829) table. Here, original museum quality artwork and award winning designs, rarely available to the public - is available for purchase. A staple of the Broadway Flea Market throughout most of its history, the USA829 table consistently holds the Flea Market record each year for largest sum of money raised at any one organization’s table. Last year, the USA829 table raised a record $23,000 for Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS beating out the previous record of $16,923 set by … you guessed it – The United Scenic Artists, Local 829. Table producer Gail Fuller credits the ongoing success of USA829's table to the generosity of union members who year after year donate their work from Broadway, Regional Theater and Television to help BC/EFA.

According to USA829 table producer Gail Fuller, the process of gathering the collection for each year’s table involves many and takes several weeks.

“Donated artwork starts arriving at the Union’s office weeks before the Flea Market each year. On the Friday before the Flea Market, a group of members gather to determine prices for each piece of art. Obviously, the Broadway designs are prices are highest. Placing a value on a donated piece of art is extremely difficult: prices range from $10 to as high as $4,250.”

A RARE PREVIEW HIGHLIGHT OF SOME OF THIS YEAR'S ITEMS

In recognition of the 20th Anniversary of the Flea Market, Gail Fuller let us in on a few of the items we can expect to see in Shubert Alley this Sunday.

An Original Costume Sketch by Florence Klotz from her Tony Award winning design from " A Little Night Music"
Original Costume sketches from Gregg Barnes’ Tony Award winning design for “The Drowsy Chaperone"
Original Scenic sketches from David Gallo’s Tony Award winning set design for “The Drowsy Chaperone”
Original Costume sketches from “Jersey Boys” by designer Jess Goldstein
Original Scenic sketches from Andrew Jackness’ set design for “The Scarlett Pimpernel"
4'x 6' panels of designer tests from 2006

As you may have guessed, popular items do not stay on the “shelf” long at this table. The table opens for sale at 10:00AM. But knowledgeable buyers arrive earlier. Desirable pieces are held until 10 and then sold.

As the day progresses, some of the art may be reduced in price. And by the afternoon, Gail is famous for her statement, “I DON’T WANT TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE OFFICE… SELL IT!” If you hear this, don't expect a "fire sale". If there are price discounts, they are determined by three people at the table: reasonable offers are not refused. Bargains can be obtained at this time.

The table closes at shortly after 5:00PM when the Grand Auction begins.

United Scenic Artists local 829

It is a nationwide autonomous union of artists and designers in the entertainment industry.

Local of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).

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Posted by Broadway Cares at Wednesday, September 20, 2006 |

Saturday, September 16, 2006

FLEA MARKET, GRAND & SILENT AUCTION FAQs

SHUBERT ALLEY U - AN ORIENTATION
Flea Market FAQs for First Timers

An estimated 25,000 to 30,000 Broadway Stars and Fans make the pilgrimage to Shubert Alley every year to experience the Broadway Flea Market and support BC/EFA. The slight early autumn chill in Shubert Alley mixed with so many familiar faces reconnecting has caused many to consider this event “Broadway’s Homecoming Weekend”. Using that metaphor, this page should help those “freshmen” who have just discovered this event or plan to make the trip for the first time.

Q What is the Celebrity Table? Who will be there? Do I have to come at a specific
time? Will they really sign ANYTHING?
A Appearance schedules, policies and prices can be found online on the Celebrity Table page of www.broadwaycares.org. Bear in mind that appearances and schedules sometimes change so check the website regularly for any changes or last minute surprise additions.

Q What items are on the Silent Auction and Grand Auction? Is there a book that I can order or download?
A We receive a steady stream of Silent and Grand Auction items which are posted to the Broadway Cares website regularly. To stay up to date on the latest additions to the auctions, we suggest that you bookmark this link - www.broadwaycares.org and check back regularly.

Q I’m unable to attend the Flea Market and Grand Auction this year, but have to have a particular item. Is there a way for me to place a proxy bid?
A All items on our Grand and Silent Auction can be viewed and bid on online prior to the actual Flea Market date by going to the Broadway Cares website.

Q Yes, I saw that, but what are my chances of winning an auction item if I’m not actually present at the auction?
A A well thought out pre-bid especially on a Silent Auction item can result in an auction item won. The best strategy is to regularly check the Broadway Cares website regularly especially at the end of the pre-bid period. For those more comfortable with a standard online auctions without live bidders, visit our “FleaBay” site online

To view and place a pre-bid on Silent Auction items Click Here
To view and place a pre-bid on Grand Auction items Click Here
To read the conditions of sale policy Click Here


Q I’ve never been to a live or silent auction. Do you have any advice?

A Remember, Auctions are like a game. You have to play to win. My advice is to bid early and bid often.


For more information on Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS events and programs visit www.broadwaycares.org

Posted by Broadway Cares at Saturday, September 16, 2006 |

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Every Grand Auction Needs a Grand Dame

Lorna Kelly - The Grand Auction's Grand Dame


To most avid Broadway memorabilia collectors and Supporters of BC/EFA , Lorna Kelly is known as "the face behind the auction podium" at both the Broadway Bears (Teddy Bear Auction) event and The Annual Broadway Flea Market and Grand Auction, where she’s pounded the gavel since 1989.

Over the last 16 years, Kelly’s expertise and showmanship have brought the auction from a $12,000 gross to high of $295,000 – a grand total of $2,503,700 over 17 separate auctions. But the life experience behind her breezy handling of the gavel is even more amazing.

Growing up in middle-class London, Kelly dreamed of theatrical success. While studying dance in New York, she did secretarial work to support herself, which led to a life-changing assignment. “I was doing temp work and they sent me to Sotheby’s to type labels for a day,” Kelly remembers. By 1976, she was their first female auctioneer.

Though her career thrived, Kelly knew something was missing, and, over a decade ago, her life took a radical turn. “My secretary gave me a book about Mother Teresa, and, honestly, I read it to be polite,” she admits. To her surprise, the message resonated.

“Meanwhile, I went to Calcutta on holiday and left thinking that I would never go back,” she says. “But, the following year, I found myself returning.”

Realizing that working in the slums of India and selling priceless items to the impossibly rich didn’t mesh, Kelly made a break to pursue her spiritual and altruistic quest. She recounted this journey in The Camel Knows the Way, an autobiography that describes 40 days of fasting, exploring the desert on camelback and working with Mother Teresa in a home for the dying. This memoir, which Kelly revised in 2003, has become a book club favorite.

Today, Kelly divides her time between speaking engagements, conducting auctions for numerous charities, and devoting a portion of each year to her spiritual side. These varied pursuits offer balance. “I don’t feel split anymore,” she says. “My work and my life are seamless.”

If you'd like to schedule a speaking engagement with Lorna Kelly or purchase a copy of her book, visit www.LornaKelly.com

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Posted by Broadway Cares at Wednesday, September 13, 2006 |

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Daytime Drama in Shubert Alley - Stars from four Soaps meet fans and support Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS

The Broadway / Soap Opera Connection

On September 24th Soap fans will have the rare opportunity to meet close to twenty of the biggest names working in daytime television when cast members from CBS and ABC Soaps take part in the Celebrity Table and Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS' annual fall fundraiser - The Broadway Flea Market and Grand Auction. You might wonder, "what is the connection between the small screen and the Great White Way?"

Broadway and the Daytime world are constantly crossing both on and off the small screen and Great White Way. On the small screen, when “All My Children’s” Erica Kane was going through her “Showgirl” phase in Las Vegas, she interacted with Broadway favorites Seth Rudetsky, Felicia Finley and Alice Ripley as she danced through Sin City. One of the prime examples of the "Broadway/Soap Connection" is James Mitchell (AMC's Palmer Cortlandt) who was consistently the first choice of such noted choreographers as Agnes DeMille, Jerome Robbins, and Gower Champion during a Broadway career that spanned over four decades.

Recently Tonya Pinkins and Kathy Brier starred on Broadway and Daytime at the same time. Tonya balanced “All My Children” with Caroline or Change and Kathy sang, “Good Morning Baltimore” in Hairspray eight times a week while filming “One Life to Live” when she wasn’t on stage. The most recent addition to the "Broadway Moonlighters Club" is Jacob Young who recently appeared as Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast while maintaining his on air status as Pine Valley's favorite iconoclast / heartthrob

On Sunday September 24, you can see the worlds of Broadway and Daytime colliding once more when stars like Jacob Young (“All My Children” & Beauty and the Beast) come together with “All My Children” pals like Jeff Branson, Connie Fletcher and Terri Ivens at the Celebrity Table and Photo Booth - a popular part of the 20th Annual Broadway Flea Market and Grand Auction.

“One Life To Live” is well represented with Melissa Gallo and Ilene Kristen-- also known to soap fans as the original Delia Ryan.

CBS Daytime is also well represented with “Guiding Light’s” John Driscoll, Stephanie Gatschet,Marj Dusay and "As the World Turns'" - Jesse Soffer, Trent Dawson, and Jennifer Landon.

In addition to The Celebrity Table - Daytime fans have the opportunity to win once in a lifetime experiences that are part of the Grand Auction like the "Lunch in Pine Valley with Mrs. Adam Chandler Package". Soap stars have also been known to work "both sides" of the Auction Table. Such was the case last year when "One Life To Live's" Robin Strasser (pictured above) added glamour to the Celebrity Table and competition to the Live Auction. Robin raised her paddle from the beginning to the end of the Live Auction increasing the excitement and the bids with her winning smile and winning bids!

Starting at 10:30 am and going until 4:00 the celebrity table will be a Soap Fan’s dream. For more information - Visit the 20th Annual Broadway Flea Market and Grand Auction page on www.broadwaycares.org

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Posted by Broadway Cares at Sunday, September 10, 2006 |

Sunday, September 03, 2006

Broadway Flea Market 101 - The Celebrity Table


A Chance to Chat With Famous Faces

As the Flea Market continues through most of the afternoon, fans are welcome to the Celebrity Table, a 4-hour sea of famous faces. Situated on the deck of Junior’s Restaurant on West 45th Street, the Celebrity Table allows fans, for a fee, to meet and greet their favorite stars from Broadway and off-Broadway shows past and present, as well some of daytime televisions biggest personalities. This year fans will get a chance to meet over 40 celebrities between the hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.. Autographs and photographs are the first order of business at the Celebrity Table. Each year, one of the most popular items sold is the BC/EFA commemorative Flea Market poster, perfect for remembering the day and getting autographs. Fans also have the opportunity to step up to the photo booth, giving them a chance to take pictures with their favorite stars.

For a complete up to date list information on who will be at the Celebrity Table and when they'll be there, Go to - The Celebrity Table Page on www.broadwaycares.org

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Posted by Broadway Cares at Sunday, September 03, 2006 |

Broadway Flea Market 101 - History


The Broadway Flea Market had an inauspicious start. In 1987, the event debuted as two tables presented by the company of A Chorus Line outside their stage door in Shubert Alley as a part of the first Equity Fights AIDS week, raising what was thought to be an astonishing $7,000. Over the next four years, the Flea Market grew with tables from more shows, theatre-related offices, unions, and guilds – everyone recognizing a good cause and a great chance to clean house.

The Grand Auction had equally humble beginnings. In 1988, an auction of eight lots was created, but with no experienced auctioneer, sputtered to its finish. In 1989, Sotherby's Lorna Kelly came on board as our official auctioneer and with her expertise a truly “grand” auction was born.

Today the Broadway Flea Market and Grand Auction brings thousands from the theatre community and audiences to Shubert Alley and along 44th Street. As they say, from little acorns… or more specifically, over 16 years from 1987 to 2005, this event has raised over $6.4 million and Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS is still signing posters, gathering swag, cleaning closets and auctioning off one-of-a-kind theatrical experiences for a good cause.

This year's Flea Market is made possible in part through generous sponsorships from
Continental Airlines, The New York Times, MAC Viva Glam, Junior's Restaurant, WOR Radio and Next Magazine

Posted by Broadway Cares at Sunday, September 03, 2006 |

Saturday, September 02, 2006

Broadway Flea Market - 101 - Overview


Sunday, September 24, 2006 10AM To 7PM
The 20th Annual Broadway Flea Market And Grand Auction
benefitting Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS

The Broadway Flea Market and Grand Auction, held each September in Shubert Alley, brings out the biggest and brightest stars from Broadway, Off-Broadway, Dance and daytime television to greet fans and sell memorabilia. Casts and company members of dozens of shows are joined by theatrical unions and guilds, producing organizations, local merchants, and many other groups to sell costume pieces, autographs, original scripts, rare photographs, and so much more.

The event also includes the Celebrity Table, where celebrities gather throughout the day to sign autographs and pose for photos in exchange for donations. Rare pieces of theater memorabilia can be bid on throughout the day as part of the Silent Auction. Each year, the finale to The Broadway Flea Market is the Grand Auction, in which singular items and opportunities such as Opening Night packages, walk-on roles in Broadway shows, television programs and films are available to the highest bidder.

Both Silent and Grand Auction Items are regularly posted and updated on the BC/EFA website. To view these items and place a "pre bid"

Posted by Broadway Cares at Saturday, September 02, 2006 |