Broadway Bares Cancels Preview Show After Club Owner Hosts Ted Cruz Reception
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has canceled its planned "Broadway Bares: Solo Strips" show, a precursor to the main Broadway Bares show, after the owners of New York's 42West hosted a private reception for Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz.
Broadway Cares executive director Tom Viola said in a statement:
It is with regret that we have decided to cancel this year’s edition of the #BwayBares Solo Strips fundraiser, which was scheduled for May 10 at the NYC club 42West.
We do business with and accept fundraising support from a variety of people across a wide spectrum of political and religious affiliations. The rich diversity of our community makes what we do together so special. It is a rare instance where the actions of a donor negatively impacts us as an organization and potentially jeopardizes our relationship with others whose support is integral to our success.
But when it does occur, in a way that’s blatantly against all we stand and work for, we can’t pretend it doesn’t come with consequences. Silence is not a neutral position. It is complicit.
We cannot in good conscience hold an event at a venue whose owners have alienated our community, as reflected in Thursday’s New York Times story and today’s follow-up.
This is not about partisan politics or punishment. This is about doing what’s right to ultimately ensure that our commitment to the men, women and children we serve cannot be questioned.
Ticket holders will be contacted for a refund.
Broadway Bares: Top Bottoms of Burlesque, is still scheduled for June 21 at the Hammerstein Ballroom.