Bear necessities.(trends & events)(Brief Article)

NEW YORK CITY: Looking for a bear hug? For the past eight years, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS puts on Broadway Bears, an annual auction of stuffed fuzzies dolled up as famous Broadway characters. "The teddy-bear designers," says producer Anthony LaTorella, "work year round to recreate museum-style costumes and get in touch with Broadway celebrities. All the bears are signed by the celebrities, unless they're dead, in which case we try to get the original designer or other cast members from the show, if possible."

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