Imagine making your Broadway debut to a full house of cheering fans. Or stepping up to the podium in a Broadway orchestra pit and hearing the music swell the moment you raise your hands. These, and more, Broadway dreams can come true at this year's Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction, set to be held September 22.
The Broadway Flea has become synonymous with the theatre district brimming with unique props and mementos at tables representing Broadway shows and industry organizations, and exciting encounters with beloved Broadway stars. The most-experienced Flea-goers know, though, that some of the rarest items and unique experiences are available at the silent auction and the live Grand Auction. The silent auction starts in Shubert Alley at 10 AM with new lots launching every half hour, and the Grand Auction begins at 5 PM in the Times Square pedestrian plaza between 45th and 46th Streets.
With pre-bidding already live on 220 Grand and silent auction items, you can stake your claim on your dream Broadway collectibles and encounters right now. We’ve dug through the dozens of offerings and curated nine items and experiences you won’t want to miss.
1. Make Your Broadway Debut with Walk-On Roles in & Juliet or Chicago
If you’ve ever wished for your moment in the spotlight, the Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction is here to make your Broadway visions a reality. Two of the most exciting Grand Auction lots are opportunities to take the stage at hit shows & Juliet and Chicago—complete with hair, makeup, and costume consultations. At Chicago, you’ll even have a preparatory rehearsal with the dance captain and a bow with the entire company. That’ll surely “razzle dazzle ‘em!” Bid now to take the stage at & Juliet or Chicago.
2. Merrily We Roll Along Album Signed by Original and Revival Cast Members
Sondheim superfans, it’s your time—breathe it in! A Merrily We Roll Along original cast album, part of the silent auction, has been signed by original cast members Jason Alexander, Ann Morrison, Lonny Price, and Jim Walton; plus revival stars Jonathan Groff, Lindsay Mendez, and Daniel Radcliffe. The recent revival took home four Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical and acting awards for Groff and Radcliffe. Bid on this one-of-a-kind treasure from one of Sondheim’s most cherished works and last season’s biggest hits.
3. Conduct the Orchestra at Hell’s Kitchen or Wicked
This Grand Auction opportunity will be music to any Broadway lover’s ears: conduct the orchestra at Hell’s Kitchen or Wicked. At each show, you’ll lead the final musical moments from the orchestra podium, complete with virtual and in-person rehearsals leading up to your big day. Plus, you’ll go backstage after both experiences to meet members of the casts. Bid to conduct at Hell’s Kitchen or Wicked.
4. Onstage Memories from Kimberly Akimbo
“Make a Wish” and bid on two special onstage collectibles from the Tony Award-winning Best Musical Kimberly Akimbo. A photo taken onstage during Kimberly’s birthday scene has been signed by two of the show’s stars, two-time Tony winner Victoria Clark and Tony nominee Steven Boyer. The pair also signed a Six Flags ticket prop that was used during a pivotal moment between their characters. Embark on a “Great Adventure” and bid on Kimberly Akimbo lots.
5. Original Crucifix from the Set of Les Misérables
If you “Dreamed a Dream” of the ultimate Les Misérables treasure, look no further. This crucifix from the original Broadway production of Les Misérables was part of the stage design and setting for all 6,680 performances across 16 years, since the show first opened in 1987. This rough-hewn crucifix first debuted at The Kennedy Center opera house, before moving to NYC’s Broadway Theatre and then the Imperial. Now, it’s ready for its debut in your collection—and there’s no doubt you’ll want to “Bring Him Home.” Bid now on this treasured set piece.
6. Costumes Worn Onstage by Broadway Favorites
Here’s your chance to step into the spotlight—and into costumes worn by your favorite Broadway stars. Suit up with Bryan Cranston’s attire from All the Way, or dress down in a bloody T-shirt worn by Aaron Tveit in Sweeney Todd. Be the mother of all Broadway fans with a robe worn by Jessica Lange or T-shirt worn by Jim Parsons in Mother Play. And you’ll be adorned in Broadway from head to toe with boots worn and signed by Ani DiFranco in Hadestown or beggar woman shoes worn and signed by Ruthie Ann Miles in Sweeney Todd. Put on these Sunday clothes and bid on wearable treasures.
7. Shadow a Stage Manager at The Lion King or Moulin Rouge! The Musical
If you’ve ever wanted to experience a Broadway show backstage through the eyes of a stage manager, now you “can, can, can.” Two unique Grand Auction lots give you the opportunity to shadow a stage manager at The Lion King or Moulin Rouge! The Musical. You’ll gain all-new insight into Pride Rock or La Belle Epoque-era Paris when you see these legendary shows from a special vantage point, watching firsthand the technical cues that bring the musicals to life. Bid to gain this once-in-a-lifetime experience at The Lion King or Moulin Rouge!.
8. Playbills, Programs, and Treasures Signed by Broadway Legends
Some of Broadway’s most legendary talents have autographed items available only in the Silent Auction. There’s an original Once Upon a Mattress Playbill signed by Carol Burnett, and an original Into the Woods Playbill signed by Bernadette Peters. There’s a signed copy of Donna McKechnie’s memoir, an Angela Lansbury-signed Mame Playbill and an André De Shields-signed original The Wiz program. And in the Live Auction, you’ll find a signed edition of Barbra Streisand’s memoir. The lot also includes an extremely rare ornament featuring Streisand as Fanny Brice, part of Broadway Cares’ Broadway Legends series. Explore dozens of lots signed by icons.
9. Attend a Private Movie Screening of Wicked
Something will change within you when you have the Wicked movie experience of a lifetime. As part of the Grand Auction, you can bid on two tickets to a private advance screening of Wicked, hosted by Vogue. The winner and a guest will also see its original stage version on Broadway from VIP house seats, plus get a backstage tour and meet with some of the cast members. You’ll also take home a surprise, stage-used Wicked prop and poster signed by the Wicked on Broadway cast. Rejoicify and bid on the ultimate Wicked package.
The Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction returns this Sunday, September 22, from 10 AM to 7 PM with tables on West 44th and West 45th Streets, the silent auction in Shubert Alley, and the live grand auction beginning at 5 PM in the Times Square pedestrian plaza between 45th and 46th Streets. If you can’t join in-person, proxy bidding is available on every live and silent auction item. Email Auctions@BroadwayCares.org to learn more.
The event is produced by and benefits Broadway Cares/Equity FIghts AIDS, the philanthropic heart of the theatre community. Money raised will help provide meals and medication, health care and hope to those onstage and behind the scenes in the entertainment industry as well at 450 community organizations in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.
Visit BroadwayCares.org.
