Produced by and benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Broadway Bares XXII: Happy Endings will spin tales for a good cause on Sunday, June 17, for two performances only, at Roseland Ballroom in New York City. More than 200 of New York's hottest dancers will "take you to a land where rubbing a magic lamp reveals more than just a genie. These storybook happy endings would make seven dwarfs whistle before and after they work."

If that description of the event doesn't tantalize you, nothing will! However, this week's Character Approved pick is the man behind the scenes: Tony winner Jerry Mitchell, who serves as executive producer for this annual event. The first Broadway Bares featured just seven dancers and raised more than $8,000. Through 21 editions, Broadway Bares has raised more than $8.6 million for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. We're honoring Mitchell here this week for both the original idea, and for shepherding this unique event (and its offshoots) for over two decades since.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is one of the nation's leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations. By drawing upon the talents, resources, and generosity of the American theatre community, BC/EFA has raised more than $195 million for essential services for people with AIDS and other critical illnesses across the United States. For giving back to such a great organization in such an original way, Jerry Mitchell is Character Approved.

[Image: BroadwayWorld.com]