TL;DR
- Broadway Bares announces its 2026 theme: License to Strip.
- The event features over 200 dancers in a spy-themed spectacle.
- It raises funds for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
- Performances will take place at Hammerstein Ballroom on June 21.
- Tickets start at $75 with VIP options available.
Hold onto your hats, folks, because Broadway Bares is back and it’s about to get downright scandalous! This year, the beloved annual fundraiser for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is going undercover with its most seductive theme yet: License to Strip. Yes, you heard that right. Picture this: a high-stakes, espionage-inspired spectacle that’s set to sizzle with over 200 dancers ready to strut their stuff on stage.
Mark your calendars for June 21, when the Hammerstein Ballroom transforms into a playground of intrigue, fantasy, and a whole lot of skin. With a cast of characters that includes Michal Kolaczkowski as Sherlock Holmes and Khasan Brailsford as Dick Tracy, this event is not just a show; it’s an experience that leans heavily into the world of secret agents and double identities. Expect slick choreography that will keep you on the edge of your seat and maybe even make you blush.

From the first tantalizing images released, the vibe is clear: think spycraft turbocharged with high-glam fantasy. We’re talking about a striking red telephone booth centerpiece, leather harnesses, thigh-high boots, and all the pop culture references you can handle, but with a deliciously naughty twist. It’s the kind of event where the only thing buttoned-up will be your expectations!
Tickets start at just $75, but if you’re feeling fancy, there are VIP options that include premium seating, backstage access, and even a private cocktail party hosted by none other than Jerry Mitchell, the Tony-winning mastermind behind hits like Kinky Boots and Hairspray. Talk about a night to remember!
But let’s not forget the heart of this event. Broadway Bares has been a staple of New York’s queer scene for decades, raising more than $31 million to support those living with HIV and other serious illnesses. It’s a night where glitter meets purpose, and every dollar spent goes towards a worthy cause.
So, whether you’re a Broadway aficionado or just looking for a fabulous night out, make sure you grab your tickets to Broadway Bares: License to Strip. It’s going to be a night filled with excitement, glamour, and of course, a whole lot of stripping! Get your tickets now at broadwaycares.org/bares.