Members of the Australian cast of the Phantom of the Opera gave their time on Sunday night to help raise money for Animals Asia’s “Moon Bear Rescue”.

Ten performers including John O’May (who plays Firmin), David Rogers-Smith (Piangi) and Alexander Lewis (Raoul) performed their favourite musical pieces before an audience of more than 100 guests including Dr Katrina Warren, the charity's Australian Ambassador and our wonderful MC, Phil Kafcaloudes from Radio Australia. More than $11,000 was raised through a silent auction and raffle.

The event, held at the Statement Lounge, was organized to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Animals Asia, the organisation responsible for rescuing over 240 Asiatic Black Bears (also known as Moon Bears) from bile farms in China. It is one of many “Honey Money Day” events being held across Australia during the months of August and September to raise funds to repair sanctuary buildings damaged during the Chengdu earthquake.

A huge bear sized thank you to all the performers and crew who gave their time and talent including:

Andrea Creighton
Ed Cymerman
Evan Drill
Julie Goodwin
Nadia Komazec
Alexander Lewis
John O’May
Nat Oxenham
Jackie Rees
Anna-Lee Robertson
David Rogers-Smith
Derek Taylor
Ben Tiernan
Roy Weissensteiner