Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has announced that “Broadway Backwards” will return to New York for its 20th anniversary concert on March 23 at the Gershwin Theatre.
“We first presented ‘Broadway Backwards’ at the LGBT Center in 2006, and I’ve had the joy of watching it grow with hundreds of unforgettable performances across these past 20 years,” said Broadway Cares executive director Danny Whitman in a statement. “This year, these stories matter more than ever. With LGBTQ+ funding at risk and threats rising, ‘Broadway Backwards’ supports queer communities here in New York through the Center and across the country through Broadway Cares — turning celebration into real, lifesaving impact.”
Show creator Robert Bartley will return once again to direct and choreograph the performance, with Adam Roberts returning as choreographer and associate director, Amanda LaMotte as co-choreographer and Colby Q. Lindeman joining as associate choreographer. In addition, Ted Arthur and Mary-Mitchell Campbell will continue as music supervisors, and ARC’s Mark Brandon and Jarrett Reiche as casting consultants. (Casting for “Broadway Backwards” will be announced at a later date).
The show, which involves Broadway stars introducing a queer theme to songs from the Broadway songbook, raised $7,325 at its 2006 inaugural concert. Last year’s show, which included an 82-person cast and a live orchestra, raised a record $1.1 million. During the course of the last 19 years the event has raised more than $9.7 million for Broadway Cares and the Center.
“Over the past two decades, we’ve seen this unique production grow into a joyful celebration of LGBTQ+ creativity, community and pride,” said Dr. Carla Smith, CEO of the Center. “HIV and AIDS prevention and support are core to our mission, and this fundraiser helps us continue turning joy into impact, ensuring LGBTQ+ New Yorkers have access to the services they need to live successful and healthy lives.”
Broadway Cares is one of the nation’s leading nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations. Since 1988, Broadway Cares has awarded more than $300 million for essential services for people with HIV/AIDS and other critical illnesses across the United States.
Established in 1983 to provide a safe and affirming place for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers to respond to the urgent threats facing the community, the Center offers programs and services intended to empower queer people to lead healthy, successful lives.
Lead sponsors for this year’s “Broadway Backwards” include City National Bank, the New York Times and United Airlines.
