The 2024 edition of “Broadway Backwards” raised a record-breaking $917,651. A benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and New York City’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center, the event’s fundraising efforts exceeded the previous record of $765,069, which was raised in 2023.
The one-night concert, which took place on March 11 at Broadway’s New Amsterdam Theatre, offered performances of traditional showtunes with an LGBTQ+ twist. “Broadway Backwards” creator Robert Bartley directed the evening, while Tony Award nominee Jenn Colella served as host. Bartley co-choreographed alongside Skye Mattox and Adam Roberts.
The 18th iteration of “Broadway Backwards” featured performances or appearances by Tony winners Norbert Leo Butz, Len Cariou, Debra Monk, Alex Newell and Lillias White, Tony nominees Shoshana Bean, Robin De Jesús, Joshua Henry and Tony Yazbeck, as well as Julie Benko, Jonathan Bennett, Todd Buonopane, Tituss Burgess, Joe Chisholm, Darius de Haas, Bradley Dean, Jordan Fisher, Mae-Lynn Flores, Arielle Jacobs, Casey Likes, Daniel Marmion, John McGinty, Shoba Narayan, Nicholas Park, Courtney Reed, Jelani Remy, Janelle Farias Sando, Morgana Shaw, Jamison Stern, Constance Wu and Chip Zien. Mark Brandon and Jarrett Reiche from Casting by ARC served as casting consultants.
Broadway Inspirational Voices, a 2019 Tony honoree for excellence in the theater, also performed.
“Broadway Backwards” was produced by Broadway Cares, with Jeff Brancato, Scott T. Stevens and Danny Whitman as lead producers. The 2024 edition was sponsored by City National Bank, Jeans Paul Gaultier, the New York Times, United Airlines and Ted Snowdon.
