For the first time in its near-two-decade history, the annual “Broadway Backwards” concert surpassed $1 million in monies raised. The 2025 edition took in $1,111,788 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and New York City’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center (The Center), exceeding the previous record-breaking amount of $917,651, which was raised in 2024.
Tony Award nominee Jenn Collela hosted the March 10 event, which took place for the first time at the Gershwin Theatre, home of Broadway’s “Wicked.” “Broadway Backwards” creator Robert Bartley served as writer, director and co-choreographer of the concert which features traditional Broadway tunes reinterpreted from a queer perspective.
The evening featured co-choreography by Amanda LaMotte and Adam Roberts, the latter of whom also served as associate director. Ted Arthur and Mary-Mitchell Campbell served as music supervisors, while Nicholas Connors and Nick Wilders were the concert’s music directors.
Chris Gurr provided associate music direction, and Heather Hogan served as production stage manager.
The 19th iteration of “Broadway Backwards” featured performances and/or appearances by Tony winners Len Cariou, J. Harrison Ghee, Gregory Jbara and Kelli O’Hara, Tony nominees Lorna Courtney, Eden Espinosa and Dorian Harewood, in addition to Tituss Burgess, Bobby Conte, Darren Criss, Nikki Renée Daniels, Bradley Dean, Dionne Figgins, Jordan Fisher, Barrett Foa, Sydney James Harcourt, Javier Ignacio, Adam Lambert, Tiffany Mann, Manu Narayan, Preston Perez, Jessica Phillips, Conrad Ricamora, Gabriella Joy Rodriguez, Kate (Kei) Tsuruharatani, Remi Tuckman, Ryan Vasquez and Joy Woods. Mark Brandon and Jarrett Reiche from Casting by ARC served as casting consultants.
“Broadway Backwards” 2025 featured sound design by Josh Maszle, lighting design by Katy Atwell and Tony winner Jeff Croiter, costume design by Kitty Cassetti, Antonio Consuegra, Jess Gersz, Alex Rocky and Tyler Carlton “T.C.” Williams, prop design by Jenna Snyder and Alexander Wylie, as well as hair/makeup design by Megan Burke.
Since its inception in 2006, “Broadway Backwards” has collectively raised over $9.7 million for Broadway Cares and the Center. The 2025 iteration was produced by Broadway Cares; City National Bank, the New York Times and United Airlines served as lead sponsors.
