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Broadway Backwards
Broadway Backwards

Broadway Backwards to Return March 16, 2020

The annual benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, “Broadway Backwards” is returning for a one-night-only performance. Benefitting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center in New York City, this eagerly-anticipated and nonpareil event will be held at the New Amsterdam Theatre (currently the home of Broadway’s Aladdin) at 8 PM on March 16, 2020.

A special twist on a fundraising event, “Broadway Backwards” features stars from the Great White Way performing songs from the musical theatre. That special twist? Gender doesn’t matter but love does, as performers step outside of traditional roles and bring explosive (and often funny) new interpretations of show music, all for a good cause. Tickets for the event begin at $100.

Want to take your experience at Broadway Backwards to the next level? VIP tickets include premium seats and a special post-show cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception with the cast. A limited number of “Backstage & Beyond” ticket packages also are available, which include the opportunity to see the dress rehearsal, exclusive backstage access, a meet-and-greet with some of the stars of Broadway Backwards, premium seats for the show and more.

Always a “who’s who” of the Great White Way, “Broadway Backwards” is a great place to catch a parade of stars on display. Last year’s installment featured a 130-person cast, including Jenn Colella, Gavin Creel, Darren Criss, Ariana DeBose, Andrew Rannells and Kathleen Turner, all backed by a live, 12-piece orchestra. This year’s line-up of talent will be announced in the coming weeks. Creator Robert Bartley will return to direct and choreograph the show. He will be joined by Mary-Mitchell Campbell as music supervisor, James Kinney as choreographer and Joshua Buscher-West as choreographer and associate director.

This year marks the 15th Edition of Broadway Backwards. The fundraiser started as a small, grassroots concert performed at The Center in 2006, then quickly grew into a highly anticipated event presented in Broadway’s best theatres. In its 14 editions, Broadway Backwards has raised more than $4.8 million for Broadway Cares and The Center. The event is generously sponsored by The New York Times.

About Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is one of the nation’s leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations. By drawing upon the talents, resources, and generosity of the American theatre community, since 1988 Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has raised more than $300 million for essential services for people with AIDS and other critical illnesses across the United States.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is the major supporter of the social service programs at The Actors Fund, including the HIV/AIDS Initiative, the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative and the Samuel J. Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts. Broadway Cares also awards annual grants to more than 450 AIDS and family service organizations in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., providing lifesaving medication, healthy meals, counseling, and emergency assistance.

About The Center

Established in 1983, New York City’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center empowers people to lead healthy, successful lives. The Center celebrates diversity and advocates for justice and opportunity. Each year, The Center welcomes more than 300,000 visits to our building in the West Village neighborhood of Manhattan from people who engage in our life-changing and life-saving activities. To learn more about The Center’s work, please visit gaycenter.org.

Mark Robinson is the author of the two-volume encyclopedia The World of Musicals, The Disney Song Encyclopedia, and The Encyclopedia of Television Theme Songs. His latest book, Sitcommentary: The Television Comedies That Changed America, was published October 15. He maintains a theater and entertainment blog at markrobinsonwrites.com.