Ariana DeBose, Len Cariou, Leslie Uggams, More Join Lineup for 2026 Broadway Backwards Concert

Even more stars have joined the lineup for the 20th anniversary celebration of Broadway Backwards, which reinterprets Broadway songs into moments of visibility, freedom, and pride and will be presented March 23 at 8 PM at the Gershwin Theatre, home of the long-running hit musical Wicked. Produced by Broadway Cares, the one-night-only event benefits Broadway Cares and The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center.

Tony nominee Jenn Colella (Suffs) will return for the sixth year to host the 20th anniversary celebration. This year's event will spotlight the most buzzed-about numbers from the last two decades of Broadway Backwards with all-new twists on songs in the musical theatre canon.

WATCH: 7 Legendary Broadway Backwards Performances to Celebrate 20 Years

Newly announced for the one-night-only celebration are Tony winner Len Cariou (Sweeney Todd), Bobby Conte (The Who’s Tommy), Hannah Cruz (Chess), Oscar winner Ariana DeBose (West Side Story, The Baker's Wife), Nancy Dussault (TV’s Too Close for Comfort, Into the Woods), Felicia Finley (The Wedding Singer), Grey Henson (Elf), Robyn Hurder (SMASH), Lee Roy Reams (The Producers, 42nd Street) and Tony and Emmy winner Leslie Uggams (Hallelujah, Baby!; King Hedley II).

These artists join the previously reported Kate Baldwin (Chicago), Bryan Terrell Clark (Hamilton), Bradley Dean (Chess), Lea DeLaria (POTUS), Tony winner Jennifer Holliday (Dreamgirls), Andrew Keenan-Bolger (Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors), Michael McElroy (Sunday in the Park with George), Tony winner Lauren Patten (Jagged Little Pill), Tony winner Bernadette Peters (Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends), Andrew Rannells (All In: Comedy About Love), Jacob Rienstra, and Alexandra Silber (Fiddler on the Roof) as well as the Tony-honored and Grammy-nominated choir Broadway Inspirational Voices.

Creator Robert Bartley is also returning to direct and choreograph the show with Ted Arthur and Mary-Mitchell Campbell as music supervisors, joined by Steven Cuevas as musical director. Colby Q. Lindeman joins as associate choreographer, with Amanda LaMotte as co-choreographer and Adam Roberts returning as choreographer and associate director. ARC’s Mark Brandon and Jarrett Reiche will be the casting consultants.

The evening will also have sound design by Josh Maszle and Marie Renee Foucher and prop design by Jenna Snyder and Alexander Wylie. Costume designers are Kitty Cassetti, Antonio Consuegra, Jess Gersz, Alex Rocky, and Tyler Carlton Williams.

"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 Danny Whitman, executive director of Broadway Cares, in an earlier 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.

“Broadway Backwards holds a special place in our hearts. 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. We are deeply grateful for our longtime partnership with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and for the artists and audiences who make this night so meaningful. 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."

What began as a small, grassroots concert performed at The Center in 2006 quickly grew into a highly anticipated event presented on Broadway. Last year’s edition raised a record-breaking $1,111,788. In its 19 editions, Broadway Backwards has raised more than $9.7 million for Broadway Cares and The Center.

Broadway Cares 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 has awarded more than $300 million for essential services for people with HIV/AIDS and other critical illnesses across the United States.

Tickets are available at BroadwayCares.org. Prices start at $100 with VIP packages also available.