Jennifer Holliday, Bernadette Peters, Andrew Rannells, More Are Part of 2026 Broadway Backwards Concert March 23

The 20th annual Broadway Backwards benefit concert, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community via new twists on iconic songs in the musical theatre canon, plays Broadway’s Gershwin Theatre, current home of Wicked, March 23 at 8 PM. 

Produced by Broadway Cares, the evening benefits the theatrical nonprofit and New York City’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center (The Center). Tony nominee Jenn Colella again hosts.

To mark the 20th anniversary of Broadway Backwards, the concert will feature the most buzzed-about numbers from the last two decades of the event.

WATCH: 7 Legendary Broadway Backwards Performances to Celebrate 20 Years

The starry lineup of performers includes Tony nominee Kate Baldwin (Chicago), Tony winner Len Cariou (Sweeney Todd), Bryan Terrell Clark (Hamilton), Bobby Conte (The Who’s Tommy), Hannah Cruz (Chess), Bradley Dean (Chess), Oscar winner and Tony nominee Ariana DeBose (Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story), Lea DeLaria (POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive), Felicia Finley (The Wedding Singer), Tony nominee Nancy Dussault (TV’s Too Close for Comfort, Into the Woods), Tony winner Jennifer Holliday (Dreamgirls), Tony nominee Robyn Hurder (SMASH, Moulin Rouge! The Musical), Andrew Keenan-Bolger (Tuck Everlasting), Tony nominee Michael McElroy (Big River), Tony nominee John-Andrew Morrison (Oh, Mary!), Dylan Mulvaney (Six), Tony winner Lauren Patten (Becky Shaw, Jagged Little Pill), Tony nominee Andrew Rannells (The Book of Mormon), and Alexandra Silber (Fiddler on the Roof) plus special guest Javier Muñoz (Hamilton). The evening will end with a rousing finale featuring Tony winner Bernadette Peters (Annie Get Your Gun, Into the Woods, Sunday in the Park With George) and Tony and Emmy winner Leslie Uggams (Hallelujah, Baby!; King Hedley II), backed by the sounds of the Tony-honored and Grammy Award-nominated choir Broadway Inspirational Voices.

The concert boasts a cast of more than 100 performers, including Broadway favorites, rising stars, an ensemble, and a live orchestra.

Creator Robert Bartley returns 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 are the casting consultants.

The evening also has sound design by Josh Maszle and Marie Renee Foucher, lighting design by Jeff Croiter and Colleen Doherty, and prop design by Jenna Snyder and Alexander Wylie. Costume designers are Kitty Cassetti, Jess Gersz, Alex Rocky, and Tyler Carlton "T.C." 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,” added 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.

The evening is sold out. If any Broadway Backwards tickets are returned, they will be available for purchase at the will call table in the lobby of the Gershwin starting at 7 PM March 23.

Visit BroadwayCares.org.