The annual Broadway Backwards fundraiser, featuring gender-reversed and star-studded twists on classic and modern favorites, was held March 11 at the New Amsterdam Theatre. The 14th annual edition of the show raised $704,491 to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center. (The previous fundraising record was set last year at $680,273.)
Come From Away Tony nominee Jenn Colella hosted the event, produced by Broadway Cares.
Check out videos from the benefit below:
Gavin Creel and Andrew Rannells: "Where You Are" (Kiss lf the Spider Woman)
Tony winner Creel (Waitress, Hello, Dolly!) and two-time Tony nominee Andrew Rannells (The Boys in the Band, Falsettos) performed the Kander and Ebb tune, joined by the Broadway Backwards ensemble, choreographed by Paul McGill.
Darren Criss, Ward Billeisen, and Michael James Scott: "Getting Married Today" (Company)
As a gender-reversed take on Company plays London's West End, the American Crime Story Emmy winner took on Stephen Sondheim's iconic, fast-paced breakdown of a song.
Jenn Colella: "Louder Than Words" (tick, tick...BOOM!)
The host ended the evening alongside Broadway Inspirational Voices.
More highlights from the evening below:
Creator Robert Bartley again directed the evening, with music supervision by Mary-Mitchell Campbell and musical direction by Ted Arthur and Christopher D. Littlefield. The show was choreographed by Bartley and Robbie Roby, with additional musical numbers staged by Karla Puno Garcia, Paul McGill, Mimi Quillin, Stephen Reed, and Tony Yazbeck. Jeff Brancato was the production stage manager.
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