Broadway Backwards swelled with sniffles and sobs when John McGinty played a deaf college student confronting his mother about her insensitivities around his sexuality and hearing impairment. As McGinty passionately signed “Listen” from the Dreamgirls film, Jordan Fisher's powerhouse vocals reflected the fiery plea.
Daniel Marmion and Morgana Shaw played McGinty’s parents. The number was written and directed by Broadway Backwards creator Robert Bartley.
A brilliant string of 11-o’clock numbers, standing ovations and LGBTQ+ joy reverberated through the historic walls at Broadway's New Amsterdam Theatre on March 11, 2024, when Tony Award winners, Broadway legends and newcomers alike spectacularly shared LGBTQ+ stories through show tunes at Broadway Backwards.
The show raised a record $917,651 to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center (The Center) in New York City. The one-night-only, annual event is produced by Broadway Cares.
The elevated evening of love, community and unparalleled performances is the only annual Broadway event custom-made for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. By taking familiar songs in the Broadway canon and transforming them into queer anthems, lighthearted romps and emotional ballads, Broadway Backwards tells stories that deserve to be told onstage.
“Listen” By Henry Krieger, Scott Cutler, Samantha Worley and Anne Preven from Dreamgirls (2006 film) Costume Design by Nicole Zausmer Music Direction, Arranged, Orchestrated and Conducted by Nicholas Connors Director of Artistic Sign Language: Christopher Tester
Broadway Backwards Directed, Written and Choreographed by Robert Bartley. Producers: Jeff Brancato, Scott T. Stevens and Danny Whitman Music Supervisors: Ted Arthur and Mary-Mitchell Campbell Music Director: Michael Gacetta Associate Music Directors: Nicholas Connors and Nick Wilders Choreographers and Associate Directors: Skye Mattox and Adam Roberts Production Stage Manager: E Sara Barnes Casting Consultants: Mark Brandon, CSA, and Jarrett Reiche from Casting by ARC Lighting Design: Carolyn Wong Sound Design: Maria Renee Foucher Prop Design: Jenna Snyder and Alexander Wylie Costume Designers: Kitty Cassetti, Jess Gersz, Vanessa Leuck, Natalie Loveland, Tyler Carlton Williams and Nicole Zausmer Hair Design: Ian Joseph Makeup Design: Megan Burke
