Broadway's Best Join 'Broadway Backwards'

Five more of Broadway's most talented men and two of its leading ladies will join the already star-studded lineup of legendary performers for the ninth annual edition of "Broadway Backwards," a one-night-only performance produced by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and benefiting BC/EFA and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center of New York.

Just announced additions to this year's show are Tony Award nominee Michael Berresse ("Kiss Me, Kate;" "A Chorus Line"), Tony winner Beth Leavel ("Elf," "The Drowsy Chaperone"), Tony winner Debra Monk ("Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," TV's "Girls"), Ken Page ("Ain't Misbehavin'," "Cats"), Tony winner Billy Porter ("Kinky Boots"), Tony nominee Andrew Rannells("The Book of Mormon," TV's "Girls"), and Tony nominee John Tartaglia ("Avenue Q," TV's "Johnny and the Sprites.")

Also joining the lineup are the men of the runaway hit web series "Submissions Only," including co-creator Andrew Keenan-Bolger ("Newsies"), Stephen Bienskie ("Cats"), Colin Hanlon ("Rent," TV's "Modern Family") and Max von Essen ("Evita").

This year's edition of "Broadway Backwards" (#bwaybackwards) will be held at 8 P.M. on Monday, March 24 at Broadway's Al Hirschfeld Theatre (302 W 45th Street, NYC), current home to the Tony Award-winning Best MusicalKinky Boots.

These new additions join the roster of Broadway stars already announced for this year's "Broadway Backwards":Bryan Batt ("La Cage aux Folles," TV's "Mad Men"), Stephanie J. Block ("The Mystery of Edwin Drood"), Len Cariou("Sweeney Todd, TV's "Blue Bloods"), Robin De Jes�s ("La Cage aux Folles," "In The Heights"), Jonathan Groff ("Spring Awakening," TV's "Looking"), Cass Morgan ("The Bridges of Madison County"), Patricia Morison (the original Kate in "Kiss Me, Kate"), Krysta Rodriguez ("First Date," TV's "Smash"), and Tony Yazbeck (Encores!'s "Little Me," "Gypsy").

Additional performers will be announced in the coming weeks. Performers are subject to change.

"Broadway Backwards" is an annual celebration where gays and lesbians see their stories told through the great songs of musical theatre, sung by their favorite Broadway performers. "Broadway Backwards" began as a grassroots concert performed at the Center in 2006. In subsequent years, the event grew quickly, performing Off-Broadway, then on Broadway for the last five years. Last year's sold-out show raised a record-breaking $347,060 for the two organizations.

Creator Robert Bartley will again direct and choreograph, with additional choreography by Amy Jones and Melissa Rae Mahon. Mary-Mitchell Campbell returns as music supervisor with Tim Rosser as music director.

Tickets are available exclusively at broadwaycares.org or by calling 212.840.0770, ext. 268. Prices start at $85.

VIP tickets include premium seats and a special post-show party 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.