'Broadway Backwards' Moves Forward

"Broadway Backwards" just keeps going forward.

The little show that could, which began in a small room in New York's LGBT Community Center back in 2006, is about to celebrate its 10th anniversary on Monday, March 9 with a star-studded show at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre that is expected to raise over $400,000 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center of New York.

The premise remains the same as it did from the very start: performers of all sexual orientations will illuminate the LGBT experience by singing songs associated with the opposite gender. This year's show will include many of the most memorable tunes from past editions, along with a slew of new surprises.

"I can't believe we're in our tenth year," says Robert Bartley, the event's creator and longtime director. "The fact that we've gotten to ten is a testament to the strength and generosity of our communities - the Broadway community and the LGBT community. I'm proud of having been a part of that combined effort that helps two wonderful organizations."

The show's hosts this year will be two Broadway favorites, "Honeymoon in Vegas" star Rob McClure and the inimitable Julie Halston, who for over two decades has been a major supporter of LGBT rights. The evening will feature a very special guest appearance by gay icon (and 2014 Kennedy Center honoree) Lily Tomlin, along with performances by Jim Brochu, Tituss Burgess, Charles Busch, Mario Cantone, Len Cariou, Jenn Colella, Robin De Jes�s, Harvey Evans, Lena Hall, Shawna Hamic, Ann Harada, Florence Henderson, Aaron Lazar, Telly Leung, Norm Lewis, Maureen McGovern, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Lee Roy Reams, Brian Charles Rooney, Douglas Sills, Jason Michael Snow, Elizabeth Stanley Micah Stock, Lillias White, and Tony Yazbeck.

"I've had the privilege of watching a few rehearsals and I continue to be bowled over by the talent and generosity of the performers, musicians, and all of the volunteers involved," notes Bartley's husband, Danny Whitman, who is also a producer of the event and director of communications and development for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Indeed, one of the most remarkable aspects of the event is the amount of performers currently doing eight shows a week on Broadway who participate in "Broadway Backwards" on their one night off.

Take two-time Tony Award nominee Robin de Jesus, who now stars as Boq in the smash-hit "Wicked." "This is my fourth one," he says with enthusiasm. "The first time I just thought would be fun do a song I never would get a chance to do in a show, but it ended up feeling so special and so emotional, I couldn't wait to do it again. As a gay man, I know how many of us spend our lives feeling that we are abnormal, and this evening is about empowering ourselves. It's a beautiful night."

De Jesus has been very pleased with his past numbers, which included "The Trolley Song" and "Prehistoric Man." "Sometimes I hear a song and I email Bob and ask him if we can do this one. But what ends up happening is he suggests something and I just say yes," he notes.

That's exactly what happening this year. "Micah Stock, Rob McClure and I will be doing 'Matchmaker, Matchmaker' (from "Fiddler on the Roof") with the original lyrics. That's the best part about doing "Broadway Backwards," we never do something just for a cheap laugh."

Well, maybe the second best part. "A couple of years ago, Jason Michael Snow and I had this whole through-line story in the show, where we dated, and he turned out to be HIV. It was very touching. So we wrap up the story, and then Betty Buckley came out to do a medley from 'Sweeney Todd'. It was kind of crazy, but I don't know if anything will top that. It was amazing."

For tickets to "Broadway Backwards" visit BroadwayCares.org