The annual Broadway Backwards fundraising concert in New York has announced additional Broadway stars for its March concert date, including two-time Tony Award winner Chita Rivera, Tony nominees Stephanie J. Block and Tony Sheldon, Danielle Brooks (The Color Purple, Orange is the New Black) and Laura Michelle Kelly (Finding Neverland).
They join the previously announced Tituss Burgess (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, The Little Mermaid), Len Cariou (Sweeney Todd, TV’s Blue Bloods) and Andre De Shields (Gotta Dance).
Broadway Backwards — featuring male singers performing songs traditionally sung by women and women singing tunes written for men — will be presented March 21 at 8 PM at Broadway's Al Hirschfeld Theatre.
Also on tap this year: Beth Malone (Fun Home), Lesli Margherita (Dames at Sea), Ken Page (Cats), Telly Leung (Allegiance), Brad Oscar (Something Rotten!), Krysta Rodriguez (Spring Awakening, TV’s Smash), Emily Skinner (Side Show), Ricky Ubeda (On the Town, TV’s So You Think You Can Dance), Treat Williams (Follies), Tony Yazbeck (Finding Neverland) and Broadway trio Apollo Link.
Performers are subject to change.
Broadway Backwards 11 is produced by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and benefits Broadway Cares and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center.
Last year’s event raised a record $466,717 and featured a 66-person cast of Broadway and screen stars backed by a live 13-piece orchestra.
Creator Robert Bartley will again direct and choreograph with musical supervision by Mary-Mitchell Campbell and musical direction by Tim Rosser. Choreography will be created for the show by Bartley, Al Blackstone and Adam Roberts.
Tickets, which begin at $85, are available by visiting Broadwaycares.org or by calling (212) 840-0770, ext. 229. Prices start at $75. (A “Backstage & Beyond” ticket package includes premium seats as well as the opportunity to see the dress rehearsal, enjoy exclusive backstage access and “meet and greet” some of the stars of the benefit.)
Watch highlights from last year's show here:
For more information visit Broadwaycares.org.