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Ariana DeBose was set to perform at Broadway Backwards‘ historic 20th anniversary, but a family emergency prevented the Oscar-winning star from taking the stage. When Cady Huffman stepped in with just 48 hours notice, the show more than delivered. The one-night-only celebration shattered records with $1,223,681 raised and over 100 performers showcasing queer Broadway magic.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Event Date: March 23, 2026, at 8 PM ET at the Gershwin Theatre
- Record Fundraising: $1,223,681 raised in a single night for Broadway Cares and The Center
- DeBose’s Status: Unable to perform due to family emergency; Cady Huffman performed her replacement number
- Host and Scale: Jenn Colella hosted; cast featured 100+ performers with 13-piece orchestra
Cady Huffman’s Last-Minute Heroics
When Ariana DeBose had to withdraw due to a family emergency, the show faced its biggest obstacle. But Tony Award-winning veteran Cady Huffman stepped in with remarkable poise. With just 48 hours to rehearse and learn the choreography, Huffman delivered “All I Care About” from Chicago with signature polish and bawdy humor. She led a spirited ensemble of dancers from Broadway’s long-running hit, proving that the show’s magic transcends any single performance.
The moment showcased the resilience and generosity that defines the Broadway community. Huffman brought energy and star power to what could have been a disappointing gap in the evening’s lineup. Her willingness to step up exemplified the collaborative spirit behind this landmark fundraiser.
Ariana DeBose performs at Broadway Backwards 20th anniversary concert
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Record-Breaking Night for LGBTQ+ Causes
The sold-out Gershwin Theatre erupted as the evening netted a groundbreaking $1,223,681 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center. The previous record of $1,111,788 was shattered, marking the most successful year in the event’s 20-year history. This funding flows directly to lifesaving HIV prevention, healthcare, and social services for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers and vulnerable populations nationwide.
What began as a small grassroots concert in 2006 at The Center has grown into Broadway’s most celebrated queer celebration. Over two decades, Broadway Backwards has raised over $10.9 million, turning joy into impact and transforming beloved show tunes into declarations of pride and visibility.
Star-Studded Performances and Iconic Numbers
Jenn Colella returned for her sixth year hosting, welcoming a powerhouse lineup of Broadway icons. Jennifer Holliday delivered a triumphant rendition of “I Am What I Am” from La Cage aux Folles. Bernadette Peters and Leslie Uggams closed the show with a luminous interpretation of Stephen Sondheim’s “Not While I’m Around” from Sweeney Todd, accompanied by the Tony Award-honored Broadway Inspirational Voices.
| Iconic Performer | Song and Show |
| Jennifer Holliday | “I Am What I Am” (La Cage aux Folles) |
| Bernadette Peters and Leslie Uggams | “Not While I’m Around” (Sweeney Todd) |
| Dylan Mulvaney | “Edelweiss” (The Sound of Music) |
| Kate Baldwin | “When I’m Not Near the Girl I Love” (Finian’s Rainbow) |
“As queer people, we’re often trying to top ourselves. But tonight, I chose something a bit more simple. It’s a song I love to sing, and it’s one that brings me hope. And I hope that the progress we’ve seen for the queer community over the last 20 years is the same progress we’ll see for the trans community in the next 20.”
— Dylan Mulvaney, performing at Broadway Backwards
Legendary “Cell Block Tango” and All-New Twists
The evening opened with a gender-bent remake of “Cell Block Tango” from Chicago, one of Broadway Backwards‘ most legendary numbers boasting 11 million YouTube views. This year’s version featured electrifying dancers including Aaron Patrick Craven, Aydin Eyikan, and Kolton Krouse, delivering death-defying drops, sinister spins, and athletic splits that absolutely murdered on stage.
Andrew Rannells brought emotional depth to “If He Walked Into My Life” from Mame. Lauren Patten and Jenn Colella reprised their fan-favorite duet of “The Next Ten Minutes” from The Last Five Years, their electrifying harmonies capturing powerful promises of love and commitment. Bradley Dean brought mafioso-style vocals to a gay love story twist on “Be Italian” from Nine.
Looking Back and Moving Forward for Broadway’s Queer Celebration?
Broadway Backwards has evolved from a small 2006 grassroots event into Broadway’s premier LGBTQ+ showcase. Over 20 editions, the one-night celebration has transformed beloved classics into queer anthems while raising $10.9 million for life-saving services. The event stands as the only annual Broadway show custom-made exclusively for the LGBTQ+ community and allies. As Danny Whitman, executive director of Broadway Cares, reflected, this year’s success proves these contributions matter now more than ever. How will this record-breaking momentum inspire future editions and continue expanding visibility, pride, and crucial funding for the community?
Sources
- Playbill – Comprehensive coverage of Broadway Backwards 2026 performers and lineup announcements
- Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS – Official event report with fundraising totals and performance highlights
- BroadwayWorld – Post-event photos and video highlights from the 20th anniversary celebration
