Shoppers of song and theatre-lovers packed the Gershwin Theatre on 23 March as Broadway Backwards marked its 20th anniversary, delivering show-stopping performances, personal LGBTQ+ storytelling and a record-breaking fundraising night that matters to creatives across New York.

Essential Takeaways

  • Record haul: The event raised a historic $1,223,681 for Broadway Cares and The Center, beating previous totals.
  • Standout performance: Jennifer Holliday brought stirring power and soul to “I Am What I Am,” a highlight that felt both celebratory and defiant.
  • Star-studded cast: Bernadette Peters, Leslie Uggams, Kate Baldwin and emerging names like Dylan Mulvaney shared the stage, creating a mix of nostalgia and new energy.
  • Community focus: The evening blended cabaret-style numbers with candid storytelling, keeping the cause , support for performers and LGBTQ+ services , central.
  • Atmosphere: The night felt electric, warm and theatrical, with singers connecting directly to an audience that knew the stakes.

A milestone night with fundraising to match the spectacle

The 20th Broadway Backwards show landed big , not just for glamour, but for impact. According to Broadway Cares, the benefit pulled in $1,223,681, a new high for the annual event. The amount underlines how the theatre community still rallies when asked, and how one starry night can translate into real services for performers and the wider LGBTQ+ community.

Jennifer Holliday’s “I Am What I Am” , why it resonated

Jennifer Holliday, famed for originating a Dreamgirl’s fire, sang “I Am What I Am” from La Cage aux Folles with a voice that filled the Gershwin and the room’s emotions. The choice of song felt fitting: bold, proud and defiantly personal. For many attendees it was the emotional high point, a moment that tied Broadway Backwards’ playful spirit to its deeper message of identity and acceptance.

Big names and fresh faces created the perfect mix

The bill read like a who’s who of Broadway veteran talent , Bernadette Peters and Leslie Uggams among them , alongside newer, viral voices such as Dylan Mulvaney. That blend keeps the show both reverent and of-the-moment: longtime theatre fans get their classics, while newer audiences find entry points through contemporary performers. It’s a smart casting formula that keeps the benefit relevant year after year.

Storytelling and community made the night more than a concert

Beyond solos and group numbers, Broadway Backwards threaded in personal stories and testimony, which is part of its charm and efficacy. The evening doesn’t just entertain; it explains why funds are needed, and who they help , from artists facing hardship to community services offered by The Center. That balance of performance and purpose is why donors dig deep.

How to catch the highlights and support if you missed it

Missed the one‑night event? Producers and charities usually post clips and photos afterwards; you’ll find selected performances and galleries online. If you want to support the causes, Broadway Cares and The Center accept donations year-round, and many shows run fundraising drives through the season. Even a small gift or sharing the videos keeps the momentum going.

It's a small change that can make every encore count.

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