"It Couldn't Please Me More" from Broadway Backwards 2024 featuring Len Cariou and Chip Zien

At the 2024 edition of Broadway Backwards, two of Broadway’s most iconic leading men, Tony winner Len Cariou (Broadway’s original Sweeney Todd and TV’s Blue Bloods) and Chip Zien (Harmony, Into the Woods), exchanged not just a pineapple but a charming duet with “It Couldn’t Please Me More” from Cabaret.

Broadway Backwards was directed, written and choreographed by Robert Bartley, Backwards' creator.

A brilliant string of 11-o’clock numbers, standing ovations and LGBTQ+ joy reverberated through the historic walls at Broadway's New Amsterdam Theatre on March 11, 2024, when Tony Award winners, Broadway legends and newcomers alike spectacularly shared LGBTQ+ stories through show tunes at Broadway Backwards.

The show raised a record $917,651 to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center (The Center) in New York City. The one-night-only, annual event is produced by Broadway Cares.

The elevated evening of love, community and unparalleled performances is the only annual Broadway event custom-made for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. By taking familiar songs in the Broadway canon and transforming them into queer anthems, lighthearted romps and emotional ballads, Broadway Backwards tells stories that deserve to be told onstage.

"It Couldn't Please Me More"
🎥: Bardo Arts
Directed by Robert Bartley
Conducted by Mark Janas
Orchestrated by Rob Meffe
Music Direction & Arranged by Nick Wilders

Broadway Backwards
Directed, Written and Choreographed by Robert Bartley
Producers: Jeff Brancato, Scott T. Stevens and Danny Whitman
Music Supervisors: Ted Arthur and Mary-Mitchell Campbell
Music Director: Michael Gacetta
Associate Music Directors: Nicholas Connors and Nick Wilders
Choreographers and Associate Directors: Skye Mattox and Adam Roberts
Production Stage Manager: E Sara Barnes
Casting Consultants: Mark Brandon, CSA, and Jarrett Reiche from Casting by ARC
Lighting Design: Carolyn Wong
Sound Design: Maria Renee Foucher
Prop Design: Jenna Snyder and Alexander Wylie
Costume Designers: Kitty Cassetti, Jess Gersz, Vanessa Leuck, Natalie Loveland, Tyler Carlton Williams and Nicole Zausmer
Hair Design: Ian Joseph
Makeup Design: Megan Burke