"Defying Gravity" from Broadway Backwards 2025 featuring Jordan Fisher

Broadway’s legendary luminaries and bright rising stars lit up the storied Gershwin Theatre on March 10, 2025, as Broadway Backwards delivered powerhouse performances celebrating LGBTQ+ love, the strength of community and the boundless power of hope.

The evening started with the Broadway Backwards ensemble weaving together a tapestry of show tune lyrics reflecting both the challenges and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ experience in today’s climate before Jordan Fisher (upcoming Moulin Rouge! The Musical) emerged with a soaring rendition of “Defying Gravity.” In the hallowed halls of Wicked’s home theater, his electrifying performance, alongside Javier Ignacio and Gabriella Joy Rodriguez, reminded the audience that “everyone deserves the chance to fly.”

Broadway Backwards Creator Robert Bartley served as director, writer and choreographer.

"Defying Gravity" was orchestrated by Cameron Moncur
, arranged by Nick Wilders
and conducted by Dan Micciche.

The show raised a record $1,111,788 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.

By transforming show tunes into queer stories, Broadway Backwards stands as the only annual event on Broadway custom-made for the LGBTQ+ community, friends and allies. This elevated evening brings to life the stories audiences long to see onstage in fresh, unexpected and deeply moving ways.

Jenn Colella hosted the sold-out evening, joyously welcoming returning guests while ushering in a new generation of Broadway Backwards attendees. Colella led a cast of 82 performers and a 13-piece orchestra in the event’s celebratory 19th edition.

Producers: Michael Carmine Di Bianco, Ken McGee and Scott T. Stevens
Music Supervisors: Ted Arthur and Mary-Mitchell Campbell
Music Directors: Nicholas Connors and Nick Wilders
Choreographers: Robert Bartley, Amanda LaMotte and Adam Roberts
Production Stage Manager: Heather Hogan
Casting Consultants: Mark Brandon, CSA, and Jarrett Reiche from Casting by ARC
Lighting Design: Katy Atwell and Jeff Croiter
Sound Design: Josh Maszle
Prop Design: Jenna Snyder and Alexander Wylie
Costume Designers: Kitty Cassetti, Antonio Consuegra, Alex Rockey, Matthew Torbett and Tyler Carlton “T.C.” Williams
Hair and Makeup Design: Megan Burke