Be Italian!
- Caleb Dicke
- Mar 11, 2024
- 1 min read
Broadway Backwards 2024
In an Italian-American fever dream, Bradley Dean portrayed a Godfather archetype advising his son’s suitor, played by Nicholas Park, to “Be Italian” in the signature song from Nine. Joined by a gaggle of gregarious gangsters, the full-out production number had the cast dancing sensually and sensationally amid red-checkered tablecloths strewn with glasses of merlot. The number also featured Todd Buonopane, Joe Chisholm and Janelle Farias Sando. 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.
"Be Italian"
Directed by Robert Bartley
Choreography by Robert Bartley & Adam Roberts
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