Big Spender" - Broadway Backwards 2019

At Broadway Backwards 2019, iconic Bob Fosse choreography got the Backwards treatment when On the Town‘s Clyde Alves and Priscilla Queen of the Desert‘s Nathan Lee Graham led Sweet Charity‘s iconic “Big Spender.” The song’s quintessential dance hostesses were replaced with an alluring all-male ensemble, with Fosse’s choreography meticulously restaged by Mimi Quillin.
“Big Spender” by Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields from Sweet Charity
Choreography recreated by Mimi Quillin, based on the original choreography by Bob Fosse
Orchestrated by Nicholas Connors
Conducted by Ted Arthur
From left to right - Adam Perry, Nick Yenson, Spencer Clark, Nicholas Cunningham, Clyde Alves, Nathan Graham, Sean Patrick Doyle, Randy Castillo, Joe Beauregard, and Alec Varcas.
A bevy of Broadway’s brightest stars joined a sold-out audience on March 11, 2019, to celebrate and motivate the LGBTQ community and its allies through gender-reversed renditions of beloved show tunes, spectacular choreography and a record-breaking fundraising total at Broadway Backwards.
The 14th annual edition of the show raised $704,491 to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center in New York City. The previous fundraising record was set last year at $680,273.
Broadway Backwards (#BroadwayBackwards), which was produced by Broadway Cares at the New Amsterdam Theatre, featured a cast of 130 performers and a live, 12-piece orchestra.
Robert Bartley, Broadway Backwards‘ creator, wrote and directed this year’s show. Mary-Mitchell Campbell served as music supervisor, Ted Arthur and Christopher D. Littlefield were music directors. The creative team included lighting designer Timothy Reed, costume designers Johnna Fettinger, Jess Gersz and Natalie Loveland, prop designers Jenna Snyder and Alexander Wylie and sound designers Kurt Fischer and Marie Renee Foucher. Jeff Brancato was production stage manager.
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS unites theatre artists with theatre lovers to help those in need.
The money we raise together goes to more than 450 social service agencies in all 50 states to fund lifesaving medication, healthy meals and emergency financial assistance for those living with HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses.
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS awards grants to more than 450 social service agencies in all 50 states helping those living with HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses. It’s also the largest single financial supporter of the social service programs of The Actors Fund, helping everyone in entertainment and the performing arts.
Broadway Cares hosts two six-week-long fundraising campaigns across the country every year, one leading up to the Easter Bonnet Competition in April and the other leading up to the Gypsy of the Year competition in December. Broadway Cares also produces annual fundraising events in New York City, including Broadway Backwards, Broadway Bares and the Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction.
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BCEFA
BCEFA
broadwaycares.org

[@hayunnie]

I really enjoyed how they stayed true to the meaning of the performance. They easily could've gone camp with this, but instead they took it seriously and managed to achieve the sort of dead-eyed desperation of the original.

[@MrCodgod666]

Definitely no camp, high level, pelvic moments at all. Any moments of warm sensitive jerking not happening??. Bring it on

[@katherynsmaczniak4300]

If it ain't broke, go Fosse.

[@TRVBAL]

oh they went camping. brought the marshmallows and chocolate!

[@miguelitos2446]

@brynnjones I totally agree...they are remarkably awesome and professional performers!

[@zenfrodo]

I dunno - I think they totally camped it up, but also took it 100% serious, and that made the dead-eye desperation a thousand times more intense. It's their faces: their bodies are playing 100% camp, but by staring at the Big Spender without any of camp's usual knowing winks & grins, they elevated the camp to unsettling Nightmare Fuel.

[@heinleinreader]

The guy doing Chita's part was just perfectly right. All the gestures were virtually exact replicas of her performance. This was a spectacular rendition.

[@bt60613]

i’d rather not see a copy

[@heinleinreader]

@@bt60613 If this were a woman giving the performance, I would agree. And I said virtually, not exact copy. There was enough similarity to call it homage, and enough different to make it unique. Try reading rather than assuming.

[@Tori-mh7fg]

Daaaamn choreographing this must be a nightmare but these gentlemen NAILED IT

[@jpyfrom1]

I know what you mean, luv. The simplicity makes it complicated.

[@viarnay]

this coreograohy was meant for women those guys look weird

[@Tori-mh7fg]

@@viarnay no u.

[@eileenpowers3732]

This is fabulous!!

[@viarnay]

@@lila2986 it is a wrong interpretation of the original show

[@NoaLives79]

This performance is perfect. But also Fosse's choreography is breath taking. In a world where everything is over the top - this seemingly minimal but extremely sophisticated work of art stands out. It's inspiring

[@rosemorris7912]

I find this number intriguing. Whether it's males or females performing it, the characters are simultaneously predators and prey.

[@pennagainagain7491]

Good point. Reality at ground level. Where sex for sale is involved, this is usually the case.

[@TahtahmesDiary]

They’ve got to be…it’s a survival of the fittest, cutthroat type industry. Dangerous. You’re right that the gender doesn’t matter as much as the delivery and execution, it’s just an amazing piece of art in and of itself.

[@happyclam1266]

Now they should try it with furries.

[@keithnelson9249]

⁰⁰

[@keithnelson9249]

⁰

[@danielbillingsley74]

Have no idea why the audience is giggling. They freakin nailed this. Down to the fosse hand movements. Fun laughs good time.

[@jmillzval3369]

Their giggling because of the fun , laughs and good time

[@lyricperson24]

i’ve only just recently heard this song and went about listening to it, still not familiar with the show’s plot, but i can kind of understand how if you saw just this clip or the original clip from the movie with no context how it might seem a bit odd to the point of seeming absurd, especially if you’ve seen others perform it and go all in on the campiness, so that MIGHT be some of it? (personally i found it jarring at first too but then i Got It almost instantly) but considering this audience is likely made up of other theatre fans, it seems unlikely that so many of them aren’t familiar with the song at all. so sadly i think the main thing they’re laughing at is “ha ha, men sing girl song! men dance like girl!”

[@danrenzi8741]

The laughing is a little offensive. They all did a really good job and there is nothing funny about this performance.

[@FatGayandTired]

Anytime I’ve seen it the audience always giggles. But I imagine slightly elevated due to the fun of the evening.

[@Miss_Camel]

Second guy from the left held his original barre pose so flawlessly that even fosse would’ve praised him

[@virginiabrown6809]

Why don’t the dancers get bios in the description. At least list their names!

[@virginiabrown6809]

@@nicholascunningham6976 Thank you - you guys were AWESOME!

[@TCt83067695]

@@nicholascunningham6976 yall were great. Do you know why they didn't want you guys harmonizing more? I just think with that many voices, there could have been several layers of sounds

[@calblue8694]

@@nicholascunningham6976 doing the Lord's work, chile 😌

[@skippergillsfavorites2076]

I am sorry but I think some of them have popped their corks quite frequently and I am living for it!!

[@wendyhickey9699]

love the original film version and this live version equally! love that they kept the "behind the back finger wave" :)

[@tabathastaples7884]

Shepherd's Chapel Network !!!!!!! Pastor Murray is an Anointed Servant of GOD who teaches the Word of GOD with Authority!!!!!!!

[@chookaschookas444]

Albeit upside down. The whole thing was wonderful ❣

[@ad-oz9tk]

They killed this. Outstanding

[@eleni1968]

WOW!! BRAVO GUYS!!!! This number was perfect and it really WORKS irrespective of who the performers are. They really took it seriously and it was as BRILLIANT as the original production on film!!

[@lasktdave]

I was in this show many years ago and for closing night we were planning on doing exactly this..without anyone in charge knowing about it.. but they chickened out. I was disappointed.

[@aidanstafford318]

As am I, David G. As am I. But eventually, we persevering-artists get OUR way. There is always "tomorrow".

[@pennagainagain7491]

@@aidanstafford318 Yes, There is always that awful song. Fortunately, we have "Big Spender."

[@aidanstafford318]

@@pennagainagain7491 Previously, I was being poetic. It was not my intention to reference any song in "that other musical". One could suppose that I could have made a more detailed response; with the hope of granting encouragement. Such as, referencing the song from "Cabaret", "Tomorrow Belongs To Me". Yet considering the characters that sing it, I thought to distance them from the kind intention of my original posting. I was aspiring to proffer hope that more courageous dancers/singers would be ready for the next opportunity that future "tomorrows" would--hopefully--bring.

[@lauravazquezgonzalez8207]

Wow! I think Fossé will be very happy with this resault! Bravo, bravo!! 👏👏👏👏👏

[@violapastuszyn1349]

That body wave move Nathan does towards the end is gorgeous. Pure grace.

[@holdyourhats]

Paula kelly would be proud of that wave!

[@TheRoozaBoy]

How does this not have more views/comments?! This is phenomenal! 😝

[@markshoenus2591]

I thought the same thing. The only reason I saw this vid is because I searched "big spender". It doesn't pop up on any ones feed.

[@joniredwingstone]

Right? Love it!!!

[@joniredwingstone]

Would love to see entire entire backwards Sweet Charity!

[@bcole-us6nv]

because people are closed minded . I enjoyed this and the all male muses singing Hercules, the Gospel 1,2,3 and a star is born it gave me life!

[@michelemacdonald348]

Brilliant!!!

[@Molly-tv5sv]

Perfect - down to the iconic backbend at 4:17

[@jacob951245457]

Wow! Phenomenal performance! This would be fun having an all male cast. Loved it!

[@grumpybumme3289]

Brilliant. I was feeling a bit down, came across this randomly and it really cheered me up.Thanks ;)

[@HappyLife693]

With a name like Grumpy, no wonder you were feeling down. 😆

[@grumpybumme3289]

@@HappyLife693 ;)

[@israelvaldivia9789]

One of the best versions I've seen GET IT BOYSSSSSSS

[@ub6025]

I love it!!! What a genial idea🙃, men as "dance girls"😁! Bob Fosse was a genius and also the composers! If you see this, you know what we lost at Corona.

[@wickedamoeba8719]

This is amazing! How am I only seeing this now?!

[@ernlwjr2]

Nathan Lee Graham is FABULOUS! Great rendition, gentleman!

[@ceecee2304]

Nesto Leon yes! He is such an underrated actor... I love him!

[@Palehotdog]

THE BABES ATE DOWN BOOTSS!

[@faeryn9583]

This is AMAZING!! Now I want a full production of this show!! I wish they released Broadway Backwards albums! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@jojoradford3203]

FIERCE FIERCE and continually FIERCE performances yaaaassss

[@silencedogood7297]

Spectacular ! Great singing, great choreography !

[@mayhmmaydn]

Superb version!! Even Fossee hands!!.

[@richardhosek3175]

so brilliant...love that they stayed true to the fosse moves

[@silky0439]

This was SO Awesome, I have No words!! I know the original and seeing these guys take on the number is beyond amazing! Fosse was just Brilliant!

[@awg7068]

This is done SO well. They did such a wonderful job of bringing the spirit of all the emotions that the original show brought, where you feel the character’s impatience with their prey, and see their vulnerability in their desperation. Such an amazing job!

[@janetpenny8982]

Absolutely fantastic. Unbelievable!!!!!!! Love Bob Fosse!!! Janet Penny. Nottingham.

[@juangelfernandez1131]

.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Thanks for so much talent. Simply... AMAZING!

[@seaweed2007]

Oh, my goodness! These puppies NAILED IT! Tres impressed! 🥰

[@miguelangelpascaleaguirre5388]

No me canso de aplaudirlos....!!!. Ni de admirarlos y emocionarme tanto y tanto y tanto...!!!. Bravo chicos...!!!, bravooo....!!!.

[@pineappledanceschool6841]

So much fun!!! Well done gentlemen!!!

[@ramalamadingdong7576]

Phenomenal! Hope all these guys are back working in Broadway!!

[@tlw1950]

Why is the audience laughing? This isn’t a comedy number. We need an all male revival of Sweet Charity!

[@riverc.820]

I imagine the atmosphere of the night is responsible.

[@arkadashi]

A masterclass performance!!!!!! WAO!!!!!!

[@beachgirl48]

Nathan Lee Graham - Definitely a man of distinction.

[@jzinsme101]

Just posted to Facebook. INCREDIBLE!

[@antm64]

This number is a hoot no matter who performs it! Lots of wonderful fun!!

[@diemereevans1351]

Didn’t know what to expect today. Was blessed with this 😍 Take it away bois!

[@CoachLynnea]

💗💗💗 I have ALWAYS loved this piece, even memorized it when I was much younger. This rendition knocks my socks off! So much fun!

[@SellMyGreeceHome]

Loved this!! Just watched the movie version last night and the Broadway version too.

[@solinpookie69]

...BEYOND BRILLIANT!!!...

[@damemarthafalker6738]

I dug it. Good job, Fellas. Shirley MacLaine would be proud.

[@brib5761]

I LOVE this and have watched it I don't know how many times now. They did an amazing job, love seeing this with all guys. Great to see Fosse's choreography. Also don't get the audience's reaction. This wasn't funny, this was HOT. What a great looking group of men. I especially liked Mr. "Let's have some fun..."... Yow...Woof...

[@afponygirl8261]

I could watch this all day! Love seeing talented, amazing dancers just giving it their all in such epic numbers. Fun, laughs good times!

[@arthurrise1000]

Wow they have done some excellent job! Bravo!

[@adrianghandtchi1562]

These guys are so damn talented and really nailed big spender.

[@suemurray286]

WOW!!! The choreography, the singers! Absolutely loved this video! Bravo!

[@brandoncartwright9629]

The one in the red tank was slaying the entire dance, especially at 2:06

[@MichaelYoder1961]

Fosse, Fosse, Fosse! Love it

[@nicolem2103]

Their performance was amazing

[@violetssm]

I enjoyed this clip... I found the info inc. Really interesting. They do ALOT more than just perform. 👏👐

[@OlgaSofiaSilva]

This is outstanding!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@brendacshea]

this is the greatest thing I've ever seen in my life

[@PhillipUtterback]

i think that this version is better than any other version i've seen

[@lareneandpipsqueeksully]

OMG WOW! Awesome, I love it❣️

[@Chironicus]

Brilliant. Well choreographed and deliciously fulfilled by the players in motion.

[@Clutching.My.Pearls]

Love it, amazing job!!

[@PeteNP1]

A stunning, breathtaking performance! I’m guessing Fosse might’ve broken down in tears

[@titioonline]

amazing! loved everybody! it is history! big!

[@alengmaria4939]

They are soooo great ❤❤❤

[@thefirstrealjaylee]

Wonderful job, gentlemen!

[@idiotmcstupidface]

Ok but they CRUSHED this!!!

[@mickeyfielding3500]

LOVE LOVE LOVE. Just wish it were better def than 360p.

[@nawlinsman]

I just love that song.

[@susanchase7880]

These guys are great.

[@bouqetta]

That's amazing !!!

[@marias8007]

I need to watch more theatre

[@danielbillingsley74]

Do you wanna have fun? Psssssssssssss. This is everything.

[@321cynth]

That was ABSOLUTELY fantastic!

[@dianadamcknight9902]

I love this song so much!!!

[@purplealice]

Absolutely brilliant!

[@ragnhildskog5363]

This is just so smokin' hot! True art❤️

[@smdymond]

Excellent!!!!!!

[@jd3422]

Terrific new take on the original. Bravo.

[@veradeforte5534]

Fantastic! Divines!

[@suzanne61]

This is just fabulous 😁

[@AleMeller13]

They totally nailed this classic!❤

[@rebekahf7721]

this is fantastic

[@user-gv9mg5ex3c]

absolutly well done...great performance

[@jrbaskind]

Love this!

[@dianaram.c.1992]

This is so good ! Amazing ❤

[@wrightwilliams105]

Great rendition of this song

[@baileymedrano7521]

I love this !

[@brindmusicnerd]

Fantastic!!!!

[@lottiemartin22]

Wow with yes heavenly singing!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@user-ud4vf2hd7i]

Sooooo good!

[@sharonduval3959]

They were great wonderful

[@jolerector224]

NAILED IT!

[@alexcasareno7638]

Wonderful!

[@robertooliveira5775]

Amazing!!

[@tamarabliss2307]

amazing!

[@nancybrown2546]

That, was Amazing!

[@tangeegoan2365]

They were awesome

[@sillylassie3954]

this is breathtaking.

[@JGLy22086]

LOVE this! Big spender spend a little time with me!😍

[@gilliansimpson1241]

Bloody Brilliant xxxx