"Listen" from Broadway Backwards 2024 featuring Jordan Fisher and John McGinty

Broadway Backwards swelled with sniffles and sobs when John McGinty played a deaf college student confronting his mother about her insensitivities around his sexuality and deafness. As McGinty passionately signed “Listen” from the Dreamgirls film, Jordan Fisher's powerhouse vocals reflected the fiery plea.
Daniel Marmion and Morgana Shaw played McGinty’s parents. The number was written and directed by Broadway Backwards creator Robert Bartley.
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.
“Listen”
By Henry Krieger, Scott Cutler, Samantha Worley and Anne Preven from Dreamgirls (2006 film)
Costume Design by Nicole Zausmer
Music Direction, Arranged, Orchestrated and Conducted by Nicholas Connors
Director of Artistic Sign Language: Christopher Tester
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

[@kcmusicus]

THIS is what theater can be. So vulnerable, so honest, so moving!

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty.

[@kambriaclark3775]

I already know this is going to go down in history as one of the best performances to ever come out of Broadway Backwards

[@glenbryan3706]

Interestingly Titus Burgess did "And I am telling you " from the same show on Broadway backwards a few years ago and KILLED IT !

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty.

[@Orholam5]

sadly not because of the music

[@jasonhull9154]

This is the most magnificent thing I have seen in a very long time. I'm a gay man, Dreamgirls is my favorite musical, I teach beginning ASL classes at a local LGBTQ Center...my god, this just speaks to me on SO many levels! May innumerable blessings forever be upon all those who put this together!!!

[@JohnMcGinty]

SHARE AWAY! Thank you!!! @TheJohnMcGinty

[@samuelhendrix7273]

Jason I agree with you that was amazing I loved it and Dreamgirls is one of my favorite musicals as well

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty.

[@babybelle32a]

This is so powerful. I was surprised to learn that 70% of parents of who have deaf children never learn ASL.

[@scgtlp]

Have you ever watched the show “Switched at Birth”? I think Hulu has the entire show. Sadly, it’s never been released on disc. The show centers around two girls, born on the same day, same hospital, but accidentally switched before leaving the hospital. One of them ends up growing up deaf, because she had meningitis as a toddler. All of the deaf or HoH characters are played by deaf or HoH actors! It’s a really good show.

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty.

[@KittyMax97]

@@scgtlpexcept for the main deaf character, the actor who plays her is not deaf or hard of hearing.

[@leahmoore6820]

They used to make deaf people sit on their hands and speak orally. Another reason why Spring Awakening works so well in ASL. Lack of communication.

[@samanthanotsamiam8404]

I know a young man whose parents never learned sign language. His little brother is the only family member that does. His parents also choose to have him taught word for word English sign which less than 1% of deaf people use. ASL is a language based mostly in concepts so if you wanted to say “Let’s go to the store” you would sign “go store”. He was taught to literally sign “Let’s go to the store”. So Deaf (if I remember correctly deaf people are people who can’t hear & Deaf is people who are culturally Deaf aka communicate using ASL etc) people don’t understand him, his parents don’t understand him, he was never allowed to try oral communication, he doesn’t know how to read lips, and relies on his little brother to help him communicate. I hope he gets into Gallaudet next fall

[@kakarikiyazoo]

I was lucky enough to be there and experience this live. It was brilliant. What this clip doesn't show is that after they did a group bow at the end, they stepped back as the curtain began to come done and went into a group hug, knowing they had hit it out of the park.

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty.

[@SoCalDogDad]

WOW! Just...WOW! I'm sobbing. This interpretation takes this song to a whole new level. It's why I love theater so much. Bravo!

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty.

[@firewheels90]

This is it. This is everything we need in theatre. Thank you to everyone who had a part in creating this.

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty.

[@iamjohnmarkyap]

WHAT A POWERFUL PERFORMANCE!!!!!!! THANK YOU FOR THIS, JORDAN AND JOHN!!! ✨✨✨

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty.

[@tvtalkamy5305]

I was a deaf teacher in teacher for 10 years, and interprerter in Italy - interpreted for the deaf in several concerts and I am sure the work they put in was more than just learning how to sign and being in sync but find soul and meaning to both of them for that song to come out the way it did. what a spectacular performance.

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty.

[@st4rtlzy_]

jordan always singing the house down😭😭😭

[@JohnMcGinty]

SHARE AWAY! Thank you!!! @TheJohnMcGinty

[@ericgutierrez5708]

John McGinty. Jordan Fisher. I'm going to remember those names. And I'll never forget this performance.

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty.

[@drawingaces9797]

As a gay, theatre dude who is hard of hearing. I love this so much. ❤️‍🩹

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty.

[@themripley]

Gosh, we're lucky to be alive at the same time as Jordan Fisher.

[@st4rtlzy_]

frrr

[@aisha1998]

And John McGinty

[@giannamorello7455]

Yesss

[@normanbonk8064]

This is so incredibly powerful. I am almost 60. I have been screaming this for decades and still, no one listens. I am crying alone now, with a mixture of decades-long bottled -up pain and intense gratitude that someone out there understands so very deeply and has translated those feelings into incredibly beautiful and pougnat art. Just incredible. Prayers.

[@klwl]

Brilliant and apt choice of song to fit the scenario on stage, and having it both sung and signed made it more impactful and moving!

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty.

[@acafella11Music]

God damn….. this was so beautiful. As someone who uses ASL as a first language I can sincerely appreciate how well this song was translated into ASL. The translation was beautiful.

[@JellyBeansTotallyRoc]

i desprately need this number to be turned into a full musical

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty.

[@philmchilds]

Wow. This is what I love of about theater and true caring. The blend of ASL and spoken word is so powerful. Thank you for this beautiful testament. Even if you have ears to hear you may not hear and even if you have eyes to see you may not see.

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty.

[@oc5939]

You betta sing Jordan Fisher. Amazing performances by all. 💓

[@giannamorello7455]

Yassss🔥🔥🔥

[@DominiqueW2022]

Yes 🙌🏾 🔥🔥🔥

[@dietercmichaels5458]

This is what a Master Class in Musical theater looks like

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty

[@taragelsomino8717]

Stunning. This was amazing on every level. What a fantastic choice and subject material pairing. I don't think I've ever seen a Backwards piece that was recontextualized like this into something entirely new and not just gender or age reversed. Brilliance.

[@JohnMcGinty]

SHARE AWAY! Thank you!!! @TheJohnMcGinty

[@taragelsomino8717]

@@JohnMcGinty You were wonderful. Thank you!

[@juzziebear]

I’m showing this to my high school Deaf kids on Monday. This is incredible! ❤ 🙌🏽

[@rachelpellom4095]

What an honor to get to see this live. Had me in tears.

[@luvmoma]

Me too❤🥹

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty.

[@rachelpellom4095]

@@JohnMcGinty ❤❤❤ truly one of the most moving performances I've ever seen

[@natala6382]

Wow, so much talent on the stage. Even if the topic of communication with parents is nothing new, the message here is so powerful and striking... Bravo❤

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty.

[@ivanasolis8868]

I have a feeling im gonna come back to this video many times

[@milhouse14]

Jordan Fisher. My goodness. What an amazing singer.

[@Orholam5]

did we listen to the same performance?

[@erikaj1022]

I absolutely love Jordan fisher. This whole performance is beautiful.

[@abbyleelee]

John Mcginty is so incredible. Gorgeous piece! Yes Robert! ❤️❤️

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty.

[@amoebaj]

I’m not sure any other Backwards performance can ever top this one, although I hope they strive to, in the very best way possible 💓 I’ve heard this song so many times, but this performance brought new and fresh meaning to the lyrics, and Jordan knew exactly when to be quieter or louder to best serve those lyrics. The earnestness on McGinty’s face and in his movement just went right through me. THIS is what Broadway Backwards is about-moving us, touching us, letting us experience known and well-loved moments in new ways that will change us forever.

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty.

[@diiiva4326]

Damn... Well, I found what I'm gonna listen/watch on repeat for the next months, thank you sirs

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty.

[@seofra8252]

I love that the ASL sign for Listen is Look.

[@carveylover]

I have watched a lot of these over the years,none have ever been so powerful. Bravo John and Jordan. Bravo.

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty.

[@cindiverbelun1802]

@@JohnMcGintyBrilliant.❤

[@user-te7uz4vf1b]

Took me 5 minutes to stop crying!!! This is Theatre!!!!! Raw, beautiful and the human spirit!!! Bravo sirs!!!!

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty.

[@jacobmccain8794]

I’m simple, I see Jordan Fisher I click to fast! This was incredible! Every vocal choice he made was better than next! He brings so much emotion and passion to every performance he does! I was already sobbing before they started singing listen that when the song actually started I had to pause it😅! This was incredibly moving. To hear one of my songs heard from this perspective was so absolutely moving!!

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty.

[@rachelesser6845]

ASL (and other signed languages) will ALWAYS be the most beautiful to me. I am in tears, this was a fantastic performance and so spectacularly done.

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty.

[@thgrotto]

I'm not crying, you're crying! Discovered this yesterday, since them watched so many times...

[@miriamneff2586]

DAMN! What makes theater theatre

[@JohnMcGinty]

SHARE AWAY! Thank you!!! @TheJohnMcGinty

[@karenhanie5745]

WOW!!! So powerful. Amazing job by both Jordan and John!

[@jessicam3676]

How did I get to be gifted this today? Art seems like such a small words to explain the small space of time holding expressions of human and spiritual feelings tied up in a flooded stage of breath and thought perfected.

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty.

[@allyson--]

🫶

[@eydnbt4728]

I also have a few tears along with a huge smile on my face. I have been trying to find the right word but cannot decide on one. So many synonyms of the word wonderful. All could be used. Thank you for this performance, 👏👏🏳‍🌈🥰🥰

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty.

[@RDP920]

Wow, wow, wow! SO powerful, so real, so raw, so well done! Excellent all around. (I did look up John McGinty to see if he is deaf and he is.) Bravo all!

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty.

[@BlueEGraphics2000]

Wow! Just WOW!

[@acgoldie]

I saw this once and it never left my head. I've now seen it multiple times since and it moves me every single time. A beautiful representation of inclusivity, acceptance and diversity not just in every day life but in theatre as well. Jordon and Josh delivered an unforgettable must see performance. Beautiful theatre.

[@ceekayy79]

Same, I watch it every time it pops up on my page, and I cry every time 🧡🧡🧡

[@JohnMcGinty]

@acgoldie Thank you! IG: instagram.com/thejohnmcginty/

[@acgoldie]

@@JohnMcGinty thank you for the beautiful piece of art.

[@lisamac3299]

POWERFUL!! You both DID THAT brother's!!!!!!!!

[@JohnMcGinty]

THank you, @TheJohnMcGinty

[@laurenelizabeth7795]

I am SO glad there is a video of this performance. Stellar performance by both Jordan and John

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty.

[@Stevenh1979]

This should have so much more than 86k views. I'm sharing it everywhere.

[@JohnMcGinty]

THank you, @TheJohnMcGinty

[@jonathanrio6587]

Just amazing! That mother was acting her ass off too!!!!

[@TheAlvinMamba]

JORDAN FISHER IS THE GOAT 👏❤️

[@saragrigsby5932]

Just amazing! Amazing story, acting, signing and singing!!

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty.

[@LinaB872]

I just watched this a bit ago and I'm still in tears. Very powerful and brilliantly done.

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty.

[@LilyGoh]

That's my favourite song! That's what I had always wanted to do in Singapore!

[@lexithebesti]

goddamn. this is breathtaking, someone write this movie and cast them!!

[@Stratagemini]

I really hope you post 'Be Italian' next. It was the best number of the whole night. I want to show it to all of my friends.

[@kakarikiyazoo]

Hopefully. It was really great entertainment, but this performance was the one that stuck with me the most.

[@stephenmkatzasc]

Brilliant !!!! I’m in tears…. I too had such a moment….

[@gracebaumgarten3926]

Me too… wow, wow, so powerful. They were incredible❤️

[@Princeali7]

This was absolutely amazing!!! So powerful, meaningful, important!!!! This song is truly an anthem and the way it was presented made it have a new meaning!!! Thanks to the amazing performers for bringing so much passion, heart and artistry to this presentation!!! It’s truly remarkable!!! I’m so moved and inspired by this moment!!! I love theater and this will be one of those moments that live rent free in my mind forever!!! Thanks for sharing such impactful piece! Everyone was amazing, but Jordan and John gave such an outstanding performance!!! I’m literally 😢😢😢!!! Wow!!!

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty.

[@flaura_99]

Goosebumps.

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty

[@LakeBest]

Grabbed onto every single moment

[@williammcfarlane4681]

WOW!!!!!! That was truly AMAZING....

[@jungvabegins]

I'm in tears

[@Casey2244_]

🥹❤️ I was in NYC this past weekend to see Hamilton and it was incredible! I love live theater so much. I hope I’m able to come to a Broadway Backwards event in the future.

[@tavodar]

Wow! That was amazing!

[@justinsmith2530]

This whole scene and performance was just incredible. 😢💕

[@MarkeybeeMusic]

Wow! Incredible. I'll remember this for a long time. Thank you

[@abostonboy]

Wow! Just wow!! Literally breathtaking.

[@barryallan2183]

That was amazing!

[@stanleyzareff5871]

Brilliant performances

[@shaelynst.jacques8099]

I’m crying 😢. So moving! ❤

[@princesskaguya2000]

Absolutely amazing! Powerfully breathtaking

[@AshleyGuerrero]

I'm crying, so beautiful

[@0.oudrii]

OMG. that's one powerful piece. I could cryy.

[@Nonnie335]

Jordan’s voice is magnificent!

[@ultimateyaoifangirl]

Wow and just like that this is my favorite Jordan Fisher performance I've ever seen. John McGinty I've only seen a couple of clips from when he played Quasimodo and he delivered even harder than I anticipated. I- This has easily broken my top 10 for musical theatre moments of all time, that really just hit me-- they're chemistry was crazy for that number geez.

[@JohnMcGinty]

THank you, @TheJohnMcGinty

[@chanbrim9614]

That was spectacular

[@user-gv9mg5ex3c]

I was absolutely blown away and away!!!

[@TypicalCrazing]

Stunning.

[@jethrojtsantiago]

Love me some Jordan Fisher! He’s so inspiring and amazing!

[@jenniestarr9015]

Wasn't planning on crying today... wow... so beautiful and touching

[@leahmoore6820]

This is so powerful.

[@filmspelis]

Using this for my ESL students, thank you so so much for sharing it ❤❤

[@bogofusion]

Wow wow wow wow. Brilliant on every level possible. I sobbed, an unusual response from me. THANK YOU

[@giannamorello7455]

I loved this video such a moving scene ♥️😊

[@Tamothegreat]

This is the most amazing thing thing I’ve seen in a WHILE

[@annvaleroso3510]

Simply beautiful. Every thing perfectly executed.

[@Momfia51]

BRAVO!!!!

[@carloscanonigo1016]

Wonderful. Bravo, Bravo!

[@jazzygirl3718]

BRILLIANT!!!

[@annmharbison1190]

Unbelievable! I just happened to stumble on this. I have had family members who have worked professionally in musical theater so I have seen many performances. This one took my breath away!

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty.

[@samuelhendrix7273]

That was amazing❤❤❤❤❤

[@jennifermoseley9919]

This is beautiful. And I love it. It's inspiring and wholesome to see. I hope to one day see this as a Broadway musical movie and or show.❤

[@normanbonk8064]

When someone tells you from the bottom of their heart what they need, people should listen. No waiting, no j7dging, no patronizing. Just listen and get out of the way. Prayers.

[@samuelrosslee408]

WoW. That was so pure. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@ryebread9299]

Thank you for posting PLEASE MORE

[@JohnMcGinty]

SHARE AWAY! Thank you!!! @TheJohnMcGinty

[@Gerardo032002]

...This is so beautiful.....Thank you....

[@PhilipLawtonFilm]

Magnificent 🕊️

[@danieldubek5238]

Wow. Excellent performance ❤. Moved me to tears. 😊

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty.

[@tyhall77]

This Piece has tore my soul out and it is the best feeling, wonderful amazing creative anything i have seen in a while... Thank You...

[@JohnMcGinty]

SHARE AWAY! Thank you!!! @TheJohnMcGinty

[@cashcooperbugshow]

Wow! Incredible

[@pibbitybibbity]

This was stunning. I’ve never cried at a performance in a video, but this one got me.

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty.

[@sjsjr2001]

I need full length! 😢😢😢❤❤❤❤

[@JohnMcGinty]

Thank you! @TheJohnMcGinty.

[@chrisb7558]

i have never cried that hard in my file this meant so much to me i cant even see to try im crying so much thank you for this