Take Me Backwards

Sierra Boggess, David Burtka, Len Cariou, Neil Patrick Harris, Cheyenne Jackson, Lainie Kazan, and Anthony Rapp crossed gender lines for Broadway Backwards 3.

By Joseph Marzullo,Dan Bacalzo • Feb 5, 2008 • New York

Last night, the stars were out in full force for Broadway Backwards 3, a gender-bending concert featuring male singers performing songs traditionally performed by female singers, and vice versa, with all proceeds benefiting the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) Community Center. Among the performers were real-life couple Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka, who sang "Take Me or Leave Me" from Rent.

Xanadu's Cheyenne Jackson was one of the participants, as was Lainie Kazan, who sang "The Gal That Got Away" from A Star is Born.

Anthony Rapp was Jackson's partner for "Suddenly Seymour" from Little Shop of Horrors. And Charles Busch was on hand to sing "The Music that Makes Me Dance" from Funny Girl.

Ann Harada teamed with Julie Halston for "Everybody Ought to Have a Maid" from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

Len Cariou contributed "Send in the Clowns" from A Little Night Music.

The Little Mermaid's Sierra Boggess sang co-star Titus Burgess' "Kiss the Girl," while Burgess sang "Maybe This Time" from Cabaret.

Tony Yazbeck, who will soon be seen in the Broadway revival of Gypsy, was also a participant, as was gal pal and former Chorus Line co-star Jessica Lee Goldyn.

Brooks Ashmanskas and Gavin Creel were part of an all-male trio singing "I Want it All" from Baby.

Finally, here's host Seth Rudetsky with former Annie star Andrea McArdle, who proved she's all grown up by singing "All I Care About is Love" from Chicago.