The first edition of Broadway Backwards, in 2006, was one of the smaller fundraising events held by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS—a nonprofit that draws on the theater community to help provide essential services for people with HIV/AIDS. But it quickly became one of the organization’s most anticipated annual shows. This year it goes virtual, optimistic about what’s to come and exploring how lockdowns have affected New York’s LGBTQ community. The main narrative revolves around a man (Jay Armstrong Johnson) who is sheltering in place. Thanks to a surreal TV-host guide, portrayed by Jenn Colella, the stasis of the pandemic turns into a dreamlike journey. Alongside the main narrative are numbers from past shows and a finale that will include never-before-seen performances by Amy Adams, Bernadette Peters, and Debra Messing, plus special appearances by Matt Bomer, Glenn Close, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson. —C.J.F.