Backwards Broadway at Willoughby Theatre Company

Willoughby Theatre Company (WTC) is flipping the script through song in May 2022 with a showcase of some of Broadway's biggest showtunes performed like they’ve never been before. 

Backwards Broadway sees WTC return to The Concourse Theatre stage for the first time since last year's Pricilla; Queen of the Desert and will mark the start of celebrations for the company’s 65th Anniversary. 

Originally due to be performed in 2021, but delayed due to COVID lockdowns, Backwards Broadway bends the rules of theatre by showcasing contemporary and classic showtunes performed by soloists or a group of singers as they were not originally intended. 

The show will feature music from Broadway's biggest shows including Chicago, West Side Story, Dear Evan Hansen, Funny Girl, Les Misérables, Hairspray, Guys & Dolls, Jekyll & Hyde, The Secret Garden, Rent, Wicked, Waitress and many more! 

Backwards Broadway Director Stig Bell explains: “We’ve all seen concerts or cabarets where the musical theatre tunes were performed as originally intended or sung by the male or female voice they were written for.  

“With Backwards Broadway we wanted to give these songs a fresh twist and create the opportunity for some of community theatre’s finest to give audiences an even more memorable performance of these well known songs. 

“We hope audiences will leave the theatre with a new appreciation of these classics and of musical theatre.” 

Stig Bell, who directed WTC’s productions of Wicked and Jesus Christ Superstar is joined by Musical Director Greg Jones (Wicked, Sunset Boulevard, The Phantom of the Opera) and choreographers Kristy Hooper and Sam Larielle.  

The creative team have assembled a cast of WTC and Sydney community theatre regulars, along with some fresh and emerging talent. The cast includes 15 singers as well as a dance ensemble of 11 performers. 

Nikole Music, who has played some of musical theatre’s biggest leading roles including Elphaba in Wicked, says the show presents the ultimate challenge for a performer. 

“We’re all relishing the opportunity to tackle songs we’d never get the chance to sing in the musical themselves. We can’t wait for audiences to see what we’ve been able to do with these songs and bring a new perspective to these classic musical tunes.” said Nikole Music.  

Backwards Broadway will be performed for a limited season of 6 shows only at The Concourse Theatre, Chatswood from Thursday May 19 to Sunday May 22, 2022. Bookings: www.theconcourse.com.au