Watch: Broadway stars reinvent this classic as a raunchy gay showtune
A number of Broadway stars have performed an all-male rendition of ‘Cell Block Tango’ – and re-invented it as a raunchy, gay showtune.
The original song from the Kander and Ebb musical Chicago features six convicted female murderers singing about the wrongs committed by their murdered husbands and boyfriends.
In a twist on the original, the tune was performed for the ‘Broadway Backwards’ AIDS gala last week by an all male cast – including Joshua Buscher-West, Marty Lawson, Alfie Parker Jr, Waldemar Quinones-Villanueva, Alex Ringler and Ryan Steele.
The lyrics remained intact from the original version – leaving the men singing about their same-sex lovers.
The gala benefited Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, which has helped raise $250 million for AIDS causes since 1988.
A statement said: “An exuberant, exhilarating and emotional evening of performances by Broadway’s best made for a poignant celebration of the 10th anniversary of Broadway Backwards.
“Broadway Backwards is the annual celebration where gays and lesbians see their stories told through the great songs of musical theatre, sung by their favorite Broadway performers.
“The 2015 edition of the event raised a record $466,717 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center.”
It continues: “Since 1988, BC/EFA has raised more than $250 million for essential services for people with AIDS and other critical illnesses across the United States.
“Broadway Cares awards annual grants to more than 450 AIDS and family service organizations nationwide and also is the major supporter of the social service programs at The Actors Fund, including the HIV/AIDS Initiative, the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative and the Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic.”
