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Audra McDonald Honored at Roundabout Theatre Company Gala

The event was hosted by Nathan Lane and featured appearances by Broadway vets including Harry Connick Jr.

Will Swenson and Audra McDonald walk the red carpet at Roundabout Theatre Company's 50th Anniversary gala, where McDonald was honored.
Will Swenson and Audra McDonald walk the red carpet at Roundabout Theatre Company's 50th Anniversary gala, where McDonald was honored.
(© Allison Stock)

Roundabout Theatre Company honored six-time Tony winner Audra McDonald with the Jason Robards Award for Excellence in Theatre at the organization's 50th-anniversary gala, held Monday, February 29, at the Waldorf-Astoria. The evening also honored Thomas E. Tuft, Roundabout's Chairman of the Board.

Two-time Tony winner Nathan Lane served as host of Roundabout Theatre Company's 50th Anniversary gala.
Two-time Tony winner Nathan Lane served as host of Roundabout Theatre Company's 50th Anniversary gala.
(© Allison Stock)

The event was hosted by Roundabout vet Nathan Lane, and included an all-star musical tribute celebrating Roundabout's musicals along with the Robards Award presentations. All proceeds benefit Roundabout Theatre Company's Musical Theatre Fund and Education programs.

Roundabout vet Harry Connick Jr. (The Pajama Game) arrives at the gala with his daughter, Charlotte.
Roundabout vet Harry Connick Jr. (The Pajama Game) arrives at the gala with his daughter, Charlotte.
(© Allison Stock)

Honoree McDonald has earned a record-breaking six Tony Awards for her performances in Carousel, Master Class, Ragtime, A Raisin in the Sun, The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess, and Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill. The actress was also Tony-nominated for her starring turn in Roundabout Theatre Company's production of 110 in the Shade in 2007 as well as for playing the title role in the musical Marie Christine in 2000. She returns to Broadway this spring in Shuffle Along.

Mary Stuart Masterson starred in Roundabout Theatre Company's acclaimed 2003 revival of Nine.
Mary Stuart Masterson starred in Roundabout Theatre Company's acclaimed 2003 revival of Nine.
(© Allison Stock)

In celebration of the company’s anniversary, the board of directors has launched a $50-million campaign to increase its Board Designated Fund. Similar to a traditional endowment, the fund will provide funds for expanding programming in response to the evolving needs of our community of artists and audiences, while returning interest to support Roundabout’s annual work. Nearly $32 million has been raised thus far.

Frozen scribes Kristin Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez arrive for Roundabout's annual gala.
Frozen scribes Kristin Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez arrive for Roundabout's annual gala.
(© Allison Stock)

Roundabout's spring 2016 productions include the new Broadway revivals of Noises Off, She Loves Me, and Long Day’s Journey Into Night, as well as the new off-Broadway revival of The Robber Bridegroom.

John Gallagher Jr., one of the stars of Roundabout's upcoming Long Day's Journey Into Night revival, poses for photos with his girlfriend, Libby Winters.
John Gallagher Jr., one of the stars of Roundabout's upcoming Long Day's Journey Into Night revival, poses for photos with his girlfriend, Libby Winters.
(© Allison Stock)