Roundabout Theatre Company to Honor Audra McDonald at 2016 Gala

Roundabout Theatre Company has announced that it will be honoring six-time Tony winner Audra McDonald and Roundabout's Chairman of the Board Thomas E. Tuft at its 50th-anniversary gala. Each will be presented with the Jason Robards Award for Excellence in Theatre.

Named after the late Jason Robards for his longstanding relationship with Roundabout and memorable body of stage work, the award is given to those who have made an indelible impact on both Roundabout and the theater world.

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, and is one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people of 2015. 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.

Tuft has served as chairman of the board of Roundabout Theatre Company for the past eight seasons. Tuft also serves as a vice chairman of the Whitney Museum of American Art. He is chairman of the global capital markets advisory at Lazard, Ltd.

The company's 50th Anniversary Gala, Spring Gala 2016: Celebrating 50 Years of Extraordinary Theatre, will be held on Monday, February 29, 2016 in the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria. The event will begin at 7pm with dinner and a live auction, followed by an all-star musical tribute celebrating Roundabout's musicals along with the Robards Award presentations. All proceeds will benefit Roundabout Theatre Company's Musical Theatre Fund and Education programs.