Watch: Inside André De Shields's Final Performance in Hadestown on Broadway

Tony Award winner André De Shields played his final performance at the Walter Kerr Theatre in Hadestown on May 29. The emotional evening culminated in New York City Mayor Eric Adams coming on stage at the end of the show and proclaiming May 29, "André De Shields Day" in recognition of his "tremendous contributions to our city's dynamic cultural landscape." An emotional De Shields then sang "Believe in Yourself" from The Wiz, the Broadway musical in which he originated the title role almost 50 years ago.

De Shields' entrance received a three-minute standing ovation for his entrance. The curtain call also included a tribute from cast member Eva Noblezada, presentation of flowers by cast member Kay Trinidad, and trombonist Brian Drye gave De Shields a plunger mute signed by the entire band.