Roundabout Honors Audra McDonald & Chairman Tom Tuft at 50th Anniversary Gala Tonight

Roundabout Theatre Company hosts the 50th Anniversary Gala: "Spring Gala 2016: Celebrating 50 Years of Extraordinary Theatre" tonight, February 29, 2016 in the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria (301 Park Avenue, NYC). The evening will be a celebration of Roundabout's 50th Anniversary and will recognize the accomplishments of six-time Tony winner Audra McDonald and Roundabout's Chairman of the Board Tom Tuft and present them with The Jason Robards Award for Excellence in Theatre.

Audra McDonald is unparalleled in the breadth and versatility of her artistry as both a singer and an actress. A record-breaking six-time Tony Award winner (Carousel, Master Class, Ragtime, A Raisin in the Sun, The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill) and one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people of 2015, McDonald was also Tony-nominated for her starring turn in Roundabout Theatre Company's production of 110 in the Shade in 2007.

Tom Tuft has served as Chairman of the Board of Roundabout Theatre Company for the past eight seasons. Under his leadership, Roundabout has experienced years of growth and success. His personal commitment to the Company is extraordinary. 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 Jason Robards Award for Excellence in Theatre is named after the late Jason Robards for his longstanding relationship with Roundabout and memorable body of stage work. It is given to those who have made an indelible impact on both Roundabout and the theatre world.

Roundabout Theatre Company's 50th Anniversary Season Gala will begin at 7:00PM with dinner and a live auction, followed by an all-star musical tribute celebrating Roundabout's musicals, directed by seven-time Tony nominee Scott Ellis, and hosted by Tony Award winner Nathan Lane, along with the Robards Award presentations.

Gala Chairs Stephanie and Ron Kramer, Tom and Kitty Patterson Kempner and Johannes (Johs) Worsoe, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group. Auction Chair Sylvia Golden. Executive Producer Sydney Beers.

The gala creative team will feature Scott Ellis (Director), Warren Carlyle (Choreography), Paul Gemignani (Musical Director), David Rockwell (Scenic design), Donald Holder (Lighting Design) and Shannon Slaton (Sound Design). Ladies evening wear will be been provided by Carmen Marc Valvo.

All proceeds from the 50th Anniversary Gala benefit Roundabout Theatre Company's Musical Theatre Fund and Education programs, which serve over 18,000 students and teachers in schools throughout all five boroughs. There will also be an online auction on biddingforgood.com in the two weeks leading up to the 50th Anniversary Gala.

For more information: www.roudabouttheatre.org/gala.