Six-time Tony winner Audra McDonald and Roundabout's Chairman of the Board Thomas E. Tuft will be presented with The Jason Robards Award for Excellence in Theatre. The award is named after the late actor Jason Robards Jr. "for his longstanding relationship with Roundabout and memorable body of stage work. It is given annually to those who have made an indelible impact on both Roundabout and the theatre world", said a statement released Aug 5.
McDonald is being honored for her contributions to the theatre world as a singer and actress. She was nominated for a Tony award for her performance in Roundabout's 2007 production of 110 in the Shade. McDonald will return to Broadway in Shuffle Along, Or, The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed in 2016.
Tuft is being honored for his work as Roundabout's Chairman of the Board, a position which he has held for eight seasons. A statement released Aug. 5 said, "Much of Roundabout's growth and success over the past decade has been due to Tuft's leadership and personal generosity."
The gala will take place Feb. 29, 2016 in the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria at 7 PM. It will include a dinner, and a live auction followed by an all-star musical tribute "celebrating Roundabout's musicals along with the Robards Award presentations."
