Previous Benefit Performances

Roundabout’s Benefit Readings are special one-night-only performances of timeless plays and musicals led by star-studded casts. 

Benefit Concert 2025: Ring Them Bells: A Birthday Celebration for John Kander

On May 19, 2025 Roundabout celebrated beloved songwriter John Kander’s 98th birthday. A remarkable roster of Roundabout favorites, led by our favorite emcee, Alan Cumming, and brand new friends took the stage for a once-in-a-lifetime concert showcasing the life and career of the composer of such shows as Cabaret, Chicago, and Kiss of the Spider Woman. For nearly five decades, John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb wrote the scores for 15 Broadway musicals. This one-night concert reunited Roundabout Interim Artistic Director Scott Ellis, director and choreographer Susan Stroman, and playwright David Thompson, the creative team behind Kander and Ebb’s And The World Goes ‘Round and Steel Pier, to create a song-and-dance birthday salute to one of the brightest lights Broadway has ever known.

  • Jennifer Lopez and John Kander.
    Jennifer Lopez and John Kander.
  • Alan Cumming
    Alan Cumming
  • A group of people in formal attire pose on the red carpet.
  • A group of people in formal attire pose on the red carpet.
  • A group of people in formal attire pose on the red carpet.
  • Victoria Clark
    Victoria Clark
  • Debra Monk and friend pose for a photo.
    Debra Monk and Tom Kirdahy

Photos by Marcus Middleton*

*Photo of Alan Cumming by Yumi Matsuo Photography. Photo of Debra Monk and Tom Kirdahy by Yumi Matsuo Photography

Benefit Concert 2024: Kristin: An Evening with Friends

Tony Award® winner Kristin Chenoweth and a remarkable roster of Roundabout favorites teamed up for a once-in-a-lifetime benefit concert celebrating our longtime leader Todd Haimes. With Tony® winner Warren Carlyle (Kiss Me, Kate!, She Loves Me, and On the Twentieth Century) directing and choreographing a stageful of stars, singers, and dancers, our dear friend Kristin lead a loving tribute to a true theatre hero.

  • A group of performers all on stage under the lights bowing to the crowd and thanking them.
    The Cast of Kristin: An Evening with Friends

Photos by Marcus Middleton

Benefit Reading 2023: Fallen Angels

Sparkling, dizzying, and deliciously potent, Noël Coward’s Champagne-fresh comedy of bad manners shocked and delighted audiences in its 1925 premiere. In 2023, Emmy® nominee Rose Byrne and Tony® winner Kelli O’Hara headed a star-studded cast to bring Coward’s unmatched wit to life once again, for one night only, under the direction of Roundabout Interim Artistic Director Scott Ellis.  

Two upper-class wives, their husbands away for the day, share a few toasts to their pre-marital dalliances—with the same man, who just may be en route from France to visit. Old rivalries and past scandals bubble to the surface in this intoxicating romp from one of theatre’s comedy masters.

November 6, 2023 – American Airlines Theatre℠

  • The Cast of Fallen Angels bowing on stage. Photo by Paula Abreu Pita.
    The Cast of Fallen Angels.
  • The Cast of Fallen Angels bowing on stage. Photo by Paula Abreu Pita.
    The Cast of Fallen Angels.
  • The Cast of Fallen Angels. Photo by Paula Abreu Pita.
    The Cast of Fallen Angels.

Photos by Paula Abreu Pita

Benefit Reading 2022: The Pirates of Penzance

Scott Ellis and Warren Carlyle (She Loves Me and Kiss Me, Kate!) teamed up again to helm one of their personal favorites. This new adaptation by Rupert Holmes (The Mystery of Edwin Drood)–with jazz, blues, ragtime, and symphonic music arrangements by Joseph Joubert and Daryl Waters–built upon fact to imagine Gilbert and Sullivan bringing their newest musical to the heart of New Orleans. Ramin Karimloo, Lilli Cooper, and David Hyde Pierce starred in the one-night-only Benefit Concert Reading, which was a very model of a modern musical evening of swashbuckling, tongue-twisting, and romantic merry-making.

October 17, 2022—American Airlines Theatre℠

  • The cast of PIRATES OF PENZANCE dances in a line at the front of the stage. Photo by Marcus Middleton.
    The cast of PIRATES OF PENZANCE.
  • The cast of PIRATES OF PENZANCE links arms at the front of the stage and does a kick line. Photo by Marcus Middleton.
    The cast of PIRATES OF PENZANCE.
  • The cast of PIRATES OF PENZANCE holds hands and lines up at the front of the stage at curtain call. Photo by Marcus Middleton.
    The cast of PIRATES OF PENZANCE.

Photos by Marcus Middleton

Benefit Reading 2019: The Importance of Being Earnest

Angela Lansbury starred in a one-night-only Benefit Reading of Oscar Wilde’s “trivial comedy for serious people.”

November 18, 2019—American Airlines Theatre℠

  • The IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST cast holds hands during the curtain call. Photo by Evan Zimmerman.
    The IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST cast.
  • THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST cast smiles and chats on stage after the curtain call. Photo by Evan Zimmerman.
    THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST cast.
  • Lily Rabe and Angela Lansbury, who holds her arms up while holding a can, stand on stage behind a bunch of pink flamingo lawn decorations from THE ROSE TATTOO. Photo by Evan Zimmerman.
    Lily Rabe and Angela Lansbury.
  • THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST cast at curtain call.
    THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST cast.

Photos by Evan Zimmerman

Benefit Reading 2018: My One and Only

Two-time Tony Award winner Sutton Foster and Tony Award winner Gavin Creel returned to Roundabout to head the cast of our benefit performance of My One and Only, directed and choreographed by Tony Award-winner Rob Ashford.

November 12, 2018—Stephen Sondheim Theatre

  • The Cast of My One And Only.
    The Cast of My One And Only.
  • The Cast of My One And Only.
    The Cast of My One And Only.
  • The Cast of My One And Only.
    The Cast of My One And Only.
  • The cast of MY ONE AND ONLY at curtain call. A line of women in blue dresses take their bow.
    The cast of MY ONE AND ONLY.
  • The cast of MY ONE AND ONLY at curtain call. A line of men in tuxedos take their bow.
    The cast of MY ONE AND ONLY.
  • The cast of MY ONE AND ONLY at curtain call. Two men take their bow.
    The cast of MY ONE AND ONLY.
  • The cast of MY ONE AND ONLY at curtain call. A man and woman take their bow holding hands.
    The cast of MY ONE AND ONLY.
  • The cast of MY ONE AND ONLY at curtain call. Everyone turns to the back of the stage and gestures towards the orchestra up high on platforms.
    The cast of MY ONE AND ONLY.
  • A stage with two levels of platforms contains a full orchestra. A man holds a microphone at a music stand to the left of the stage. Blue lighting washes over.
    My One and Only

Photos by Richard Mitchell

Benefit Reading 2017: Damn Yankees

Roundabout Theatre Company was thrilled to present a Benefit Concert Reading of Damn Yankees starring Whoopi Goldberg, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Matthew Morrison.

December 11, 2017—Stephen Sondheim Theatre

  • The cast of DAMN YANKEES during the curtain call. Whoopi Goldberg and Matthew Morrison raise their clasped hands up together in the middle of the line.
    The cast of DAMN YANKEES.
  • The cast of DAMN YANKEES at curtain call. A line of men in baseball tees and hats takes their bow.
    The cast of DAMN YANKEES.
  • The cast of DAMN YANKEES at curtain call. A line of women in dresses takes their bow.
    The cast of DAMN YANKEES.
  • Annie Golden waves on stage in front of an orchestra. She wears a purple cardigan over a black dress with purple roses.
    Annie Golden
  • Adrienne Warren takes her bow on stage. She wears a white shirt with a black scarf and a black skirt.
    Adrienne Warren
  • Reggie Jackson takes his bow on stage. He wears a suit with a red tie.
    Reggie Jackson
  • Victoria Clark blows a kiss at the audience during her bow. She wears a pink cardigan over a floral dress.
    Victoria Clark
  • Matthew Morrison pretends to swing a baseball bat. He wears a white collared shirt and black pants.
    Matthew Morrison
  • Maggie Gyllenhaal takes her bow. She wears a black velvet top tucked into black pants.
    Maggie Gyllenhaal
  • The cast of DAMN YANKEES holds hands during the curtain call.
    The cast of DAMN YANKEES

Photos by Evan Zimmerman

Benefit Reading 2016: Kiss Me, Kate

Roundabout Theatre Company was thrilled to present this wonderful reading starring Kelli O’Hara and Will Chase, directed by Roundabout’s Adams Associate Artistic Director Scott Ellis.

December 12, 2016—Studio 54

Benefit Reading 2015: The Man Who Came to Dinner

Roundabout Theatre Company was proud to announce a 50th Anniversary Season Reunion Benefit Reading of Kaufman and Hart’s The Man Who Came to Dinner starring Nathan Lane, Jean Smart, Harriet Harris, and members of the original 2000 Broadway Revival Cast. The Man Who Came to Dinner was the inaugural production at the American Airlines Theatre.

December 7, 2015—Studio 54

Benefit Reading 2014: Merton of the Movies

Roundabout Theatre Company is thrilled to announce that four-time Emmy® Award and Golden Globe® winner Jim Parsons will be joined by Brooks Ashmanskas, Tracee Chimo, John Cullum, Daniel Davis, Katie Finneran, Randy Graff, Richard Kind, Jane Krakowski, Nick Mills, Rory O’Malley, Debra Jo Rupp, Peter Scolari, David Turner, Douglas Waterbury-Tieman, and Matt Harrington in a hilarious one-night-only reading of George S. Kaufman and Marc Connelly’s Merton of the Movies.

December 1, 2014—Studio 54

Benefit Reading 2014: Intimate Apparel

Thank you for supporting Roundabout’s one-night-only Benefit Reading of Lynn Nottage’s Intimate Apparel starring Viola Davis. We were thrilled to be able to bring back the original cast and creative team for what was truly a memorable evening and celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Harold & Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre, home to the Laura Pels Theatre.

June 15, 2014—Harold & Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre/Laura Pels Theatre

Benefit Reading 2012: Assassins

The 2004 Tony Award®-winning cast of Assassins returned to Studio 54 for a star-studded Benefit Concert Reading, under the direction of Joe Mantello and with musical direction by Paul Gemignani.

December 3, 2012—Studio 54

Benefit Reading 2011: She Loves Me

Tony Award® nominee Gavin Creel, Tony Award® winner Jane Krakowski, three-time Tony Award® nominee Kelly O’Hara, Josh Radnor, Peter Bartlett, Tony Award® nominee Michael McGrath, Tony Award® nominee Rory O’Malley, and four-time Tony Award® nominee Victor Garber led an all-star cast in a one-night-only performance of Jerry Block, Sheldon Harnick, and Joe Masteroff’s romantic musical comedy She Loves Me. Scott Ellis directed the evening as a celebration of Roundabout’s 20th anniversary of producing on Broadway including its rich tradition of staging classic musicals, which began with She Loves Me.

Jennifer Lopez and John Kander.

Jennifer Lopez and John Kander.

Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming

A group of people in formal attire pose on the red carpet.

A group of people in formal attire pose on the red carpet.

A group of people in formal attire pose on the red carpet.

A group of people in formal attire pose on the red carpet.

A group of people in formal attire pose on the red carpet.

A group of people in formal attire pose on the red carpet.

Victoria Clark

Victoria Clark

Debra Monk and friend pose for a photo.

Debra Monk and friend pose for a photo.

A group of performers all on stage under the lights bowing to the crowd and thanking them.

A group of performers all on stage under the lights bowing to the crowd and thanking them.

The Cast of Fallen Angels bowing on stage. Photo by Paula Abreu Pita.

The Cast of Fallen Angels bowing on stage. Photo by Paula Abreu Pita.

The Cast of Fallen Angels bowing on stage. Photo by Paula Abreu Pita.

The Cast of Fallen Angels bowing on stage. Photo by Paula Abreu Pita.

The Cast of Fallen Angels. Photo by Paula Abreu Pita.

The Cast of Fallen Angels. Photo by Paula Abreu Pita.

The cast of PIRATES OF PENZANCE dances in a line at the front of the stage. Photo by Marcus Middleton.

The cast of PIRATES OF PENZANCE dances in a line at the front of the stage. Photo by Marcus Middleton.

The cast of PIRATES OF PENZANCE links arms at the front of the stage and does a kick line. Photo by Marcus Middleton.

The cast of PIRATES OF PENZANCE links arms at the front of the stage and does a kick line. Photo by Marcus Middleton.

The cast of PIRATES OF PENZANCE holds hands and lines up at the front of the stage at curtain call. Photo by Marcus Middleton.

The cast of PIRATES OF PENZANCE holds hands and lines up at the front of the stage at curtain call. Photo by Marcus Middleton.

The IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST cast holds hands during the curtain call. Photo by Evan Zimmerman.

The IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST cast holds hands during the curtain call. Photo by Evan Zimmerman.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST cast smiles and chats on stage after the curtain call. Photo by Evan Zimmerman.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST cast smiles and chats on stage after the curtain call. Photo by Evan Zimmerman.

Lily Rabe and Angela Lansbury, who holds her arms up while holding a can, stand on stage behind a bunch of pink flamingo lawn decorations from THE ROSE TATTOO. Photo by Evan Zimmerman.

Lily Rabe and Angela Lansbury, who holds her arms up while holding a can, stand on stage behind a bunch of pink flamingo lawn decorations from THE ROSE TATTOO. Photo by Evan Zimmerman.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST cast at curtain call.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST cast at curtain call.

The Cast of My One And Only.

The Cast of My One And Only.

The Cast of My One And Only.

The Cast of My One And Only.

The Cast of My One And Only.

The Cast of My One And Only.

The cast of MY ONE AND ONLY at curtain call. A line of women in blue dresses take their bow.

The cast of MY ONE AND ONLY at curtain call. A line of women in blue dresses take their bow.

The cast of MY ONE AND ONLY at curtain call. A line of men in tuxedos take their bow.

The cast of MY ONE AND ONLY at curtain call. A line of men in tuxedos take their bow.

The cast of MY ONE AND ONLY at curtain call. Two men take their bow.

The cast of MY ONE AND ONLY at curtain call. Two men take their bow.

The cast of MY ONE AND ONLY at curtain call. A man and woman take their bow holding hands.

The cast of MY ONE AND ONLY at curtain call. A man and woman take their bow holding hands.

The cast of MY ONE AND ONLY at curtain call. Everyone turns to the back of the stage and gestures towards the orchestra up high on platforms.

The cast of MY ONE AND ONLY at curtain call. Everyone turns to the back of the stage and gestures towards the orchestra up high on platforms.

A stage with two levels of platforms contains a full orchestra. A man holds a microphone at a music stand to the left of the stage. Blue lighting washes over.

A stage with two levels of platforms contains a full orchestra. A man holds a microphone at a music stand to the left of the stage. Blue lighting washes over.

The cast of DAMN YANKEES during the curtain call. Whoopi Goldberg and Matthew Morrison raise their clasped hands up together in the middle of the line.

The cast of DAMN YANKEES during the curtain call. Whoopi Goldberg and Matthew Morrison raise their clasped hands up together in the middle of the line.

The cast of DAMN YANKEES at curtain call. A line of men in baseball tees and hats takes their bow.

The cast of DAMN YANKEES at curtain call. A line of men in baseball tees and hats takes their bow.

The cast of DAMN YANKEES at curtain call. A line of women in dresses takes their bow.

The cast of DAMN YANKEES at curtain call. A line of women in dresses takes their bow.

Annie Golden waves on stage in front of an orchestra. She wears a purple cardigan over a black dress with purple roses.

Annie Golden waves on stage in front of an orchestra. She wears a purple cardigan over a black dress with purple roses.

Adrienne Warren takes her bow on stage. She wears a white shirt with a black scarf and a black skirt.

Adrienne Warren takes her bow on stage. She wears a white shirt with a black scarf and a black skirt.

Reggie Jackson takes his bow on stage. He wears a suit with a red tie.

Reggie Jackson takes his bow on stage. He wears a suit with a red tie.

Victoria Clark blows a kiss at the audience during her bow. She wears a pink cardigan over a floral dress.

Victoria Clark blows a kiss at the audience during her bow. She wears a pink cardigan over a floral dress.

Matthew Morrison pretends to swing a baseball bat. He wears a white collared shirt and black pants.

Matthew Morrison pretends to swing a baseball bat. He wears a white collared shirt and black pants.

Maggie Gyllenhaal takes her bow. She wears a black velvet top tucked into black pants.

Maggie Gyllenhaal takes her bow. She wears a black velvet top tucked into black pants.

The cast of DAMN YANKEES holds hands during the curtain call.

The cast of DAMN YANKEES holds hands during the curtain call.

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