Josh Groban Headlines A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

The Roundabout Theatre Company is gearing up for one of the most anticipated events of its calendar: a star-studded gala scheduled for 10 March 2025 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom. After months of speculation, the organisation has confirmed that Josh Groban, fresh off his Tony-nominated performance in SWEENEY TODD, will headline the evening’s entertainment. But there’s more in store: the gala will pay tribute to none other than Danny DeVito, the beloved actor whose long-standing relationship with Roundabout includes stints in THE PRICE and the more recent I NEED THAT. Add in a champagne-filled dinner and a live auction, and it’s clear that this won’t be just any night out—it’s a celebration of theatre, philanthropy, and the communal passion that keeps the arts alive.

A True Celebration of Theatre

Some galas function as polished fundraisers; others aim to showcase a world-class talent. Roundabout’s 2025 gala, however, promises to do both. The legendary theatre organisation is known for staging iconic revivals, new works, and star-making productions. With their annual gala, Roundabout also reveals the human side of show business—the part where personalities like DeVito and Groban remind us that behind every role, there’s a deep commitment to craft, creativity, and community.

Of course, having Josh Groban as the headliner guarantees there’ll be a musical sparkle to the night. Groban’s singular vocal range and heartfelt interpretations have made him a household name, whether he’s performing classical crossover pieces or belting out show tunes on Broadway. After his acclaimed turn in SWEENEY TODD, audiences have been clamouring for more, and this gala performance is set to offer a glimpse of his emotional depth in a more intimate, concert-style setting.

Honouring Danny DeVito

At the heart of the festivities is Danny DeVito, who will be presented with the Jason Robards Award for Excellence in Theatre. The honour is a nod not just to his star power but to his enduring dedication to Roundabout productions. DeVito’s journey with the company includes:

• I NEED THAT: Theresa Rebeck’s comedic drama in which DeVito starred as a reclusive hoarder trying to reconnect with the world. This piece ran at Roundabout and offered a fresh look at DeVito’s ability to juggle vulnerability and humour.
• THE PRICE: DeVito’s 2017 Broadway debut, also with Roundabout, where he turned Arthur Miller’s classic into a contemporary must-see, stealing scenes as the pragmatic and sometimes hilarious furniture dealer, Gregory Solomon.

For Roundabout’s leadership, the choice to honour DeVito seems obvious: he embodies the blend of comedic timing, dramatic skill, and genuine warmth that has long drawn fans to the theatre. By presenting him with the Jason Robards Award, Roundabout acknowledges his contributions to the stage and his enduring popularity with audiences of all ages.

A Magnificent Venue for a Monumental Night

Taking place at the opulent Ziegfeld Ballroom, the gala will kick off with a dinner that underscores Roundabout’s commitment to bringing glamour and community together in one setting. The iconic space, known for its art-deco charm and grand sense of scale, sets the mood for a night celebrating what theatre stands for: a shared experience that’s bigger than any one individual.

After dinner, guests will be treated to a live auction, featuring everything from exclusive experiences to signed memorabilia by some of Broadway’s biggest stars. Rounding out the evening is Josh Groban’s highly anticipated concert set. Whether he chooses to sing show tunes, classic standards, or selections from his own catalogue, one thing is certain: the atmosphere will be electric.

Supporting Education at Roundabout

Galas aren’t just about glitz. Beneath the sparkle of the evening lies a mission that’s central to Roundabout’s identity: supporting arts education. Proceeds from ticket sales and the live auction help sustain Roundabout’s educational programming, which offers a wide range of services, including:

• Student matinees: enabling young people to experience world-class theatre, often for the very first time.
• Workshops and residencies: bringing professional theatre artists into classrooms, where they engage students with creative exercises that bolster confidence and team-building skills.
• Community outreach: forging partnerships with local organisations to ensure the arts remain accessible, especially for under-served populations.

There’s hard evidence to back up the efficacy of arts education, too. Research consistently shows that students involved in theatre programmes tend to exhibit stronger communication skills, higher levels of empathy, and improved academic performance. By supporting Roundabout’s gala, attendees are effectively helping to inspire and empower the next generation of artists, writers, directors, and, perhaps most importantly, theatre fans.

The Iconic DeVito’s Lasting Impact

Though many may instantly recognise DeVito from his film and television roles—think It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Matilda, or Batman Returns—his devotion to the stage is equally noteworthy. Roundabout’s leadership points out how DeVito’s presence often draws people who might not typically attend theatre, broadening the audience base and injecting a fresh energy into the houses.

Additionally, his comedic instincts and larger-than-life persona bring a certain levity to serious subject matter. In I NEED THAT, for instance, a story of isolation and hoarding gains a surprisingly uplifting dimension through DeVito’s humour. When an actor like that invests in the theatre, it signals to fans and aspiring performers alike that stage work isn’t just a stepping stone or side endeavour—it’s a living art form deserving of year-round support.

Josh Groban’s Ongoing Love Affair with Broadway

Though known to many for his pop ballads, Groban is no stranger to the Great White Way. After his Tony-nominated performance in Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, followed by a headline stint in the revival of SWEENEY TODD, Groban has proven his mettle in demanding roles that showcase both vocal prowess and dramatic nuance. Such credentials make him an ideal figure to headline a gala celebrating theatre’s ongoing vitality.

Beyond his onstage accomplishments, Groban has also worked with philanthropic causes, using his platform to support various charities. His appearance at the Roundabout gala continues that tradition: he’s effectively lending not just his voice, but his star power, to ensure that the theatre’s educational outreach remains robust.

A Unique Feature: Blending Broadway and Hollywood

The Roundabout Theatre Company’s 2025 gala puts a spotlight on something that’s often celebrated but rarely dissected: the union of Broadway’s theatrical intensity with Hollywood’s pop-culture magnetism. DeVito epitomises that intersection—an actor who can inhabit a gritty Miller play or comedic new drama while still delighting fans of mainstream media. Meanwhile, Groban brings the star factor of a chart-topping vocalist who can slip into a Rodgers and Hammerstein ballad or Sondheim solo without missing a beat.

When you think about it, these crossovers demonstrate how theatre remains a vibrant and accessible art form. Some might assume that stage acting and big-screen roles belong to separate worlds. Yet galas like this remind us that the lines are delightfully blurred: a film star like DeVito can return to theatre and thrive, while a musician like Groban can shape a second career in musicals. For theatre fans, it’s an encouraging sign that new talent can—and will—continue to flow between mediums, keeping both fresh and dynamic.

A Date with Destiny

Mark the calendar for 10 March 2025 if you’re looking to experience a confluence of memorable performances, heartfelt philanthropy, and a chance to show your support for the next generation of theatre-makers. While the price of admission might be beyond some budgets, the impact the event will have—both on the theatre community and the young people touched by Roundabout’s programmes—is invaluable.

Whether you’re a fan of DeVito’s singular comedic style or Groban’s soaring vocals, or simply a believer in the transformative power of theatre, the Roundabout gala seems poised to deliver an unforgettable night. If you can’t attend, you might still keep an eye on highlights and social media updates, as each year’s gala tends to draw media coverage, not to mention plenty of backstage anecdotes that linger in the Broadway rumour mill for months afterwards.

The Joy of Giving Back

As with any charitable gala, the underlying motive is to gather resources that bolster Roundabout’s mission. In a turbulent time for arts funding, every bit counts, from major donations to enthusiastic applause that encourages artists to keep performing. The synergy among DeVito, Groban, and Roundabout underscores that theatre can be a place where talents converge to honour both storied legacies and brand-new experiments. Even a single star-studded evening can echo throughout the season, inspiring younger actors, fostering new relationships, and supporting the delicate ecosystem that is the theatre world.

Yet beyond the red carpets and standing ovations lies something more enduring: the idea that theatre, as an art form, has a role to play in shaping how we relate to one another. The Roundabout’s educational initiatives prove that it’s not just about entertainment—it’s about creating empathy, understanding, and a sense of shared humanity. When luminaries like DeVito and Groban step up to champion that cause, it sends a powerful message about the kind of community the theatre world aspires to be.

In the final analysis, Roundabout Theatre Company’s 2025 gala looks set to be more than a glamorous night out—it’s a celebration of the stories we tell, the music that moves us, and the future of the theatrical arts. With Josh Groban delivering a once-in-a-lifetime performance and Danny DeVito receiving well-deserved recognition for his contributions, the evening promises both star wattage and heartfelt community spirit. Proceeds will fuel Roundabout’s essential programmes, ensuring that generations to come can discover the magic lurking in the theatre’s wings.

So if you’re still contemplating whether to mark this date, consider the ripple effect of one gala. In the immediate sense, it provides an intimate concert, a dinner, and a high-profile award ceremony. In the long run, it sustains the very programmes that sow the seeds of creativity among young minds. That’s theatre at its best—an ecosystem where celebration meets service, and entertainment meets education. And that, in a nutshell, is precisely why Roundabout’s 2025 gala is set to be an evening like no other.