Julie Andrews, Kristin Chenoweth & More Honor the ‘Brilliant’ Rob Marshall at the Roundabout Gala
On March 12, star-studded guests flocked to the Hammerstein Ballroom to support six-time Tony-nominated director and choreographer Rob Marshall. Hosted by Tony winner Martin Short, the Roundabout Theatre Company gala included performances by two-time Tony winner Bernadette Peters, three-time Tony nominee Kelli O’Hara, four-time Tony nominee Victor Garber, two-time Tony winner Donna Murphy, and a special surprise by three-time Tony nominee Julie Andrews.
When Marshall saw a glimpse of Andrews on the red carpet, he was visibly stunned. “I just walked in and saw Julie Andrews standing there and I thought, 'Well, that’s almost too much right there!'” Marshall told Broadway.com. “It just makes my heart skip a beat because she’s so beautiful and so inspirational to me. [She’s] a huge reason why I do what I do.”
While Marshall sang the praises of Andrews, Marshall’s celebrity colleagues had only the kindest words to say about him. “[Rob] directed me in one of the best things I’ve ever gotten to be in,” said Kristin Chenoweth of the 1999 made-for-TV movie Annie. “We just fell in love with each other.” Garber, who played Daddy Warbucks in the hit film, concurs: “He’s brilliant!” Peters has fond memories of playing Cinderella's Stepmother in the 1997 TV movie Cinderella, helmed by Marshall. “The creativity that he has brought to this world is wonderful,” said Peters. “He’s so talented and he understands musicals.”
What is it that makes Marshall such a beloved director, both on Broadway and in Hollywood? “He doesn’t make you work hard, you wanna work hard,” said Murphy, who performed alongside Marshall in The Mystery of Edwin Drood on Broadway. “You don’t even realize you’re working so hard because you’re having such a damn good time. It is a gift. Everybody loves him and it’s because he does his work so well. I love Rob Marshall and I will for the rest of my life, because he’s my buddy.”
Click below to experience the big night!
