Bernadette Peters is set to perform at New 42’s 2026 Gala on June 1 at The Plaza, honoring André De Shields and more.
A major Broadway luminary is set to take center stage next month: Bernadette Peters will perform at New 42’s 2026 Gala, an event designed to spotlight the performing arts organization’s work and legacy.
Peters’ appearance is scheduled for Monday, June 1, at The Plaza Hotel. The gala will mark New 42’s 35th anniversary and is being framed as a celebration not only of performances, but of the people who helped shape the organization’s reach and influence over the years.
The evening will be hosted by Cheyenne Jackson, with performances directed by Warren Carlyle.. Peters will share the stage as part of a program that also includes recognition for three individuals tied closely to New 42’s history: Tony Award-winner André De Shields. New 42 Artistic Director Mary Rose Lloyd. and New 42 Board Member Sarah Long.
Peters said she is “delighted” to be part of the special evening, describing her admiration for New 42 and its mission.. In her remarks. she pointed to the value of access to the performing arts. saying it can be inspirational and that New 42’s programs have helped open “new worlds” for young audiences. adding that she believes everyone should have the opportunity to experience live theater.
Her connection to philanthropic work in the arts and beyond also features prominently in the buildup to the gala.. Peters devotes time and talents to numerous events benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. an effort widely known for mobilizing stars in support of causes tied to health and community.
Among her most visible initiatives is “Broadway Barks,” her annual “pet project” co-founded with Mary Tyler Moore. The event is an all-star dog and cat adoption drive that benefits shelter animals across New York City and the tri-state area, aligning her public profile with animal welfare.
Peters is also recognized as a New York Times best-selling author. having written three children’s books—“Broadway Barks. ” “Stella is a Star. ” and “Stella and Charlie: Friends Forever.” According to the announcement. all proceeds from book sales go to animal charities. continuing the theme of using public attention to support causes offstage.
Her charitable efforts have previously been honored by the American Theater Wing, which awarded her the Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award, underscoring how her contributions extend beyond performance into advocacy.
While Peters’ participation is the headline draw, the gala’s fundraising goals also underline what New 42 is prioritizing. Proceeds from the 2026 New 42 Gala will support programs that power performances at New Victory Theater.
The plan also includes backing for New 42 Studios, where the organization incubates new works. Organizers say the gala funds will help “pave new pathways” into creative careers through artist mentorship and youth workforce development programs.
In addition to the organization’s 35th anniversary, the gala is set to fold in milestone celebrations tied to New 42 Studios and New Victory Theater: the 25th anniversary of New 42 Studios and the 30th anniversary of the opening of the New Victory Theater.
The breadth of the evening reflects a wider strategy seen across major arts nonprofits: pairing star power with concrete pipeline-building—from creating new work to expanding mentorship and youth opportunities.. By linking the celebration of past impact to funding for future programming. New 42 is essentially using the gala as both commemoration and momentum for what comes next.
For theater audiences. a Peters performance brings a familiar name into the spotlight. but the recognition portion of the evening adds another layer—honoring key leaders and supporters whose work often determines what institutions can sustain over time.. With awards centered on long-term contributors such as André De Shields. Mary Rose Lloyd. and Sarah Long. the gala also signals a focus on stewardship as much as spectacle.
With the date approaching, anticipation is building not just around who will perform, but around what the fundraising will enable.. The combination of performances. tributes. and targeted support for New Victory Theater. new work development. mentorship. and youth workforce programs frames the event as an arts celebration with real-world outcomes—an approach that makes it easy to understand why such galas can become viral fixtures for both theater fans and socially engaged communities.
Bernadette Peters New 42 Gala André De Shields New Victory Theater theater philanthropy Cheyenne Jackson Warren Carlyle