The recent Only Make Believe Gala was a heartwarming testament to the enduring power of live performance, celebrating a quarter-century of dedicated service to children facing significant health challenges. This star-studded event, held at Broadway's historic Shubert Theater, not only honored visionary leader Anna Wintour but also spotlighted the incredible impact of theater in transforming the lives of young individuals. Through engaging artistic experiences, the organization has consistently brought moments of joy, imagination, and emotional upliftment to those in hospitals, care facilities, and specialized schools, reinforcing the profound belief in the therapeutic benefits of creative expression.
Only Make Believe Gala Shines a Light on Theater's Healing Touch
On October 14, 2025, a captivating evening unfolded at Broadway's Shubert Theater as the Only Make Believe Gala commenced, an event dedicated to honoring the profound influence of theater on young lives. The gala celebrated 25 years of this remarkable organization, which has consistently delivered the enchantment of live performance to children battling illnesses and disabilities. Attendees gathered to acknowledge the transformative power of imaginative play, witnessing firsthand how theatrical experiences can ignite hope and happiness in challenging circumstances.
Among the distinguished honorees was Dame Anna Wintour, presented with the prestigious James Hammerstein Award, recognizing her unwavering commitment to the arts. Adam Meshel, Citi's Head of Legal, received the Founders Award for his extensive contributions to the organization, while Shenoda Saeed, aged 15, and King Monroe, two inspiring participants from the Harry Moore School, were also celebrated for their involvement and burgeoning love for performance. Shenoda, a veteran of Only Make Believe since the age of four, proudly shared his passion for dance, captivating the audience with his infectious enthusiasm.
The program featured a series of mesmerizing performances, commencing with Chris Jackson's soulful rendition of \u201cFeelin\u2019 Good\u201d and Josh Groban's moving interpretation of \u201cBridge Over Troubled Water.\u201d Brad Oscar delivered a spirited performance from the 1969 musical Coco, while dancers from the contemporary opera Fire Shut Up in My Bones, choreographed by the exceptional Camille A. Brown, showcased their extraordinary talent. A highlight of the evening was a powerful duet of \u201cSuddenly Seymour\u201d by Darren Criss and Lena Hall, followed by Jak Malone's deeply poignant performance of \u201cDear Bill,\u201d a ballad from Operation Mincemeat, specially requested by Anna Wintour.
Before Ms. Wintour addressed the assembly, she was introduced by the esteemed Broadway couple, director Sam Gold and playwright Amy Herzog. They shared a personal anecdote, recalling an "unlicensed" adaptation of Frozen performed by physical therapists in a hospital wing where their daughter was receiving care. Gold humorously remarked, \u201cDon't quit your day jobs,\u201d but quickly emphasized the immense joy and difference such theatrical moments bring to sick and disabled children and their families. Anna Wintour then passionately spoke of her own formative experience, witnessing Sir Laurence Olivier in Coriolanus at age ten, an event that \u201chooked\u201d her to theater for life. She eloquently articulated that theater is the most natural art form for a young person's imagination and, crucially, for fostering hope. Concluding her address, Wintour expressed optimism, stating that the gathering instilled hope for a generation of children growing up in challenging times and reaffirmed her belief in the enduring future of theater as a vital human instrument.
The gala served as a powerful reminder of how artistic expression, particularly theater, can serve as a beacon of light in times of darkness. Witnessing children, often burdened by illness, find solace and joy through performance underscores the profound therapeutic potential of the arts. It inspires us to consider how accessible creative outlets can be for all, especially for the most vulnerable, fostering resilience, imagination, and a sense of belonging that extends far beyond the stage.