Steve Schirripa is stepping back into the spotlight as host of Garden of Laughs, the all-star comedy benefit, when it makes its first-ever stop at Radio City Music Hall on April 13. The one-night show pulls in a heavy-hitting lineup of stand-ups, including John Oliver, Ronny Chieng, Iliza Shlesinger and Josh Johnson, and will once again raise money for the Garden of Dreams Foundation. Schirripa, still beloved by fans as Bobby Bacala from The Sopranos, has long been a supporter of the foundation and a regular emcee for the fundraiser. With tickets already circulating, the night is lining up to be one of New York’s marquee charity events of the season.
According to MSG Entertainment, Garden of Laughs is set for April 13 at 8 p.m. at Radio City Music Hall, with all net proceeds benefitting the Garden of Dreams Foundation. Schirripa said in a statement, "I am honored to return as host for Garden of Laughs for the fifth time."
Lineup and ticket details
Spectrum News NY1 reports that the bill includes Josh Johnson, Hasan Minhaj, Zarna Garg, Ronny Chieng, John Oliver, Andrew Schulz and Iliza Shlesinger. Ticketing pages such as Live Nation also list Hasan Minhaj among the performers and confirm the April 13 date. As usual with big comedy benefits, the lineup is subject to change, but the roster on paper is already stacked.
Radio City debut and fundraising track record
The benefit has previously taken place at the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden, but this year it moves to Radio City as organizers aim to pack the whole effort into a larger, single-night fundraiser, according to MSG Entertainment. Since 2013, the Garden of Laughs events have raised nearly $8.5 million for the Garden of Dreams Foundation, and the 2024 edition set a new single-night record by pulling in more than $2 million. Organizers say the move to Radio City is a nod to that momentum and to just how big the night has become.
What the proceeds support
The Garden of Dreams Foundation works with local partner organizations to fund scholarships, refurbish pediatric areas and build recreational spaces for young people across the tri-state area, according to reporting on recent grants by QNS. That outlet highlights a recent $380,000 grant to upgrade a gym at the Ottilie Residential Treatment Facility, a reminder that money raised at high-profile events like Garden of Laughs is funneled directly into community programs.
