Garden of Laughs announces all-star lineup for 2015 MSG benefit

After taking a year off, the Garden of Laughs all-star benefit show will return in 2015, with Lewis Black, Bill Burr, Dane Cook, Billy Gardell, and J.B. Smoove already confirmed to participate on March 28, 2015, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Steve Schirripa will host. It’s executive-produced by producer/manager Rory Rosegarten.

More entertainers and sports icons will be announced later, joining the comedians to raise money for The Garden of Dreams Foundation, a non-profit that works with The Madison Square Garden Company to bring the magic of MSG – including MSG Entertainment, the Knicks, Rangers, Liberty and MSG Networks – to children facing obstacles. Over the last eight years, Garden of Dreams has brought joy and happiness to more than 250,000 children and their families.

“I am honored to host Garden of Laughs, which will feature some of the funniest stars in comedy today,” said Schirripa. “I have seen the impact of the Garden of Dreams Foundation up-close for several years now, and I can’t think of a better charity to support with a night of non-stop laughs. Fans of comedy should not miss this event.”

The 2013 Garden of Laughs raised almost $1 million.

“The first-ever Garden of Laughs in 2013 was an evening that had an unbelievable turnout of stars and comedians – and more of the same can be expected on March 28,” said Rosegarten. “We’re excited to bring the comedy community together again to help benefit Garden of Dreams. I am thrilled to continue to support this Foundation and give the audience a night filled with laughter.”

“We also want to thank Steven Mazzilli, Chris Mazzilli, Robert Hartmann, Rick Dorfman and Matt Frost for their sincere efforts in support of Garden of Laughs,” said Rory and Barry Watkins, executive vice president of communications and administration for The Madison Square Garden Company and Garden of Dreams board member.   “When they were contacted about the event and learned about the work of the Foundation, they enthusiastically volunteered to donate their time to help ensure this special evening is equally as successful as the inaugural event in 2013.  We are incredibly grateful to have them on board to help create what we know will be an unforgettable night.”

For tickets, visit www.gardenoflaughs.com. Tickets cost $50-$130.  Public on sale begins Saturday, Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. and will be available through Ticketmaster Charge By Phone (1-866-858-0008) and all Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets will also be available at the box offices at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and the Beacon Theatre beginning Sunday, Dec. 14 at 12:00p.m.

Sean L. McCarthy

Editor and publisher since 2007, when he was named New York's Funniest Reporter. Former newspaper reporter at the New York Daily News, Boston Herald and smaller dailies and community papers across America. Loves comedy so much he founded this site.

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