At the Janice Jam Concert, Broadway Is Coming Together to Fight Breast Cancer

In the theatre, we often talk about the "power of community." We see it in the way an ensemble breathes together, or how a standing ovation can electrify a room. But on May 4th at 7 PM ET in Sony Hall, that community energy is being harnessed for something far more clinical, and far more urgent: the literal eradication of breast cancer.  The event will stream live on Playbill.com. For more information, visit Playbill.com/TheJaniceJam. 

The Janice Jam: Broadway for Breast Cancer returns for its fourth annual concert, but to call it a "benefit" feels like an understatement. It’s a high-octane, soul-stirring engine for change. Founded by Broadway performer Matt DeAngelis (Swept Away, Waitress) in memory of his mother, Janice, who passed away from metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in 2022, the event has quickly become a vital pipeline for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).

While the evening features a "power-packed" lineup of Broadway favorites, including Amber Ardolino, McKenzie Kurtz, Brent Comer, Christine Dwyer, Lissa deGuzman and more (including The Onco-Ballet Foundation STAGE TIME and Griefcat), the real headliner is the data.

"The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is proud to once again be the beneficiary of The Janice Jam," says Sadia Zapp, Managing Director of Communications and Content at BCRF. "Broadway has a unique power to bring people together, and events like this one translate that energy into something truly life-changing: funding the research that will one day end breast cancer."

For those in the MBC community, research isn't just a buzzword; it’s more time. Metastatic breast cancer remains the leading cause of breast cancer deaths, and The Janice Jam ensures that 100 percent of net proceeds go directly toward the grants that accelerate progress for patients living with Stage IV.

One of the most moving traditions of The Janice Jam is the presentation of the Fighting Flamingo Award, which recognizes a member of the theatre community who has navigated their own cancer journey with transparency, grace, and advocacy. Last year, the room stood in solidarity as Krysta Rodriguez accepted the honor, sharing her own story of resilience.

This year, the spotlight turns to Kara Lindsay (Once Upon a Mattress, Newsies). Since going public with her diagnosis earlier this year, Lindsay has become a beacon for others, proving that even in the darkest wings of life, the light of the community remains bright.

We sat down with Matt to discuss the evolution of #TeamJanice and why this year feels different.

The Janice Jam started as a way to honor your mother, Janice. Now in its fourth year, it has evolved into a cornerstone event for the Broadway community. How has the mission shifted for you personally as it has grown from a tribute to a massive research engine?
Matt DeAngelis: It will always be a tribute, and it is an honor to honor her in this way. Broadway is so singular in its proximity to one another. We’re a tight knit community and when we pull on the same rope, amazing things can happen.

Sadia Zapp from BCRF mentioned that Broadway has a "unique power" to translate energy into research. In your eyes, why is the theatrical community specifically so well-equipped to lead the charge in the fight against breast cancer?
Show people are the best people and we care so deeply. Caring and feelings are so in our DNA as artists that when that energy is shining all at once in the same direction, it moves people to show up, give money, cry, laugh, dance, and, we hope, come back next year.

Last year, we saw Krysta Rodriguez honored for her incredible advocacy. This year, the award goes to Kara Lindsay. What was the moment or the quality in Kara’s journey this year that made you and the committee certain she was the right recipient for the 2026 Fighting Flamingo Award?
Kara is so universally loved in this community. In over 20 years in show business, she makes the very short list of kindest and most genuinely good people I’ve ever had the good fortune to have met. Her courage and laughter through this insane time in her life, and the bravery it took to share it, was so inspirational. We have been friends for a very long time and I’m so lucky to be able to give her this recognition.

You have performers like Amber Ardolino and McKenzie Kurtz joining the lineup. How do you choose the songs and the vibe of the night to ensure it feels like a celebration of life rather than just a traditional benefit?
We try and be as “cool mom” as possible. Performers are pulled in a million different directions and these folks, choosing to donate their Monday to this cause, means a lot. I want them to perform songs they love and feel comfortable with; something that resonates but keeps them at ease. We want this to be fun, not a task or a “heavy lift."

If your mom were sitting in the front row at Sony Hall this May, what is the one thing you think would make her the proudest about this specific year’s Jam?
She’d have her crappy white zin and the most outrageous flamingo outfit on. I think they’d be proud that we are using our gifts to be of genuine service to others. She taught me that. We all have superpowers and I’m so lucky that me and the #TeamJanice which includes my incredible wife Christine Dwyer, are coming together to honor this amazing woman and use our collective powers to throw the best party in NYC. We are here to help as many people as we can, so, let's cure cancer!"

You can also support the vital work of BCRF and help fund the next breakthrough. Donate to BCRF and become part of #TeamJanice. For more information, visit Playbill.com/TheJaniceJam.