One Unforgettable Night. Two Spectacular Events. One Powerful Mission.

VIVA ITALIA! A Masquerade Gala

Benefitting The N’Kenge Foundation

National Historic Landmark - Home of Edwin Booth

The Players

16 Gramercy Park South, New York

Friday, June 12, 2026

6:00 PM - VIP Reception

6:45 PM - Guided Tour

7:30 PM - Dinner

8:00 PM - Viva Italia

Hosted By:

H.H. Dr. Prince Mario Max Schaumburg-Lippe

Award Winning Tv Host & Philanthropist

N’Kenge

Tony, Emmy & Grammy-Nominated Artist

Honoring

Antoinette Quarshie

Luminary Award for Educational Leadership

Rain Pryor

Richard Pryor Legacy & Impact Award

Michael James Scott

Artistic Achievement Award

Hisham Tawfiq

Impact in Arts & Youth Empowerment Award

Performances By

N'Kenge

Tony, Emmy & Grammy-Nominated Artist

Michael James Scott

Aladdin, Book of Mormon, Mama Mia!

Showstopper 2026

Live from the National Finals earlier that evening

Showstopper 2025

Returning Champion

Riverdale Country School

Special Student Performance

The N’Kenge Foundation proudly presents Viva Italia!—a spectacular, multi-layered gala experience where rising talent, cultural celebration, and philanthropic purpose converge in one unforgettable night. More Thanks man!n a gala, this is a celebration of legacy and future, where established artists and emerging voices share the spotlight and every moment expands access, opportunity, and representation in the arts.

A night where elegance meets purpose and where the next generation of stars begins its ascent.

6:00 PM - Masquerade Reception

An elegant, high-energy cocktail reception with sponsors, VIPs, Broadway Artists, and cultural leaders, inspired by the romance and allure of Italian culture. A refined atmosphere of mystery and sophistication, with masks adding a layer of intrigue and theatricality (a limited number available at the door). Browse our silent auction, network with fellow industry professionals, and pose for photos at our Photo Booth.

6:45 PM - Private Guided Tour of The Players

An after-hours walk through Edwin Booth's preserved third-floor apartment, the Hampden-Booth Theatre Library, and the historic rooms where a century of artistic legends have gathered. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1963 and still operating in its original location.

7:30 PM - Dinner, Honorees, and the Best of Broadway

Doors open to the main dining room for an elegant three-course Italian dinner, the presentation of our 2026 awards, and live performances by Broadway's finest alongside students from The N'Kenge Foundation and finalists from the national Showstopper talent search.

8:00 PM - Viva Italia!

The night culminates in a celebration of music and dancing as we toast our honorees and the winners of the evening, followed by a dessert reception that runs until 11:30 PM.

Included With Every Viva Italia! Ticket

Admission to the Are You the Next Showstopper?! National Finals earlier the same evening. Doors open at 4:30 PM; competition begins at 5:00 PM. Come out early to support our students and the next generation of entertainers as they compete for an all-expenses-paid scholarship to a 15-day international performing arts intensive in Italy.

Where Your Ticket Goes

Every seat in the room sends a young artist somewhere their family could not have sent them alone — a masterclass, a national stage, a 15-day study-abroad intensive in Italy. The N'Kenge Foundation expands access, opportunity, and representation in the performing arts. Tonight is how we fund the year.

Event Details

Date: Friday, June 12, 2026

Doors: 6:00 PM (VIP Reception)

Venue: The Players — 16 Gramercy Park South, New York, NY

Dress: Black-tie masquerade. Masks encouraged; a limited number available at the door.

Capacity: Seated 125–150. Reserve early — this event will sell out.