Two Spectacular Events One Unforgettable Night

VIVA ITALIA!

A Masquerade Gala

Benefitting The N’Kenge Foundation

Friday, June 12, 2026

6:00 PM - VIP Reception & Silent Auction

7:30 PM - Dinner & Concert

The Players

16 Gramercy Park South, New York

(National Historic Landmark / Mansion of Edwin Booth)

Hosted By:

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

Award Winning TV Host & Philanthropist

&

N’Kenge

Tony, Emmy & Grammy-Nominated Artist

Honoring

Hisham Tawfiq

(NBC’s The Blacklist)

Impact in Arts & Youth Empowerment Award

Michael James Scott

(Genie in Broadway’s Aladdin)

Artistic Achievement Award

 Rain Pryor

(ABC’s Head Of The Class)

Richard Pryor Legacy & Impact Award

Antoinette

(Dean at Riverdale Country School)

Luminary Award for Educational Leadership

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.

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

6:00 PM - Red Carpet & Cocktail Reception (The Great Hall)

Guests are invited to walk the red carpet before  entering into  a refined atmosphere of mystery and sophistication, where masks add a layer of intrigue and theatricality to the evening (with a limited number of masks available at the door). Browse our silent auction items, enjoy a cocktail while listening to some live music or network with fellow Sponsors, Industry Professionals, Donors and Honorees.  

7:30 PM - Dinner & Concert (Main Dining Room)

Doors open to the main dining room for an unforgettable evening honoring visionary leaders and champions of the arts. Guests will experience extraordinary entertainment featuring some of Broadway’s finest performers alongside students and emerging artists supported through N’Kenge Foundation programs, as well as standout finalists from the national Are You the Next Showstopper?! competition held earlier in the evening.

Throughout the night, guests will enjoy an elegant three-course dining experience while sharing meaningful moments of artistry, inspiration, and community. The celebration will feature live performances, special tributes, honoree presentations, and moments recognizing the next generation of rising talent.

The evening concludes with a joyous celebration of music and dancing as we honor the night’s award recipients, competition winners, and the continued impact of arts education and mentorship.

More than a gala, Viva Italia is a celebration of legacy and future—where established artists and emerging voices share the spotlight, and where every moment helps expand access, opportunity, and representation in the arts.

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

PLEASE NOTE:

All VIVA ITALIA! Gala tickets include admission to the Are You The Next Showstopper?! National Talent Search Finals presented by the N’Kenge Foundation. Doors for the competition open at 4:30 PM, with finalist performances beginning promptly at 5:00 PM.

Guests are encouraged to arrive early and experience this inspiring showcase of rising talent as students and emerging artists from across the country take the stage to compete for scholarships, professional opportunities, and industry recognition before a distinguished panel of educators, entertainment professionals, and special guests.

Join us in celebrating the next generation of performers before an unforgettable evening of elegance, entertainment, and philanthropy begins at VIVA ITALIA! — where Broadway artistry, mentorship, and community come together for one extraordinary night.