Following an inaugural 2023 benefit in which Mazzoni Center honored legendary Broadway composer Stephen Schwartz with a show that included Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, Tony, Peabody, and Pulitzer Prize winners that many attendees called “Philly’s best event of the year,” we are literally setting our sights on the stars in 2024.  We are thrilled to announce that our 2nd annual Mazzoni Center Honors event, scheduled for Monday, November 18, 2024, in Marian Anderson Hall in Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center for the Arts, will honor legendary actor and activist…

Perhaps best known for his portrayal of Hikaru Sulu in the acclaimed television and film series Star Trek, George Takei is an actor, social justice activist, social media mega-power, and New York Times bestselling author.  Since the late 1950s, George Takei has become a familiar face on television, on the movie screen, and on the Broadway stage, including originating the role of Sam Kimura and Ojii-Chan in the Broadway musical Allegiance, a show based on Takei's own experiences being sent to live in Japanese American internment camps during World War II.

Since coming out publicly in 2005, George Takei has been both a leader and icon in the LGBTQ community, including serving as a spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign "Coming Out Project.”  He has been previously recognized by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation with the GLAAD Vito Russo Award, which is presented to an openly LGBTQ media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equality for the LGBTQ community.

“Not only am I incredibly honored to be chosen as the recipient of this year’s Mazzoni Center Honors award,” says George, “but I am also deeply touched to know that the event will have a tangible impact in saving lives in our LGBTQ community, particularly at a time when LGBTQ people are increasingly marginalized and targeted.  I look forward to joining the community in Philadelphia this November for what I know will be a magical and moving event supporting an extraordinary organization.”

As with the inaugural event, this year’s Mazzoni Center Honors will once again be hosted by Emmy and Peabody Award-winning broadcast journalist, Soledad O’Brien.  The event is being produced by Richard Barone with musical director, Nick Wilders, with a house band including members of the renowned Philadelphia Orchestra.  

“For those who were at last year’s show, we promise something equally amazing, full of incredible performers and plenty of surprises,” says Mazzoni Center’s Executive Development & Communications Officer and the event’s Executive Producer, David Weisberg.  “From his legendary standing in the Star Trek universe to his steadfast leadership in the LGBTQ community, there are so many ways and so many reasons to honor George Takei. For those who were unable to join us last year, you won’t believe what you missed.”

Announcements of performers for Mazzoni Center Honors George Takei will be made in the coming weeks and months.  Highlights from last year’s event, honoring Stephen Schwartz, can be found here.

Tickets to this year’s Mazzoni Center Honors benefit go on sale on July 1.  During the month of July only, we are pleased to offer a 10% early bird ticket discount using the code “OHMY.”  More information, line-up updates, and a link to purchase tickets are available at mazzonicenter.org/honors.

We look forward to coming together for an amazing event on Monday, November 18, at the Kimmel Center, with the beloved George Takei!