The nonprofit Oscar Hammerstein Museum & Theatre Education Center will honor Tony Award-winning songwriting team Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty with its Ockie Award at the fourth annual Something Wonderful Gala on Sunday, Oct. 4, at The Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm in Holicong.
Fresh off their 2026 Tony Award win for Best Revival of a Musical for 'Ragtime,' Ahrens and Flaherty will be recognized for embodying Oscar Hammerstein II's enduring values of optimism, empathy and mentorship. Named for Hammerstein's childhood nickname, the Ockie Award honors individuals, organizations or nonprofits whose educational, humanitarian or philanthropic work reflects his legacy.
"The Tony Award-winning revival of 'Ragtime' is a powerful reminder that musicals can inspire tolerance, optimism and hope," said Gregory Kammerer, Hammerstein Museum Board member. "Those values were central to Oscar Hammerstein's work, and they shine through Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty's songwriting, making them fitting recipients of this honor."
The evening will feature cocktails, a gourmet three-course dinner, live auction and an intimate concert by Tony and Grammy Award nominee and Emmy Award winner Liz Callaway. Linda Leffingwell Paton serves as Gala Chair, with three-time Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Kathleen Marshall serving as Honorary Chair. Broadway performer Jenny Lee Stern will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
Proceeds from the gala will support the restoration of Highland Farm in Doylestown, Oscar Hammerstein II's longtime home and creative epicenter, as well as the museum's educational programs and general operating expenses.
For tickets and sponsorship information, visit hammersteinmuseum.org/2026gala. The Oscar Hammerstein Museum & Theatre Education Center is a registered nonprofit organization, and a portion of each ticket purchase is tax-deductible.
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