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On December 4, 2025, celebrated Broadway soprano Nikki Renee Daniels brings elegance, power, and deep emotional resonance to her performance of “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Misérables as part of the third annual Mazzoni Center Honors. This heartfelt tribute honors the groundbreaking contributions of legendary performer and LGBTQ+ ally Melba Moore.
Watch the video:
Melba Moore’s Historic Broadway Legacy
While many know her as a disco diva, R&B powerhouse, and Tony Award winner, Melba Moore also carved out historic space on Broadway. In her groundbreaking turn as Fantine in Les Misérables, Moore made history as the first Black actress to play the tragic, iconic role in the beloved musical. Her performance was a powerful moment in theater history—challenging racial boundaries and proving that talent, not tradition, defines casting.
Now, decades later, Nikki Renee Daniels—herself a Broadway veteran with roles in Company, The Book of Mormon, and Les Misérables—carries that torch forward. With her stunning vocals and commanding presence, Daniels revisits “I Dreamed a Dream,” bringing fresh reverence to Moore’s original trailblazing turn.
A Vocal Tribute That Resonates
“I Dreamed a Dream” is among the most recognizable and emotionally raw ballads in musical theater, composed by Claude-Michel Schönberg with lyrics by Alain Boublil. In Daniels’ hands, the piece becomes more than a lament—it transforms into a tribute to perseverance, resilience, and legacy. Her delivery is rich with vocal control and vulnerability, honoring the memory of Moore’s impact on Broadway and the LGBTQ+ community alike.
About Mazzoni Center Honors
Held annually at the magnificent Marian Anderson Hall at The Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, Mazzoni Center Honors is a signature event celebrating artists, advocates, and legends who have used their platforms to elevate the LGBTQ+ community. This year’s honoree, Melba Moore, is recognized for her decades of musical innovation and outspoken support for LGBTQ+ rights and representation.
More than just a celebration, Mazzoni Center Honors is a fundraiser for the Mazzoni Center—an essential LGBTQ+ health and wellness provider offering gender-affirming care, HIV prevention and treatment, behavioral health services, and legal aid to thousands across the Philadelphia region.
Support the Cause
The performances may dazzle, but the mission is what drives this event. You can support the Mazzoni Center’s life-saving work by donating directly at:
www.mazzonicenter.org/donate
Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future
From Fantine’s anguish to Moore’s triumphs, and now through Daniels’ exquisite tribute, “I Dreamed a Dream” takes on new life as a symbol of artistic courage and cultural evolution. The Mazzoni Center Honors is more than a night of performance—it is a testament to the stories, struggles, and triumphs of those who continue to fight for visibility, justice, and joy.
Join us in honoring Melba Moore’s indelible legacy and the next generation of performers inspired by her pathbreaking journey.
Watch the video:
Melba Moore’s Historic Broadway Legacy
While many know her as a disco diva, R&B powerhouse, and Tony Award winner, Melba Moore also carved out historic space on Broadway. In her groundbreaking turn as Fantine in Les Misérables, Moore made history as the first Black actress to play the tragic, iconic role in the beloved musical. Her performance was a powerful moment in theater history—challenging racial boundaries and proving that talent, not tradition, defines casting.
Now, decades later, Nikki Renee Daniels—herself a Broadway veteran with roles in Company, The Book of Mormon, and Les Misérables—carries that torch forward. With her stunning vocals and commanding presence, Daniels revisits “I Dreamed a Dream,” bringing fresh reverence to Moore’s original trailblazing turn.
A Vocal Tribute That Resonates
“I Dreamed a Dream” is among the most recognizable and emotionally raw ballads in musical theater, composed by Claude-Michel Schönberg with lyrics by Alain Boublil. In Daniels’ hands, the piece becomes more than a lament—it transforms into a tribute to perseverance, resilience, and legacy. Her delivery is rich with vocal control and vulnerability, honoring the memory of Moore’s impact on Broadway and the LGBTQ+ community alike.
About Mazzoni Center Honors
Held annually at the magnificent Marian Anderson Hall at The Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, Mazzoni Center Honors is a signature event celebrating artists, advocates, and legends who have used their platforms to elevate the LGBTQ+ community. This year’s honoree, Melba Moore, is recognized for her decades of musical innovation and outspoken support for LGBTQ+ rights and representation.
More than just a celebration, Mazzoni Center Honors is a fundraiser for the Mazzoni Center—an essential LGBTQ+ health and wellness provider offering gender-affirming care, HIV prevention and treatment, behavioral health services, and legal aid to thousands across the Philadelphia region.
Support the Cause
The performances may dazzle, but the mission is what drives this event. You can support the Mazzoni Center’s life-saving work by donating directly at:
www.mazzonicenter.org/donate
Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future
From Fantine’s anguish to Moore’s triumphs, and now through Daniels’ exquisite tribute, “I Dreamed a Dream” takes on new life as a symbol of artistic courage and cultural evolution. The Mazzoni Center Honors is more than a night of performance—it is a testament to the stories, struggles, and triumphs of those who continue to fight for visibility, justice, and joy.
Join us in honoring Melba Moore’s indelible legacy and the next generation of performers inspired by her pathbreaking journey.
