Photo credit: www.broadwayworld.com
Broadway’s Leading Men Celebrate Musical Heritage in Upcoming PBS Special
The much-anticipated concert features a remarkable roster of acclaimed artists, highlighting the talent that has defined Broadway. Among the performers are Christian Borle, known for his Tony Award-winning role in Some Like It Hot! and for his work on Smash, alongside Jacob Gutierrez, the current star of Aladdin on Broadway. The lineup also boasts Christopher Jackson, a Tony Award nominee for Hamilton; Telly Leung, recognized for roles in Warrior and Aladdin; and Norm Lewis, an Emmy and Tony Award nominee known for his performances in Phantom and Les Misérables.
Additional participants include Alexis Michelle from RuPaul’s Drag Race, Matthew Morrison—an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Tony Award nominee from Glee and Light in the Piazza, and Nic Rouleau, known for his role in The Book of Mormon. The cast is further enhanced by the presence of André De Shields, an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award winner recognized for Hadestown and Ain’t Misbehavin’, Paulo Szot, a Tony Award winner known for & Juliet, and Luke Frazier from Wicked in Concert and United in Song.
Special appearances will be made by notable figures such as Titus Burgess, a multi-Emmy Award nominee for Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Victor Garber, a distinguished actor and Tony Award nominee for his work in Deathtrap and Hello, Dolly!, Jared Grimes, a Tony Award nominee recognized for After Midnight, James Monroe Iglehart, a Tony Award winner from Aladdin, and Liev Schreiber, also a Tony Award winner for True West.
Luke Frazier, the Founder and Music Director of The American Pops Orchestra, expressed his enthusiasm about the event: “It’s a tremendous honor to celebrate the rich history and vibrant future of Broadway alongside such a diverse and talented group of artists. Collaborating with PBS on this project continues our shared mission of bringing outstanding musical performances to audiences nationwide.”
PBS has long championed the arts, making this tribute to the prominent figures of Broadway a fitting inclusion in its programming. Jerry Liwanag, Vice President of Fundraising Strategy & Programming at PBS, remarked, “We are excited to bring this special program to our viewers, highlighting Broadway’s enduring influence on our culture and community.”
This concert goes beyond merely showcasing famous performances; it serves as a testament to the transformative nature of Broadway. The variety of narratives presented reflects how the theater has shaped music, fashion, and language, resonating with diverse audiences across generations. The collaboration between The American Pops Orchestra and PBS aims to honor the artists whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the American theatrical landscape.
PBS special programming offers insights into various fields such as science, history, and public affairs, providing viewers with enriching perspectives and front-row experiences of renowned performances. Crucially, viewer support is fundamental to funding these programs, ensuring their continued availability. PBS, along with public television stations, strives to enrich the lives of Americans by offering access to innovative ideas and diverse narratives through its offerings.
Since its inception in 2015, The American Pops Orchestra (APO) has been dedicated to fostering community through the preservation and reimagination of American popular music. Committed to making high-quality artistic experiences available to a wide audience, APO has featured in numerous PBS Specials, including Wicked in Concert, Black Broadway, and United in Song. Under Luke Frazier’s direction, the orchestra creatively merges classical and contemporary styles to redefine orchestral performances. More information can be found at www.TheAmericanPops.org or follow them on Instagram @theamericanpops.
Source
www.broadwayworld.com