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PBS and The American Pops Orchestra are proud to present "Broadway’s Leading Men: A Musical Celebration," a special concert event celebrating the unforgettable male characters and beloved songs that have defined musical theater throughout the decades. Filmed on Feb. 3, 2024, at the historic Cramton Auditorium at Howard University, this tribute highlights Broadway’s profound impact on American arts and its enduring legacy.
It features a selection of beloved Broadway hits and brand-new arrangements crafted specifically for the PBS broadcast. This special promises to inspire audiences and remind them of musical theater’s powerful role in our cultural heritage.
The concert features an extraordinary lineup of acclaimed talent, including:
- Christian Borle (Tony Award winner for "Some Like It Hot!," "Smash")
- Jacob Gutierrez (current star of "Aladdin" on Broadway)
- Christopher Jackson (Tony Award nominee, "Hamilton" and "Just Like That…")
- Telly Leung (recognized TV and Broadway artist, "Warrior," "Aladdin")
- Norm Lewis (Emmy, Tony, and SAG Award nominee, "Phantom," "Les Misérables")
- Alexis Michelle ("RuPaul's Drag Race," "Dragnificent")
- Matthew Morrison (Golden Globe, Emmy, and Tony Award nominee, "Glee," "Light in the Piazza")
- Nic Rouleau (star of "The Book of Mormon")
- André De Shields (Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award winner, "Hadestown," "Ain’t Misbehavin’")
- Paulo Szot (Tony Award winner, "& Juliet," The Metropolitan Opera)
- Luke Frazier ("Wicked in Concert"; "United in Song")
With special appearances by:
- Titus Burgess (multi-Emmy Award nominee, "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt")
- Victor Garber (distinguished actor and Tony Award nominee, "Deathtrap," "Hello, Dolly!")
- Jared Grimes (Tony Award nominee, "After Midnight")
- James Monroe Iglehart (Tony Award winner, "Aladdin")
- Liev Schreiber (celebrated film, TV, theater actor and Tony Award winner, "True West")
Luke Frazier, Founder and Music Director of The American Pops Orchestra, expressed his excitement: “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.”
The concert not only showcases iconic roles but also reflects the transformative power of Broadway. By celebrating diverse narratives, Broadway has shaped music, fashion, and even language, resonating with audiences across generations. APO and PBS aim to honor the artists who have brought these unforgettable characters to life, showcasing their contributions to the rich tapestry of American theater.
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