The evening boasted Laura Benanti, Kelli O'Hara, Rob McClure, Laura Osnes, Anthony Warlow, Donna Murphy, Nick Adams, Stephanie J. Block, Liz Callaway, Will Chase, Megan Hilty, Marilyn Maye, Leslie Uggams, Max Von Essen and Betsy Wolfe.
The 7 PM Carnegie Hall performance, under the baton of music director Steve Reineke and hosted by Paula Zahn, was followed by a black-tie 8:30 PM dinner dance at the Plaza Hotel.
Loesser is the composer-lyricist of many pop songs and Broadway and film scores (Guys and Dolls, The Most Happy Fella, How to Succeed… among them). Styne is the pop, Broadway and film composer known for Gypsy, Funny Girl, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and more.
This year marks the centennial of the birth of comic actor-singer Danny Kaye (Two By Two, "Hans Christian Andersen," Lady in the Dark). Dena Kaye said in a previous statement, "I am thrilled and so very touched, that the New York Pops has chosen my father, Danny Kaye, to honor at their 30th Birthday at Carnegie Hall, as we continue a year-long tribute of the Danny Kaye Centennial. As my father was born and raised in New York, this is the perfect celebration for a man who has brought his laughter and joy to generations through his talent as an actor, singer, dancer, conductor, comedian and humanitarian."
The New York Pops were also joined by the Ronald McDonald House Rockin' the House Band and Chorus, Camp Broadway Kids and The New York Pops Salute to Music Students.
* The New York Pops is the largest independent pops orchestra in the United States, and the only professional symphonic orchestra in New York City specializing in popular music. Led by music director Steven Reineke, the orchestra performs an annual subscription series at Carnegie Hall. The New York Pops' annual birthday gala is celebrated each spring, raising funds for the orchestra and its education programs.
