McDonald and Menzel to Sing "American River Suite" at Macy's 4th of July Event

By Adam Hetrick
June 16, 2009

Tony winners Audra McDonald and Idina Menzel will perform Stephen Flaherty and William Schermerhorn's "American River Suite" as part of the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks celebration.

New York Pops' music director Steven Reineke conducts the commissioned work that features a score by Tony winner Flaherty (Ragtime, Once on This Island, The Glorious Ones) and lyrics by William Schermerhorn. "American River Suite" commemorates the 400th anniversary of the exploration of New York Harbor and the Hudson River.

In addition to McDonald (Ragtime, Carousel, Raisin in the Sun) and Menzel (Rent, Wicked), "American River Suite" will include the voices of the Choir Academy of Harlem.

"American River Suite" originally premiered as part of The New York Pops' 26th Birthday Gala in April, featuring Menzel and Tony winner Anika Noni Rose (Caroline, or Change, "Dreamgirls").

The 9 PM Macy's 4th of July Fireworks celebration will be telecast live on NBC television and on 1010 WINS radio from the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York Harbor.