Classic Arts NewsBronx Tale’s Ariana DeBose Will Salute Aretha Franklin With American Pops September 16The Washington, D.C., orchestra‘s 2017–18 season also includes Liz Callaway in a salute to Cole Porter.
By
Robert Viagas
September 16, 2017
A Bronx Tale and Hamilton star Ariana DeBose will perform with The American Pops Orchestra in Washington, D.C., September 16 in Respect: The Music of Aretha Franklin, a salute to the soul singer who celebrated her 75th birthday this year.
DeBose’s Broadway credits also include Pippin,Bring It On The Musical, and Motown The Musical, in which she understudied the role of Diana Ross.
Also taking part in the 8 PM concert: Moya Angela (In Transit, Dreamgirls), Nova Payton, Bria Skonberg, and Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child.
Franklin, known as the “Queen of Soul,” has won 18 Grammy Awards and charted 112 singles on Billboard magazine’s charts, including “Respect,“ “A Natural Woman,” and “Who’s Zoomin’ Who?”
American Pops Orchestra has lined up a 2017–18 season that will include performances by Broadway’s Liz Callaway in special salute to songwriter Cole Porter, and the premiere of a family musical based on the book Around the World in 80 Days.
Luke Frazier is scheduled to conduct all the performances at APO’s new home, Arena Stage at The Mead Center for American Theater (1101 Sixth Street SW).
Here are the upcoming scheduled concerts of interest to theatre folk:
Around the World in 80 Days, 2 and 5 PM January 6, 2018 Actor-playwright Claybourne Elder’s (Sunday in the Park With George) musical based on Jules Verne’s adventure novel, using songs from the Great American Songbook. Performed by Hilary Morrow, Tiara Whaley, Nurney Mason, and others to be announced.
Let’s Misbehave: Cole Porter After Dark, 8 PM May 19, 2018 Tony Award nominee Liz Callaway, Kevin McAllister (Anything Goes), Mary Michael Patterson, Mo Rocca, and others salute the Broadway composer of Anything Goes; Kiss Me, Kate; Silk Stockings; and many other shows. Musical selections include “So in Love,” “You’re the Top,” “Anything Goes,” and “Love for Sale.”