Scheduled to play July 5 and 6 at New York City's Avery Fisher Hall, then July 7 at upstate New York's Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, the concerts will be conducted by Bramwell Tovey. Mr. Kline follows in the footsteps of Burl Ives, Ray Bolger, Cyril Ritchard and Tony Randall, all of whom have narrated the beloved children's tale with the New York Philharmonic over the years. The performances at Avery Fisher Hall will be part of the final Summertime Classics program entitled "Moscow on the Hudson." The show in Bethel, NY, marks the orchestra's return to the historic venue.

The versatile performer Kline is known for his work on stage and screen. He recently starred in the title role of Off-Broadway's King Lear and also played in Mother Courage and Her Children and The Seagull for The Public Theater as well as a Tony Award-nominated stint in Broadway's Henry IV. The Juilliard graduate has also appeared in the films "Sophie's Choice," "Dave," "In & Out," "Soapdish," "De-Lovely," "The Big Chill," "The Ice Storm," "A Midsummer Night's Dream," and his Academy Award-winning turn in "A Fish Called Wanda."

For tickets to the events at Avery Fisher Hall, at 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, visit nyphil.org. For information on the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, 200 Hurd Road, visit bethelwoodslive.org.