The six-part series, taped before a live audience at NJPAC's Victoria Theater, features performances from Tom Wopat, Valerie Simpson, Luker, Sandy Stewart and Bill Charlap, Maude Maggart, Marin Mazzie and Jason Danieley.
According to press notes, "Each performs their favorite American Songbook standards followed by a Q&A session conducted by Ted Chapin, president and executive director of Rodgers & Hammerstein: An Imagen Company."
American Songbook at NJPAC begins its six-week run Jan. 5 at 12:30 PM on THIRTEEN and 3:30 PM on WLIW21 Long Island. The series will have its primetime debut Jan. 8 at 8 PM on NJTV as part of the network's specially designated NJmade local programming block.
"The Great American Songbook is the soundtrack of our lives," said John Schreiber, president and CEO of NJPAC. "We are excited to partner with public television on the chance to present the music’s greatest interpreters to the widest possible audience."
Here's how the first episode, featuring Luker, is described: "Broadway actress and singer Rebecca Luker takes the stage at NJPAC, performing a selection of music written by the legendary songwriter, Jerome Kern. With classics like 'Bill' and 'Can't Help Loving that Man' (Kern/Hammerstein II), Luker dazzles as she celebrates the Kern’s everlasting presence in the world of musical theatre." Visit NJTVonline.org/Songbook for full episodes of the shows, previews of upcoming shows, video segments, scheduling information and more.
Click here for the preview with Luker.