BWW Exclusive: New York Pops Spotlight on Max von Essen

On Monday, April 29, The New York Pops marks its 30th birthday with a grand gala evening honoring the musical talents of songwriters Frank Loesser and Jule Styne, and the centennial of legendary entertainer Danny Kaye. Paula Zahn, host of NYC ARTS on PBS, will host the evening.

The event begins at 7:00 PM with a concert at Carnegie Hall featuring a spectacular lineup of guest artists under the baton of Music Director Steven Reineke. Performers include Laura Benanti, Rob McClure, Donna Murphy, Kelli O'Hara, Laura Osnes, Anthony Warlow, and more. For additional information, visit: www.newyorkpops.org

BroadwayWorld recently chatted with featured performer Max von Essen about his upcoming appearance in the special celebration:

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What will you be singing at the gala?

I'm performing 'Fugue For Tinhorns' from Guys and Dolls and I'm most excited about sharing the stage with Will Chase and Nick Adams. They are both good friends and to think we'll be onstage at Carnegie Hall performing such a great song is just a ridiculously fun thought.

This year's New York Pops gala honors Frank Loesser, Jule Styne, and Danny Kaye. Do you have a favorite memory of one of the honorees?

Honestly, my memories are numerous because to me, they all represent a true golden age of musical theater. They signify to me the kind of shows and performances I grew up watching and led me to fall in love with musical theater and to pursue it as a career. I suppose my earliest memory of any of those men, is when I was about 6 or 7 and my mom rented the film, Funny Girl. I sat and watched it with her, transfixed. Jule Styne's score rocked me to my core and for me; those songs are forever loved and permanently imprinted in my mind and heart.

Have you worked with The New York Pops before? If not, what are you looking most forward to?

I have never worked with the Pops before, but I've met Steven at various events over the years and just knew it would be a blast to work with him. I was right!

Students from The New York Pops education programs will also perform during the concert. What single piece of advice would you give to any aspiring performers?

My advice is to embrace the arts and seek them out wherever you can. Whether you choose to go forward in the arts as a career or not is irrelevant as you will take what you learn with you forever. The sense of community and accomplishment, the need for creativity and discipline, the ability to work with others and make music together, literally and figuratively, are all things you will find make you a more well-rounded and fulfilled person. I was very lucky to have access to wonderful arts programs growing up, and wish that for every young person.