BWW Exclusive: New York Pops Spotlight on Capathia Jenkins

On Monday, April 28, 2014, The New York Pops marks its 31st birthday with a grand gala evening celebrating the work of composer, lyricist, and arranger Marc Shaiman and director, lyricist, and writer Scott Wittman, as well as the leadership and mentorship work of corporate honoree Paul J. Massey, Jr., CEO and Founding Partner of Massey Knakal Realty Services.

The event begins at 7:00 PM with a concert at Carnegie Hall, featuring a spectacular lineup of stars from both stage and screen under the baton of Music Director Steven Reineke. The performance will feature highlights from the work of Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. Performers for the evening will include: Megan Hilty, Laura Bell Bundy, John Pizzarelli, Corey Reynolds, Aaron Tveit, Nikki Blonsky, Christian Borle, Kerry Butler, Will Chase, Linda Hart, Capathia Jenkins, Jane Krakowski, Ricki Lake, Jenifer Lewis, Patti LuPone, Andrea Martin, Katharine McPhee, Martin Short, and Marissa Jaret Winokur. For tickets, viist: www.carnegiehall.org.

BroadwayWorld recently chatted with featured performer Capathia Jenkins about her upcoming appearance in the special celebration:

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What will you be singing at the gala?

'Stop the Show' from the Broadway show "Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me."

This year's event honors Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. Do you have a favorite memory of the honorees?

Well, I absolutely adore the both of them so I have many fond memories. We laughed so much during the rehearsal process, it's a wonder we got the work done. One memory - early on, I asked Marc where I should take the breath in a particular phrase and his response was: 'Breathing is overrated'... hysterical. I laugh every time I think about that.

Is there a(nother) role from a Shaiman/Wittman show that you'd like to play someday?

I hope they're writing it right now.

Have you worked with The New York Pops before? What are you most looking forward to about this performance?

I have worked with The New York Pops before - I was a guest soloist with the Young People's Chorus of New York City 25th annual benefit Gala at Carnegie Hall in February 2013.

I am looking forward to hearing The New York Pops play this song along with Broadway Inspirational Voices, Steve Reineke conducting, and of course sharing the Carnegie Hall stage with Sir Martin Short. Let the games begin...YAY!

This year's gala will feature music students from The New York Pops' extensive education programs. What single piece of advice would you give to any aspiring performers?

It's simple really - always be yourself and always trust your instincts. I learned this early in my career and it continues to serve me well.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos