Menzel, Morrison And Clark To Perform At Olivier Awards!

Two of musical theatre's biggest worldwide stars, Matthew Morrison and Idina Menzel, will be giving special solo performances at this year's Olivier Awards!

Emmy, Tony, and Golden-Globe nominated star Matthew Morrison may best be known for his theatrical leading roles in Hairspray, South Pacific and The Light In The Piazza, as well as receiving international recognition for his role as 'Mr. Schuester' on the hit television show, Glee. Morrison will be releasing a new studio album titled Where It All Began this June, produced by the legendary Phil Ramone (Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett) and featuring classic Broadway standards. His solo performance at the Olivier Awards will be the first time he has ever performed at a major event in the UK, and will offer an exciting preview.

Idina Menzel returns to the UK following her sell-out series of concert dates last year at the Apollo Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue. One of musical theatre's leading ladies, Idina originated the role of Elphaba in both New York and London in the worldwide hit musical Wicked for which she won a Tony Award.

As well as being a huge international recording artist, Petula Clark has enjoyed a very varied theatrical career, including playing the lead role of Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard for more performances than any other actress in London, Ireland and the USA. In her 80th year, the Olivier Awards is delighted to welcome her to perform on the stage of the Royal Opera House.

Performances from nominated musicals will include Will Young and the company of Cabaret, the full companies of A Chorus Line and Top Hat in specially created pieces for the awards night, Heather Headley performing "I Will Always Love You" fromThe Bodyguard, along with James Bourne of Busted fame giving an exclusive performance from his nominated musical Loserville.

The BBC Concert Orchestra will be playing live for all performances under the musical direction of David Charles Abell.

The Olivier Awards with MasterCard take place on Sunday 28 April, to be broadcast on television on ITV in an extensive highlights package that night, and live on radio on BBC Radio 2.

Hugh Bonneville and Sheridan Smith will host proceedings with voiceover by Julia McKenzie.

Guest presenters for the awards include Kim Cattrall, Lee Evans, Romola Garai, Lily James, Myleene Klass, Damian Lewis, Tim Minchin, Arlene Phillips, Daniel Radcliffe and David Suchet.

Theatre-lovers are invited to gather at the BBC Radio 2 Stage in Covent Garden Piazza from 4pm on the day for a free Olivier Awards celebration featuring live performances from top West End shows - including the four shortlisted BBC Radio 2 Audience Award nominees. The stage, hosted by BBC Radio 2 presenter Claudia Winkleman alongside West End leading man Michael Xavier, will feature performances from shows including Billy Elliot The Musical, Matilda The Musical, The Phantom Of The Opera, Wicked, Burn The Floor, Potted Potter and Some Like It Hip Hop with more still to be announced.

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