BWW Exclusive: New York Pops Spotlight on Rob McClure

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 Rob McClure about his upcoming appearance in the special celebration:

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What will you be performing at the gala?

I played Charley in Where's Charley? my senior year of high school. I would never have guessed that I would one day reprise the role at City Center Encores!, then on stage at Carnegie Hall! What an honor!

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

This trio deserves true celebration. I was introduced to them as a teenager. I fell in love with musical theatre while listening to their timeless melodies. Danny Kaye had a HUGE influence on me as a performer. I could watch The Five Pennies over and over for the rest of my life and never grow tired of his effortless charm.

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

I have never worked with the Pops or Steven Reineke. I am beyond excited. The Pops, Steven, Carnegie Hall, Frank Loesser, Jule Styne, Danny Kaye, and the roster of performers lined up! I am in the best company a man could wish for. I am surrounded by people I have admired for years. I can't believe we get to collaborate on this monumental occasion.

Students from The New York Pops education programs will also perform during the concert. What was your music education/training like?

I was never formally trained in music specifically, but I was lucky enough to attend some brief conservatory programs like the Papermill Playhouse Summer Theatre Conservatory growing up. It's programs like these and the ones offered by the Pops that are creating the artists of tomorrow. It is crucial to the future of this art form.

What single piece of advice would you give to any aspiring performers?

If I were to offer anyone advice on performing, I would say, figure out who you are, and more importantly who you are NOT. I remember going to auditions as a teenager in NYC , and trying to sing This is The Moment just like one of my heroes, Anthony Warlow. One day, after years of unemployment, I realized that I was doing a disservice to myself by trying to perform like those I admired, instead of embracing what I had to offer. It was that realization that started my career rolling. This concert will commemorate this sentiment for me, by allowing me to perform on the same bill with, guess who, Anthony Warlow. It guess it pays to be yourself.