Lansbury and Hearn Join Kennedy Center Celebration, 5/7

Angela Lansbury and George Hearn, both of whom were seen on Broadway during the original run of Sweeney Todd, will reunite for a performance of "A Little Priest" as part of the Kennedy Center's 35th Anniversary Celebration on May 7th at 8:30 PM.

In addition, the celebration--which will feature the National Symphony Orchestra Pops under the direction of Marvin Hamlisch--will include J. Mark McVey, Craig Schulman and Timothy Shew singing Les Miserables' "Bring Him Home." All three played Jean Valjean on Broadway. Also taking part in the evening will be Harolyn Blackwell, Sarah Chang, Judy Collins, Bring in Da Noise, Bring in Da Funk star Savion Glover, as well as the Mad Hot Ballroom Dancers and Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

Lansbury won a Tony Award for originating the role of Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd. She also won Tonys for Mame, Dear World and Gypsy. Other Broadway appearances include Anyone Can Whistle, A Taste of Honey, The King and I, and a 1983 revival of Mame. A long-time film star, her screen credits include National Velvet, The Court Jester, The Dark at the Top of the Stairs, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, and The Pirates of Penzance; she received Oscar nods for her performances in Gaslight, The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Manchurian Candidate. She is best known to TV audiences for her work on "Murder, She Wrote."

Hearn succeeded Len Cariou in the title role of Sweeney Todd, and also appeared with Lansbury in the show's tour. Recently seen on Broadway in Wicked, he is a two-time Tony Award-winner for his performances in La Cage aux Folles and Sunset Boulevard; he has also been nominated for his work in Putting It Together, A Doll's Life and Watch on the Rhine. Other Broadway appearances include The Diary of Anne Frank, Meet Me in St. Louis, Ah! Wilderness, Whodunnit, I Remember Mama, Hamlet, The Changing Room and 1776.

Sunday's festivities will begin with a reception followed by a gala dinner and performance in the Concert Hall. Immediately following the performance, cocktails and a dancing party featuring Big Ray and the Kool Kats will commence. Tickets are $35-$70. To make reservations call (202) 416-8338. Information is also available via e-mail at springgala@kennedy-center.org or at kennedy-center.org/gala.