American Pops Orchestra to Celebrate Barbra Streisand, WWII & More During 2016-17 Season
By: Tyler Peterson Jul. 08, 2016
"I'm thrilled to invite audience to experience the exciting second season of The American Pops Orchestra," says Luke Frazier. "We are so proud of the outstanding musicians and guest artists we've assembled to share with you. It's hard to imagine that just a little over a year ago this was all a dream. Thanks to supporters and Audience members like you, this dream has come to fruition. This season will feature four newly-created shows that highlight our mission to re-invent the orchestral pops model and reach a diverse audience - whether you're 9 years old or turning 90, we've got something for you."
I'll Be Seeing You: A World War II Love Story
featuring Ron Raines, Florence Lacey, Claybourne Elder, and Rachel Eskenazi-Gold
November 11, 2016, 8:00 PM
This original show tells the love story of "Spark" and Charley Frazier (Luke Frazier's own grandparents) through actual letters written between the couple during World War II with supplementary narrative. This work pays tribute to a fantastic era in popular music and gives a heartwarming glimpse into the experience of a real-life Navy family during the Second World War.
Don't Rain on My Parade: 75 Years of Streisand
featuring Amber Iman, Lindsay Mendez, Laura Osnes, and friends
January 13, 2017, 8:00 PM
Legendary artist and ten-time Grammy winner Barbra Streisand marks her 75th birthday in 2017. Celebrating this iconic star and songs from Broadway to Pop and everything in between, this program demonstrates why the music of Streisand remains a centerpiece of the American Songbook. And why, much like a milestone birthday and the artist herself, her music deserves great celebration.
Cinderella
featuring Austin Colby, MaryJoanna Grisso, Hilary Morrow, and Dale Sampson
March 11, 2017, 2:00 PM - Special matinee show
This is Cinderella as you have never heard her before! This touching and comedic retelling of the fairy tale classic is one part storybook and four parts Great American Songbook. Four lovable and dynamic singer-actors bring a huge cast of characters to life with the use of colorful costumes and playful props, as they introduce the next generation of music lovers to some of the best-loved American songs of the Twentieth Century. This show is interactive and includes plenty of audience participation. Great fun for all ages.
You Spin Me 'Round: An 80's Dance Party
featuring Warren Freeman, Bayla Whitten, and DJ Shea Van Horn
April 7, 2017, 9:00 PM
Put on your dancing shoes and travel back in time to the era of neon, teased hair, sit-coms, and shoulder pads as The American Pops interpret the popular music of the 1980s. This "rad" original program combines DJ mixing, live orchestra, dancers, and hot vocalists to bring back favorite music of the 1980s in a whole new way. A limited amount of VIP stage seats are available and 80s-inspired attire is encouraged; our talented performers lead the party and will have you hitting the dance floor like it's 1989. Totally.
In addition to the regular concerts of the season, Frazier and the American Pops Orchestra will perform at the Hispanic Heritage Awards on September 22, 2016 (to be nationally broadcast later); the Beacon Prize, given by Human Rights First to honor commitment to the American ideals of freedom and human dignity, in December 2016; and the DC Standing Ovation Awards, celebrating excellence in the DC Public Schools, in February 2017.
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