The Final State of the Union
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Summary:
The President and First Lady continue their White House music series with "A Broadway Celebration" to honor the arts and demonstrate the importance of arts education.
Today the President and First Lady continue their White House music series with "A Broadway Celebration" to honor the arts and demonstrate the importance of arts education. The White House has consistently looked to support the arts even during these tough times. As the President has said, “the arts are not somehow apart from our national life, the arts are at the heart of our national life.” This evening’s event is the sixth in a series that showcases the music that has shaped and enriched our country – preceded by tributes to jazz, country, Latin, classical and the music of the Civil Rights Movement.
This afternoon, dance students from the local Duke Ellington School of the Arts and the Joy of Motion Dance Center will work with Tony Award winning choreographer Jerry Mitchell on a segment from the Broadway show Hairspray. The youth ensemble will come to the White House to perform in a special dress rehearsal for the First Lady, their parents and teachers, before joining the ranks of some of Broadway’s most prestigious performers.
Tonight’s performance includes selections from American musicals that reflect the spirit, energy and ambition of America, featuring Nathan Lane, Idina Menzel, Audra McDonald, Elaine Stritch, Brian d’Arcy James, Chad Kimball, Tonya Pinkins, Marvin Hamlisch, Karen Olivo, Assata Alston, Danielle Arci and Constantine Rousouli under the direction of George C. Wolfe. Tune in at 7:00 PM EDT for the President's remarks and a show you don't want to miss.
Watch "A Broadway Celebration" live at 7:00 PM EDT:
The live event has concluded. “A Broadway Celebration: In Performance at the White House” will also be televised on public broadcasting stations nationwide on October 20, 2010 at 9:00 PM ET as part of the PBS music series “In Performance at the White House.”
