BWW Exclusive: Marcus D'Angelo Warms Up for His New York Pops Debut!

On Monday, May 2, 2016, The New York Pops presents its 33rd birthday gala, celebrating the revolutionary collaborations of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, the songwriting team behind LES MISERABLES, Miss Saigon, and more. Serving as Honorary Co-Chairs for the event are musical theatre legends Sir Cameron Mackintosh and Patti LuPone.

The event begins at 7:00 PM with a concert in Carnegie Hall's Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage, featuring a spectacular lineup of guest artists under the baton of Music Director Steven Reineke. The performance will highlight Boublil and Schönberg's tremendous four-decade partnership. Guest artists Jesse Tyler Ferguson,Montego Glover, Robert Marien, Laura Osnes, and Kyle Scatliffe join the previously announcedStephanie J. Block, Jon Jon Briones, Jeremy Jordan, Norm Lewis, Patti LuPone, Eva Noblezada, John Owen-Jones, Hugh Panaro, Lea Salonga, and Marie Zamora. The concert will also feature Judith Clurman's Essential Voices USA, as well as students from The New York Pops' Kids on Stage music education program and Camp Broadway Kids.

In anticipation of the big event, BroadwayWorld is checking in with some of the performers. Today, check out what Marcus D'Angelo had to say...

Do you have a favorite memory from working with Alain Boublil & Claude Schonberg?

I feel honored to work with Boubil and Schonberg because Les Miserables has been a big part of my life. It was the first show I did! I was 9 on the national tour and now am 13 in the Broadway production. Looks like I do not grow.

Do you have a favorite song or moment from a Boublil & Schonberg show?

One of my favorite moments in Les Miserables is the act 1 finale, One Day more. I like how everyone is in it and it is just powerful.

Is there a role in a Boublil & Schonberg show that you'd like to play someday?

When I am older, I would love to be able to play another role in Les Miserables specifically Marius or Jean Val Jean.

This year's gala will feature music students from The New York Pops' extensive education programs. What single piece of advice would you give to any young, aspiring performers?

A piece of advice I would love to give is, "never give up your dream and keep trying"

What projects are coming up for you in future that you can share

Not at the time, but I hope Les Miserables is not the end of my career.

Advance benefit tickets to the concert-only range from $65 to $160 and can be purchased at www.newyorkpops.org.