BWW Exclusive: New York Pops Spotlight on Liz Callaway

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 Hallfeaturing 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 Liz Callaway about her upcoming appearance in the special celebration:

What will you be singing at the gala?

I'm very excited to be singing "How to Succeed/I Believe in You." This was the first song on my very first album, "Anywhere I Wander: Liz Callaway Sings Frank Loesser" and it's one of my favorite arrangements. It's fun singing songs that were written for a male character and putting my own spin on them.

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?

Not really, except I did love Hans Christian Andersen when I was a kid. I didn't appreciate Danny Kaye's genius until I was an adult.

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

I did last year's gala celebrating the music of my friends Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. I'm so happy to be reunited with Steven Reineke and The New York Pops- it doesn't get any better than this!

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

I didn't have formal voice training but my Mom, Shirley Callaway, is a voice teacher and I learned all I know about singing by overhearing her give voice lessons at our house.

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

My biggest advice is to be yourself- celebrate what makes you unique instead of trying to sound or be like everyone else.