FLASH FRIDAY: The 4th & Fireworks

When a performance montage this fantastic comes along you are caught up in the spirit and lost in the moment in a magical way that only truly transcendent performances can conjure - and, on Monday night, on the stage of the unassuming fireworks spectacular from Washington, D.C., A CAPITOL FOURTH, on PBS, hosted by Jimmy Smits, such a momentous musical theatre moment occurred. While it is no surprise that Broadway star Kelli O'Hara was note-perfect, gorgeous and spirited, the fact that she brought such an air of star presence to the proceedings and performed with such precision made the medley burst, much like a firework, into something truly, well, spectacular. The addition of GLEE star and Broadway baby Matt Morrison on a pristine "Tonight" from WEST SIDE STORY brought the entire enterprise to new emotional and musical heights. What a rare and celebratory treat it is to have a look at these patriotic and, alternately, pathos-infused performances going into the weekend, post-Fourth - plus, "America" from Josh Groban and a MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET medley!

What Was Just A World Is A Star

Breathing new life into old patriotic warhorses is no easy feat, and making it seem as effortless and charming as Kelli O'Hara did on A CAPITOL FOURTH on Monday night on PBS is another notch on her increasingly impressive belt of accomplishments. What can't Kelli O'Hara do? Her new album is sublime - ALWAYS, get it if you don't have it yet - and she is poised to star in the new BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY following a concert tour this summer and fall. She does it all. What struck me most on Monday night was her elegance and exceptional grace, matched exquisitely with her stylish and sexy appearance making for a perfect lead performance in a sort of Uncle Sam mini-musical leading up to the big show - the fireworks. While it could have been merely a diverting hour-long entertainment with an expectedly over-the-top ending, as the fireworks always are, the entire A CAPITOL FOURTH special this year was singularly notable for the performances of Ms. O'Hara, and, especially, her duet on "Tonight" with Matt Morrison, and, additionally, each and every other performer - an emotive and rich-voiced Josh Groban as well as an assured and glamorous Jordin Sparks included - also added to the enjoyment quotient of the affair. It's rare to have something this polished and well-sung come along on national television, so we should enjoy it while we can - and, as always, thank PBS for making it happen! It wasn't too long ago Ms. O'Hara could be seen in SOUTH PACIFIC on PBS, after all…

Kicking off the big 4th bash in a brassy way, the opening patriotic medley features Kelli slaying "Strike Up The Band", among many other American standards, and strutting along with the marching band in sleek style. Then, Kelli's sweet and pure "God Bless America". The clips haven't arrived online yet - so, be sure to check back when they do!

Now, check out Matt Morrison and Kelli's duet as Tony and Maria in the classic "Tonight" from WEST SIDE STORY - but, first, Matt Morrison's solo performance of a song incidentally titled "Still Got Tonight", taken from his solo album. THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA to SOUTH PACIFIC to now, Kelli and Matt have palpable chemistry, it is clear to see and hear!

Following that, check out Josh Groban's stirring "America".

Lastly, here is the cast from MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET performing "Hound Dog" and more - with special guest Little Richard!

As a special bonus or two, here is Jordin Sparks performing the National Anthem and the beloved "Beauty & The Beast".

Have a great weekend!

That's all for this week. Please remember that if you have discovered a particularly thrilling, unique, bizarre or hilarious Broadway-related clip to please send us a line at the link below. Until next week…