Matthew Morrison and Clarke Thorell Join NY Pops' MAKE IT BIG Tribute to Shaiman & Wittman Tonight

Tonight, April 28, 2014, The New York Pops marks its 31st birthday with a grand gala evening celebrating the work of composer, lyricist, and arranger Marc Shaiman and director, lyricist, and writer Scott Wittman, as well as the leadership and mentorship work of corporate honoree Paul J. Massey, Jr., CEO and Founding Partner of Massey Knakal Realty Services. Gala Co-Chairs include Neil Heilberg, Todd Korren, William C. Montana, and James A. Read. Serving as Honorary Co-Chairs for the event are stars Matthew Broderick, Debra Messing, and Sarah Jessica Parker.

The event begins at 7:00 PM with a sold-out concert at Carnegie Hall, featuring a spectacular lineup of stars from both stage and screen under the baton of Music Director Steven Reineke. Matthew Morrison and Clarke Thorell are joining the line-up of guest artists who will be celebrating the work of Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman at the performance. Previously announced guest artists include Nikki Blonsky, Christian Borle, Laura Bell Bundy, Kerry Butler, Will Chase,Linda Hart, Megan Hilty, Capathia Jenkins, Jane Krakowski, Ricki Lake, Jenifer Lewis, Patti LuPone, Andrea Martin, Katharine McPhee, John Pizzarelli,Corey Reynolds, Martin Short, Aaron Tveit, and Marissa Jaret Winokur.

The event will also feature Broadway Inspirational Voices, Ronald McDonald House® Rockin' the House Band and Singers, Camp Broadway Kids, and The New York Pops Kids On Stage Students. Following the concert, a black tie dinner dance will be held at the elegant Mandarin Oriental New York.

The New York Pops is currently hosting an online auction at www.CharityBuzz.com/NewYorkPops, featuring over 40 packages generously donated by the orchestra's PopsEd Ambassadors, Pops Culturalists, and many friends from the world of arts and entertainment, travel, fashion, sports, and more. The auction closes May 1, 2014. All gala and auction proceeds support the orchestra and its PopsEd programs throughout New York City.

Single tickets for the concert range from $65 to $158. To purchase, call CarnegieCharge at 212-247-7800, or visit the Carnegie Hall Box Office in person at 57thStreet and 7th Avenue or online at www.carnegiehall.org.

Tickets to the full gala evening range from $1,250 (concert and dinner seating for one) to $50,000 (premier concert seating and dinner table for eight). For more information about the black-tie dinner and dance at the Mandarin Oriental New York, call 212-765-7677 or visit www.newyorkpops.org.