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by Michael Portantiere



    Pops and Circumstance

    There was much joy in the air at Carnegie Hall on Monday, April 27 as the New York Pops offered a concert that celebrated its own 26th birthday, the 10th anniversary of the essential performance venue Feinstein's at Loew's Regency, the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's first sailing into what is now New York harbor, and the appointment of the orchestra's new music director, Steven Reineke. Joining in the concert were several eminent Broadway types and other big-name celebs. Here are some photos I took at Carnegie and during the after-party at the Pierre Hotel.

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    "The indestuctible Liza Minnelli" was on hand to help her buddy Michael Feinstein celebrate the 10th anniversary of the club that bears his name.

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    Here's Feinstein with Jonathan Tisch, co-chariman of Loews Corporation and chairman and CEO of Loews Hotels.

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    Brian d'Arcy James, still lookin' good (and sounding great) sans his Shrek makeup.

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    The beautiful and talented Cheyenne Jackson and Anika Noni Rose.

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    Idina Menzel, positively glowing.

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    The concert was hosted by the amazing Ms. Smith -- Liz, that is!

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    R&B legends Ashford & Simpson.

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    Stephen Flaherty (right), whose magnificent new "American River Suite" (lyrics by William Schermerhorn) capped the first half of the concert, with Brian Stokes Mitchell, who starred in Flaherty's great musical Ragtime (lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, book by Terrence McNally) on Broadway.

    Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at 12:10 AM | Item Link


    Michael Portantiere comes to BroadwayStars with more than 30 years' experience as an editor and writer for such media outlets as TheaterMania.com, InTHEATER magazine, and BACK STAGE. He has also contributed articles and reviews to AfterElton.com, Playbill, and Stagebill, and has written notes for several major cast albums. Additionally, Michael is a professional photographer whose pictures have been published by THE NEW YORK TIMES, the DAILY NEWS, and several notable websites. (Visit www.followspotphoto.com for more information.)
    He can be reached at [email protected]


    The last five columns written by Michael Portantiere:

    07/13/2010: Presidential Material

    07/04/2010: Hardy Boy

    06/29/2010: High School Stars

    06/21/2010: Falling in Love Again

    06/17/2010: A Meeting of the 'mos (and Their Friends)

    For a listing of all features written by Michael, click here.

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