Music That Shaped America

Last Monday night, 7/19, the White House hosted an evening of Broadway with some of the most talented actors from NYC. It's part of the White House series which salute the music that shaped America. The series has previously featured jazz, classical and country music. The event last Monday featured Nathan Lane, Audra Mcdonald, Idina Menzel, Elaine Stritch, Chad Kimbal, Brian D'Arcy James, Tonya Pinkins and Karen Olivo. It was also streamed live online in various theatre websites such as Broadwayworld and Theatremania. If you're like me who missed the broadcast, it will be re-aired on PBS channels at 9pm ET on Oct. 20, 2010 as part of the PBS music series: In Performance At The White House.

Above is the speech of President Obama welcoming the guests and thanking the performers. I am so elated that he gave special tribute to Broadway and this special art form. The following excerpt from his speech couldn't be anymore true:

"In many ways, the story of Broadway is also intertwined with the story if America. Some of the greatest singers and songwriters Broadway has ever known came to this country on a boat with nothing more than an idea in their head and a song in their heart. And they succeeded the same way that so many immigrants have succeeded -– through talent and hard work and sheer determination.
Over the years, musicals have also been at the forefront of our social consciousness, challenging stereotypes, shaping our opinions about race and religion, death and disease, power and politics.
But perhaps the most American part of this truly American art form is its optimism. Broadway music calls us to see the best in ourselves and in the world around us -– to believe that no matter how hopeless things may seem, the nice guy can still get the girl, the hero can still triumph over evil, and a brighter day can be waiting just around the bend."