American Songbook at NJPAC

John Pizzarelli, the world-renowned jazz guitarist and singer, has established himself as one of the prime interpreters of the Great American Songbook and beyond, bringing to his work the cool jazz flavor of his brilliant guitar playing and singing. In this episode, and his six piece band salute the life and work of one our great lyricists and songwriters, Johnny Mercer.

Laura Osnes and Santino Fontana were both nominated for 2013 Tony Awards for their leading roles in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, and in this episode, the Princess and Prince show why. This exciting young duo breathes new life into beloved Broadway standards like these R & H classics “People Will Say We’re In Love”, “If I Loved You” and others.

Hailed by the New Yorker as “funny and touching, ceaselessly clever and scarily talented,” Nellie McKay bedazzles with interpretations of American classics like “Wonderful Guy”, “The Gentleman is a Dope” and “Knock on Wood” that are both captivating and fresh. McKay, who also plays the piano and banjo, truly shines during her original songs including “Bodega,” “One’s on the Way” and “Politan.”

Maureen McGovern has been described as a “force of nature” and has been hailed as an official jazz legend. In this episode of American Songbook at NJPAC, Maureen McGovern takes the audience on a journey through some of the great music of the 60s and 70s, including “America”, “Old Friends” (Paul Simon), “The Times They are a Changing” (Bob Dylan), “Will You Still Love Me” Tomorrow” (Carole King).

In this episode, the Tony Award-winning songwriting team of Hairspray, Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman take center stage. Joining them to perform their music are Marilyn Maye, Micailah Lockhart, Alex Stone and Annie Golden, who belts out a rousing rendition of “Good Morning Baltimore.” to kick off the program.