Tony winners Audra McDonald and Idina Menzel will perform Stephen Flaherty and William Schermerhorn's "American River Suite" as part of the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks celebration.

New York Pops' music director Steven Reineke conducts the commissioned work that features a score by Tony winner Flaherty (Ragtime, Once on This Island, The Glorious Ones) and lyrics by William Schermerhorn. "American River Suite" commemorates the 400th anniversary of the exploration of New York Harbor and the Hudson River.

In addition to McDonald (Ragtime, Carousel, Raisin in the Sun) and Menzel (Rent, Wicked), "American River Suite" will include the voices of the Choir Academy of Harlem.

"American River Suite" originally premiered as part of The New York Pops' 26th Birthday Gala in April, featuring Menzel and Tony winner Anika Noni Rose (Caroline, or Change, "Dreamgirls").

The 9 PM Macy's 4th of July Fireworks celebration will be telecast live on NBC television and on 1010 WINS radio from the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York Harbor.

- Playbill.com

Also, just a reminder that Chess in Concert is now available on CD & DVD in the US & UK (at Dress Circle)! However, the Warner Bros limited edition set that was/is available for pre-order was pushed back until July 21 to put finishing touches on the extras that come with it. Just an FYI.

First and foremost, I'd like to wish Idina a very happy (and very belated) birthday! Feel free to leave birthday wishes for Idina in the comments of this entry.



Secondly, I've been adding tons of photos to the gallery from past events and performances (thanks mostly to Flor!). You can check out all the updated galleries by clicking the thumbnails and links below. There are a lot, so get comfortable!

IdinaMenzel.com is now offering an EXCLUSIVE limited edition package of Chess in Concert. For $34.99 (+ tax & shipping), you get the following:

- Exclusive 3-disc set (2CD/1DVD) (click READ MORE for full tracklisting)
- Full color booklet with cast photos & a synopsis written by Tim Rice
- Sheet music for "Anthem" and "I Know Him So Well"
- MP3 download of the 2CD audio content delivered to you on June 16th

This past weekend, Idina was in Atlanta to talk to (and perform for) students of Pace and Ron Clark Academies as part of a benefit to raise money for a new diversity initiative at Pace Academy. Idina met with the students at a reception at Pace Academy's director's home following her performance and talk. It sounds like it was a very nice, low-key event that seemed very special to everyone involved. A few fans attended the event as well, and they've shared their photos with us. Thanks, Joyce!

The 2008 "I Stand" project from the So Beautiful Forum is still growing, a year later! Following the launch of Idina's I Stand Facebook page, the first event benefitting under-priveleged youth is taking place in Atlanta, GA on May 17! Here's the info on the event:


The I STAND Benefit marks the launch of the WE STAND Campaign as part of a diversity initiative at Pace Academy to make a difference in the lives of youth in some of the most under-served communities in Atlanta and around the world. Our mission is to partner with individuals, schools, and community based organizations to create educational outreach programs for youth to eradicate preconceived misconceptions and prejudices, as well as provide financial assistance to enhance education, develop leadership skills, and increase their understanding of what is possible for themselves and their community. Currently, we have an educational exchange program with Ron Clark Academy (http://www.ronclarkacademy.com/), as well as an on-going partnership with Youth On The Move in Peoplestown ATL, to create Keeping Pace, a summer empowerment program that we host at Pace Academy. This summer Pace students will travel to South Africa to partner with Ubuntu Education Fund (http://ubuntufund.org/) and add their voices to the cause of over 40,000 orphaned and vulnerable youth from HIV/AIDS in the townships of Port Elizabeth.

Idina ask[s] the question, What do you stand for? Diversity at Pace Academy: WE STAND for helping others to move forward.

Join us as we stand with a Broadway legend to raise money to create opportunities that will enable all youth to rise and stand in their potential.

Idina Menzel: I Stand
Sunday, May 17th at 3PM
The Hendrix-Chenault Theater
At The Lovett School
4075 Paces Ferry RD NW
Atlanta GA 30327

Special Performance from Pace Academy, Ron Clark Academy, and local art students.

General Admission tickets are just $25 and can be purchased by clicking here.

Idina & Taye were guests of ABC at the 2009 White House Correspondents' Dinner this past weekend in Washington DC's Hilton Hotel. Not very many photos have surfaced from the event (oddly enough), but those that have may be viewed in the gallery by clicking on the thumbnails below! If you happen to come across more photos, please contact me.