Great Performances Season 42 Episode 1 Star-Spangled Spectacular

In the first episode of season 42 of Great Performances, titled "Star-Spangled Spectacular," viewers are treated to a patriotic celebration of America's musical heritage. Filmed at the beautiful Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland, this extravaganza features stirring performances by some of the country's most talented musicians and singers.

The show is hosted by renowned actor and Baltimore native John Lithgow, who helps guide the audience through an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and pageantry. Lithgow delivers a rousing introduction that sets the stage for the upcoming performances.

Before the music starts, viewers are treated to footage of the breathtaking Inner Harbor, with its sparkling waters and iconic skyline. The cameras then move to the Red Carpet, where Lithgow interviews some of the evening's performers, including legendary singer Smokey Robinson and rising star Kristin Chenoweth. Both of these talented artists give an insight into their respective performances, making the audience even more excited for what's to come.

The opening of the show features the Marine Band of the United States, as they perform an awe-inspiring rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner." The band is flanked by a group of costumed dancers, who add a sense of patriotic grandeur to the proceedings. It's an excellent way to kick off the evening's entertainment, and the perfect homage to America's most famous anthem.

Next up is a performance by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, who provide a beautifully orchestrated accompaniment to the evening's vocalists. Led by the dynamic conductor Marin Alsop, the orchestra plays a medley of American classics, including "West Side Story" and "Rhapsody in Blue." It's a magnificent showcase of the orchestra's skill and the breadth of American musical achievement.

Throughout the show, there are a number of heartwarming stories and features that highlight the importance of music in American life. One of these focuses on the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra's incredible Music Educators Academy, which provides free music education to underprivileged children in the city.

The next segment of the show sees Kristin Chenoweth take to the stage, delivering a spellbinding rendition of "The Music That Makes Me Dance." Chenoweth's voice is truly stunning, and she captures the essence of this classic song perfectly. She is accompanied by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, who provide a lush backdrop of strings and brass.

Smokey Robinson is up next, performing some of his biggest hits. He effortlessly moves through "Being with You," "The Tracks of My Tears," and "You're The One For Me." Robinson's voice is as smooth and soulful as ever, and his timeless songs evoke a sense of nostalgia and romance in the audience.

The show then takes a turn towards the contemporary, with performances by the super-talented Pentatonix, a vocal group who have taken the world by storm. They deliver an electrifying rendition of their hit mash-up "Evolution of Music," which features snippets of some of the most iconic American songs of the last century. The audience can't help but dance along to this high-energy performance.

The show's finale is an epic celebration of American music, featuring an ensemble of performers taking to the stage to sing a rousing rendition of "America the Beautiful." It's a truly uplifting moment, and the perfect way to end this spectacular celebration of American music.

"Star-Spangled Spectacular" is a rich and powerful tribute to America's musical heritage, featuring a range of incredible performers and artists. With its beautiful settings, stirring performances, and heartwarming stories, this episode is a testament to the power of music to bring people together. Whether you're a fan of classic American songs or contemporary pop hits, there's something for everyone in this incredible episode.