Local Kids to Sing at Carnegie Hall

Though most aspiring performers could only dream of being invited to sing at Carnegie Hall in New York City, on Monday, April 28th, Julia White of Scarsdale and Emma Kops of Eastchester will be living this dream as featured singers with Camp Broadway at the New York Pops 31st Birthday Gala celebration and performance. At only 11 years of age, these talented and composed girls will be singing a song from the movie South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut called Blame Canada (written by Trey Parker and Marc Shaiman) on the famed Carnegie stage with Emmy and Tony award-winning star Andrea Martin.

Conducted and directed by Steven Reineke, the evening will star Megan Hilty, Patti LuPone, Will Chase, Christian Borle, Jane Krakowski, Katharine McPhee, and Martin Short, among others. The event will honor lyricists Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. Proceeds from the event will be used to fund the New York Pops and its free PopsEd music opportunity programs in New York City schools.

I had the opportunity to ask Julia and Emma some questions about their upcoming experience, and they were excited to share their thoughts.

What is Camp Broadway and how did you get chosen to participate?

Julia: Camp Broadway is a performing arts organization in New York City. I got involved by going to an open call, which is an audition that anyone can attend. They selected 60 kids from all across the country. As for the training, we haven't started yet! We will be rehearsing for three solid days in the city to prepare for the concert on Monday night.
What are you looking forward to most about your performance at Carnegie Hall?

Emma: The chance to experience performing on the same stage as some of the most talented people alive. I am so excited to sing and dance alongside such an amazing list of theater legends and hope to meet them all!

Julia: Having the experience of performing at such a legendary theater, and it seems so so so amazing that I can perform there too. So many talented people have performed there and it will be such an honor to do the same.

All 11-year-olds have a dream! What's yours?

Emma: My dream has always been to be a star on Broadway! I love to perform and was singing practically before I could walk, so to succeed doing something I love would be amazing. Someday I hope to return to the Carnegie Hall stage, only then as one of the featured Broadway stars!

Julia: My dream is to be on Broadway, definitely. It has always been my goal to work with amazing people and have amazing experiences in the world of theater, doing what I love to do.

A very limited number of tickets are still available, so get yours while you can:

Break a leg, Julia and Emma!