Jason Alexander, who calls himself “a big old host,” has emceed shows ranging from charity events to the Emmys.
“But it's always daunting,” Alexander said. “I'm not a stand-up comic. I studied Shakespeare!”
Alexander – who made millions laugh in his role as George Costanza in the sitcom “Seinfeld” – hosts “A Capitol Fourth” live from the west lawn of the Capitol.
Event planners expect a half-million people on the National Mall for the musical performances and fireworks. More than 13 million viewers typically watch the celebration on television, said a spokesman for Capital Concerts, which produces the show.
The program, in its 26th year, will include performances by Michael Bolton, JoJo, Jo Dee Messina, Vanessa Williams and puppet Elmo of “Sesame Street.” Singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder will be recognized with the National Artistic Achievement Award, presented by actor Cuba Gooding Jr.
DATEBOOK
"A Capitol Fourth"
Jason Alexander hosts the annual celebration. 8 tonight, KPBS/Channel 15
|
The National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Erich Kunzel, will perform the traditional finale: Tchaikovsky's “1812” Overture, with live cannon fire provided by the 3rd U.S. Infantry's Presidential Salute Battery.
Jerry Colbert, founder and executive producer of “A Capitol Fourth,” said Alexander was chosen as host of the 90-minute show because of his broad range of talents that include singing, dancing and acting. Alexander succeeds Barry Bostwick, who hosted for eight years.
Alexander will open the show with a song-and-dance patriotic medley. He looks forward to performing before a live audience, “although the truth is, with an audience this size, you can't even conceive it, so you play to what you can see,” he said.
In preparing to celebrate the nation's birthday, Alexander has given thoughtful consideration to the varying political points of view among Americans today.
“There's a very wide range of feeling across the country,” he said. “And in that difference of opinion, in a nation of conscience and dialogue, we can disagree. I'm hoping that we can strike a chord (in the program) that, regardless of where you stand, Americans can continue to honor and celebrate the core of our country's values: independence, democracy and freedom.”
The Fourth of July event, he said, should be a party: “Not too stiff, not too formal. As host, I want everyone to relax and be comfortable and have a good time.”
He's looking forward to spending some time in the nation's capital (“I love the town; I'm an American history nut”), seeing some friends and working with the other performers, especially Elmo.
“I've done 'Sesame Street' and know Elmo very well,” Alexander said. “Kevin (Clash) is a terrific puppeteer. But Elmo! He can say and do things the rest of us can't. He's a wild card in the show.”
