Synopsis: Frasier star Kelsey Grammer hosts a dazzling array of stars who entertain the nation's leaders in An American Celebration at Ford's Theatre. The television special was taped in Washington, DC, before a live audience which included President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush, as well as Vice President Cheney and his wife.

The annual gala benefiting historic Ford's Theatre in Washington, DC, includes performances by music legend Stevie Wonder, Dennis Franz ("NYPD Blue"), John Spencer ("West Wing"), pop sensation and movie star Mandy Moore ("A Walk to Remember"), Tony-winning actress Kristin Chenoweth, Grammy-winning gospel singer Yolanda Adams, magician David Copperfield, country trio SHeDAISY and America's Tenor, the singing police officer, Daniel Rodriguez.

As a surprise to the audience, five Olympic Gold Medalists make a special appearance during the show. As Daniel Rodriguez sings the show-stopper "This is the Moment," Derek Parra (speedskating), Chris Witty (speedskating), Vonetta Flowers and Jill Bakken (women's bobsled), and Jim Shea, Jr. (skeleton) walk onstage, prompting a standing ovation from the delighted audience members.

Mrs. Laura Bush serves as the honorary chair of the gala celebration, and Mrs. Tom Daschle, Mrs. Trent Lott, Mrs. John D. Dingell and Mrs. W.J. "Billy" Tauzin serve as gala chairs. Senator Lott, Senator Daschle, Congressman Dingell and Congressman Tauzin join a distinguished audience of political and corporate leaders to share this special evening of entertainment in America's most historic theater.

This year marks the 22nd televised gala at Ford's theater since its reopening in 1968. For 103 years following President Lincoln's assassination, this national treasure remained dark as a symbol of national mourning.

On January 30, 1968, a restored Ford's Theatre opened, dedicated as a memorial to Lincoln's love of the performing arts. In 1975 President Ford became the first president to attend a gala at the theater since its closure in 1865.

The Cast:
HOST: Kelsey Grammer

STARRING: Yolanda Adams, Kristin Chenoweth, David Copperfield, Dennis Franz, Mandy Moore, Daniel Rodriguez, SHeDAISY, John Spencer, Stevie Wonder and five Olympic Gold Medalists: Jill Bakken and Vonetta Flowers (women's bobsled), Derek Parra (speedskating), Jim Shea, Jr. (skeleton) and Chris Witty (speedskating)

Production Info:
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Gil Cates, Frankie Hewitt

PRODUCED BY: Joe Cates, Gil Cates, Dennis E. Doty

DIRECTED BY: Paul Miller

WRITTEN BY: Stephen Pouliot

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER: Michael B. Seligman

EXECUTIVE IN CHARGE OF TALENT: Danette Herman

PRODUCTION DESIGNER: Roy Christopher

MUSIC DIRECTOR: Tom Scott

LIGHTING DESIGNER: Robert Barnhart

ART DIRECTOR: Elina Katsioula

COSTUME DESIGNER: Ret Turner

CHOREOGRAPHER: Debbie Allen

"CRY" DANCER: Danny Tidwell

EDITED BY: Michael Polito

ANNOUNCER: Lee Marshak

THE U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY WOMEN'S GLEE CLUB UNDER THE DIRECTION OF: James L. Turk

EASTERN HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR UNDER THE DIRECTION OF: Joyce Garrett

DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTS FOR FORD'S THEATRE: Diana Hart

PRODUCTION COMPANY: Cates/Doty Productions in association with ABC Entertainment

Airdates:
The program will air Friday, April 12th, 2002 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET), on ABC.