Holding Fourth

Jason Alexander Takes Over Host Duties at Annual Bash

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 now-classic sitcom "Seinfeld" -- hosts "A Capitol Fourth," broadcast live from the West Lawn of the Capitol for the 26th year.

Event planners expect a half-million people on the 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 will include performances by Michael Bolton, JoJo, Jo Dee Messina, Vanessa Williams and Elmo, a preschooler Muppet from "Sesame Street."

Also performing will be singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder, who will be recognized with the National Artistic Achievement Award, presented by actor Cuba Gooding Jr.

The National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Erich Kunzel, will be on hand throughout the 90-minute show and will perform the traditional finale: Tchaikovsky's "1812" Overture, replete with live cannon fire 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 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."