Klea Blackhurst & Billy Stritch – Dreaming of a Song: The Music of Hoagy Carmichael

Is the first artistic collaboration of Billy Stritch and Klea Blackhurst – together they created a critically acclaimed show that joyously mined the catalogue of one of America’s most treasured songwriters, who wrote such standards as “Skylark”, “Georgia On My Mind” and “Star Dust.” Hoagy Carmichael, the celebrated American composer, pianist, singer, actor and bandleader, wrote some of the most lasting and influential pop songs of the twentieth century. Collaborating with lyrists that range from Frank Loesser, Mitchell Parish and Johnny Mercer to Ned Washington, Paul Francis Webster and Harold Adamson, his contributions to Hollywood films and the hit parade are invaluable to the Great American Songbook. Klea’s ebullient delivery complements Billy’s suave crooning on a remarkable range of Carmichael’s compositions. Selections range from standards loved around the world – like such as “Star Dust,” “Heart and Soul” and “Skylark” – to lesser-known songs “Doctor, Lawyer, Indian Chief” (first performed by Betty Hutton in the 1945 film The Stork Club) and “My Resistance Is Low” (a hit in London from the film Las Vegas Story, but relatively obscure in the states) to the virtually unknown, like “Walk It Off.” Klea and Billy take turns on solos, such as her rollicking take on the rarity “Come Easy Go Easy Love,” and his impassioned, powerful “Georgia On My Mind.”

Don’t miss these two powerhouse performers as they reunite to bring their hit show celebrating the music of one of America’s most treasured songwriters to the Hamptons for one night only. Blackhurst & Stritch have mined the Carmichael catalogue to unearth lesser known gems as well as beloved treasures such as “Skylark,” “Georgia On My Mind” and “Stardust.”

You won’t want to miss this “remarkably entertaining show with all the Heart and Soul of the legendary composer himself.” ~ Theatre Scene

“Blackhurst and Stritch are as compatible as caviar and champagne.” ~ Cabaret Scenes

The 2026 season of the annual concert series Hamptons Summer Songbook By the Sea opens with Norm Lewis in “An Evening With Norm Lewis” on June 28, followed by Ann Hampton Callaway in “Here’s to Life” on July 11, and Klea Blackhurst and Billy Stritch in “Dreaming of a Song: The Music of Hoagy Carmichael” on July 18. The series continues with Eric Yves Garcia and Maria Abous in “Beyond Blue Moon (and Before the Broken Hart)” on July 25, Barbara Fasano and Eric Comstock in “A Swell-egant, Elegant Party” on August 1, KT Sullivan, Mark Nadler, Christine Pedi, and Stephanie Pope in “Hey, Old Friend! A Cabaret Jubilee” on August 22, Pamela Morgan in “What’s Cooking?” on August 23, and closes with Donna McKechnie in “A Musical Memoir” on August 29. All shows start at 7:30 PM (doors open at 7:00 PM).

Produced by Donna Rubin and LTV’s Creative Director Josh Gladstone, Hamptons Summer Songbook By the Sea offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience Broadway-caliber talent up close in the unique environment of LTV Studios. The 2026 performance season is made possible in part thanks to the generous support of sponsors Eleanor and Howard Morgan, Lynn and Bruce Surry, and Riki Kane Larimer.

LTV is a tax-exempt 501c(3) organization and donations are deductible as defined by IRS regulations.

HAMPTONS SUMMER SONGBOOK By the SEA
Sunday, June 28 – Saturday, August 29
Hosted by Donna Rubin and Josh Gladstone

LTV STUDIOS
75 Industrial Road
Wainscott, NY 11975
www.ltveh.org
Ticket HELP: 631-315-8818 / [email protected]
TICKETS for ALL shows: https://ltv.ticketspice.com/hamptons-summer-songbook-by-the-sea-2026#