U-M alum Darren Criss part of this year's 'A Capitol Fourth' on PBS

Posted on Wed, Jul 3, 2013 : 11:49 a.m.

U-M alum Darren Criss part of this year's 'A Capitol Fourth' on PBS

By Bob Needham

Darren Criss performs at the Michigan Theater last month.

Darren Criss—the University of Michigan graduate who has risen to fame as an actor and singer on TV's "Glee," and who recently wrapped up a national concert tour—is scheduled to perform on "A Capitol Fourth."

The annual Independence Day concert takes place in Washington and is broadcast live on PBS stations nationwide, including WTVS, channel 56 in Detroit. The show starts at 8 p.m.

Tom Bergeron hosts, and other scheduled performers include Barry Manilow, Megan Hilty of "Smash" and the National Symphony Orchestra.

Criss graduated from U-M's School of Music, Theatre and Dance in 2009. As part of his summer tour, he returned to Ann Arbor to appear at the Michigan Theater as part of the free Sonic Lunch concert series.

Bob Needham is director of entertainment content for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at bobneedham@annarbor.com or 734-623-2541, and follow him on Twitter @bobneedham.