TY BURRELL ("MODERN FAMILY") HOSTS A STAR-SPANGLED SPECIAL FROM WASHINGTON, DC, "AMERICA CELEBRATES JULY 4TH AT FORD'S THEATRE," FRIDAY, JULY 2 ON THE ABC TELEVISION NETWORK

Ty Burrell, star of ABC's comedy hit "Modern Family," hosts "America Celebrates July 4th at Ford's Theatre," airing FRIDAY, JULY 2 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. The program is taped at Ford's Theatre Society's annual gala taking place June 6 in Washington, DC. The celebrities joining Ty Burrell for the special include Kelly Clarkson, Dick Van Dyke, Ren�e Fleming, George Lopez, Lionel Richie and Robin Roberts. Additional performers include Laura Michelle Kelly and Gavin Lee from the Broadway company of "Mary Poppins," as well as The Soldiers' Chorus of the United States Army Field Band. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama have been invited to attend.

First Lady Michelle Obama serves as the honorary chair of the gala celebration. Honorary co-chairs are Mrs. Landra Reid, The Honorable Elaine L. Chao, Mrs. Dingell, Mrs. Abigail P. Blunt, Dr. Sharon Malone and Mrs. Catherine B. Reynolds.

Since its reopening in 1968, more than a hundred years after the April 14, 1865 assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, Ford's Theatre has been one of the most visited sites in the nation's capital. It has enthralled visitors because of its unique place in United States history, and its mission to celebrate the legacy of Abraham Lincoln and explore the American experience through theatre and education.

Gil Cates is the executive producer of "America Celebrates July 4th at Ford's Theatre." Dennis Doty is producer and Paul Miller directs. Michael Seligman is associate producer and Danette Herman is talent producer. Bill Conti is Musical Director. The Director of Ford's Theatre Society is Paul R. Tetreault. "America Celebrates July 4th at Ford's Theatre" is produced by Cates/Doty Productions in association with ABC.

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