QUICK TAKE

MONTEGO GLOVER ("MEMPHIS") AND GENERAL COLIN POWELL JOIN THE LINEUP, AND THE PRESIDENT AND FIRST LADY APPEAR, ON "AMERICA CELEBRATES JULY 4TH AT FORD'S THEATRE," FRIDAY, JULY 2 ON ABC

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama have front row seats and the President makes the customary finale address in "America Celebrates July 4th at Ford's Theatre," airing FRIDAY, JULY 2 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. Tony-nominated Montego Glover, of the Tony-winning Best Musical, "Memphis," joins the star-spangled special and sings her knockout solo, "Colored Woman," and General Colin Powell honors five distinguished veterans who have received the Medal of Honor:

Walter D. Ehlers, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, WWII

Hiroshi Miyamura, Corporal, U.S. Army, Korea

Alfred V. Rascon, Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Vietnam

Richard A. Pittman, Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, Vietnam

Michael Thornton, Petty Officer, U.S. Navy, Vietnam

Previously announced performers include host Ty Burrell ("Modern Family"); Kelly Clarkson performing "Everbody Got Their Something"; Dick Van Dyke and the Vantastix performing an a capella medley of beloved tunes from his films; Ren�e Fleming singing the Deathcab for Cutie song, "Soul Meets Body"; Laura Michelle Kelly and Gavin Lee and the ensemble from the Broadway company of "Mary Poppins" singing "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious"; George Lopez performing a comedic monologue; Lionel Richie rocksing out to "All Night Long"; and Robin Roberts appearing, as well as The Soldiers' Chorus of the United States Army Field Band. The program was taped June 6 at Ford's Theatre Society's annual gala in Washington, DC.

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 executive in charge of talent. Bill Conti is musical director. The producing director of the show and 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.

A TV parental guideline will be assigned closer to airdate.