“When Broadway goes dark, the Park lights up for an evening of live music and star performances in Clinton Cove.”
Such a description is certainly true this season, especially of the star-studded performances presented as part of third annual Broadway by the Boardwalk series.
A “can’t-miss series for anyone who loves Broadway,” the annual lineup, initiated in 2024 by Broadway alum Erich Bergen (Jersey Boys, Waitress, Boop! the Musical) and offered as part of Hudson River Park’s greater schedule of outdoor summer programming, aims to deliver dazzling concerts free of charge, boasting the best of Broadway – and this year, an exciting inaugural showcase of talented Main Stem understudies and standbys – against the stunning waterfront setting within the Park’s ever-scenic Clinton Cove.
“To see Clinton Cove filled with New Yorkers who love Broadway is incredibly moving,” says Bergen. Noting the city “can be very hard to live in sometimes, and very expensive to enjoy,” he concludes that “Broadway by the Boardwalk in Hudson River Park is the antidote to both.”
Adds Noreen Doyle, President & CEO of Hudson River Park Trust: “Whether you know every lyric by heart or are discovering these songs for the first time, grab a blanket and your friends, and [prepare] for an unforgettable New York summer night.”
Below, inaugural 2026 season performer Max von Essen shares details of his specific concert, which includes easy-listening hits like “The Way You Look Tonight” and “The Best Things in Life are Free,” and Broadway favorites like “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “She Loves Me,” and the title tune from 42nd Street, as well as what ignited his love of the Great American Songbook, how his partnership with musical director Billy Stritch came to be, and why we should come out for free entertainment in the heart of our great city: “It doesn’t get much better than that.”
Can you give a brief overview of your show? How did it come to be? And what makes this one different from others you’ve done in the past?
Most of my solo shows exist in the same world: [they’re] a celebration of the American Songbook and the Golden Age of Broadway. I always loved that style of music… it felt like my DNA… like truly me!
But honestly, I always hesitated to do a solo show, or I’d make up an excuse to say “no,” because I just didn’t know what I wanted to sing or say with the song choices.
And then, doing An American in Paris on Broadway finally gave me the boost I needed, because in that show, I was singing Gershwin songs that I’d taught myself as a kid. So, I knew I could get out on concert stages and feel more authentic sharing that style and era of music.
Can you speak a bit about the origins of your relationship with [music director] Billy [Stritch] (and, for that matter, special guest Dez Duron) and building your concert work together? What about him makes him the perfect partner for this show and others?
Billy and I go way, way back — I met him at one of my first ever auditions in New York. I was in the mix to be a backup singer for Liza Minnelli and he played the piano at my final callback… if you can believe it.
Liza asked me to improv with her and sing two Gershwin songs like a scene and, trust me, [it] could’ve been a real disaster with any other pianist. It went great, I booked it and [Billy and I] have been friends for years. Although it wasn’t until I finally got the courage to ask him to be my musical director a few years ago that our artistic and personal relationship really took off. Now we’re dear friends, he’s truly the best.
Dez, I don’t know as well, but I adore him and am so charmed by him and his talent. I caught him several years ago performing solo and, since he’s been in the city with Maybe Happy Ending, I’ve forced my way into his life, and he kindly agreed to perform. He and I are very different performers – he’s got such a hip and unique sound – but we’re united in that we have the same love and respect for this style of music. He’s the absolute perfect guest star for this show.
Similarly, can you speak about your history with the Great American Songbook? How did you get started? Who are your inspirations? What is it that appeals to you about this type of music?
(Sighs). So hard to pinpoint. It’s hard for me to express in words why I love the American Songbook. Much in the same the way I fell in love with playing piano and music in general, it simply was something I couldn’t fight, you know? It feels like home and it’s part of who I am. And for some reason, even as a little kid, I was always drawn to the old school crooners who sang standards. I’d listen to Frank Sinatra or Tony Bennett or Rosemary Clooney, and at the time I was growing up, people like Harry Connick, Jr. and Michael Feinstein were coming on the scene and the American Songbook was [allowing them to showcase themselves] as who they truly were. That resonated with me… and the rest is history.
Can you describe your process in choosing the set list for this show? Knowing your theme, were there any specific songs you knew you had to include?
Oh, I just enjoy sharing music I love, particularly for this summer evening concert where I want to keep things light and breezy. I feel like the stage feels like my living room and I just want everyone to get cozy and hang with me.
It’s about finding enjoyable, lighter songs with a jazzier feeling… maybe one or two ballads as well. I also like to add in some dramatic, story-driven songs… to step into the character and transport the audience [not dissimilar to a Broadway show]. I do not want to put anyone to sleep, especially not this early in the evening. (Laughs). “Uptempo, breezy and fun” are the goals of the evening’s selections. Songs people know or songs people feel like they know… you know? (Laughs).
Circumstances in the world, overall, at the moment are, for lack of better words, pretty grim. What’s a lyric or song from your set list that keeps you uplifted in trying times and why?
Hmmm… there isn’t a particular lyric that lifts me up during these times… it’s more just the fact that I get to perform, share music and offer an hour or so of escape for everyone: a moment to be together right here… right now… in this moment. There is simply nothing like a live theatrical and musical experience.
I did choose a specific opener, though, which begins: “The moon belongs to everyone / the best things in life are free. The stars belong to everyone / they gleam there for you and for me.” Feels pretty fitting for an evening in Hudson River Park.
Speaking of Hudson River Park, what is so special or important to you about this location and the ability to perform here? And why, in your opinion, should spaces like Hudson River Park be celebrated and supported?
I’ve lived in Hell’s Kitchen for over two decades now, so I’ve watched the land along the Hudson completely transform. The paths for walking and biking, the lawns, the piers, the activities… and, let’s be honest, the free events. They’re what make Hudson River Park and New York so special… and I couldn’t imagine New York City without [them]. Let’s face it, theater and concerts in NYC are very expensive. It’s often simply inaccessible for people [to attend]. So, a free evening of music on a beautiful lawn with the Hudson River as our backdrop? It doesn’t get much better than that.
This year, Broadway by the Boardwalk is celebrating understudies, covers and standbys with a special opening act. Yours is Tristen Buttell from Just in Time, with Savy Jackson and Christopher James Tamayo from Maybe Happy Ending, Moulin Rouge! the Musical’s Christian Probst, and Ragtime’s Kent Overshown set to appear in subsequent concerts. Why is it important to you that these folks get their moment to shine and be supported?
Oh, I was thrilled to learn about this addition to the series. I’ve understudied a few times on Broadway, and let me tell you, it isn’t easy. Retaining all that additional material and having to be ready at a moment’s notice to jump into the role, or sometimes mid-show, is a true challenge. I can’t wait to shine a spotlight on these incredible performers!
What do you hope to instill in audiences as they come away from your show?
I just want people to have fun and be inspired to seek out more free and live events all over the city. And maybe to listen to more classic singers, old and new, who keep the American Songbook alive.
Finally, why should someone come out to see your show in the park, and perhaps support others in the Broadway by the Boardwalk series as well?
Every artist lined up this season is so unique and extremely talented… and being introduced to some incredible Broadway understudies is going to be an extra special treat. Every Monday is going to be magical.
Max von Essen, with Billy Stritch and featuring special guest Dez Duron, plays Hudson River Park (Clinton Cove at W. 55th Street) on Monday, July 13th at 6:30pm. Broadway by the Boardwalk continues on subsequent Mondays, with FREE performances from 2026 Tony winner Ali Louis Bourzgui (July 20), as well as Tony winners Ali Stroker (July 27) and J. Harrison Ghee (August 3), and concludes with Broadway powerhouse Mandy Gonzalez (August 10). For more information, click here.
