“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.” 

Starring Klea Blackhurst and Billy Stritch

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

BILLY STRITCH

Pianist-singer BILLY STRITCH has been a presence on the New York and national nightclub scene for nearly four decades. Perhaps best known for his 25 year position as musical director for Liza Minnelli, Billy also served in that capacity with Marilyn Maye, Linda Lavin, Melissa Manchester and the legendary Tony Bennett. He was recently named the Outstanding Musical Director for the fifth time by the readers of Broadway World and his 2022 solo engagement at New York’s famed Birdland Jazz Club was voted Vocal Jazz Engagement of the year. Billy is the bandleader for “Jim Caruso’s Cast Party” every Monday night at and the twosome also have a long-running Sunday night residency at Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel. Follow Billy on Instagram @

KLEA BLACKHURST 

Has performed in legendary halls from The London Palladium to Carnegie Hall, The Royal Albert Hall to Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Cafe Carlyle to The Bluebird Cafe.  She starred in Goodspeed Musicals’ 50th anniversary production of Hello, Dolly! and led a critically lauded production of Gypsy at Drury Lane in Chicago. She’s brought her brand of comedy to the development of many new works, notably the world premiere of Hazel directed by Lucie Arnaz, The Nutty Professor, directed by Jerry Lewis, Dolly: A True Original Musical, and Elephant Shoes. Off-Broadway credits include Party Face, opposite Hayley Mills; A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Bingo, Radio Gals, Oil City Symphony. Other credits: Ragtime with the Boston Pops, Show Boat with Glimmerglass Opera, Into the Woods with Opera North and Chicago at Pioneer Theatre Company in her hometown of Salt Lake City.  Klea is a distinguished Alumna of the University of Utah.