I got a great seat on the steps of the Capitol facing the Mall, and I was able to watch about half of the public dress rehearsal for the Memorial Day special, which included Tony Danza, Steve Buscemi, and Charlotte Church. She sang “The Prayer,” in tribute to the heroes and victims of 9/11. Her soprano is even richer than I remember from her CD, though her speaking voice remains burbly. The setting sun and the amber-lit National Mall made for a wondrous backdrop behind the stage. Washington really is a beautiful city.