This week: Kennedy Center Honors, in top form, salute Meryl Streep, Neil Diamond, Barbara Cook – The TV Guy – Orlando Sentinel

This week: Kennedy Center Honors, in top form, salute Meryl Streep, Neil Diamond, Barbara Cook – The TV Guy – Orlando Sentinel Image

Your best TV present this week arrives at 9 p.m. Tuesday when CBS presents the latest edition of the Kennedy Center Honors.

The event, taped Dec. 4, is another spectacular variety special. But even by the Kennedy Center's high standards, this one is exceptional.

The honorees are saluted in this order: actress Meryl Streep, jazz musician Sonny Rollins, singer-actress Barbara Cook, singer Neil Diamond and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Each segment features tributes in word, on film and in music.

There are funny comments from Tracey Ullman, Robert De Niro and Kevin Kline about Streep; from Bill Cosby about Rollins; and from John Lithgow about Diamond. But the night's most amusing moments belong to Stephen Colbert, who honors his friend Ma by sending up a famous musical legend.

Then there's all that music. Anne Hathaway shows off her fine voice with a lusty rendition of "She's Me Pal" for Streep. Jennifer Nettles delivers a touching "Hello" in the Diamond tribute, and Smokey Robinson leads a rousing "Sweet Caroline" that enlists host Caroline Kennedy.

For Rollins, a beautiful version of "In a Sentimental Mood" features pianist Herbie Hancock, trumpeter Roy Hargrove and guitarist Jim Hall. The Ma tribute reflects his interest in many musical styles beyond classical and concludes with James Taylor on "Here Comes the Sun."

But the Barbara Cook tribute, falling in the middle of the show, is the evening's peak. Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick talk about Cook's legendary career. Cook was the original Marian the Librarian in "The Music Man" on Broadway, and I hope this tribute makes her better known to a wider audience.

Some of Broadway's best singers salute Cook in a sensational medley. Laura Osnes starts with "This is All Very New to Me." Rebecca Luker and Kelli O'Hara together deliver "Will I Ever Tell You" and "Will He Like Me." Glenn Close displays her singing skill on "Losing My Mind."

Sutton Foster struts through "Everybody Says Don't," and Patti LuPone rolls through "Come Rain or Come Shine" like a champ. Audra McDonald offers a gorgeous "Till There Was You," and all the women join for a soaring "Make Our Garden Grow."

It's great fun to study the faces of the honorees and celebrities in the audience.

Pay special attention to Streep, who listens closely and reacts with contagious enthusiasm.

Not only is Streep the greatest actress in the world, she may be the best audience, too.

This week: Kennedy Center Honors, in top form, salute Meryl Streep, Neil Diamond, Barbara Cook – The TV Guy – Orlando Sentinel