Over recent years Australian audiences have been treated to an annual parade of Broadway Divas in concert, from the amazing Idina Menzel to the sublime Audra McDonald. The latest in the line is the delectable Megan Hilty.
Best known on our shores for playing the lead role of Ivy Linn in the musical drama Smash, Megan Hilty arrived and conquered. The crowd at Hamer Hall were in raptures before she even stepped on the stage and gave her a wild reception, which probably surprised even her – although she deserved it.
Starting with the television show that exposed her to millions around the world, Hilty sang Moving the Line and gave her fans a taste of what was to come.
Backed by her four-piece band which includes her husband Brian Gallagher, Hilty performed a range of musical treats, ranging from Broadway shows to American standards.
Interspersed were many amusing anecdotes from her career, including her long association with Wicked, her first show and a monster Broadway hit. Starting as a standby for Glinda, she eventually assumed the role and over four years played opposite 17 Elphabas, including Ms Menzel. To the delight of her fans, her rendition of Popular highlighted her great character comic timing and gave a taste of her performance in the role.
Including later in the set the very funny Alto's Lament only added to her comedic dexterity.
Backwoods Barbie from 9 to 5 the Musical and Diamonds Are a Girls Best Friend from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes were blended with classics such as Almost Like Being in Love and Someone to Watch Over Me.
Originally trained to sing opera, Hilty displayed her ability to switch easily from one musical genre to the next, treating her fans with a beautiful rendition of the classic ballads Autumn Leaves/When October Goes.
This whistle-stop tour includes Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide before dashing back to New York in time for the Tony Awards on the weekend (she's up for an Award). Wherever you are, I suggest you grab yourself a ticket for an evening of blissful entertainment.
MEGAN HILTY
Australian Tour Dates
Wednesday 8 June – Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne | artscentremelbourne.com.au
Thursday 9 June – Concert Hall, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) | qpac.com.au
Friday 10 June – Theatre Royal, Sydney | ticketmaster.com.au
Saturday 11 June at 3pm – Her Majesty's Theatre | adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au
Melbourne Reviews
Megan Hilty in Concert
- Details
- Vito Mattarelli
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