Carnegie Hall was filled to the rafters on March 8th as conductor Steven Reineke opened the evening swinging with “Luck Be a Lady” and Megan Hilty, all a-glitter in long gold sequin gown. The sexy “Smash” sensation, a strong Broadway belter, was recently seen in the Encores! Production of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes as Lorelei Lee.
The evening was entitled “Luck Be a Lady: Megan Hilty Sings Sinatra and More,” but it was much, much more that chilled and thrilled as Ryan Silverman, a crooner, entered to duet on “Almost Like Being in Love/This Can’t Be Love.” Ryan is currently starring in the Classic Stage Company’s production of Sondheim’s “Passion.”
The evening featured Megan on the heartfelt Johnny Mercer lyrics to “Autumn Leaves/When October Goes” in a soulful arrangement followed by a “Backwoods Barbie Medley-A Tribute to Dolly Parton” that included one of Megan’s favorites “9 to 5,” in which she appeared.
The Great American Songwriters were front and center with Cole Porter’s “Night and Day” (Ryan Silverman) and the Gershwins’ highlight “Someone to Watch Over Me,” the verse and sensitive lyrics made even more enthralling by Megan, now dressed in an elegant black sequin and flowing layered netted gown. The exhilarating Latin beat of “Sway” afforded Ryan an opportunity to swing those hips, the evening ending with Megan and the exciting Arlen/Mercer “Come Rain or Come Shine.”
It’s always joyful to hear and see the “Kids in the Balcony” – a program inviting youngsters to attend free; some of the schools represented included PS 254, PS 230, PS 13.
The next New York Pops program features “The Wizard and I: The Musical Journey of Stephen Schwartz” on Friday April 12th, 8 pm with Steven Reineke conducting and Jeremy Jordan, Norm Lewis, Julia Murney, Jennifer Laura Thompson and the Essential Voices USA conducted by Judith Clurman.
On April 29th, 7 pm The New York Pops 30th Anniversary Gala will salute Jule Style, Frank Loesser and Danny Kaye. Performers will include Kelli O’Hara, Donna Murphy, Anthony Warlow, Laura Benanti, Rob McClure, Laura Osnes, James Naughton and more. The performance will be followed by a black-tie dinner at the Plaza Hotel.
CarnegieCharge at (212) 247-7800, or visit the Carnegie Hall Box Office in person at 57th Street and 7th Avenue or online at carnegiehall.org.
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