Megan Hilty In Concert: One Extraordinarily Powerful Voice. One Beautifully Empowering Emotional Roller Coaster – Adelaide Cabaret Festival 2016 Review

Her Majesty’s Theatre, Sat 11 Jun Megan Hilty has been a star in the USA since making her Broadway debut as Glinda in Wicked, which later included a Los Angeles season and a National Tour. She later performed the role of Doralee Rhodes in 9 To 5: The Musical and featured in a number of television shows. It was her role as Ivy Lynn in NBC’s musical drama Smash thought that would have really brought her to the attention of Australia. Thank you to the Adelaide Cabaret Festival for firstly ensuring this incredible star was brought to Adelaide and for shuffling the program to ensure she will be back to New York in time for the Tony Awards on Monday, where she is nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play for Noises Off. Hilty demonstrated why she continues to portray iconic characters on Broadway with her extraordinarily powerful voice and versatility in accent and expression. Hilty seemed to also be an adorable character herself, appearing genuinely humble and comical when telling tales of her career. They audience was engrossed in her beauty - both in her physicality and heart. The audience was able to get a sufficient fix of memorable Smash songs, such as They Just Keep Moving The Line, Don’t Forget Me and Let Me Be Your Star and she also performed Wicked songs Popular and For Good. Other outstanding tunes included, Megan Hilty and guitarist (and husband), Brian Gallagher singing Suddenly Seymour together from The Little Shop Of Horrors and an explosive Diamond’s Are A Girls Best Friend  from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Hilty was supported by a dynamic band led by Musical Director and Pianist Matthew Cusson, together with Brian Gallagher (Guitar), Ryan Hoagland (Drums) and Dennis Keefe (Bass). Cusson tinkering away on the keys while Hilty spoke also added a nice piano bar feel to the large theatre. Hilty took us on an emotional roller coaster in her 90-minute show from huge joyous laughs to empowering us with inspiration and optimism to a final touching tribute to her daughter. It was clear from the standing ovation that Megan Hilty was Adelaide's star. Chookas for the Tony Awards, Megan. We have loved having you here. Bobby Goudie Social Media: Facebook: Adelaide Cabaret Festival Twitter: @AdelaideCabaret  #AdCabFest Instagram: @AdelaideCabaret Facebook: The Clothesline – Digital Arts Magazine Twitter: @Clothesline_Mag