One can never have too much Joie de Vivre. Further proof was Luck Be a Lady: Megan Hilty Sings Sinatra and More, featuring Broadway’s Megan Hilty and Aaron Lazar. Megan has starred in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Wicked, and 9 to 5 on Broadway, as well as NBC’s hit television show Smash. Here at The Kennedy Center, Hilty was recruited by NSO Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke to pay tribute to the tunes of Ol’ Blue Eyes – Frank Sinatra.
Hilty was joined by leading man Aaron Lazar (Les Misérables, Mamma Mia, and A Little Night Music). Their chemistry was so apparent that she felt it necessary to mention that her boyfriend was in the vicinity, starring in Jekyll and Hyde – also at The Kennedy Center.
Hilty practically reinvents “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” which she sang as a duet with Lazar. Two more duets, “Two Sleepy People,” and “Almost Like Being In Love”/”This Can’t be Love” were enchanting. Her Lorelie was a wise woman, highlighting the musical comedy skill of showing character through song. We all know looks fade but not every bombshell blond shares that insight, as far as I can tell.
Ebullient Conductor Steven Reineke was really enjoying himself too. From the back the audience could see his dance moves and fancy that they too were carried away with the music.
Songs included “The Lady Is a Tramp,” “Moon River,” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” – including Broadway classics “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” “Almost like Being In Love,” “Two Sleepy People,” and “Two Sleepy People” The program includes favorites by Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Harold Arlen, and many others.The instrumental highlight was “Unchained Melody,” played with several jazzy horn solos.
Both Megan Hilty and Aaron Lazar have gorgeous voices and are tremendous ‘belters.’ It was a very entertaining and special evening at The Kennedy Center with these two talented Broadway stars.
Running Time: Two hours with a 10-minute intermission.
Luck Be a Lady: Megan Hilty Sings Sinatra and More played its last performance tonight at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts – 2700 F Street, NW, in Washington, DC. Check out their calendar of events, and call (800) 444-1324/(202) 467-4600 to purchase tickets.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4TEbwhvTyA
