BWW Reviews: MEGAN HILTY is a Smash Hit in Cincinnati

Megan Hilty sang with the Cincinnati Pops, conducted by John Morris Russell, over the weekend. The Pops did what they always do which is play outstanding music. They didn't miss a note in any number and if their rendition of "He Lives in You" from the Lion King doesn't spark a Disney Night with the Pops idea, I will be shocked (I'll also be first in line for that show).

Hilty started her part of the show with "They Just Keep Moving the Line" from Smash and she killed it. She basically said that this show you are about to witness might just blow your face off. She then sang "The Best is Yet to Come" and "Bye, Bye, Baby" from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, which was her audition song for Smash. After Hilty sang those three songs perfectly, the pops played a couple more numbers and then there was an intermission. And this is where the night kind of hit a flat note. Hilty warmed up the audience for this epic show but then she went off stage for over 15 minutes; I found that odd.

The rest of the show comprised of Hilty singing an array of songs. The highlights of the second act were "Popular" from Wicked where she actually sang in her Glinda voice and "Second Hand White Baby Grand" from Smash. But once again, during this act she went off stage two more times. This just seemed to ruin the flow of the performance. The last four songs (including the encore) were in a row and it was the best section of the show. A performer should always leave a concert with the audience wanting more but in this case it was different; I left feeling as if I didn't get enough Hilty.

Overall, Hilty was phenomenal and the Pops sounded great so the night was very enjoyable. I would have preferred a different set arrangement but I left there thinking the performance was a hit. I hope Hilty can m ake another trip to Cincinnati sometime very soon and I'm looking forward to the rest of the Pops season.

Photos by Scott Preston/Cincygroove.com

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