Interview: Broadway and TV Star Megan Hilty on Her SCERA Concert

Tony-nominated Broadway and television actress Megan Hilty, known for starring roles on NBC's SMASH and in the original cast of 9 TO 5, will perform in concert with the Utah Valley Symphony at the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre on Saturday, September 1, 2018.

The much-loved performer, who got her start as Glinda in WICKED, was able to take time out of her busy schedule to speak with BroadwayWorld about what audiences can expect.

1. What are you most looking forward to about your upcoming concert with the Utah Valley Symphony at the SCERA?

Utah is so unbelievably beautiful, and the pictures of the SCERA are gorgeous! Singing with a symphony is one of the greatest honors (and pleasures) I can think of, so I can't wait to get onstage with the incredibly talented musicians in the Utah Valley Symphony.

2. How did you go about selecting the set list for this concert?

First and foremost, they are all songs that I love to sing. I don't see any point in singing anything that I can't connect to on a very personal level. I also have to take into consideration what people may be expecting if they bought a ticket because they are familiar with my work. Regardless of whether the audience comes knowing me or not, they will leave the concert knowing me better through these songs.

3. What can you tell me about the song selection? Will you be performing songs you are known for from SMASH, your Broadway shows, and your albums?

You guessed it! It'll be my favorites from all of those things!

4. Five years after its finale aired, SMASH still has a strong cult following as new fans continue to discover it. What has it been like to be part of that phenomenon? Is there any hope for a reunion performance in the future?

I am constantly being asked if the show might get a second chance or if Bombshell is going to Broadway. I'm not exaggerating when I say I'm asked about it EVERY DAY, which is actually awesome. I have no idea what the future holds for anything SMASH-related, but I love that there is still a huge interest in it after all these years.

5. You always have so much on your plate with concerts such as this and diverse stage, TV, film, and music projects, along with raising a family. How are you so successful at balancing everything in your life?

I don't know how successful I am at it, but it is a constant struggle for balance. Luckily I have the most amazing husband in the world, and together we're figuring out how to manage it all as a team.

6. What's coming up next for you?

A lot of concerts and voiceover work. I work a lot in cartoons, and it's one of my absolute favorite things to do! I have a couple of exciting shows coming up that haven't been announced yet, so I can't really talk about them...but I can't wait to get started on them!

The concert will begin at 8 p.m. at the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre, 699 S. State St., in the center of SCERA Park in Orem. General admission tickets are $25 for adults, and $20 for kids 3-11 and seniors 65 and older. Reserved areas with a free chair range from $30 to $40 for adults, and $25 to $35 for children and seniors. Tickets are available at scera.org, by calling 801-225-ARTS, at the main office at SCERA Center (745 S. State St., Orem), open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. weekdays.

Photo Credit: Megan Hilty. Photo by Sidney Beal.

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