Concert in Port Washington Landmark on Mainstreet

For Christmas, I received tickets to see Megan Hilty on June 15th! It was a whirlwind experience... 
We arrived at a HUGE building with many different entrances! After walking around the entire perimeter of the building we found a daycare center and a senior center attached to the back of a small theatre. The venue seemed small, but it was the perfect setting for an intimate show. While waiting, I checked my Twitter and found out that Matt Cusson was playing with Megan too! Yay! The theatre doors were eventually opened and people trickled in. An hour later(because you know we were there that early) Megan appeared onstage in black jeans and a shimmery gold top. My heart was racing! After just a nod to Matt at the piano, Megan jumped right in belting out They Just Keep Moving The Line! The crowd was now alive! She introduced Matt, her personality surfacing in the form of hair flips and heel kicks. An spectrum of songs began, each preceded by an explanation of its story and meaning to her. Bye Bye Baby and Be a Man were followed by the duet Suddenly Seymour from Little Shop accompanied by her boyfriend Brian Gallagher. Onto a song I didn't know about the life of a strong singer with a large range who is always put as an alto. This one made me laugh! Next was the classic The Man That Got Away and a Sinatra Medley as performed at her Carnegie Hall debut. A duet about love was sang by Matt and Megan followed by comments from Matt about the awkward level of singing a song of that nature to Brian's girlfriend while Brian was on the stage watching. We were then transported to the Smashiverse with Megan's soft vocals on Secondhand White Baby Grand and then an excellent duet of That's Life with Matt playing Kat, giggles erupting from the duo as Megan looks at Matt keeping the original Smash lyrics calling Matt a wife. All too soon, Megan was announcing her final song, Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend, thankfully with three encores all of which were performed. A standing ovation was followed by another encore performance of Popular, Megan teasing Brian as being her Elphaba. The concert ended with a sad Muppets song. As soon as she had entered, she disappeared. 

Dying for a chance to meet Megan, I approached a man standing regally in front other he curtain leading backstage and, as If reading my mind, he told me she would not be making an appearance. Slightly devastated and ever determined, we wound around the side of the building to what looked like a stage type door. In a window on the second floor, I could see a blonde head bobbing around. So close to meeting her at this point, I was struggling. After waiting there alone for a few minutes, some locals came by. The boy explained that the green room was right up the stairs behind a mysteriously open door. After some prodding, our moms convinced us to run up into the room. At the top of the stairs stood Megan. (And you know what, she's just a normal person.) Brian and Matt chilled at a table behind her. Megan was so sweet! Here was our conversation, it kind of all happened at once:

Me: Hi Megan! Will you sign my phone case?
Megan: Of course! Who is that? That's ME! (she laughs)
Brian: I have one of those too (wink)
Entourager: Ooh! Meg! Let me get your picture with that case!(She holds my phone case up next to her face and he snaps picture of it)
Megan: You sure you want me to sign this? I don't wanna ruin it!
Me: YES! You can't ruin it!(she signs it, Matt and Brian walk over from table they were sitting at)
Me: I came from Michigan to see you guys.
Megan, Matt, Brian, and entourage: Wow! That's far! That's cool! Wow!
Brian: YOU'RE BAILEY!
Me: (super shocked he recognized me) Yup!
Matt: BAILEY FORD, right?
Me: Yea! You all tweeted me Happy Birthday last week!
Brian, Matt, Megan: Yea! Mmhmm, we did. (Head nodding)
Me: That made my day!
Megan: Aw! Well good, I'm glad!
Me: Hey Matt and Brian will you sign my program too?(they sign)
Brian: Meg, look at her shirt!
Megan: Wow! That's cool too! You draw it?
Me: Mmhmm, I did.
Matt: That is pretty sweet looking.
Me: Can I get a picture with you too?
Megan: Of course! (I hand phone to a lady and she takes two pics of us! Ah!)
Me: Well thank you so much you guys! This made my whole trip!
Megan: No problem! So great we got to meet you!
Matt: Yeah! Good to finally meet you!
Me: Amazing to meet you guys! Thanks so much! (Turns around and nearly runs into the suddenly appearing security guard, *gulp*)

I ran out and had a freak out moment of disbelief that I'd just had a freaking CONVERSATION with MEGAN HILTY! Not to mention Matt Cusson and Brian Gallagher! What!?! Best night ever, going to be a hard one to top!

Smash:The Nominations-VOi

This week was the final week of Smash! :( The final two episodes were aired together but separate titles, so I'm reviewing them separately. I want to thank all of my viewers of this blog, I've so enjoyed writing it! I will continue to follow Megan as this Smash chapter closes and new ones open (A Broadway workshop for CanCan anyone?). Also, if you've enjoyed my blog and want to know more about what I'm up to and also more Megan coverage, follow me on Twitter at @baileyford2016


In the final seconds of last week's episode, we got the news that Ivy was pregnant. This episode started with Ivy waking up singing a song about all of the wacky dreams she's been having since finding out she was pregnant. We see her in her final Marilyn costume sitting on the bathroom floor as she is supposed to go on for her curtain call. She is dealing not only with the typical stresses of pregnancy, but all the while trying to hide it from everyone. Poor baby!

Skip to times square where we see her walking with Sam, Jessica, and Bobby, talking about Karen's recent win on the Outer Critic's Circle. When Sam brushes off the idea of "BIG AWARDS" as being dumb, Ivy retaliates by saying "You only said that because you just won and for a tiny role." As soon as she says it, she immediately apologizes and runs off embarrassed. Her friends discuss her recent change in behavior speculating a drug relapse. Little do they know she's more sober than ever. 

Just moments after leaving a tension filled meeting, Derek digs his phone out of his pocket, Ivy on the other end, sitting on in the doctor's office. Over and over she tries to tell him she needs to talk to him, like REALLY talk to him, and he brushes her aside, repeating "Not now, Ivy, not now!" She hangs up with him and looks down, petrified, at her stomach. Her OBGYN talks to her about taking her prenatals despite fleeting thoughts about an abortion. Ivy looks down again, and fakes a smile, sadness seeping through her turned up lips. 

Next scene is Sam walking Ivy out the stage door as she signs autographs, her questioning him about why he was there. Cheerily, Ivy signs autographs as her fans tell her how much better Bombshell is than Hit List...(maybe awkward for Sam?) Ivy continues prodding at Sam as he insists that she tell him about her problems. Defensively, she repeats, "Problems? What problems?" through a smile as she signs more programs. As fans continue to bash Hit List, she assures them that she is fan of Hit List. Finally, one fan says, "Did you hear what Karen said about you?" Sam tries to stop them from any further discussion, but Ivy says no, prompting the fan to proceed, informing Ivy of how they had labeled her performance as an imitation. Suddenly, a spark sets her off and she blurts, "Listen, the only reason Hit List made it to Broadway is because Kyle Bishop died." Can we say HORMONES! And  it was all caught by a handy dandy iPhone. UH OH!

Probably my favorite scene of the episode took place in Ivy's apartment, as she told Sam her big secret, the one she's kept under wraps, literally. (Bad pun) Sam comes out of Ivy's kitchen carrying a warm mug of tea (Yogi Tea would've probably made her smile) as he says, stunned, "This is why...you've been acting so nasty...you're pregnant." She looks at him with a heavy face, acknowledging his realization. He continues on, asking if she's positive that it's Derek's. After a heavy sigh, she says, "Unfortunately I've narrowed it down from a list of...ONE." Tears begin to swell in her voice as she explains her reasoning for not telling Derek that she is pregnant. "We aren't even together, we didn't want it to happen, we didn't even plan it." Sam stops her, explaining that even though she may not like it, Derek has a right to know. In her tiniest voice ever, she asks with heart wrenching concern whether he thinks she would be a good mother. "I'm just such a mess right now. Classic Ivy, worst timing ever." Sam tells her it may not be as bad as it seems, and he presses her to talk to Derek, despite the final decision she makes. 

"How are my two favorite PR disasters today?" What a greeting! The whole gang is at Table 46 waiting for the Outer Critics Circle awards ceremony. Ivy is being stared down by Karen and Jimmy after her hormonal comment about Kyle. As the Bombshell team heads to their tables, Derek comes in behind Ivy at the bar. She refuses to make eye contact. "You're looking uncommonly radiant!" he exclaims, unknowing of the horrendous timing. She rolls her eyes, the irony seemingly all too much for her, and he continues further, "You get your hair done or something?" She just looks at him with that face that say Are you KIDDING me right now? He apologizes for his rudeness on the phone and asks what she was going to say. "Congratulations!" "Really? Sounded more urgent than that," he replies. "Can we just meet up here tonight? I just wanna-I just kind a need to talk."

Now is time for the actual Tony nominations. Tom, Julia, and Ivy sit together in Tom's living room, eyes fixed on the TV. First they announce Leigh in Bombshell, and the three erupt in a fit of applause and then the say Ivy Lynn in Liaisons, producing a confused excitement as Ivy questions, "WHAT!?! We were only on for like 5 minutes!" High on happiness, Ivy picks up the phone from her mother, the energy pulsing. Next, Julia is announced as a nominee for Best Book and another fit of squeals and excitement. As Tom and Julia are both nominated for Best Score, they all high five. Ivy and Julia grip Tom and watch the TV intently as the announcements for Best Direction are called out. When his name is called, they all silently gasp, tears of excitement rolling like waves through the room. Finally, are the nominations for  Leading Actress. Julia rubs Ivy's back and Tom puts his hand comfortingly on her leg. They begin reading the names, Karen called, then three more. The announcers pause and begin to move on to the next category. Ivy's lip quivers and the room is stagnantly silent. "It didn't happen. I didn't get it. GOD, I didn't get it!" Ivy beats herself up. Suddenly the announcers go back realizing they had skipped the name. "Ivy Lynn for Bombshell!" Ivy's jaw drops and they all begin to kick in seated happy dances! SHE DID IT!

I know this blog is about Ivy, but for a second, let's just appreciate the talent of Ana and that HAUNTINGLY BEAUTIFUL song she sang for the Once audition! SO excited Krysta is returning to Broadway. 

Smash: The Transfer-VOi

Sorry I haven't been writing blogs the past few episodes, I've felt she wasn't on enough. But, this episode was emotionally loaded with Ivyness! 

First up was the oh-so-cheery run in with Karen in Times Square. They make small talk about Broadway and Tony's, finishing with a promise to be mature in the slippery slope of award season. HA! Right! 

Ivy is gaining a reputation, and not a so good one! BUT SHE HAS BEEN SUCH A SAINT!
If you don't count the pills, Heaven on Earth, sex with Derek, and Karen's fiancé troubles. In Ivy's defense, that was ALL last season! Her undefined relationship with Derek is definitely no longer centered around favors, nor did I ever believe it was. I'm not saying Ivy is an innocent doe, but she's certainly not Lindsay Lohan! Nonetheless, Ivy is in "Imagery-Rehab." May it be ever beneficial.

And to assist in this imagery rehab, Eileen has booked Ivy a (NATIONAL!) commercial that I was unsure whether it was real and Megan was in it or that it was actually Ivy. Then Sam cleared that up. The commercial is just one more chain in the Eileen Tony winner plan. By the way, Ivy BETTER win! Then Ivy and Sam begin talking about the column about an unspecified wild Broadway blonde. Sam tries to assure her that no one knew who the column was about. Ivy fires back, slightly more on edge than usual, (hormones maybe?) that everyone commented that it was her. The girl can't seem to catch a break!

"Raise your hand if you're a pimp!" What's better for Ivy's image than a revue that stars Ivy as a depressed alcoholic stripper. This is Tom's grand idea for his concert. DEEP BREATH,  IVY!

When Ivy questions her participation in the strip tease, Eileen comforts her, pointing out that what makes her special is that she doesn't care about what people think of her. This is another moment where Ivy is desperate for a motherly figure. Earlier in the season it was Julia, and now Eileen. *I have a feeling that they will be the women supporting her in the coming episodes more than Lee. 

During the sensual song Grin and Bear It, Ivy holds the muffs in front of her midsection. Is this a foreshadow to the last 2 minutes of the episode? Just a thought.  By the way, Ivy absolutely KILLS the whole concert, despite its borderline tacky outfits and choreography. 

Karen and Ana are ranting to Derek at a bar when he storms out, nearly shoving Ivy. Ivy's phone rings when suddenly Ana pops over, in a flurry of anger and too much alcohol. She starts talking at Ivy, almost innocently, and Ivy's face changes to a defensive skepticism when Ana begins to mention Derek and how she got Marilyn the first time. Trying to keep cool, Ivy wipes Ana's implying comments aside. Sam begins to sense the trouble and warns her with a "Woah! Ana!" Ana explains nonchalantly how Karen would've gotten the part had she slept with Derek and Ivy is unable to contain her aggression. She marches over to Karen, against Sam's opinion of better judgement, and brings up their "promise"of the previous night. Ivy rants to Karen, coldly stating that she is just as calculating as anyone else. Karen denies this and scoots away cowardly. 

Still heated, Ivy picks up her ringing phone, the dialogue so perfect I feel the need to type it all out.
Ivy: "Really?!? Three times in a row?!"
Caller(in a very cheery tone): "Ivy Lynn?"
Ivy(crossing her arms uncomfortably): "Yeah,"
Caller: "This is Dr. Lopez's office," (at this Ivy begins to get a look of concern on her face) "we got the results of your blood test back," (DEEEEEP BREATH) "and we wanted to reach you right away."
Ivy (trying to mask her alarm): "Is-is everything okay?"
Caller: "Congratulations!" (HUGE concern clouds Ivy's face) "You're pregnant!" 

Ivy stands in pure shock and the screen cuts out. 

MY THOUGHTS GOING A MILLION MILES A MINUTE:

OMG! Ivy has  a LOT of growing up before she has a baby!!! Where the heck is NBC going with this storyline? Is it Derek's baby, or JFK's? Some new mystery man? Is she going to have the baby? Get an abortion? Give it up for adoption? Or lose the baby? Will she get far enough along this season to wear a pregnant belly? What does she look like with one on? Ivy can't drink or take pills anymore. I CALLED IT! I KNEW SHE"D BE THE ONE! I'm not sure how I feel about this bombe dropped on us....#awfulpun

*In the previews for the coming episodes, they show Ivy, Tom, and Julia sitting in front of the TV waiting for the Tony nominations. Two key things about this clip. Number 1: Ivy looks terrified, stressed, heartbroken and slightly sick. Number 2: Julia is being her mother. Julia is rubbing Ivy's back, to try to comfort Ivy, something a mother should do. At least she has Julia and Eileen to help her through the stressful award season. We all know Lee wouldn't be doing this! 

Joe's Pub, Most Beautiful, And MORE

Well, where we had a lack of Miss Megan Hilty on this week's episode of Smash, there was an abundance of excitement going on in her non-Smash life. 

First up were her amazing performances of her new album It Happens All The Time at the intimate New York social hot spot, Joe's Pub. This is best summed up in video form. By the way, the male singing on the second clip is done by the fabulous Matt Cusson who has a new single on iTunes called Leaving LA.

Above is the full performance of the title song.

And here's a link to a summary of all of the performances that I couldn't embed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=vWqpS4XHX5M

Next up was Megan's nod in the Most Beautiful Issue of People Magazine. Megan is featured in a long purple dress showing a LOOOONG leg. A fan asked if she actually plays the harp, and she actually doesn't. :( But she looks sooooo freaking gorgeous. 

And last but not least, Megan is attending the White House Correspondents' Dinner tonight. Not much news on this yet, but she did look amazing. She is pictured below with Susan Page

Smash: The Producers-VOi

In the entire two minutes that Ivy appeared, she looked hot.

Smash Review: Opening Night-VOi

CURTAIN UP! It's Opening Night, ladies and gentlemen! The first moment is one of the truest I've seen on Smash. The curtain closes(or in this case screens) and everyone hugs. IN most of my shows, we start a silent dance party to the stage managers don't yell at us, but same difference. 

Just after Ivy is telling her mother that she actually feels confident for opening night, the troublemaker Bobby comes along reading online reviews. But Ivy cuts him off, giving a sassy head bob, as Jessica rushes over explaining that she is on a "self-imposed media blackout." That is one heck of a pledge!

Later that night we see Ivy sitting in her bed some extremely sexy, showy lingerie reading online message boards, probably filled with the writings of jealous Broadway wannabes. So much for that media blackout. Right on cue, Derek appears, disadvising her from continuing her online discovery. And then let the flirting begin! Ivy says, "I know you, and I still like you," while crinkling her nose. They both share a giggle and he climbs onto her bed, trying his luck. But he is rejected, Ivy telling him, "Nice try," and his head lands on her lap. She is petting his head as they try to decide, whether to announce if they are together. They end in an awkward consensus to "play it by year."

We have seen a lot of interactions between Ivy and her mom, and this one was the closest to sweet that I think I've ever seen. Ivy wants her mom to tell her whether she will "make it" Lee tells her daughter "All it takes in this business is one role, and this is your role." Aw! 

But may I just say, did anyone else notice that Ivy walked on stage literally as the curtain is going up? I've always been jealous of those people.

Now let's discuss Ivy's Don't Forget Me. It was flawless. How the heck does she belt those high notes? Even Karen was impressed. Like so impressed she nearly had an asthma attack. Yeah, it was pretty darn amazing.

Now I'm starting a new thing called YES IVY! moments. They are basically anytime during the hour I wanted to stand up and yell "Way to go, IVY LYNN!" Here is my first list of YES IVY!

-Derek tries to kiss Ivy but is rejected, AGAIN

-Julia's son asks, rather excitedly, "Is it true Ivy gets naked?"

-Ivy's rendition of Don't Forget Me is making Karen hyperventilate in the audience

-Ivy has Derek nearly in tears, not sure why, but it's definitely because of Ivy

-Without the house lights up, Ivy was able to see pick Tom out of that HUGE theatre, that takes skill

-She is singing That's Life with Karen and she is leaning over singing on Karen's mic, with one leg in the air, SHREDDING the notes

-Ivy's rejection forces Derek to use Daisy for his rebound, I mean, like HAH!

And the moment I have been waiting for all season has finally arrived. Another intimate moment between Karen and Ivy at a party in which both girls are vulnerable. Ivy is waiting for the times review and Karen is running from Jimmy. (I really hope my readers have seen Smash, if not, then you probably have no idea there are other characters with great story lines who I just happen not to love. It really is a rather dynamic show.) Ivy admits that she can't stop comparing herself to Karen, and Karen spills her jealousy. They are both giggling and getting along and pushing the other up. For as much as I dislike Karen, I do like when they come together and have these short, relatable, almost friendly moments.

The other most anticipated moment of the season came tonight as well. The Karen/Ivy duet! Cheers was phenomenal last season and That's Life was even better. Ivy was in her element belting the HELL out of the jazzy notes! She is SO comfortable up there, bouncing around the stage. She even hopped over to Karen's mic to sing while balancing on one leg and popping her shoulders up and down. The giggle and share a hug, giving us a glimpse into the Kat/Megan  friendship. 

Both ladies are now loosened up and relaxed, and sharing drinks when Ivy asks Karen if her and Derek have ever slept together. Ivy learns that she is Derek's rebound. Instead of getting worked up about it, she calmly dismisses Karen and gives Derek a puzzling look. Later, he asks if she wants to "slip into something more comfortable." (decipher that innuendo for yourself) She tells him she'll call him if she needs him again, but she's too "tired" to go home with him tonight. As soon as she turns around, her smirk breaks into a fully satisfied smile. GO IVY!

Tags: Savannah Wise Megan Hilty Bernadatte Peter Jeremy Jordan Jimmy Jessica Bobby Ivy Lee NBC Smash Jack Davenport Derek That's Life Opening Night Voice of Ivy Review VOi 

Smash: The Dress Rehearsal-VOi

Bombshell is heading into Previews! This time their star is our favorite Miss Ivy Lynn played by Megan Hilty. 

The first scene of the show confirms last weeks teaser that Derek is indeed sleeping with Ivy again. We learned last week that a "fun night" was all Ivy wanted for her birthday. She got Liza, but why settle for Liza Minelli when you could have Derek Wills sleep with you? sometimes, Ivy, I wonder what goes through your head!

BUT WAIT! Don't be fooled! Ivy is back in control of her life and she doesn't want Derek to mess that up! When he goes in for a kiss, she slides out of his grasp, denying him! Score one for Ivy! ...Until she turns around and gives him a short peck, further pushing her flirty attitude with him. She is teasing him and he DOES NOT like it! Way to go girlie! When he asks, "11 again, tonight?" She pokes him saying, "Maybe! I'll call you!" and exits the room. Ivy's keeping her hand on top in this relationship!

And to the next scene! Bombshell is in its Dress Rehearsal....in front of all those family and friends Ivy complained about at the beginning of the episode! JFK is undressing Ivy to what is supposed to be her nightgown in the steamy one night stand number when we see a look of mortification cross Julia's face. Cut to a completely nude Ivy standing center stage, spotlights bright as ever. 

Walking to the theatre for Day One of Cram-To-Fix-Every-Mistake-Before-Performance-tonight week, Jessica and Bobby shove their phones at Ivy, cooing, "Broadway World! Theatre Mania! 'Buy tickets tonight and find out if Marilyn is a NATURAL blonde.'" Ivy shoots down their predictions of permanent bareness, just as we are given a glimpse of Eileen saying, "i think she should be nude every night! I'll talk to her!"

Eileen is pulling the, "Nudity is authentic to who Marilyn was!" card, as Ivy replies, "Yes but I don't want it to overshadow the work I've been doing." But really if we're calling nudity authentic to Marilyn who has never been on a camera naked, then nudity is authentic to every person who has ever been born. Ivy decided she is going to think about it.

She doesn't decide until she is ON STAGE! JFK pulls both straps down her shoulder and she pulls the nightgown strap back up. As JFK is leaving, explaining that the night was a one time deal. Suddenly, Ivy drops the blanket around her bare body, exposing herself. She uses the nudity in a moment of power instead of vulnerability. This is a direct translation of her own life. She has shifted her life from bare vulnerability to control and shocking power.