Megan Hilty at the Cincinnati Pops Concert: Personal Narrative Version

We scoped out the venue before grabbing lunch at Qdoba. The entire conversation at lunch was about Megan Hilty, the Broadway and TV star we were seeing in concert. My parents and I reminisced about the last time we got to see Megan. I had snuck in the stage door and I spent about ten minutes with her and her husband, Brian. My parents, though, had never met Megan.

On the way to downtown Cincinnati, I messaged Megan’s husband, Brian, asking if he was going to be there because I had a birthday present for him. “I’m actually not gonna be there today. If you want, you can just give it to Meg! I trust her with it. That’s very sweet of you, pal.” We continued talking about where I would find her and he thanked me again.

We drove around all of downtown Cincinnati, admiring the edgy street art. Finally, we parked our car and began walking around the building in search of the stage door. Just as we were turning the corner, a red van approached and slowed down a few yards before us. It was a peculiar place to stop. A car door opened and a leg extended out. At the end of the leg was a 3 inch boot.

"That's Megan," my dad said, jokingly. Then, a wave of curled blonde hair followed. I held my breath and waited for the head to turn, secretly hoping it was her, but preparing for it not to be. After all, it was only an hour before the concert, didn't she need to be at a sound check or something? She turned and indeed it was Meg. "Can I take a picture?" I asked, excitedly.

"Are you Bailey?" she asked, and I'm not sure if I said yes or nodded because I was so amazed that she knew me, but I did something to indicate that, yes, I was Bailey.  

The stage doorman opened the door and said, "Hey how about you take the picture inside, it's so cold outside!" We stepped into a dim hallway and my mom fumbled around in her purse for her phone to take the photo. I then handed Megan the dove chocolates we had driven across Cincinnati to get and the guitar picks for Brian that I had painted on the snow day before.

"Wow! Thank you so much! Enjoy the show!" She said, before being whisked into her dressing room.

We walked out the door and continued winding around the side of the building. “It’s so funny, you see her on the TV and then she’s right there in front of you,” my dad remarked.

“She’s so little,” exclaimed my mom, “and then when she turned and said, ‘Are you Bailey?’ That was the best thing ever.”

“I know, Bay, you always say that you tweet her and Brian and that you thought she knew who you were last time. She actually knew you,” my dad said.

“That was so cool!” I gushed.

When we arrived at the front of the building, I climbed the steps and posed for a picture underneath the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra sign. The tall glass doors opened up into a huge marble palace. The lobby was filled with people all waiting to see Megan and excitement bubbled in my stomach knowing that I had just talked to the person that everyone wanted to see. And that she knew who I was, that would never get old.

Off of the lobby was a room with velvet walls that housed the bathrooms and the escalators. We floated up to the next floor on the smooth rolling stairs. The ushers let us go inside the mezzanine, a steep middle level of chairs. Next, we ventured up to the top balcony. From the balcony’s railing, I spotted our seats. The second row, on the aisle, right in front of the microphone stand.

We wound back downstairs and I went to the bathroom to make sure my hair was still perfect. Then, my mom and I found our seats. The first three rows were filled with teenage girls. Megan was beginning to cultivate a fan base. At her concert just eight months ago, I had been the only person at the stage door and all of the attendees had been over the age of fifty.

After sitting down, I tweeted Megan and asked her if she would sign after the concert. She tweeted me back and said, “Of course! Thanks for coming! See you after the show!”

My dad joined us in our seats and the lights went down. First, the orchestra played an overture and the conductor announced Megan. I leaned forward in my seat and I could see Megan waiting in the wings. She walked out in a stunning black dress and sang her Smash signature, “They Just Keep Moving the Line.” She continued for three more songs then went backstage again and the orchestra played one more song. At intermission, we walked around and looked at the pictures of all of the conductors and enjoyed a chocolate toffee bar. The lights flickered and we returned to our premium seats. Megan came out in a shimmery blue keyhole dress and showed off her soprano voice by singing “I Could Have Danced All Night”. I studied the way she shaped her mouth when she sang the operatic high notes. The final song of that set was “Second Hand White Baby Grand,” a beautiful song about the broken childhood of Marilyn Monroe. She exited again and the orchestra played some different musical medleys while Megan made her final costume change. She entered in a beige showstopper drenched in tiny diamonds and said, “Now I just want to address the first three rows for a moment. I want to apologize for you guys for blinding you with my sparkly dress for the rest of the show.”

The show ended after an encore performance of “Popular” from Wicked and then all three encores of “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend.”

After the show, I headed to the stage door again and was greeted by a mob of people waiting to see her. The security guard told us he'd never seen this huge of a group of people before and that making a line would be the best way to get her autograph. I ended up third in line and some of the girls asked if I was the one who she tweeted. I felt mildly famous for a moment.

We waited for a long time, watching all of the musicians come out. One of them looked at the group and joked, “I just can’t even believe that you’re all here for me, but I will be unable to sign today.”

After a while, some people who looked important started coming out and whispering into the security guard's ear. “They’re nervous that you’re all going to swarm her when she comes out. They are uncomfortable with all of you being out here without there being any barriers,” the security guard explained to us after the people returned inside.

Her dresses began coming and the anticipation was building. Finally, Megan walked out the door, causing an eruption of applause. She was carrying a big bag and everyone quieted to hear what she would say. "Don't worry, I'll sign and take pictures with everyone, I just need to put this in my car first!"

The whole crowd fizzled with anticipation. Megan returned to the crowd and the guard directed her to the front of the line. The two girls ahead of me took pictures and had their CD's signed.

When it was my turn, her face shone a tiny spark of familiarity. She smiled and signed my program and my 9 to 5 folder and then we took another picture together. Before I left she pulled me into a hug and thanked me again for the gifts. Her hug was not at all contrived and I watched her for a couple minutes and she hugged no one else.

We got into the car and I started looking on Twitter for other people’s pictures with her. I compared them with mine and I smiled noticing how she looked more comfortable in mine than in anyone else’s.

Meeting Meg Round 2

It was like a scene out of a movie. We scoped out the venue before grabbing lunch at Qdoba. Then we parked our car and began walking around the building in search of the stage door. A red van approached and slowed down a few yards before us. A door opened and a leg extended out. At the end of the leg was a 3 inch boot. "That's Megan," my dad said, jokingly. Then, a wave if blonde hair followed. I held my breath and waited for the head to turn, assuming it wouldn't be her. It was only an hour before the concert, didn't she need to be at a sound check or something? But then she turned and indeed it was Meg. "Can I take a picture?" I said. "Are you Bailey?" She asked, and I'm not sure if I said yes or nodded because I was so amazed that she knew me, but I did something to indicate that, yes, I was Bailey. The doorman said, "Hey how about you take the picture inside, it's so cold outside!" So we stepped into a dim hallway and my mom struggled to take the photo. I then handed her the dove chocolate we had driven across Cincinnati to get and the guitar picks for Brian that I had painted on the snow day before. "Thank you so much! Enjoy the show!" She said and then went into her dressing room. 
The show was amazing! The orchestra was so in synch and Megan sang all of her best songs! I loved hearing her use her soprano voice on I Could Have Danced All Night. We sat in the second row and it was so cool to watch the way she breathed during They Just Keep Moving the Line...let me just say there are a lot of catch breaths in that song! She made three costume changes, the first was a long sparkly black dress with a very low neckline. The second was a shimmery blue keyhole dress that moved with extreme elegance. The final one was a beige show stopper with so many rhinestones on it that she apologized to the first three rows about how blinding the dress was. The show ended with three encores and a standing ovation. 

After the show, I headed to the stage door again and was greeted by a mob of people waiting to see her. The security guard told us he'd never seen this huge of a group of people before and that making a line would be the best way to get her autograph. I ended up third in line, and some girls asked if I was the one who she tweeted which made me feel mildly famous for a moment. We waited for a long time, watching all of the musicians come out, some of them commenting on how they were sure we were there for them and jokes like that. After a while, some people who looked important started coming out and whispering into the security guard's ear. When the people went back inside he told us that all of us being in this huge of a group without barriers was making Megan's people nervous. He warned us not to be disappointed if she didn't come out and threatened consequences if we swarmed her. Her dresses began coming out followed by her assistant and finally Megan. She was carrying a big bag and everyone cheered at the sight of her. "Don't worry, I'll sign and take pictures with everyone, I just need to put this in my car first!" The excitement level was strong and everyone fizzled with anticipation. The two girls ahead of me took pictures and had their CD's signed. When it was my turn, her face shone a tiny spark of familiarity. She smiled and signed my program and my 9 to 5 folder and then we took another picture together. Before I left she pulled me into a hug and thanked me again for the gifts. It was the most genuine hug I've ever had, not contrived at all. My friend and I always joke that we need a Megan hug when we're having a bad day even though we've never actually had one. A hug from her could make any day the best. That hug just made the day perfect! 

11 Things I Learned About Megan Hilty (and Matt and Brian)

As many of you know, I have recently attended an amazing Megan Hilty concert in Port Washington. For the whole overview of the experience go here. This post is twelve new things I learned about Megan. These are new to me, maybe not to you, but I thought they were interesting.

11 Things About Megan Hilty You Probably Didn't Know
1. She auditioned for Smash with the song Bye Bye Baby
Yup, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes was a favorite show of hers before she starred in it. She sang the song when she auditioned for Ivy Lynn on NBC's Smash. 
2. She has this habit of flicking her leg back
I've never noticed this before, maybe you have. She does this motion where her leg goes up behind her almost like the motion of a butt kick exercise. It's an adorable little characteristic that probably started as a nervous habit and will forever be a trademark for her at this little theatre.
3. Her favorite Smash song is Second Hand
So this one you could've guessed, but I've never actually heard her admit to it. Whether you knew that or not, I'm sure you knew she's the only one that can sing that song flawlessly while packing it with emotion. The song was first played for Megan by the composers who wanted her input on this new song that was not intended for her character. When she got the script featuring her voice on it, she was ecstatic and surprised.
4. Everyone calls her Meg
When Matt Cusson left his piano to pick a stray hair off of Megan's arm, he called her Meg. When Brian was talking about singing Suddenly Seymour, he referred to Megan as Meg. When I was talking to her after, her entourager said, "Oh, Meg, I gotta take a picture of you with that's case!" And final proof, she signed my case Meg Hilty. It makes sense that she'd have a nickname, and I really loved hearing all of her friends use it.
5. Always played the mom or prostitute
She explained that following her operatic roots, she assumed she'd get leads because of her  classical training and large range. Up until Broadway, though, she was repeatedly cast as the mom or the prostitute. Or she was forced to sing the alto part, more on that one in the previous post.
6. Her album was intended to be rearranged songs that everyone knew
Maybe you've heard this somewhere, but I'd always read that the original idea for the album was covers of movie themes. Either way, I'm so glad the record label kept sending originals because that's how we got our favorite It Happens All The Time songs like No Cure and Be A Man.
7. She thought Summer Lovin' was the most sung duet
Megan's boyfriend, Brian Gallagher, joined Meg on stage to play his guitar and sing Suddenly Seymour from Little Shop of Horrors. During his explanation that he'd rearranged the song, he said he initially said no to the duet because it's the most over done romantic duet of all time. Megan rattled back teasing, "Really? I thought that was Summer Lovin'." their little exchange was unscripted and an adorable peek into their relaxed relationship.
8. Her other favorite song is Diamonds 
In addition to saying that she loved Bye Bye Baby from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Megan revealed that she has been singing Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend ever since she played Loralei last summer. Safe to assume that she pretty much can't refuse a show with a deceptive blonde.
9. She plays with her hair...a LOT
This was one of the most fun things to observe as it just made her so dang human! Whenever she'd forget what she was saying or wait for someone to come on stage, she'd run her finger through her golden locks. This is another little habit that you rarely see unless it's in a candid environment such as this intimate setting.
10. Matt Cusson's name is not how it looks
When Megan introduced her piano playing, soul singing friend Matt Cusson to the audience, I thought I was the only one in that audience who would know his name. But I didn't even know his name, or at least not the way Megan pronounced it. I'd always said it how it looks CUSS-in. But according to Megan, it is actually CUE-sun. I was waaaay off on that one.
11. Brian is NOT into hokiness
He was so not into singing a romantic duet, especially the one that's the most over done, like EVER. He mad it pretty clear that he was only doing Suddenly Seymour because Megan wanted it and that he'd rearranged it as much as possible. They never kissed in front of anyone, either, despite ample opportunity. They appear to be a low-key, what you see is what you get kind of couple. Or in other words, just as darn perfect for each other as you can get. (I know, that was hokey, right?)

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