Most of us are familiar with Megan Hilty through Broadway or television when she’s playing a role. Her warmth – this fresh faced Washington blonde still says “my goodness!” – and seemingly small town humor shine through in person. Hilty and her band, including husband Brian Gallagher on guitar, brighten Café Carlyle this week before the famed venue closes for summer.

The performer kicks off with a robust “Let’s Be Bad”, most recently from Some Like It Hot, but introduced on the television show Smash. Hilty played one of two actresses vying for the role of Marilyn Monroe in a Broadway musical called Bombshell (now actually coming to Broadway.)  It’s a BIG opening,  just a tad fast to enjoy the performer’s expert flirt. “They Just Keep Movin’ the Line” she sings (another song from Smash), her voice fanning out with terrific control. (Mark Shaiman/Scott Whittman)

Dedicated to her husband, “What a Guy” (David Zippel/ Marvin Hamlisch from The Goodbye Girl) follows with great heart. (Oh how he gazes at her.) Gallagher then duets with Hilty on “You and Me on the Rock.”: I’ll build me house up on this rock, baby/Every day with you/There’s nothin’ in this town I need/After everything we’ve been through…The Brandy Carlile is folksy, guitar pristine, back-up harmony like gauze. Lyrics are long, yet we barely see Hilty take a breath. She makes it look easy. Percussion is rich, textured.

Two songs popularized by Patsy Cline (Hilty played her in a television movie) arrive as if Virginia born. “Crazy” (Willie Nelson) slip/slides with a hint of country yodel. Hilty’s right leg pulses through the slit in her black sequined gown. “Om crazeee,” she sings with a shrug, “Crazy for tryin”- eyebrows rise, “Crazy for cryin’/Crazy for lovin’ you.” Notes descend as if sledding down. Cline’s own “Walkin’ After Midnight” arrives with infectious groove and spirit.“I get cast as southern women all the time,” she tells us. One can see why.

For three years, Hilty was involved in development of the musical Nine to Five, based on the 1980 film. The piece reached Broadway April 2009 and was gone by September despite 4 Tony and 15 Drama Desk nominations. She played Doralee Rhodes, the Dolly Parton role. Everything we’ve heard about the singer/songwriter is true, she assures us. Parton is a wonderful person. “Backwoods Barbie” showcases the elasticity of Hilty’s voice. “9 to 5” evokes spontaneous clapping in time. Hilty bobs, throwing up a hand, playing air with her fingers- a signature move. Fun!

“It’s been a very rough year for my family,” she shares. Assuming we know she lost her sister, brother-in-law and their baby in a car crash, there’s discreetly no explanation. (I looked it up.) “This song is my way to keep her and her family alive” introduces a tender “I’ll Be Seeing You.” Brushes circle, piano whispers, isolated bass notes hum. Both hands grasping the mike stand, Hilty makes every bruised note shimmer, lingering on soprano. A lovely chanteuse-like arrangement. Vocals adapt so perfectly to material, you’d think there were several singers on stage.

“That’s Life” (Dean Kay/Kelly Gordon), performed in Smash, is dueted by Hilty with pianist/MD Matt Cusson who has a fine voice and appealing attitude. It’s full out sass and smiles.

The artist then meticulously explains what’s to come: A song with two false endings followed by her acting abashed at applause and compelled to sing another, then by faking an exit to deliver the encore. We’re on her side. A wide-eyed, provocative “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” (Leo Robin/Jule Styne) seems like second nature. If only there were more stage on which to parade. Applause. “I don’t know what to DO!” she bemoans. “Hit it!”

Hilty sang the closing song to her unborn children and now uses it as a lullaby. “Rainbow Connection” (Paul Williams/Kenneth Ascher) is charming, artful. Piano tiptoes, cymbals shiver. Vocal is silk/satin, the kind that swishes. “Da-da-da-dee-da-da dum…”

A well calibrated, entertaining evening.

Photos by David Andrako

Megan Hilty at Café Carlyle through June 24
Vocals- Megan Hilty
Piano/Vocals/MD- Matt Cusson
Guitar/Vocals: Brian Gallagher
Bass: Dennis Michel Keefe
Drums: Jack DeBoe

Café Carlyle at The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel will be closed until September. Visit Bemelman’s Bar  981 Madison Avenue

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