megan-hilty

Mistress of Many Media

Megan Hilty is the ultimate entertainer whose talents shine on TV, Broadway, and in concert.

Michelle Roe Arts & Entertainment

megan-hilty
Megan Hilty, best known for her starring role on the NBC show, Smash, opens the Annenberg Theater season Nov. 19.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SYDNEY BEAL

Megan Hilty has been keeping a wicked-hard schedule of late: concert gigs, a new holiday album release, and smashing it in Hollywood.

This display of energy isn’t about fulfilling other people’s expectations, it’s about feeding the beast within.

“I think that drive comes from inside you,” she says. “Nobody can force you to work hard and really go for it. That’s why I hate it when people label me as ‘the next so and so.’ I’m the next me! I’m certainly inspired by people, but I‘m not following in anyone’s footsteps. I’m blazing my own trail.”

It’s burning hotter than ever. Hilty:

• portrayed Ivy Lynn on NBC’s musical drama, Smash;

• starred in TV’s Sean Saves the World and has racked up credits on The First Wives Club and Bravo’s dramedy, Girlfriend’s Guide to Divorce;

• played Glinda in the Broadway production of Wicked; Doralee Rhodes in Broadway’s 9 to 5: The Musical; and Brooke Ashton in Noises Off, garnering Tony, Drama Desk and Drama League award nominations;

• has released several albums, including the forthcoming 2016 holiday offering.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MEGAN HILTY ON FACEBOOK

“I like to keep things interesting, and I think it’s important to have a really well-diversified career,” she says. “It not only helps artistically, but it helps to be more relevant.”

When she has spare time, she says, “I like to be home with my family. My husband, my daughter, and my dog!” For Hilty, who is expecting her second child, “home” is a mobile concept, as she prepares to move with her family from New York City to California.

She reflects on the relocation, “I’m looking forward to soaking up the sunshine and I’m really excited about great produce! I can’t wait to introduce Runyon Canyon [in L.A.] to my daughter and go with my dog!”

Hilty looks forward to bringing her family to Palm Springs when she headlines the Annenberg Theater’s 14th annual Opening Night Benefit Concert, “An Evening with Megan Hilty,” Nov. 19 at the Palm Springs Art Museum. This fundraising event debuts the 2016-2017 season, “Broadway’s Best — In the West!” The season will present a mix of jazz and Broadway singers.

14th annual Opening Night Benefit Concert, An Evening with Megan Hilty, 8 p.m. Nov. 19, Annenberg Theater, 101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs, 760-325-4490. www.psmuseum.org/annenberg-theater/schedule