Megan Hilty to Appear with NSO Pops, 11/23-24

The National Symphony Orchestra Pops today announced that Megan Hilty, known nationwide as triple-threat Ivy Lynn on NBC's hit Smash, will perform with the Orchestra November 23-24, 2012 in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Ms. Hilty will perform three concerts paying tribute to the music of Frank Sinatra, as well as the Rat Pack, Ella Fitzgerald and Etta James. The performances will be led by NSO Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke.

The concerts replace previously scheduled performances with Seth MacFarlane, titled The Songs of Sammy Cahn. Mr. MacFarlane is unavailable to perform the concerts with the NSO Pops due to a scheduling conflict.

In addition to her role in Smash, Megan Hilty is known for her portrayal of Lorelei Lee, the diamond-loving blonde made famous by Carol Channing, in New York City Center's run of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes; Doralee Rhodes in Broadway's 9 to 5: The Musical (earning nominations for Lead Actress in a Musical from the Drama Desk Awards, among others); and more. She made her Broadway debut as Glinda in Wicked, and went on to perform the role in a national tour and in Los Angeles. Recently she was signed to Sony Music with her new album to be released in the spring. These performances mark her debut with the NSO and at the Kennedy Center.

Following these performances, the NSO Pops 2012-2013 season will continue with its annual Happy Holidays! concerts December 13-16, 2012, conducted by Randall Craig Fleischer. The Chieftains, the six time Grammy® winners who brought traditional Irish music to the attention of the world, will lead a St. Patrick's Day celebration March 14-16, 2013. Trumpet player Chris Botti returns to the NSO Pops April 18-20, 2013 and The Wizard and I: The Musical Journey of Stephen Schwartz will pay tribute to both the 65th birthday of Stephen Schwartz and the 10th anniversary of Wicked, featuring Jennifer Laura Thompson and Julia Murney May 16-18, 2013.