Lea Salonga and Megan Hilty Headline Signature Theatre's Broadway in the Park

An eclectic mix of classic Broadway musicals, local talent and beloved performers came together in Wolf Trap National Park to create an unforgettable evening at Signature Theatre's recent production of Broadway in the Park. Host artists Lea Solonga and Meghan Hilty provided the perfect backdrop for performers Phillip Attmore, Austin Colby, Felicia Curry, Kevin McAllister, Katie Marico Murray, Tracy Lynn Olivera, Nova Y. Payton and Bobby Smith, as Wolf Trap Orchestra's musical director Jon Kalbflesch and Signature's artistic director Matthew Gardiner wowed audiences with an outstanding night of music.

Gail Choochan of The Free Lance-Star proudly reported on the return of Signature Theatre’s Broadway in the Park this summer, a night full of musical entertainment with Lea Salonga and Megan Hilty headlining. For three years running, the theater company has graced Wolf Trap National Park with its theatrical presence, bringing audiences the best of Broadway with previous appearances by Kelli O’Hara, Adrienne Warren, Renée Elise Goldsberry, and Brian Stokes Mitchell. The evening was an absolute treat for those in attendance with a fine troupe of local performers including Phillip Attmore, Austin Colby, Felicia Curry, Kevin McAllister, Katie Mariko Murray, Tracy Lynn Olivera, Nova Y. Payton and Bobby Smith—many of whom have performed on other esteemed stages such as Arena Stage, Ford’s Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre, Olney Theatre and the Kennedy Center. Despite the threat of rain, the stars aligned, and happy concertgoers picnicked on the surrounding lawns, perfectly setting the stage for Mathew Gardiner (Signature's artistic director) and Jon Kalbfleisch (Wolf Trap Orchestra's musical director) to direct and conduct a magnificent Broadway celebration.

The show opened with a rousing overture from Lerner and Loewe's “My Fair Lady,” followed by an exhilarating performance of “On Broadway” by Curry, Olivera, and Murray, whose talent is currently featured in Signature's production of “Sweeney Todd.” This delicious opening number was a proud nod to Curry's Broadway debut in the revival of “Into the Woods,” and Curry continued to entertain the audience throughout the program with their stylish costume changes. After showcasing some of the Washington area's finest performers, the night continued with guest stars that left the crowd mesmerized. Colby and Smith brought on the charm in the playful, jab-throwing “You’re Nothing Without Me” from “City of Angels.” Attmore was a crowd favorite with her exuberant tap-dancing tune “Too Darn Hot” from “Kiss Me Kate.” Fresh off her Helen Hayes win for “The Color Purple,” Payton delivered an absolutely heavenly performance in the slow-burning “Music That Makes Me Dance” from “Funny Girl.” And McAllister and his powerful baritone provided a stirring solo in “Being Alive,” one of three Sondheim numbers of the night. The incomparable Megan Hilty lit up the stage with music from both “Wicked” and “Smash,” dazzling the audience with her Tony-nominated performance of “Popular.” As an ambassador for the Broadway musical, she proudly described the show as “about a beautiful blonde girl who changes lives”—and left her fans breathless with a sparkling rendition of “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.” But the highlight of Broadway in the Park was Lea Salonga’s glorious performance, which included an incredible medley of songs from “Miss Saigon,” “Les Miserables,” and other musicals. In honor of her upcoming tribute concert with Bernadette Peters, Salonga performed a poignant rendition of “Send in the Clowns” from “A Little Night Music,” proving to be the crowd favorite of the night. Joining her onstage for the tender duet “For Good” from “Wicked” was the talented Ashley Hilty, and the show closed out with a powerful performance of “This is Me” from “The Greatest Showman” by the whole cast. It was an exemplary evening of beloved Broadway classics that left the audience wanting more.

Thanks to Signature Theatre and the Wolf Trap National Park, theater fans of all ages were able to take in a magical night of Broadway entertainment this summer. In beautiful open air cut sets, coupled with incredible performances from both local talent and superstars like Megan Hilty and Lea Salonga, the evening was perfectly designed to bring theatre lovers together for an unforgettable evening. This Broadway celebration served as a shining testament to Signature Theatre's continuing commitment to providing excellence in theatrical experiences.

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