| Michelle Blakely is an incomparable actress who | | | | became during the performance. He was |
| has worked on Broadway alongside Bernadette | | | | thoroughly amazed by the talented singers and |
| Peters and Rosie O'Donnell. An alum of many of | | | | dancers, and ended up singing along and bopping |
| our corporate events, we caught up with her to | | | | to the beat! |
| reflect on her life on Broadway. | | | | HOB: Have you ever had an experience like that |
| HOB: You were fantastic in Annie Get Your Gun. | | | | with an entire audience? |
| What was it like performing in such a beloved | | | | MB: One of the groups that really stands out in |
| musical opposite Bernadette Peters? | | | | my mind was a Bayer corporate audience in |
| MB: Bernadette has always been one of my idols. | | | | Colorado Springs, many of whom were from |
| In one of our scenes, she got the giggles after | | | | Germany. Before going to Colorado, I was |
| flubbing a line. Some of the cast started to "break | | | | concerned that our show may not translate. But |
| scene" and laugh with her. I was stone-faced and | | | | the audience was one of the most appreciative |
| the last hold out until I couldn't stand it anymore | | | | and vocal audiences I have ever experienced with |
| and joined in. At this point, the audience applauded | | | | a corporate event. After the finale, the CEO |
| wildly and cackled with joy. It was truly an | | | | made an impromptu speech about our wonderful |
| authentic Broadway moment. | | | | performance and how the magic of Broadway |
| HOB: How funny! Do you like getting such a big | | | | had influenced his life. It was a very moving night |
| response from the audience, or is it distracting | | | | for us all. |
| sometimes when people are singing or clapping | | | | HOB: Sounds like a fantastic evening. What are |
| along with your song? | | | | some of your favorite Broadway shows? |
| MB: Those personal interactions with the audience | | | | MB: There are so many memories I have of |
| are the most gratifying part of performing. | | | | brilliant performances that I've seen on Broadway. |
| Whether attendees are a group of scientists, | | | | Jennifer Holliday bringing down the house during a |
| bankers, real estate agents, or doctors, those | | | | matinee of Dreamgirls, Lilly Tomlin single-handedly |
| audience interaction moments are pure energy. | | | | mesmerizing the audience with her one-woman |
| You feed off the audience and, in turn, they feed | | | | show, The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life... |
| off of you. When you have that synergy, it's | | | | Even recently watching Fantasia's star turn in The |
| very powerful. It's definitely an experience that | | | | Color Purple. I'm constantly inspired and reminded |
| you won't get at a movie theatre or watching | | | | why I was drawn to the live theatre. |
| TV! | | | | HOB: One last question, what song from |
| HOB: Speaking of movies and TV, how do you | | | | Broadway do you feel a personal connection to? |
| feel audiences respond to live entertainment, | | | | MB: The song "Something's Coming" from West |
| when filmed performances seem to be more | | | | Side Story is very special to me. It's about how |
| prevalent? | | | | you never know what the future can hold, and |
| MB: At the reception after our recent event for | | | | what wonderful thing is waiting for you around |
| Citi, I met a man who had never seen a | | | | the corner. I feel it encapsulates the |
| Broadway show. He said that he was aware that | | | | entertainment business, as well as the human |
| there would be entertainment throughout the | | | | experience. The power of the unknown future |
| evening, but he was surprised at how engaged he | | | | gives you hope for a better tomorrow. |