Kate Baldwin at 54 Below

(*I wrote this a while ago but have been slammed with my ad internship! Oh well, better "Kate" than never! Yikes that was cheesy....)

Tony Nominated Broadway star Kate Baldwin is truly in a league of her own! On May 15^th,  I witnessed Kate Baldwin’s unforgettable performance at Broadway’s supper club, 54 Below. Kate’s solo show titled, “Sing Pretty, Don’t Fall Down,” was inspired by advice that a voice coach had given her during her days as a collegiate at Northwestern University.

The red-headed beauty started the night with her own rendition of Ian Axel’s “Rockstar,” in which she changed the lyrics, “I just wanna be a rockstar” to “I was born to be a Broadway star!” and then somehow changed the lyrics again to “I just want to be Bernadette Peters,” which immediately brought laughter from the crowd. Throughout the show, Baldwin talked about discovering her passion for musical theatre, shared backstage secrets, and entertained the audience members with hilarious stage door stories.

One of the songs that Baldwin sang pretty was, “How are Things in Glocca Morra” from the 2009 Broadway revival of Finian’s Rainbow (for which she earned a Tony Nomination).  Other songs included, “If You Hadn’t, But You Did,” “When Did I Fall in Love?” “Stop Wondering” and the popular Irish drinking song, “Parting Glass” which she sang as a duet with former Giant star and friend, Katie Thompson. Kate Baldwin continued to demonstrate her wide range of expertise, alternating between comedic and serious love songs; many of which had origins in musical theatre. The entire show was an emotional journey for the audience. One minute, we were laughing at Kate’s hilarious jokes and perfectly timed stage actions. The next minute, we were crying and falling in love during her moving,  operatic love songs.

My favorite song of the night was “I Don’t Need a Roof” from the short-lived but absolutely stunning Broadway show, Big Fish. I wasn’t sure if I would ever have the privilege to hear that song performed by her live again. Kate describes it as one of the most beautiful songs ever written and I wholeheartedly agree. Especially when the original Sandra Templeton (Kate Baldwin) is singing it. There was not a dry eye in the entire club when she sang the last note.

After reading this article, there should be no question on who my favorite Broadway star is. Kate Baldwin is one of the most talented leading ladies currently performing on the Great White Way. Her personality shines and her vocal range is unmatched. After the concert I was fortunate enough to talk to Kate. She couldn’t have been any nicer. We talked about Big Fish, Twitter, and she asked what my summer plans were. An advertising internship and Broadway I responded.  It is so rare that a star of her stature would take the time post-show to make  an admiring fan feel very special. It was my 20^th birthday weekend and these tickets were a gift from my parents. Upon hearing this, she immediately threw down her celebratory glass of champagne and posed for a picture with me. We talked a little longer and then, not wanting to take up anymore of her time, we said goodbye.

Kate Baldwin exemplifies what Broadway is and always should be. She is talent. She is beauty. She is poise. She is humor. She inspires. She is the Broadway star that Broadway dreamers like me aspire to be like. It isn’t just her beauty that attracts theatre-goers, but her overwhelming talent and incredible personality. Her humor and grace is unparalleled. I have no doubt that Kate Baldwin’s next project will transform her from a Tony nominee to the proud owner of a Tony statuette. 

What a role model!