Sometimes you unexpectedly find yourself in a locale at exactly right moment. It may only last ten seconds but the moment is such divine kismet, It is like finding the rarest of diamonds lying smack in the middle of the street.
Greg Hildreth (Courtesy Greg Hildreth)
This past January, when rehearsals for shows expected to open on and off Broadway were in full swing, I happened to be in the hallway of a Manhattan rehearsal studio for a press event. Suddenly in that hallway I heard a heavenly choir of voices singing lines from behind a doorway.
- "Bobbie, come on over for dinner!
- We'll be so glad to see you!
- Bobbie, come on over for dinner!
- Just be the three of us,
- Only the three of us--
- We LOOOOOOVE you!”
The cast of the upcoming musical “Company,” with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by George Furth, was rehearsing. My proverbial diamond lying on the street. The highly anticipated show had already been a sensation in London and had won four Olivier Awards, including Best Musical Revival.
Director Marianne Elliott had assembled a dream Broadway cast who included Katrina Lenk, Patti LuPone, Greg Hildreth, Matt Doyle, Christopher Fitzgerald, Christopher Sieber, Jennifer Simard, Terence Archie, Etai Benson, Nikki Renée Daniels, Claybourne Elder, Kyle Dean Massey, Rashidra Scott, and Bobby Conte Thornton.
A musical about the complexities and highs and lows of relationships and identities, “Company” was set to open on Broadway on March 22, 2019, Sondheim’s 90th birthday. Greg Hildreth who originated the role of Olaf in “Frozen” on Broadway, was all set to play Peter, a seemingly perfect married man, who is anything but perfect. Hildreth's other Broadway credits includes “The Rose Tattoo,” “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella,” “Peter and the Starcatcher” and “Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson.”
In March the pandemic shuttered “Company” until Broadway reopens after May 2021.
For Hildreth the news of the shut down has put him though the gamut of emotions. “When we originally shut down, we were told it was going to be two weeks. And here we are over ten months later and the line keeps moving,” says Hildreth who often has to remind himself that this too shall pass. “It’s been a long mourning process that continues but I'm buoyed by the hope that we are one of the fortunate shows that will be back.”
One thing that has helped Hildreth get through is his resourcefulness and painting talent which he turned into a side hustle. Over the past several months, Hildreth discovered a newfound love for the fine arts.
“When we originally shut down, my girlfriend looked at me across the kitchen table and asked what I needed to help keep me sane. I blurted out 'Watercolors!' and I'm not entirely sure why,” says Hildreth. He began painting his own two cats and some of his house plants for fun. He shared his paintings on Instagram. From there people started reaching out requesting that he paint their pets. His business @littledarlingspetportraits was born.
As far as he is aware “Company” will return when it is safe to gather in a theater again. “I look forward that day,” he says. Hildreth has since developed a special connection with his castmates like the legendary Patti LuPone. So he feels the extra pull to be with them “Patti LuPone in real life outshines Patti LuPone the legend. She's a consummate professional, true collaborator and company member and absolute ball,” he reveals. “In the little time I have spent with her, I have learned so much and I can’t wait to learn more once we are back to work.”
Jeryl Brunner: How are you staying creatively nourished now and what helps you get through?
I usually find inspiration from unexpected places. I moved to Fort Greene recently so I have really been enjoying long aimless walks exploring my new neighborhood. I have enjoyed getting to some museums when I can. I recently visited the Brooklyn Museum and the Morgan Library and that was great. I also like to stay creative by cooking and listening to good music or a good podcast.
Jeryl Brunner; Have you painted all your life or is this a new hobby?
I have always loved drawing and painting. It is something I did from a very young age and definitely took a back seat when I started to study acting after high school. Painting has very much come to be a large part of my life since quarantine. It’s been a morning ritual: make the coffee and paint someone's pet.
Jeryl Brunner: Do you believe people’s relationships to their pets has changed since the pandemic?
I do. I know lots of people who have gotten a new pet during the pandemic. It’s the perfect time to toilet train a puppy! I have two cats and our relationship has definitely changed. They have never had me home so much. And most days, they look at me like "Don't you have somewhere to be?!" I don't.
Jeryl Brunner: What do you miss the most about live theater and what are you looking forward to for when Broadway returns?
The thing I miss most about live theater is twofold. For one, I miss the community. I think so many people who live in this city moved here because they were looking for a place where they belong. I miss feeling like I can go some place where I belong. I also miss processing aspects of myself through working in the theater. I miss feeling expansive and free.
One of Hildreth's watercolors
