While Audra McDonald was preparing for her concert at the Byham Theater last Monday, the people who made it happen were prepping for an enjoyable evening next door to the theater, at a VIP reception at the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel.
The Hill House Association concert was part of its “Live From the Hill” series but moved Downtown to accommodate fans of the six-time Tony Award winner. Cheryl Hall-Russell, Hill House president and CEO, gave credit to COO Jeffrey Anderson for coming up with the idea, and working to make it happen.
Ms. McDonald had agreed to come in April but had to postpone while filming “Beauty and the Beast” in London. She apologized often from the stage for keeping Pittsburgh waiting and talked about the importance of organizations such as Hill House. She told a story about how she became involved with the Covenant House in New York City; she arrived at the shelter to make a donation as a gift in April of last year and watched two security guards calm and comfort an angry teenager who was in distress. “Now I’m on the board of directors,” she said.
Conversation at the reception bounced from excitement about seeing Ms. McDonald to a trip to Ireland. The Hill House, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, is sending 10 Hill District students to the Emerald Isle in July as part of a cross-cultural program. (More at http://www.hillhouse.org/about-hill-house/events/tour-of-ireland/.)
Others in attendance at the VIP reception were Carmen Ellington, the Hill House manager of executive affairs; Michele Rone Cooper, executive director of PMHS’ McAuley Ministries; gospel singer Nikki Porter, who served as the concert’s emcee; Vic and Mary Anne Papale; Olga Welch; Phil Parr; Diane Holder, executive VP of UPMC and president of the Insurance Services Division, with husband Jerry; and Scott Lammie, CFO of the UPMC Health Plan and senior VP of the Insurance Services Division.
First Published: May 18, 2015, 4:00 a.m.