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Bailey Hanks loves Anderson; ditto, say fans
Broadway star returns home for key to city, other events
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Bailey Hanks of Anderson, S.C. sings Legally Blonde Musical song "So Much Better" in front of hundreds of fans at the Civic Center of Anderson.
Mayor Terence Roberts, left, presents Bailey Hanks with the key to Anderson at city hall Monday.
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ANDERSON — Even with a police escort and riding in a green, Cadillac limousine, Anderson native and Broadway lead Bailey Hanks had to ask herself, “Oh my gosh, what else is going on at the Civic Center tonight?”
Well, it was all Bailey around Anderson Monday night as the new Elle Woods in Broadway’s “Legally Blonde The Musical” found time to return home for about 24 hours before heading back to The Big Apple and another eight show week.
Hanks went to her old stomping grounds, the Alverson Center Theatre, first for an invitation-only reception where she was the guest of honor. She watched the cast of ACT’s “The Boyfriend” perform and signed autographs for the 100 or so people who came to see Anderson’s girl-done-good.
From there, she raced to the Anderson City Council meeting where she was presented a key to the city for her achievements on the national stage.
“We wanted to welcome her back the right way and from a city’s point of view, when you accomplish what Bailey has, that’s what keys to the city are for,” said Anderson Mayor Terrence Roberts.
Following the key presentation, it was off to the Civic Center of Anderson where Hanks had to get her hair done, do interview after interview for print, television and even an area school and get out there to greet the hundreds of fans who arrived for her 7 p.m. appearance.
Even with people she grew up performing for waiting, Hanks kept the cool she has honed the last 15 years on stage.
“Well, I don’t really get nervous,” she said. “I get excited to go out there and have fun. And coming home is a real thrill for me.”
It was obviously a thrill for her fans, too. As Hanks came out the doors of the Civic Center to the podium, the crowd erupted in hoots, hollers and more than a few whistles. She waved to old friends, smiled at new ones and thanked everyone for coming out and supporting her and, hopefully, the arts in Anderson.
“I can’t thank you enough for coming out here and being here for me,” she said. “And I hope I see all of you at my new home, the Palace Theatre, for a show.”
Lily Cummings, 10, of Clemson hopes to go see Hanks for a show, but will let the autograph be enough for now. She grew up just a couple minutes from Hanks and has become a huge fan of the 20-year-old actress.
“Oh, yeah, I really like her,” she said.
Hanks’ final song, before signing autographs for those who started lining up at 5:30 p.m., was fitting. After all, Hanks is “So Much Better” than before. And Anderson is a better for having her as a part of it.
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Congrats to Bailey but was all that last night really needed?
yes - i think all of that was needed !!!
congrats Bailey, now let's move on
absolutely needed. congratulations bailey! anytime a local celebrity makes it big in the national spotlight, they should be recognized for all the hard work it took them to get there.
a pat on the back to show bailey that her hometown is behind her, and to encourage her to move on to even bigger things in the future.
way to go bailey!
I am glad that she did well but the key to the city. I would love to see the young men and women that have served so proudly in the armed forces get such a welcome when they come home. They give all to this county and she sings a few songs that people have to pay money to listen. This post is not about her but the city!! We once again have a few things in the wrong place!!!
to upstatewave - once again, there's "another" opinion !!!
in response to upstatewave
Upstatewave, well put. You hit the nail on the head.
It is just not the military that we should be focused on but lets take hard look at the great teachers, public servants and volunteers in the local community. It seems like the only time we see these folks is when something goes bad!! Once again I am glad that she has done well but come on people that was way over the TOP!!!
It was NOT over the top! It was only one evening for crying out loud. The reason all you see in the paper is bad news is because that's what some folks wish to dwell on.
However, I agree that more attention needs to be given to our servicemen, etc. I'd like to see a lot more good news reported.
Most of what I see about former students is that they have been arrested for some crime. I'd like to know about all the ones who do well!
Let's not hate on Bailey just because she put the "B" in Bailey and not to mention she's Blond Beautiful and a Bombshell that just "Blew up"!
in response to upstatewave
I so agree with you! I am also glad she is doing well, but how is being a "broadway star" helping others?
We just moved to this wonderful area last summer and last night my wife, son and myself went to the Civic Center to sign up to help with the Balloon Fest this week and stayed to see Bailey's return to Anderson... It was a special night for Her, one she will always remember along with the people of Anderson... Many, many special people get noticed each day in their fields and life, be it through the local paper, radio or television, for what they have done to better their lives or the lives of others.. We should all also keep the thought of how good we SHOULD feel when someone else gets the honor for their accomplishments.. Some people (I guess one could say, many people) just do not get it.. Feeling GOOD is Positive in ones daily life.. Just Feeling Good for Someone, and an I can tell you, that you too will Feel the same way Bailey, You did good and you will continue to do so... "I FEEL GOOD ALSO"..
in response to clemson_girl
clemson_girl, what does it matter if she is "helping others" or not. Life is not all about helping others.
Now, there has been no one more critical than I about all the attention heaped on Bailey Hanks. There's a difference between being a talented performer and being a "star". Seems to me she wants to be a "star", one of the most useless things you can be. And just as likely she's just a candidate to become the next burnt out brain dead bimbo, joining the likes of Brittany Spears and Lindsey Lohan or whoever it is that's flashe on the news from time to time.
But that aside, it's what she wants to do, succeed or fail.
And if she's not "helping others" besides herself, SO WHAT??
I get tired of all the compassion fascists who want to subordinate all else to "helping others", oftentimes people who need only a good swift kick in the a$$.
In my opinion life is about helping others.
in response to clemson_girl
I think then that you have a blinkered view of life that is going to leave you mired in frustration.
As for Ms. Hanks, having looked at the video of her singing a number from the musical she's in, if she truly wanted to help people she'd stop singing. My god?! (Oops, her grandfather wouldn't like that.)
Flash in the pan. Her next homecoming may be permanent ... maybe she can learn to sing "Would you like fries with that?"
in response to Bobbymac
~LOL~ at your response to flash in the pan.
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