We have been long time fans of Bravo’s Real Housewives franchises. Being able to watch an array of storylines within a defined city and to see how they interact with one another is one of the big draws of watching this show. Each city brings their own flavor as well as twist on how they make their mark in this portion of the Universe.
We were instantly intrigued with Salt Lake City for a number of reasons and this cast came out of the gate with a lot to say. As we watch S7, we’re getting to know a lot more about Britani Bateman. Britani joined S5 as a Friend of the Cast.
We sat down with her at the Sheraton Tribeca Hotel New York to find out more about her as well as a Fall editorial of key looks you’ll want to wear this season.
ATHLEISURE MAG: So before we delve into Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, tell us about the first performance, song or show that made you fall in love with entertainment?
BRITANI BATEMAN: Gosh, I remember the first show I was ever in. I was 4 years old and I stepped on stage to sing. I was raised on Country Sunshine in my parents’ band. My parents met in a “battle of the Bands” in Park City, got married and formed their own band, so my first performance was with them. I was holding a mic and felt just kind of scared when the spotlight hit my face. (Editor’s Note: we got to hear a bit from Country Sunshine as she sang it for us) “I was raised on country sunshine green grass beneath my feet...”
It was so impactful to me. I mean, that was one of my very first memories. So I think singing and dancing and acting and performing with my family really gave me the bug!
AM: I mean hearing your voice, it’s just ridiculous, first of all.
BB: Aw, thank you.
AM: When did you realize that you wanted to be an entertainer and what do you enjoy about singing?
BB: I love that it feels like I get to spread my energy through the room. So when I’m on stage, I just feel the energy in the room and I give back the energy and it just feels like this amazing reciprocal exchange. That’s my favorite part. It’s feeling the applause. It isn’t a vanity thing. It’s just an energy exchange. You know, I’m a quantum physics nerd.
AM: We just talked about that.
BB: I’m a huge science girl. In fact, I majored in engineering and then I switched to math. Then I switched to English and then I ended up graduating in musical theater because it was just in my blood. I couldn’t help it.
AM: I mean, you have a STEM foundation and yet you’re a creative! What has been your journey in terms of where you trained or some of your favorite credits that you’ve had?
BB: I got most of my training with my family just by experience, just performing hundreds of shows before I was even 18. You can’t get a better training than just on the job, you know what I mean? Just the experience of performing is enough training to feel comfortable in your own skin on stage so you don’t feel like, “what do I do with my hands?” But then, some of my favorite credits, some in college I got to play Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes, It was the big lead musical of the whole university. That was incredible because they put so much money into it. And I was the lead. That was really great. I played Genevieve in The Umbrellas of Cherbourg opposite Maureen McGovern (Airplane!, Airplane II: The Sequel, Joseph: King of Dreams). And it was the first English adaptation in the world that they’d ever done with Philip Hemberg as a producer at Robert Redford’s (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, All the President’s Men) Sundance.
AM: Oh wow!
BB: Yeah, it was huge! I played Nancy opposite Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future franchise, The Addams Family franchise, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest). That was incredible and fun. He may seem wild and crazy in his roles, but he’s just a sift and mellow person when he’s not in character.
AM: That was amazing.
BB: He played Fagan. I played Nancy - again at Sundance. I did Miss Saigon. I got to play Ellen in the second National Broadway Tour that was the pinnacle of my theater career. Those are probably my 4 favorite credits. I’ve done a lot of leads and a lot of musicals, but those are probably my top 4!
AM: Wow!
BB: Yeah, and then I started doing film and tv after that because I got married and started having babies. Theater is tough. There were people on the road in Miss Saigon that had kids with them. I don’t know how they traveled and did theater with kids. I can’t even imagine that. Film is easier because it’s like a 6 week to 3 month stint, then there’s the press tour, and then you’re done. Theater is a different game!
AM: Before joining the cast of RHOSLC, was there a cast or a season that stuck out that you really loved about the franchise?
BB: To be honest, I didn’t watch any of the franchise before I joined Salt Lake City.
AM: Oh!
BB: I’m not saying that as a flex. I really, really, really regret that. I wish that I had a heads up as to what I was getting myself into, not because I wouldn’t have done it, but because I would have been a lot more savvy. I would have known more and I wouldn’t have been offended by things as much as I was like high body count hair and how mad Mary got when I said I put rolls in my purse as a kid you know? Just stuff that I wouldn’t have taken so personally. I came in so fresh and naive. Now, since I’ve joined, I’ve really decided to take a deep dive and watch all the franchises.
AM: Nice.
BB: I really love RHONY, obviously, because the reboot is incredible and I’m in love with Hailey Glassman. You know, she’s one of my best friends. I love Hailey. In fact, she’s going to be on Watch What Happens Live with me in a couple hours.
AM: Love that – it’s going to be good.
BB: She’s going to be in the audience. It’s going to be great. To be part of the Housewives Universe, you feel part of a family. Andy’s done a good job at that, making us feel like we’re related, in all the closeness and the dysfunction.
AM: So since you weren’t familiar or hadn’t seen it, what was your journey then into how you connected into being on this cast?
BB: They reached out to me on Instagram. I knew Heather Gay through Angie Harrington, who had been on S2.
AM: Right.
BB: I knew Heather because she’s really, really tight with Angie. I met her at some of Angie’s parties. But really, that was my only connection.
AM: Wow.
BB: It was Heather and casting reached out to me on Instagram. And I said sure, I was recently divorced. I decided, why not? Well, backing up a bit, they reached out to me S1, E1 and I got most of the way through. I was married at the time and my husband was like, “hell no.” He eventually shut the whole thing down, forced me to block that number so that I couldn’t even look at their text messages ever again. I always had it in the back of my mind. When I got divorced that year, I was just like, yeah, why not? Hell yeah like instead of hell no - hell yeah I’m gonna try it this time. I got cast and here we are!
AM: So for those coming into the show, there are the OG’s of every franchise. There is the main cast as well and then there is also the varying levels of learning curves even more for the friends of. How did you prepare especially since you didn’t see other episodes, what was that mindset like?
BB: I don’t feel like there’s really a mindset. I don’t think anyone comes in with one mindset or the other - I’m a friend of or I’m a housewife. I think that we’re all just women as friends and I think that the whole friend of concept is a little silly because I feel just as involved as anyone else!
AM: That’s a good point!
BB: I didn’t prepare, so there’s that too. I don’t know if I’m answering your question, but I feel like there isn’t an answer.
AM: We agree with you because from the friend of standpoint, you and Jennifer Tilly (Chucky franchise, Liar Liar, The Haunted Mansion) who is on RHOBH are both friends of who bring a lot of connective tissue and moving significant storylines along! Agreed that there’s really no separation between one versus another because you are so integrated into the cast and what is going on.
BB: I think that there is a level of respect that goes along with having the title of Housewife versus Friend Of not only in the public and in the press but also in the pay. But it’s mostly with the other women. So it’s easy for me to get dismissed sometimes because, it’s “oh, Britani’s just a friend of.” That’s what I don’t like. I do not like being in a room where I am not respected. That’s been something that I’ve had to unfortunately fight for this entire time.
AM: Each participant in the show has their people. Who are your go-to’s as obviously, you like everyone, but are there some people that are your people.
BB: I feel most comfortable around - well, it changes every season.
AM: Well, that’s the other thing, too.
BB: Yeah, you never know. Without revealing too much, in past seasons, I feel like Angie, Heather, Whitney, and I - even Bronwyn sometimes just kind of naturally come together as friends. Like we walk the streets of Santorini together. We joke, play and we mess around. It’s just natural. Last season, as you could see, Meredith, Lisa and I, we had some strained moments, unfortunately, that I feel like didn’t need to be the case. But they, in fact, were the case. I would say that that’s my core. Bronwyn, Whitney, Heather, Angie.
AM: Wow.
BB: Mary too. Mary is hot and cold with me.
AM: Right, but I love the dynamic between the two of you.
BB: I love her. I don’t know why she has such a hard time with me. I am struggling to understand what the big sin was. What was my big sin? Like what happened?
AM: Well, we’re fully in the throes of the current season, which has been really good. Where are we picking up with you? What is going on that you can tell us about? What should we be looking for?
BB: Well, I’m most excited that it’s demonstrating that I’m a great mom.
AM: Yeah.
BB: Like anytime anyone acts like they know what happened between my daughters and me and casts judgment, I have a really hard time with what happened to all of us, my daughters and me, was very nuanced, complicated, sensitive, and legally quieted. I always felt uncomfortable with that because it’s like you don’t know and maybe someday, everyone will know. In fact, you’ll get to know more as this season continues. But right now, anyone who wants to cast the first stone, you better hold on to your stone because you have no idea what happened, what we’ve been through, and how hard it’s been to get back together. We’re in such a great place my daughters and I! My mom heart is so happy and full. I could just die of happiness and relief.
AM: Outside of the show, you also have an album coming out. Tell us more about that.
BB: Yes, I’m recording an album. I think it’s titled What About Me or it’s titled Ting Ting Ting. I haven’t decided yet.
AM: Yes to Ting Ting Ting.
BB: Yeah, you think?
AM: Love that. Every time you say that on the show, you know you have to strap in because something is going on!
BB: Well, my Ting Ting Ting Tour was filmed by the show this season. I’ve been able to tease that, thankfully. They let me tease that. I’m so excited for everyone to see me as a performer. Everyone knows that I’m a developer and that I build and sell real estate. But no one really has seen me perform yet, and they will this season. I’m so excited about that.
AM: That’s amazing. Tell us about 54 Below and how did that come about?
BB: 54 Below - a producer reached out to me after my first season. I was singing Rapunzel from Into the Woods, Stephen Sondheim (A Little Night Music, Company, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street) skiing down the ski slopes and someone reached out to me and said, “hey i heard you singing Stephen Sondheim” and I was like yeah and he said he wanted to do a one-woman show with me and that other producers are talking about it too. I was like, “no I can’t. I don’t have time.” Fast forward a year and he kept at it. He never gave up on me. Then when we were getting that psychic reading at Whitney’s lunch, what you don’t see on camera is the psychic laying down cards saying, “wait, there’s something calling you in New York.” I’m like, “yeah it’s this one woman show but I don’t have time to do it. I’m busy. I have all these real estate projects and I’m filming.” He told me that I need to do it. I needed to look at it and say yes to this. After hearing that, I said yes that very day and the rest is history!
AM: That’s so exciting.
BB: So it’s not just a show at 54 Below, it’s actually a tour - called the Ting Ting Ting Tour. So we’re going to be in many cities across the U.S. and then hopefully abroad. We’re working on one in London. We’re working on one in Australia.
AM: Nice!
BB: The Ting Ting Ting Tour is what they filmed me getting ready for, rehearsing for, finding a venue to for the preview in Park City on S7 of RHOSLC.
AM: With your focus in philanthropy and giving back to others, what is your relationship with retirement homes?
BB: I am taking care of my dad right now. My mom passed away. And since then, I’ve realized just how lonely it can be to be someone that’s elderly and single. And there’s a lot of loneliness. It’s an epidemic with that age range. So I’ve tried really hard to make it a priority to go. Once a week, sometimes to different retirement communities around Utah, just because that’s where I live and deliver flowers and sing a song. I tried, asking the staff who hasn’t had a visitor in a long time. The look on their faces, just like the way it makes their day is priceless to me.
AM: What is Generation All?
BB: Generation All is probably the most important social organization we have right now in the world and I don’t say that lightly. I support every 501c3. I support all kinds of charities. I donate, I attend galas and I am the spokesperson wherever I can! But Generation All is the one I’m closest to because it’s trying to get to the root of why many social issues exist. They’re looking at ACEs - which is the acronym for Adverse Childhood Experiences. Adverse Childhood Experiences can be a root cause of many social issues worldwide - homelessness, drug abuse, promiscuity to the point of negative health impacts, child trafficking, any social issues we have all stems back to adverse childhood experiences - depression, anxiety. So while there are incredible non-profits doing work like building homes for the homeless, etc. Generation All is trying to look upstream and address core issues so less people experience those impact. Let’s look at why people are homeless and let’s stop it at the root! What causes homelessness, sexual violence, etc. Not many organizations are putting their money behind that at stopping it at the onset. It’s just so important. I can’t speak enough about it. We’ve flown to New York a couple of times, looking at some of New York’s policies that have been proven over the last 20+ years and that we really admire about them.
AM: Wow.
BB: We’ve got some really exciting things on the horizon. I can’t speak about it yet because it’s not inked yet, but we’ve got some really powerful people on the board supporting.
AM: How long have you been a part of this organization?
BB: Since before it even was an organization.
AM: Wow.
BB: I was involved in the first couple months of the concept of it. So I feel very proud and just so excited about it.
AM: Hearing your passion for Generation All as well as your feeling about giving your time to retirement homes, why is this so important to you?
BB: Doing what I do is priceless to me. It’s so important to give back and to use my platform, whatever my platform is for good and to just do something bigger and better with it. Why have a platform if you’re not going to use it for good?
AM: This makes us think about an episode on Landman. We don’t know if you watch the show but it focuses on the oil industry and one of the storylines follows a mom and her college aged daughter and they go to retirement homes. They realize that the residents sit there all day with low interaction and they are forgotten so they create excursions and you can see how they have impacted their lives!
BB: The elderly want to do something fun like the rest of us. Most retirement communities provide excursions and “field trips” but a lot of residents don’t have the ability to participate. They end up sitting and watching TV. It’s not the same as having that human-to-human interaction. Loneliness is becoming an epidemic in the world. People are getting more and more isolated, especially in the seniors age range, year and it affects their mental and physical health.
AM: You’re really focused on how things started and how it began. Then you look at the end.
BB: Yes. Fixing it at the onset and then helping in those later years when loneliness is a problem. I know one of the episodes that took place this season, I’ve gotten a lot of flack for pinching elderly people in the airport. I just want to set the record straight.
AM: Good because in watching the episode we understood the whole pinching people because they we’re wearing green as it was around St. Patrick’s Day. But seeing the visuals of the elderly people sitting in their chairs being pinched and how the camera lingered, it felt like it would be great to know the story behind that.
BB: A lot of people were wondering why and it was a little bit out of context. What you don’t see is me pinching all the Houswives, too, that weren’t wearing green. And then I was just like, my heart went out to those 2 ladies that were just sitting in the wheelchair. They weren’t reading. They were just literally sitting there by themselves looking forward - bored as all get out. So, I went over there and I said, “hey, would you mind if I filmed you and i’m pinching you for not wearing green?” They were giddy and they were so excited! It made my heart happy.
AM: That makes more sense now.
BB: It made their day.
AM: With more context, it makes sense because it seemed so random.
BB: It’s random, but that’s kind of just who I am. I’m always looking out for people that need a little something that needs help. They may be having a bad day. How can I help their day be a little bit better?
AM: What are 3 moments that you’ve been really excited about across your time in the franchise that we should be thinking about?
BB: 1 isn’t here yet. It’s my most exciting moment of all. Housewives filmed a preview of my Ting Ting Ting Tour. I’m so excited about that. There’s some dramatic parts to it, of course, and it doesn’t all go to plan, but mostly, it’s just a really good time. Number 2, high body count hair! You would think that that would have been a low point and instead it’s been a high point. Once I got over the shock. In E7 of this season, I have the highest body count hair of all, just for fun. Watch for that!
AM: Right
BB: I think as a third thing, which is the most important of all, reconnecting with my daughter on camera. There’s nothing more important to me than my babies and to have them back in my life is more joy than I know what to do with. Ya know? I don’t know. Can you think of anything?
AM: It’s not a singular moment but it’s seeing how regardless of the situation per se, you are so resilient. You understand that there’s a game of sorts going on and you’re cool with the fact that everyone else has been there longer and you have to navigate around that – to a point. You make your point known with where you are in that moment and even if you have to course correct a bit, you’re never afraid to say it was a misstep and to further explain how it happened. Sometimes you just don’t know and that’s ok and that is where your authenticity comes in. That is what is enjoyable to see about you because doing that in the midst of a social cage match can be tough!
BB: That’s really sweet. That is very, very true. I am who I am. And sometimes I can be obnoxious, and sometimes I can be silly. Sometimes I can take on a little sister vibe, especially when I have all these big sisters. It’s a lot of energy, and that is one thing about me. I am very, very resilient, and I have a lot of tenacity.
We enjoyed spending time with Bravo’s RHOSLC’s Britani Bateman and to have her in some of our must have Fall looks when you’re tackling the day in Tribeca.
ENTERING SLC | TEAM CREDITS
PHOTOGRAPHER Paul Farkas | FASHION STYLIST Kimmie Smith | MUAH Amanda Smith/The FGB Beauty Collective |
IG @pvfarkas
ENTERING SLC | STYLE CREDITS
BRUNCH STYLE LOOK | FRONT/BACK COVER + PG 26 - 33 AKNVAS Trench Coat + Bubble Skirt | FP MOVEMENT Bandeau Strap Bra | OLEADA Mariana Foldover Bag | VIRGINS SAINTS AND ANGELS Bespoke San Benito Charm Necklace | ALEX MONROE Dor Beetle Necklace, Sailboat Signet Ring + Rabbit Cameo Signet Ring | DEMARSON Marisa Pavé Hoops | CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Sandaloo | TIMBERLAND TB00091 Sunglasses |
FITNESS LOOK | PG 18 TRACKSMITH Run Cannon Ball Run Sport Bra + Run Surf Run Shorts | ALEX MONROE Floral Engraved Oak Leaf Necklace + Rabbit Cameo Signet Ring |
WFH/LOUNGE LOOK | PG 21-25 EARTH WIND + FIRE Crop Tee | AVIATOR NATION Retro Velour Short | ALEX MONROE Floral Engraved Oak Leaf Necklace |
NIGHT OUT LOOK | PG 34 + 36 JANET HOWARD Sophia Shirt + Paillette Skirt - Celadon | ALEX MONROE Sailboat Signet Ring | DEMARSON Mila Necklace, Marlo Ring to Wrist Cuff + Luna Pavé Earrings |
ENTERING SLC | PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS
SONY 7RV, FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM Full Frame Standard Zoom G Master Lens, FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS Full Frame Telephoto Zoom G Master Lens with Optical Steadyshot + FE 50mm F1.2 GM Full Frame Standard Prime G Master Lens
Our shoot took place at the Sheraton Tribeca Hotel New York with great views of downtown as well as Midtown. We wanted to know more about the propery, its amenities, the neighborhood and more! We took sometime to sit down with the General Manager, Jay Solanki.
ATHLEISURE MAG: We have been to the Sheraton Tribeca over the years to attend events and enjoyed knowing more about the property via our recent photoshoot with RHOSLC’s Britani Bateman. Before we delve into the property, when did this hotel open initially, and what can you tell us about the neighborhood that it is in?
JAY SOLANKI: The Sheraton Tribeca Hotel first opened in October 2010 and quickly became a staple destination for business and leisure travelers seeking the best of downtown Manhattan. Even better, the hotel recently underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation, with updated rooms, a redesigned lobby, meeting space, workspaces and the rooftop terrace.
In the heart of downtown Manhattan, the property sits in Tribeca, steps from some of the city’s favorite neighborhoods, including SoHo, Chinatown, Little Italy, the West Village and FiDi. With some of NYC’s finest restaurants and shops nearby and within walking distance of Brookfield Place, Westfield World Trade Center, the Freedom Tower, and Lower Manhattan’s corporate offices, there’s something for everyone to explore. Guests are also within a block of the subway and can reach Midtown and Times Square in less than 10 minutes.
AM: For guests staying at the hotel, can you tell us about the rooms offered and the in-room amenities they can access?
JS: All recently renovated guest rooms feature modern interiors and thoughtful amenities for business and leisure travelers. Guests can enjoy Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience bedding, complimentary Wi-Fi, mini refrigerators, premium cable channels and workspaces with electric standing desks.
For those looking to elevate their stay, guests can book Club Level accommodations, which offer exclusive access to the Sheraton Club Lounge, a private VIP terrace, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
AM: In terms of amenities that are available at the hotel, what can you tell us about the Fitness Room?
JS: The Sheraton Fitness Center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so that guests can stay active on their own schedule. In addition, a Planet Fitness is connected to the hotel, and guests can request one complimentary day pass and join at a reasonable rate.
AM: When you think of this hotel being in Tribeca, you can’t help but think about the Tribeca Film Festival. What should we know about the in-house theater that you have?
JS: As part of the hotel’s recent renovation, we created an in-house theater room designed to bring guests together for entertainment and viewing experiences. The room features a large screen and stadium seating. Cocktails, grab-and-go items and a full menu is available all day at &More to enjoy while screening movies or catching the game.
AM: Tell us about the Club Lounge and Terrace.
JS: The exclusive Sheraton Club Lounge and accompanying private VIP terrace offer guests unobstructed views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline, providing an extra space to relax, recharge, or catch up on work. The lounge also features plenty of comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and an elevated workspace. A complimentary hot buffet breakfast and evening happy hour drinks and snacks every day. Guests in Club Level rooms, along with eligible Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador Elite members, have access to the lounge and VIP terrace. We also offer the Tribeca Terrace, which is connected to the VIP terrace and accessible to all guests, providing stunning views of the city skyline.
AM: Is the Sheraton Tribeca a pet-friendly hotel and are there packages that are available for our 4-legged friends?
JS: Absolutely, at Sheraton Tribeca we are happy to welcome guests traveling with their four-legged friends. The hotel is dog-friendly and allows one dog per room weighing up to 25 pounds, with a $20 nightly, nonrefundable pet fee.
AM: With the holiday season just a few weeks away, are there any special events or packages that we should know about?
JS: Yes, we have a lot we’re excited about for the holiday season! We’re really looking forward to creating a festive experience for guests visiting New York during one of the city’s most exciting times of year. We’ll be bringing holiday programming into the hotel, including movies in our theater room, giving guests a cozy space to unwind after a day of exploring the city.
We’re also thinking about the guest experience beyond the hotel. With so many guests coming to Tribeca for holiday shopping, dining and sightseeing, our team will be helping make their stay as seamless as possible, from assisting with transportation and drivers to helping guests navigate the best shopping destinations and coordinating shipping for purchases they don’t want to carry home.
We’ll also add holiday touches and experiences throughout the season, so guests will have plenty to enjoy both inside the hotel and throughout the neighborhood. The idea is to make Sheraton Tribeca a comfortable home base during the holidays while also helping guests make the most of everything New York has to offer.
AM: For those that are coming for business, visiting the city, staycations, etc., are there any packages or promotions that we should be aware of?
JS: We don’t have any promotions, but through Marriott Bonvoy, guests can explore seasonal offers, including savings on extended stays, bookings and other packages.
AM: For those looking to book large events, whether it’s a sales meeting, NYFW events or a wedding, what can you tell us about booking large-scale events at this property?
JS: With more than 1,400 square feet of newly renovated event space, the Sheraton Tribeca can accommodate a variety of gatherings, from corporate meetings and presentations to intimate weddings and private events. All meeting spaces feature modern audiovisual technology, including 75-inch displays, along with customizable catering options and dedicated event support. You can also book an event on our terrace or in the presidential suite, offering beautiful skyline views or a private gathering option.
AM: Is there anything that we have yet to cover that you would like to share with us?
JS: We’re beyond thrilled to be part of Marriott’s Global Transformation initiative and to be doing it in such a posh area of Tribeca/Soho!
Read the OCT ISSUE #130 of Athleisure Mag and see ENTERING SLC | Britani Bateman in mag.
