A stunning farewell to Kelli O'Hara in Piazza

For her final performance in Light in the Piazza (after 3 1/2 years with the show from the early workshops), Kelli O'Hara was greeted with a thunderous ovation and a touching and funny curtain speech from her on-stage mother Victoria Clark.

Victoria pointed out that Kelli was the strength that she relied upon and called Kelli "Mother" as her backstage nickname because she was such a solid force for the entire cast.

Her going away present to Kelli was a stuffed pony (VERY ingenious and funny).

O'Hara was the cast member who has been with the show the longest, having participated in the workshops and having played Franca in Seattle and Chicago pre-New York.

How did they EVER get through the lines near the end :

Clara (Kelli) : I can't leave you.

Margaret (Victoria) : Yes, you can!

The audience gave her several standing ovations - and a rousing send-off.

May she find such love in The Pajama Game!

One of the reasons I didn't go was because I didn't want to burst into tears and make a fool of myself!

omg, that part about "i cant leave you"......i wouldve died there. did they seem more choked up than usual?

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that would have killed me. kelli o'hara is a treasure.

Actually, although there were some tears earlier, there wasn't too much choking up until the curtain call - and then it really got pretty emotional. Kelli was VERY moved.

I wish I could have been there. Good luck to Kelli for The Pajama Game.

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Sounds like it was more than wonderful. Thanks for sharing! I am really really excited for The Pajama Game now! Kelli is unstopable!

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I was thrilled I was able to see the show today (for the seventh time). I agree with all the above. Yet another moving performance, with some stunning moments from all the leads. (There did seem to be a little extra oomph between Kelli and her scene partners). The original leads have grown comfortable in their roles (in the good, exciting way) and Vicki never ceases to amaze me, always giving a dynamic performance. I find I prefer Aaron Lazar as Fabrizio (whose voice blends so beautifully with Kelli's) and Chris Sarandon is a classy replacement in the role of Signor Naccarelli. The show remains fresh as ever, no signs of boredom anywhere.

The emotions were high as everyone said. And there was quite a beat for the "I can't leave you." It was truly moving. (The women to my immediate right, who hadn't seen the show before were all wrecks as well during the curtain call. It was really cute). I loved Vicki's comment in her tribute about picking the right gift for Kelli - that it was either the stuffed pony or the entire first floor of Tiffany's.

I look forward to my 8th trip, which can't come soon enough.

Sounds wonderful! I only wish I could have been there! Did anybody stagedoor?

she moved my soul like none other all 3 times i saw her in Piazza. i am so grateful to have seen her.

Also, Kelli came in early so that she could go around and greet the theater staff (front of house, ushers, etc.) and thank them.
What a truly wonderful person she is.

I was there yesterday afternoon as well. Kelli's "The Beauty Is" and "The Light in the Piazza" both left me breathless. She is an incredible performer and I can't wait to see her in the Pajama Game!

At the stagedoor, there were fewer people waiting then I had expected, but when Kelli came out, she was holding tons of flowers and gifts in her left hand, but still signed for everyone before she left. I told her that it was my fifth time seeing the show and that I will be at the first preview of The Pajama Game.

Kelli O'Hara is a star. Once the Pajama Game closes (in June), she will have worked on Broadway for nearly 2 years without a break. (Dracula, LITP, PJ Game) This woman should always be working. I consider myself lucky to have seen her on stage 6 times and I am eager to see what she will do for many years to come.

Definitely a Tony award in her future...

I just read this like a day after the fact, and I cried. I miss Kelli.
What an amazingly wonderful performer and person she is. I am glad that she is becoming a big time star.

Updated On: 12/5/05 at 11:02 AM