Kelli O'Hara: "I don't want to be as ambitious as Kristin Chenoweth!"- Page 2

[givesmevoice]

Posted: 8/9/11 at 12:02pm

But there's no cast mentioned anywhere in that article.

[AC126748]

Posted: 8/9/11 at 12:03pm

I think by "found work," the poster is assuming that O'Hara will be in contention for the concert, as it reflects other jobs she's had.

[givesmevoice]

Posted: 8/9/11 at 12:04pm

^ That's what I figured, but there's still no mention of an actual cast being in place.

[AC126748]

Posted: 8/9/11 at 12:11pm

No, there's not. I was just going off my assumption of what the poster was trying to convey. That said, Gary Griffin is directing: we might get Cheno as Maria.

[givesmevoice]

Posted: 8/9/11 at 12:16pm

This might actually be a terrible idea, but I could almost see Cheno as the Baroness.

[AC126748]

Posted: 8/9/11 at 1:20pm

Talk about seriously being cast against type!
Kelli O'Hara as Regan

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 8/9/11 at 1:29pm

This screams miscasting.

Bright and sunny O'Hara making her professional Shakeperian debut as one of the darkest roles in the entire theatrical cannon?

Updated On: 8/9/11 at 01:29 PM

[Wilmingtom]

Posted: 8/9/11 at 1:35pm

The real question is does Kelli's agent want to be as ambitious as Kristin's?

[AC126748]

Posted: 8/9/11 at 1:37pm

I couldn't agree more, SomethingWicked. I've never thought Kelli was that great of an actress, but there are certain Shakespearean roles I could probably buy her in (maybe Hermione in THE WINTER'S TALE). She might be able to convince, to a degree, as Cordelia, even though I don't think she has the depth. But Regan? Why not Lady Macbeth then?

Updated On: 8/9/11 at 01:37 PM

[mallardo]

Posted: 8/9/11 at 1:49pm

I think Kelli O'Hara as Regan is a fascinating prospect.

[Wilmingtom]

Posted: 8/9/11 at 1:54pm

Maybe Helena in Midsummer...?

[givesmevoice]

Posted: 8/9/11 at 1:59pm

^ That's something I could conceivably see happening. It does seem like a huge gamble to be making your professional Shakespearean debut in such a dark role.

[AC126748]

Posted: 8/9/11 at 2:00pm

If she pulls it off, it will be a coup and people will see her in a new light--much like if Lauren Ambrose pulls of Fanny. But right now it seems like a big "if".

[NYadgal]

Posted: 8/9/11 at 2:47pm

I just bought my tickets to see KING LEAR, and am fascinated to see her in the role.

A quick check of Kelli's schedule and you'll see that she's actually steadily working with concert appearances and other projects. I would imagine this gives her the flexibility she likely desires as a wife/mom, and the opportunity to have interesting, steady work and exposure to a widening circle of audiences.

Anybody who knows me, knows that I adore Kelli and her work. I think she outshines Kristin Chenoweth... and has a more interesting range of roles available to her.

[Q]

Posted: 8/9/11 at 2:50pm

I think the entire LEAR project sounds stupendous! And I saw enough dark hints and backbone in SOUTH PACIFIC not to make me question Ms. O'Hara's casting at all.