Kelli O'Hara and Will Chase to Star in Roundabout's KISS ME, KATE Benefit Concert

[Rob]

Posted: 8/11/16 at 4:03pm

Click Here to Read We're So in Love! Kelli O'Hara and Will Chase to Star in Roundabout's KISS ME, KATE Benefit Concert

[Soaring29]

Posted: 8/11/16 at 4:35pm

so excited!! 

[gypsy101]

Posted: 8/11/16 at 5:03pm

I actually think that's terrific casting for both of them, so good job!

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 8/11/16 at 5:23pm

O'Hara will be divine! Beautiful casting.

[bjh2114]

Posted: 8/11/16 at 6:08pm

Kelli singing So In Love?!  YES PLEASE.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 8/11/16 at 7:07pm

bjh2114 said: "Kelli singing So In Love?!  YES PLEASE."

Exactly! And I think she'll be equally good singing "I Hate Men."

 

[Musicaldudepeter]

Posted: 8/11/16 at 7:09pm

I wonder will they be using the original arrangements and higher keys (for Lili/Kate), or the recent 1999 revival arrangements and lower keys? 

[binau]

Posted: 8/11/16 at 10:36pm

Kelli recently sung "So In Love" in a concert that was broadcast on the radio. She sounded great and to me it sounded like a similar arrangement to the 1999 revival. It isn't obvious to me whether it was in a different key unless I were to compare side-by-side (it sounds a bit higher but that could just be the different timbre of O'Hara's voice, which sounds a bit more sweeter/younger/pure than Mazzie). 

Updated On: 8/11/16 at 10:36 PM

[Soaring29]

Posted: 8/12/16 at 2:30am

Yeah, it is higher. The original key is in F Major and I'm pretty sure Kelli sings it a half step above that  and Marin Mazzie as well as Rachel York sing it either a half step or a whole step down from the original key. I'd have to make sure though on the piano. When I can use it again, I'll let you know :). 

Updated On: 8/12/16 at 02:30 AM

[JBroadway]

Posted: 8/12/16 at 2:34am

They must love working together - or hopefully, for their sake. They will now have starred together in Kiss Me Kate, Nice Work if You Can Get It, Bells Are Ringing and Oklahoma. And maybe other things? 

[Soaring29]

Posted: 8/12/16 at 3:31am

Edit: Kelli sings it in the original key in the Caramoor concert and in a higher key  a  half step above the original key in a recording of the song she did at a concert a few years ago  with Nathan Gunn. 

Updated On: 8/22/16 at 03:31 AM

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 12/12/16 at 1:02pm

Tonight! Who's going??

[Play Esq.]

Posted: 12/12/16 at 1:21pm

I am and cannot wait!  

[BWayBound115]

Posted: 12/13/16 at 10:50am

What a wonderful reading! I can only imagine how great this would be with a fully staged revival. The orchestra sounded incredible! For the most part, it sounded like the 1999 Orchestrations. The ensemble was outstanding. Too Darn Hot was a real highlight. For all the constraints (time, space, etc.), Warren Carlyle did a great job. I usually find the gangsters incredibly schtick-y and grating, but I couldn't wait for Richard Kind and John Pankow to get back onstage. Helene Yorke was also great. It felt like she held back a bit vocally, but I think she's a gem when it comes to musical comedy. I only wish Robert Fairchild had an entire stage to fill. Watching him dance brough a smile to my face. Kelli & Will....I've seen these two in Bells Are Ringing, Nice Work and now this. They have such great chemistry. You can tell they are so comfortable with each other. It really is a perfect relationship of knowing when to let the other one take control. I know Kelli always gets the big praise for her more serious roles, but her comedic chops really should be more recognized. All in all, it was a great night. The material felt nostalgic and fresh at the same time. The 1999 revival is a perfect production of this show, but I know with a longer rehearsal process and a fully staged production, what we saw last night would give it a run for its money.

[Play Esq.]

Posted: 12/13/16 at 11:09am

I couldn't agree with BWayBound more...last night was really quite magical.  While billed as a reading, this was on par with some of Encores! best productions and for a one-night only affair was in incredible shape. If the stars could align, this would make for a fantastic revival.  It would certainly reach the sterling heights of She Loves Me from last season.

As for Kelli, she was simply born to sing the American Songbook.  I have been a fan of hers as long as most, but somehow became more enamored by her last night. 

[superyan]

Posted: 12/14/16 at 10:11pm

I was there last night, and thought it was amazing.  I loved how almost everyone fed off each other John Pankow and Richard Kind where my favorites.

[gypsy101]

Posted: 1/6/17 at 7:39pm

i found myself wondering about Kelli and what she's up to lately, any chance Roundabout plans on bringing Kiss Me Kate to Broadway?