Kellie O'hara- Period Pieces.

[StephenSondheimWHOO]

Posted: 3/26/09 at 5:32pm

I noticed recently that if you look at all of Kellie O'hara's credits, they are all a period piece of some sort. LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA, SWEET SMELL OF SUCESS, THE PAJAMA GAME, and SOUTH PACIFIC have all been set in the 40's/50s. All of her other shows like DRACULA, SUNDAY IN THE PARK, and MY FAIR LADY have were all set in 19th century.
Why is this? Is it just a coincidence, or is it something about her look/ performance syle that makes her right for playing period characters

[jake6970]

Posted: 3/26/09 at 5:46pm

I think the obvious reason would be is that she's not a contemporary singer, and very few shows are being written to showcase the kind of voice Kelli has that are set in present day.

[philly03]

Posted: 3/26/09 at 5:51pm

"All of her other shows like DRACULA, SUNDAY IN THE PARK, and MY FAIR LADY have were all set in 19th century. "

Don't forget Jekyll & HYDE too :)!

It would seem to me it's got to be some sort of preference - hasn't this topic been discussed with Tale & James Barbour (BatB, Jane Eyre, ..etc.); sounds like some performers like shows that are, as the above poster said, to fit the more classical-styling of singing and also the plots, I'd assume.

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 3/26/09 at 5:55pm

Kelli is like the new Barbara Cook. When Barbara Cook tried to play modern in Something More! it didn't work as well as her other stuff. Aside from their singing styles, they both have a classiness and dignity about them that make them more appropriate for period work.

Of course I'm not saying that either of them can't play a modern character. I'd rather see them play anyone than watch half the actresses on Broadway today.

[Byron Abens]

Posted: 3/26/09 at 11:31pm

I have to agree with those who said it's about her vocal style. Most (if not all) shows set in the contemporary period use a theatrical version of contemporary music, which means the female roles are being written as poppy-belters, which is not what Kelli is, and I don't want to hear her try it either. There is a definite lack of actresses out there right now who have that old-school soprano/ingenue sound and are not afraid to use it.

On a side note, I would love to hear her play Lily in The Secret Garden.

[dented146]

Posted: 3/27/09 at 12:40am

Then it should be fun to hear her at the Carlyle Hotel and hear her style.

[MusicAndPassion]

Posted: 3/27/09 at 1:05pm

This is one of the reasons I adore Kelli O'Hara and find her to be one of today's best stage actresses. Her voice as a hint of old-fashion with a beautiful tone that allows her to conquer some of the greatest roles in musical theatre. I think it's more of an accomplishment to tackle world famous roles than create a new one that nobody knows about.

With recreating a role Broadway legends have created years ago and getting praise for it is one of the greatest achievements. Look at Patti LuPone, she hasn't done a "new musical" in a while. She tackles roles that legends have tackled before her.