Sondheim Roles For Kelli O'Hara

It's a question a lot have people no doubt have thought about: Why does Kelli not do Sondheim more? The only Sondheim show she's been in is the 2001 revival of Follies as well as the Playwright Horizon's production of Sunday In The Park With George production 10 years ago. Obviously, her voice, talent, and career path have led her to be the premiere interpreter of Rodgers And Hammerstein as well as more Golden Age type musicals, but now that she's getting older and becoming more of a leading lady, I think it would be cool to have her play more of his roles. I've always wanted to see her as the Baker's Wife in Into The Woods and playing either Clara or Fosca in Passion would be interesting to see. Steven Pasquale stated in an interview that Sweeney and Mrs Lovett would be a good pair for them to play, but he's living in a dream world as far as I'm concerned. I could never imagine Kelli playing Mrs. Lovett, maybe in 20 years, but that's only a maybe. I could see Desiree Armfeldt possibly down the line as well, maybe sooner then 20 years. Overall thoughts?

In about 20 years or maybe even 30, we'll probably see that.

Yeah, lol. Sally and Phyllis are 49. O'Hara and Benanti aren't that far away for the roles.

I personally think it should be Kelli and Sutton. She'd just fit better I think, humor wise. And her dancing during Lucy and Jessie would be amazing

Sally Durant Plummer said: "I'm waiting for a O'Hara / Benanti production of Follies. They're both perfect for the roles and they'd sing it wonderfully."

Never realized how much I wanted this until now.

I have always rooted for an Benanti - Sutton pairing for a Follies revival, but I think you can switch Benanti for Kelli. Sally would fit her like a glove. I wanted to see Benanti in that role because I think the character's desperations would be bit more of a challenge for her, and make her more vulnerable and hence appealing on stage. Sutton is the only person who can pull off the dance and icy steeliness of Phyllis out of the three. (Jennifer Simard for Carlotta? ^_^ )

For O'Hara - Benanti pairing, I'd honestly prefer a Passion revival. Probably no later than 5 years down the road. Also who knows, maybe the new Sondheim musical will have something for her?

Edit - was listening to the score of Passion again, and I really want to see both Benanti and O'Hara in both parts. How about a Little Foxes Revival like setup, with alternating roles etc.?

Updated On: 5/15/17 at 09:57 AM

Clara in Passion

Leona Samish.

Kelli would have been great for Clara in Passion a few years ago, and she could probably still play it but not for much longer. Honestly, I'd love to see her do something like Desiree, which she could TOTALLY sing. I know the character is outside of her normal wheelhouse, but I feel like she could nail it.

Check out this awesome video of Laura doing a Fosca skit. It would be great, though I doubt we're getting a revival of Passion anytime soon.