“The New York Times” calls Kelli O’Hara "a luminous leading lady.” She can also be described as a dazzling force. The Tony-winning and Emmy-nominated star imbues a fierce vulnerability to every role she plays whether its Anna in “The King and I” or Francesca in "The Bridges of Madison County.”
On January 17 she will perform live with Seth Rudetsky in “The Seth Concert Series.” (An encore showing will be available Monday, January 18th at 3PM EST.)
Kelli O'Hara (Photo by Emilio Madrid)
Produced by Mark Cortale, this live weekly series is based on Seth Rudetsky’s international Broadway series that began at The Art House in Provincetown ten years ago. In between singing their most treasured songs, the stars share stories about their passions, wild auditions and other moments that makes them human.
Stephanie J. Block, who won a Tony playing Cher in “The Cher Show,” and was a showstopper in “Falsettos” will perform with husband Sebastian Arcelus (“House of Cards,” “Madam Secretary,” “Elf”) in The Seth Concert Series on on January 24.
For the stars, many of whom haven’t been able to perform much this time, let alone live, the opportunity to do a live concert is incredibly special. And there’s the allure of working with Sirius XM Star Seth Rudetsky, who is the ultimate expert on all things Broadway and musical theater.
“Seth tries to find new parts of who we are and expose them to his audience,” says O’Hara. “It’s fun because we can often get stuck in our own ruts, especially during Covid-19 when it’s hard to develop new material due to lack of gathering and rehearsal opportunities. Seth does his research and surprises even us as we are putting on a show for others. That is really fun.”
O’Hara shared more.
Jeryl Brunner: What was one of the first times you performed on stage?
Kelli O’Hara: My first times performing were only in school. I had no idea about professional stages for a long time, which I think was a blessing for me. I remember being in fifth grade, performing in some PT Barnum- themed musical. I wanted to play “the ingenue” but landed the role of the sad little baby elephant “Jumbo,” not “Dumbo” who had been sent from London and felt alone. I can still remember my gray corduroy costume and shaky British accent and every word to the little song. It was Heaven, as I recall.
Jeryl Brunner: What has kept you creatively nourished these days and what rituals have helped you?
Kelli O’Hara: The various opportunities I have had to sing on behalf of The Actor’s Fund or fundraising for organizations like SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young. These are more important than ever at this time.
I’m taking care of myself and my family and trying to see the silver linings. I am trying to be grateful for the time I am being given. I have been hoping for more of it for years. Living in the present as much as I can, which isn’t always easy. I’m trying to educate myself on things I have had the luxury of not knowing, listening to those who should be heard and trying to remain hopeful.
Jeryl Brunner: What are some of your most beloved holiday traditions?
Kelli O’Hara: My Mom has always gone all out for Christmas. She and one of her many grandchildren take turns picking a surprise theme and decorate and plan everything around that theme to surprise everyone else. My Dad is usually made to dress up as an unexpected character to reveal the surprise. If you knew my dad, you would understand our glee. This year was especially hard because we all decided not to gather for the sake of my mom’s compromised health. My kids really missed it. We all did. I can’t wait for next year.
Jeryl Brunner: Why do you love working with Seth?
Kelli O’Hara: Seth [and his husband James Wesley] are filled with light. They try so hard to find ways to make the lemonade. So many times over the last many years, when our community has needed uplifting, they have been the creative minds behind proactive activity for those of us who want to use our voice for something good. They include us in that goodness. I’m here for that!
Jeryl Brunner: Is it possible to describe how singing makes you feel?
Kelli O’Hara: Singing is a gift to me and hopefully I use it in service of others. I have worked hard at singing and also have no idea why the love of it or the ability to do it fell in my lap. So I feel good about using it to help, if it does. I’m grateful for it. I don’t ever want to be burdened by it. Not having quite as many opportunities to sing over the last nine months has definitely increased that gratitude, reminding me to never take it for granted. Where it had naturally become a source of my career, it now feels a bit more like that gift again.
Jeryl Brunner: You have played so many eclectic roles. Is there a part you are aching to play?
Kelli O’Hara: I get that question a lot and I always fail at giving a solid answer. The truth is, I don’t know the role yet. I know it’s out there either waiting for when I’ll be ready to play it, or it’s waiting to be written. I think I’ll know it when I see it.
Jeryl Brunner: Can you talk about getting first professional job?
Kelli O’Hara: My first professional job was summer stock at Music Theater Wichita in Wichita, Kansas. It changed my life. At the time, I was in college at Oklahoma City University. I remember getting the phone call that I was cast. I'll never forget where I was standing. I was in the living room of my college house. Also, my dad was visiting and I leapt into his arms like a baby. I shocked him, but he held me. It was the best phone call.
I was cast in all five shows. First I was in the ensemble, but then I played Kitty in “Where’s Charley,” which was a lot of fun. I would rehearse one show during the day and do another one at night. You’re working your ass off to death and staying up all night with your friends but then loving every minute of it. I met all these kids from New York who came in to do the shows. Seeing them made me feel that maybe I could go to New York and perform there too. The friends I made that summer, and, in particular, my three roommates there, are still my best friends to this day. I said their names in my Tony Speech “Becky, Beth, Megan!”