REVIEW: Kelli O'Hara Performs Exquisite O.C. Cabaret Debut, Ends 1/24

Add "Cabaret Queen" to this woman's long list of accomplishments. When three-time Tony nominee Kelli O'Hara steps in front of an audience and sings, you feel like you're in the presence of a true star. During her much-too-short cabaret concert at the Orange County Performing Arts Center's Samueli Theater, O'Hara dazzled with a mix of familiar Broadway favorites, original songs and personal anecdotes that collectively illustrated her journey towards becoming America's Next Top Broadway Superstar. And if these series of concerts are of any indication, such a title is truly deserved. She possesses a voice so pure that notes of any kind sound beautiful and effortless.

O'Hara treated the audience with just a sampling of her wide-ranging musical gifts during her set, which found her with only a couple of tools for her use: a microphone and a piano—the latter of which featured her pianist and musical director Dan Lipton. And even before the first song ended ("Home"), it was obvious that these were all she needed to display her amazing vocal prowess, and she is luminous as she did so throughout the night.

Growing up in rural Oklahoma, O'Hara beamed with pride over her country roots and subsequent opera training. She talked about her early exposure to movie musicals, especially the hits from Rodgers and Hammerstein. You can certainly hear this influence in her voice and delivery. She is like a revisionist throwback of those sweet yet sassy heroines from all those old fashioned musicals, but with modern sensibilities.

As she spoke (then sung) of her life story, the audience is treated with highlights from three of her most notable Broadway appearances—all three of which earned the star three consecutive Tony® nominations: from South Pacific, a bouyant "Wonderful Guy;" from The Pajama Game, the original longer version of "Hey There" done in an almost jazz-swing arrangement; and the hauntingly beautiful title track to The Light in the Piazza (performed sans high heels for effective emphasis). As she transitions from one song to another, from one ballad to an uptempo number, she caresses each melody masterfully, astonishingly taking on striking new characters instantaneously. Each note, each nuance, each inflection, each turn of a phrase... all are purposeful and loaded with disciplined control.

The concert program also included a few original songs that is also featured in her debut album Wonder In The World, which was produced and arranged by her Pajama Game co-star Harry Connick Jr. Under his guidance, Connick Jr. urged O'Hara to take some of her own poetry as a starting point for some of her own original music. The heartfelt "Here Now" was inspired by her hardworking farmer grandfather, while the sweet "I Love You The World" illustrates the love between a mother and child. A new mom herself, the latter now has a deep personal meaning to her that showed up vividly as she performed for the audience—some of whom tried their best to stifle tears during such an emotional piece. O'Hara is a master with poignancy and engaging a rapt audience.

With family a huge source of inspiration in her life, it was no surprise that the opening night audience was treated to an unexpected treat: O'Hara "nudged" her husband Greg Naughton to leave their son briefly backstage to duet with her on "The Sun Went Out" (written by her Naughton himself). Earlier in the set, she also paid tribute to her husband with a moving torch-song rendition of Judy Garland's "The Boy Next Door" from Meet Me In St. Louis.

But perhaps the most amazing number of the night is her tour-de-force penultimate performance of a composition co-created by her own musical director Lipton. "Opera/Country" is amazing, often hilarious musical fable of a country-music girl with big dreams of singing opera in the big city. The song (reminiscent of Kristin Chenoweth's "The Girl in 14-G") allows O'Hara to effortlessly show her amazing ability to smoothly switch from singing country music to operatic arias (her higher register is amazing), as well as showcase why her acting chops are so highly lauded. 

All-in-all, O'Hara's wonderful cabaret showcase manages to confirm quite definitively why she is one of Broadway's most valuable talents. Here's hoping that her return visit to Orange County is soon—and that she turns her next Tony nomination into an actual win. Again... truly deserved.

Grade: A

Photo by Jimmy Ryan.

-----

Tickets to see Kelli O’Hara (January 21-24) are $72 and available at OCPAC.org, at the Center’s Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa or by calling 714.556.2787. For inquiries about group ticket discounts for 15 or more, call the Group Services office at 714.755.0236. The TTY number is 714.556.2746. $15 student rush tickets are also available for all performances one hour before the show. Student ID required and can only be purchased in person at the box office.

The Center's Cabaret Series combines an array of artists, from entertainment legends to the best, brightest and most exciting performers making their marks on the music world today. Up next is Kelli O'Hara's South Pacific co-star, Tony® winner Paulo Szot (Center Debut, April 8 – 11, 2010).

Visit OCPAC.org for tickets or information. For more information on O'Hara, visit www.kelliohara.com.