The Westport Country Playhouse has announced that Tony-nominated actress Kelli O’Hara of Westport, currently winning rave reviews for role in Broadway’s “The King and I,” will be honored at its annual fundraiser in September.
Kelli O’Hara, Tony-nominated actress and Westport mother of three, will be honored on Sept. 21. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
The event, “Something Wonderful: A Gala Evening Celebrating Kelli O’Hara,” will take place on Monday, Sept. 21.
“I am thrilled to be able to announce our very special gala honoree, the toast of Broadway and one of its most beautiful and talented leading ladies,” said Mark Lamos, Playhouse artistic director.
“She brings new luster to the classic, incredibly varied and iconic roles of such hits as ‘South Pacific’ and ‘Pajama Game,’ as well as her current triumph in ‘The King and I.’ The shimmering beauty of her voice, her charisma and style combine to make her a one-of-a-kind, gold-plated star—- Broadway hasn’t experienced this combination for decades. How lucky we will be to celebrate her for one very special night only.”
O’Hara, who lives in Westport with husband Greg Naughton and their three children, received her most recent Tony nomination, her sixth, along with Drama League and Outer Critics nominations, for her portrayal of Anna in the critically acclaimed revival of “The King and I” at Lincoln Center.
In 2014, O’Hara’s performance as Francesca in the musical adaptation of “The Bridges of Madison County” earned her Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle nominations.
Additionally, she starred as Mrs. Darling in NBC’s live telecast of “Peter Pan,” alongside Allison Williams and Christian Borle.She also made her Metropolitan Opera debut opposite Renée Fleming in “The Merry Widow.”
A native of Oklahoma, O’Hara received a degree in opera, and after winning the State Metropolitan Opera Competition, moved to New York and enrolled in the Lee Strasberg Institute. She made her Broadway debut in “Jekyll & Hyde” and followed it with Sondheim’s “Follies,” “Sweet Smell of Success” opposite John Lithgow, and “Dracula.”
In 2003 she committed to a production of “The Light in the Piazza” at Seattle’s Intiman Theatre. The show landed on Broadway in 2005 and earned O’Hara her first Tony and Drama Desk nominations.
She moved from one critical and commercial success to another when she joined Harry Connick, Jr., on Broadway in the 2006 Tony Award-winning production of “The Pajama Game,” for which she received Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics nominations.
She starred in the Tony Award-winning revival of “South Pacific” at Lincoln Center, garnering Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics nominations for her interpretation of Nellie Forbush. She later teamed up with Matthew Broderick in Broadway’s musical comedy “Nice Work if You Can Get It,” earning Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League and Outer Critics Circle nominations, as well as the Fred Astaire nomination for dance.
The evening will also mark the presentation of the third annual Playhouse Leadership Award to John Samuelson. Samuelson has been a Playhouse trustee for the past decade, and with his wife Barbara has been a dedicated philanthropist and community leader, both in Westport and New York City.
Gala proceeds will benefit the nonprofit, professional producing theater, now in its 85th season – its work on stage, with schools, and throughout the community. The gala includes a one-night-only performance by Broadway talent to be announced at a later date, and surprise guests.
A cocktail party will begin at 5:45 p.m., followed by a 7 p.m. performance. Dinner with the evening’s artists and special guests will be at 8:30 p.m. A silent auction will be on-going throughout the evening. Attire is festive; black tie optional.
The Gala Committee co-chairs are Ania Czekaj-Farber of Westport, and Jake Robards of Greenwich. Karen Parrella of Weston is auction chair.
Bank of America, U.S. Trust; BNY Mellon Wealth Management; Cohen & Wolf, P.C.; First Niagara; KPMG; People’s Bank; and Pitney Bowes are early corporate partners. Additional corporate sponsorship packages are available.
Gala tickets range from $2,500 to $250. Benefactor level, at $2,500 per person, includes a cocktail party, highest priority seating at performance, post-performance dinner with the evening’s stars, and an invitation to a Benefactor Preview Party with special guests; Patron level, at $1,000 per person, includes a cocktail party, priority seating at performance, and post-performance dinner with the evening’s stars.
A limited number of Supporter tickets are available at $250 per person and include a cocktail party and the evening’s performance. For more gala information or ticket purchases, contact Elizabeth Marks Juviler, director of corporate relations and special events, at (203) 571-1293 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
