One of Broadway’s great leading ladies, three-time Tony Award-nominee Kelli O’Hara, is appearing in concert at the Tilles Center’s Cabaret at “Club T” for two shows this Friday. O’Hara took time out of her busy schedule — which includes concerts at Feinstein’s at the Regency, preparing for rehearsals for the City Center Encores! production of “Bells are Ringing” and playing mom to 16-month-old son, Owen — to answer a few questions.
Tell us about your concert. Is it the same as your show at Feinstein’s?
I have been having a lot of fun with my set at Feinstein’s. The theme is “Beyond the Ingénue.” But I think I want to change it up a bit, drawing on the same idea, but adding some songs, cutting some songs. I want to sing my absolute favorites for The Tilles Center.
Do you have a particular style of song that you enjoy singing the most? Why?
I love singing lyrically driven songs. Nothing beats a great melody, but without a story or a strong sentiment to relate to, I find it less satisfying to communicate. The genre never matters. Only the sentiment.
What’s next on your horizon?
I have many irons in the fire … a concert version of Kurt Weill’s “Knickerbocker Holiday,” a tour with the Boston Pops and a new musical in development. Finding that next perfect character is my goal. The sky is the limit.
Has motherhood/family-hood affected or informed your work as a performer?
Simply saying “yes” would be the understatement of my life! I have to believe this colors my work because my work is so very personal. I think real life is the best motivator for an actor, so when real life cooks up, the work becomes deeper.
Kelli O’Hara
Friday, 7:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m.
Hillwood Recital Hall
720 Northern Blvd.,
$30-$40; Greenvale
www.tillescenter.org
