BWW Exclusive: New York Pops Spotlight on Kelli O'Hara

On Monday, April 29, The New York Pops marks its 30th birthday with a grand gala evening honoring the musical talents of songwriters Frank Loesser and Jule Styne, and the centennial of legendary entertainer Danny Kaye. Paula Zahn, host of NYC ARTS on PBS, will host the evening.

The event begins at 7:00 PM with a concert at Carnegie Hall featuring a spectacular lineup of guest artists under the baton of Music Director Steven Reineke. Performers include Laura Benanti, Rob McClure, Donna Murphy, Kelli O'Hara, Laura Osnes, Anthony Warlow, and more. For additional information, visit: www.newyorkpops.org

BroadwayWorld recently chatted with featured performer Kelli O'Hara about her upcoming appearance in the special celebration:

What will you be singing at the gala?

"Somebody Somewhere" from The Most Happy Fella and "Inch Worm" with the Ronald McDonald House students. I have always loved Somebody Somewhere, It was my first NY audition song, and its sentiment is positive even in the most vulnerable of times. Singing with the students will be my favorite part.

This year's gala honors Frank Loesser, Jule Styne, and Danny Kaye. Do you have a favorite memory of any of the honorees?

I'm a huge fan of all 3 and sing constantly from the songbooks of both composers. My favorite story is about the year I did a summerstock production of The Most Happy Fella , I was in the ensemble, but the girl playing Rosabella broke her leg the night before we opened. The director came to me and asked me if I had, by chance, been learning the part. I lied and said yes. I went home and learned the entire part over night, not sleeping a wink. It would be my big chance! When I arrived the next day, it was decided she would wear a walking cast and do the show. I never got to play Rosabella. To this day, it is the "part" that got away. I still haven't played it.

Have you worked with The New York Pops before? What are you looking most forward to?

Yes, many times. It has been a highlight of my career to stand in Carnegie Hall in front of those magical players. There is nothing like it, and working with Steven Reineke the last few times has been such a fun experience. He is enthusiast for the material and that is infectious.

Students from The New York Pops education programs will also perform during the concert. What was your musical training like?

I studied opera/vocal performance at Oklahoma City University with a wonderful voice teacher named Florence Birdwell. She is still my teacher. She taught me that music (singing, in particular) is so much more than a technical thing. It's about communicating and breaking down walls as well. The combination is the key. I tell students the same thing. They are each individual, special communicators, and that is what will set them apart...the story they tell each time they make music.