Photo Flash: Kelli O'Hara Sings At Riverside Park Fund's Broadway At The Boat Basin

Riverside Park Fund Celebrated its 12th Annual Benefit Gala: Broadway at the
Boat Basin featuring Kelli O'Hara who will return to play Nellie Forbush in the Tony Award-winning revival of South Pacific at Lincoln Center. The evening also honored special guest Michael O'Neal, owner of O'Neals' Restaurant and O'Neals' West 79th Street Boat Basin Cafe. O'Neal has served on the Board of Directors for Riverside Park Fund for over 20 years.

Kelli performed an electrifying program, including songs from South Pacific
Light in the Piazza, Pajama Game, Sweet Smell of Success and
songs from her album "Wonder of the World."

"It's beautiful here", Kelli told the audience Monday night, remarking on the breeze from the river.

Kelli gave an encore and received a standing ovation.

"The sold-out audience adored Kelli and we couldn't have been more thrilled to have her there," says Lori Brittle, Vice President of Finance and Development of Riverside Park Fund. "This was an incredibly successful evening for the Park, and a fitting tribute to Mike O'Neil."

Her anecdotes included:
1. Remembering her runs along Riverside Park, using the benches to stretch and reading the names of the bench plates.
2. Remarking on the evening's beautiful venue along the river, with the breeze coming off the water, blowing her hair gently.
3. How special "The Sun Went Out" is to her -- written by her husband Greg Naughton.
4. Talking about having a baby and her son, who will be turning 1 year old soon (believe this month).
5. She was incredibly professional, glamorous but so down-to-earth at the same time.
6. An aside, The President of Riverside Park Fund, John Herrold, escorted her out of the park in a Prius -- and she exclaimed, Oh a Prius, I love them, we have a Prius!

Photo credit: Joanna Totolici Photography