O'Hara has been nominated for five Tony Awards, first as Clara Johnson in The Light in the Piazza, second as Babe Williams in The Pajama Game, third as Nellie Forbush in South Pacific, fourth as Billie Bendix in Nice Work If You Can Get It, and most recently as Francesca Johnson in The Bridges of Madison County.
O'Hara was recently seen as Dot/Marie in the L.A. Reprise! concert staging of Sunday in the Park with George.
O'Hara grew up in Oklahoma where she attended Oklahoma City University, graduating with a Bachelor's of Music in vocal performance/opera. O'Hara studied voice with Florence Birdwell, who also taught Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth four years earlier. O'Hara and Chenoweth are both alumna of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority.
O'Hara is engaged to Greg Naughton, son of actor James Naughton.
STAGE ROLES
* Broadway
o South Pacific (2008) as Nellie Forbush
o The Pajama Game (2006) as Babe Williams
o The Light in the Piazza (2005) as Clara Johnson
o Dracula, the Musical (2004) as Lucy Westenra
o Sweet Smell of Success: The Musical (2002) as Susan
o Follies (2001) as Young Hattie/Ensemble, then as Young Phyllis
o Jekyll & Hyde (2000) as Kate (replacement) / Emma (understudy)
* Off-Broadway and regional theatre
o The Light in the Piazza (2004) as Franca (in Seattle and Chicago)
o My Life with Albertine (2003) as Albertine (off-Broadway)
o Beauty (2003) (La Jolla Playhouse)
RECORDINGS
* 2008 South Pacific
* 2006 The Pajama Game
* 2006 Harry on Broadway, Act I -- two-disc set: 1. Original Broadway cast recording The Pajama Game; 2. Songs from Thou Shalt Not, Harry Connick Jr. featuring Kelli O'Hara
* 2005 The Light in the Piazza
* 2003 My Life With Albertine
* 2002 Sweet Smell of Success
AWARDS AND NOMINATIONS
* 2008 Tony nomination: Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical, South Pacific
* 2006 Tony nomination: Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical, The Pajama Game
* 2006 Drama Desk Award nomination: Outstanding Actress in a Musical, The Pajama Game
* 2006 Outer Critics Circle Award nomination: Outstanding Actress in a Musical, The Pajama Game
* 2006 Broadway.com Audience Award nomination: Favorite Leading Actress in a Broadway Musical, The Pajama Game
* 2006 Broadway.com Audience Award nomination: Favorite Onstage Pair -- Harry Connick, Jr. & Kelli O'Hara, The Pajama Game
* 2005 Tony nomination: Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical, The Light in the Piazza
* 2005 Outer Critics Circle Award nomination: Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical, The Light in the Piazza
* 2005 Broadway.com Audience Award nomination: Favorite Featured Actress in a Broadway Musical, The Light in the Piazza
Something Wonderful
Kelli O'Hara Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
His heart is not always wise
This is a man who stumbles and falls
But this is a man who tries
This is a man you'll forgive and forgive
And help and protect as long as you live
But now and then he'll do something wonderful
The thoughtless things he'll do will hurt and worry you
And all at once he'll do something wonderful
He has a thousand dreams that won't come true
You know that he believes in them and that's enough for you
You'll always go along, defend him where he's wrong
And tell him he is strong, he is wonderful
He'll always need your love and so he'll get your love
A man who needs your love can be wonderful
The song "Something Wonderful" by Kelli O'Hara tells the story of a man who is imperfect and flawed, but still worth loving. The lyrics convey the idea that sometimes people make mistakes and hurt those around them, but they also have the capacity to do something amazing and unexpected. The man described in the song is not always wise or thoughtful in his words and actions, but he has a big heart and a thousand dreams that he believes in. He may stumble and fall along the way, but he tries to do the right thing and he needs the love and support of those around him.
The song is a testament to the complexity of human relationships and the power of love to forgive and heal. It acknowledges that no one is perfect and that everyone has flaws, but it also celebrates the moments of beauty and wonder that can arise from those imperfections. The song's message is ultimately one of hope and empathy, reminding us to see the good in others and to give them the benefit of the doubt, even when they fall short of our expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
This is a man who thinks with his heart
This man leads with his emotions and intuition.
His heart is not always wise
However, sometimes his emotions may cloud his judgement.
This is a man who stumbles and falls
He may make mistakes, and he's not perfect.
But this is a man who tries
Despite his imperfections, he puts in effort and perseveres.
This is a man you'll forgive and forgive
He is flawed, but you always give him chances and forgive him when he messes up.
And help and protect as long as you live
You will always support him and look out for him no matter what happens.
He will not always say what you would have him say
Sometimes he may not express his thoughts or emotions in the way you expect or want.
But now and then he'll do something wonderful
However, every once in a while he'll surprise you with an exceptional gesture.
The thoughtless things he'll do will hurt and worry you
Occasionally, he may engage in actions that are insensitive, causing you pain and anxiety.
And all at once he'll do something wonderful
But then he'll suddenly make up for it with an amazing feat.
He has a thousand dreams that won't come true
He may have many aspirations that he won't necessarily achieve.
You know that he believes in them and that's enough for you
However, his unwavering faith in those dreams are sufficient enough to make you want to support him.
You'll always go along, defend him where he's wrong
No matter what, you will always stand by him and advocate for him even when he's incorrect.
And tell him he is strong, he is wonderful
You always want to uplift him, ensure he knows he is capable and great.
He'll always need your love and so he'll get your love
He relies on your love and support, and he'll always receive it.
A man who needs your love can be wonderful
A person who requires your affection has the potential to be magnificent.
Contributed by Kaitlyn A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.