So Long, Sibella! Gentleman’s Guide’s Lisa O’Hare Looks Back on the Role That Made Her Feel Like a Goddess

In the corporate world, employees leaving a job are often asked to sit through an “exit interview” with HR about their time at the company. Although that concept doesn’t exist for Broadway performers, we love checking in with stars as they finish up a successful run. A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder star Lisa O'Hare will hang up her corset on February 8, when she plays her final performance as Sibella in the Tony-winning musical. As O'Hare says farewell to her Broadway family at the Walter Kerr Theatre, she looks back on her “creative, fulfilling and PINK” run in Gentleman’s Guide.

How did you feel when you first got this job?
I was absolutely over the moon when [casting director] Jay Binder told me I had booked GGLAM! I knew from the moment I read the script that I wanted to be involved. Interestingly, I wasn’t sure Sibella was in my wheelhouse but Jay was convinced I was right for the role. At that point we had no idea what the future of the show would be, but I had a good feeling.

How do you feel now that you’re leaving?
I feel a huge sense of pride in what we have accomplished, all the way from the workshop in Hartford. I have never originated a role before this one, so to look back at the long journey we’ve had makes me feel like I honestly won the lottery! It is very bittersweet walking away from it all, but being an artist is about taking risks and listening to your gut. I hope to one day be back in my pinks, but for now I think it’s time for a break.

What are three words you would use to describe your experience at the job?
Creative, fulfilling, PINK!

What was the easiest thing about the job?
Wearing those exquisite gowns. Seriously, Linda Cho made me feel like a goddess on that stage, regardless of how I was feeling. The minute my dresser, Tree, would lace me in to those bodices, I couldn’t help but feel like a princess.

What was the hardest thing?
Finding a balance between what I wanted to do creatively with the character and what was sustainable eight times a week. It is hard as an artist to let go of choices and ideas that you feel serve the character. Ultimately though, I learned that the character was so ingrained in my bones, it didn’t matter if I gave her a raspy vocal quality or found another way to achieve the same idea. There are so many aspects of a performance that create a character and you just have to trust the material and trust yourself!

What was the highlight of your time at this job?
There have been so many! The first night I stepped out onto a Broadway stage to perform was definitely one of them. Performing on the Tonys and then winning Best Musical was pretty spectacular too!

What skills do you think are required for future job applicants?
I think the ability to get 100% behind this complex character's very questionable but necessary choices. She’s not perfect, but I think in order to do her justice, you have to be completely on her side. You need to be able to play your weaknesses as your strengths. Also, one needs the ability to be absolutely in your body. She is always aware of what she is doing. Rarely do we see her surrender.

What advice would you give to future employees in your job position?
Above all, have fun!

How do you think you’ve grown?
Honestly, I think I’ve learned more from this experience that any other. Not only about who I want to be as an artist, but also as a human being. It has had its own set of challenges and I honestly would not change any of it. It is often when we are challenged that we grow the most.

Why are you leaving?
I am leaving for a few reasons. First, I have always listened to my heart when it comes to work and I feel that it is time for a new challenge. Secondly, I am in desperate need of family time. My family are all in England and I want to make that a priority in the coming months. Sometimes it is hard to find a balance in this industry, but when your family needs you, that has to come first!

What will you miss the most?
There are so many things to miss! My family at the Kerr. I mean it when I say family! Each and every one of the cast and crew are incredible human beings. But I will miss ‘her’, Sibella, this crazy, narcissistic, yet lovable whirlwind of a girl. I’ve had the best time bringing her to life! I’ve lived and breathed her for a long time and to say I will miss her feels like the understatement of the year. I will be forever grateful for this remarkable show and all it has given me.