Monday, February 8, 2010, 7:30pm
Marines Memorial Theatre, San Francisco
CAST DETAILS
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David Burnham just returned from New York where he played Fiyero in the Broadway production of "Wicked" having created the role in the original Los Angeles workshop productions. David was a member of the original Broadway cast of the 6-time Tony Award winning musical "The Light In The Piazza," performing on both the "Tony Awards" and the PBS telecast "Live From Lincoln Center". David was the 2007 recipient of the prestigious "Helen Hayes Award" for best actor as well as the 2007 best actor "Garland Award" for his portrayal of Fabrizio Nacarelli in the national tour of "The Light In The Piazza."
In New York City he lent his talent to the Actor's Fund production of "On The 20th Century" at The New Amsterdam Theatre and performed his solo concert at the famed New York jazz club "Birdland" and the "Metropolitan Room". David first gained critical acclaim when, after a two year search, he was chosen to replace Donny Osmond in the national tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" (Dramalogue Award) a role which he has subsequently played 4 more times in productions all over the country.
At Boston's North Shore Music Theatre he created the role of Tom in the new musical "Tom Jones" as well as the role of Billy (opposite Maureen McGovern) in the new musical "Letters from 'Nam", a role which he reprised at The Kennedy Center and Seattle's Village Theatre. In Chicago he originated the role of Charlie in the world premiere of "Peggy Sue Got Married", after touring the country as Peter in the national tour of "Jesus Christ Superstar" (opposite Ted Neeley).
Other stage productions include the L.A. premiere of The Road Theatre production of "The Woman In Black" (the Actor) directed by Ken Sawyer, "Assassins" (John Hinckley) at Reprise - with members of the original Broadway cast, "Children of Eden" (Caine - Robby Award) at Musical Theatre West, "Godspell" (Jesus) at the St. Louis MUNY, and "Pirates of Penzance" (Fredrick) at The Sacramento Music Circus. On film, David was the voice of the Prince in the Warner Bros. animated feature "The King & I", and can also be heard as "Willy" in Disney's "Home On The Range". Recordings include the soundtracks to "Ghepetto", "The King & I", and "Home on the Range". Also the recordings "Strouse, Schwartz, & Schwartz", "Lerner, Loewe, and Lane" and "Lee Lessack's - In Good Company".
David is very proud to announce the release of his debut solo CD "David Burnham" for LML Music, available online at Amazon.com, itunes, Barnes and Noble Bookstores, and other fine retailers. This is David's third appearance in a "Help is on the Way" production. TOP
Multiple Emmy and Golden Globe-winner Sharon Gless has distinguished herself as one of the most acclaimed and recognized actresses working today. Gless most recently completed production on two independent features, "Once Fallen" with Ed Harris & Amy Madigan, and "Hannah Free," in which Gless stars as the title role. As Hannah, a lesbian whose hidden relationship spans 60 years, she plays a free-spirited woman attempting to reunite with the love of her life one last time. "Hannah Free" was chosen as the closing night film at the prestigious Frameline Gay/Lesbian Film Festival in San Francisco in summer 2009. It has also premiered at several Gay/Lesbian film festivals around the world. Gless is currently receiving rave reviews for her portrayal of the chain-smoking, obsessive mother Madeline Westen on the highest-rated cable series in the US," Burn Notice" (USA Network). The Miami-based action/drama will return for a fourth hit season in summer 2010. In 2008 she was an Emmy semi-finalist for that role, and an Emmy nominee for Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her chilling performance as Colleen Rose, an ambitious Hollywood agent with a multitude of dark secrets on FX’s "Nip/Tuck."
In summer 2009, Gless traveled to London to produce and star in a one-night performance of "A Round-Heeled Woman". The play is based on the best-selling book by Jane Juska, about a woman’s adventures with sex and romance later in life. She will be performing "A Round-Heeled Woman" in San Francisco in Jan-Feb 2010, and then, hopefully on to London’s famed West End.
For five seasons (2000-2005), Gless starred as the outrageous and beloved Debbie Novotny in the groundbreaking Showtime series "Queer as Folk." In 2006, she received rave reviews for her starring role as US Secretary of Defense Lynne Warner in the acclaimed BBC/BBC America miniseries "The State Within." Gless was first exposed to the entertainment industry at a young age, by her grandfather Neil S. McCarthy -- the most respected lawyer of Hollywood’s Golden Age. McCarthy, whose clients included Howard Hughes, Cecil B DeMille and Louis B Mayer, notably drew up the first contract between a studio and a player -- an interesting fact since Gless was the last contract player in the history of Hollywood (Universal). Her first series role was the 1973" Faraday & Company" with Dan Dailey and James Naughton. She guest-starred in many more top tv shows before landing her second series, "Switch" with Robert Wagner and Eddie Albert (1975-1978). In 1982, she landed the career-changing role of New York Police Detective Christine Cagney on the smash hit drama "Cagney & Lacey." The role garnered her two Emmys, a Golden Globe and six Emmy nominations. After the show ended in 1988, she re-teamed with "Cagney & Lacey" Executive Producer, Barney Rosenzweig, for the drama series "The Trials of Rosie O’Neill." That role led to her second Golden Globe win and two additional Emmy nominations. She married Rosenzweig in 1991. In 1994 and 1995, Gless reunited with her television partner Tyne Daly to recreate their title roles in a quartet of critically acclaimed "Cagney & Lacey" television movies. Gless and Daly fondly refer to these telefilms as their character’s “Menopause Years.” Also in 1995 she received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Additional television roles include the series "House Calls" and "Turnabout," as well as the telefilms "Separated by Murder," "Hard Hat & Legs," "Honor Thy Mother", "Hobson’s Choice", and "Letting Go" with John Ritter. She also starred in the miniseries "The Immigrants," "The Last Convertible," "Centennial," and Garson Kanin’s" Moviola: The Scarlett O’Hara War," in which she played screen goddess Carole Lombard. She has also starred opposite Michael Douglas in the feature film "The Star Chamber."
Gless made her stage debut in Lillian Hellman’s "Watch on the Rhine" at Stage West in Springfield, Massachusetts. Since then, she has starred twice on stage in London’s famed West End: the first time in 1993 when she created the role of Annie Wilkes in the stage version of Stephen King’s haunting 'Misery" and in 1996 in Neil Simon’s comedy "Chapter Two". She starred in Claudia Allen’s "Cahoots" at Chicago’s Victory Gardens Theatre (2000) and at Madison Square Garden in Eve Ensler’s "The Vagina Monologues." In addition, Gless has recorded several books-on-tape and starred in many radio plays. Her recording of "Night, Mother" for the BBC earned Gless the International Sony Award. In 2007 she was the recipient of the Theatre School at DePaul University’s prestigious Award for Excellence of the Arts. Gless is an active participant in the ongoing struggle to prevent the overturn of Roe vs Wade. In 2005 she was honored by Norman Lear’s People for the American Way for her unwavering support of human rights. She’s also become a vocal advocate for gay & lesbian (LGBT) causes. Gless spends her free time at home in one of her three favorite cities: Los Angeles, Miami and Toronto. This is Sharon's third appearance in a "Help is on the Way" production. TOP
Tim
Hockenberry, a musician who has been referred to as "one of the
best singers in the Bay Area...," moved West in 1990 and began
performing as a jazz and R&B vocalist. While he predominately performs
in both public and private venues, Tim also works for numerous advertising
agencies both as a commercial singer and music producer. He has performed
and/or produced commercial music for numerous clients including Wal-Mart,
Time Magazine, Subway, Kawasaki, The Kirstie Alley show, 'Fat Actress',
Fantasy Springs Casino, the NFL Network, The Oakland A's, and KC Masterpiece,
as well as original music scores for numerous independent films.
In 2004 he released two original songs on a recording featuring Bob Dylan's music entitled 'Mostly Dylan' along with supporting musicians including Bonnie Raitt, George Marinelli, and Ricki Fatar. Also in 2004, Tim recorded a holiday single entitled 'Christmas By The Bay' with composers Nolan Gasser and Clark Sterling. The song enjoys major radio airplay on over three hundred radio stations throughout the country during the holiday season.
He is currently signed as an artist with Warner Brothers' independent label, About Records, and is due to release his first recording with them in early 2007. This is Tim's sixth appearance in a "Help on the Way" production.
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LESLIE JORDAN
In 1982, Leslie Jordan stepped off a Greyhound bus from the hills of Tennessee, said “hello” to Hollywood and has never looked back. With hundreds of television shows, films and commercials to his credit, he has become a familiar face on the entertainment scene. Leslie is the 2006 Emmy Award Winner for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his delicious portrayal of “Beverley Leslie” on “Will and Grace.” Television audiences will also remember him for his recurring roles on “Privileged,” “Ugly Betty,” “Boston Legal,” and “Reba.”
Feature film audiences will recognize Leslie from his performance as “Brother Boy” in Del Shores’ adaptation of his play “Sordid Lives’” with Olivia Newton-John, Delta Burke and Beau Bridges. He is reprising the role in the television series based on the play and film for the cable network Logo. Other upcoming feature film appearances include “Love Ranch” in a wonderful scene with Helen Mirren directed by Taylor Hackford.
On stage, Mr. Jordan won the Ovation Award, The Garland Award and The Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for his portrayal of “Preston Leroy,” the aging, sodden barfly in Del Shores hit play “Southern Baptist Sissies.” Mr. Jordan has enjoyed considerable success as a writer. His book My Trip Down the Pink Carpet for Simon and Schuster is currently in bookstores. Material from the book formed the basis of a 90-minute one-man show, which had a successful 45 city book-signing/performance tour in 2008. A dvd of the show shot during performances in Atlanta will be released.
Leslie’s autobiographical one-man show “Like a Dog on Linoleum” performed to sold-out audiences at the Elephant Asylum Theater in Los Angeles, the Annenberg Theater in Palm Springs, the Bailiwick Theater in Chicago, the 14th Street Playhouse in Atlanta and the Lorraine Hansberry Theater in San Francisco. Mr. Jordan’s play “Hysterical Blindness and Other Southern Tragedies That Have Plagued My Life Thus Far” ran to sold-out houses in Los Angeles and had a successful seven month run Off-Broadway at the Playhouse on Van Dam in New York City. His screenplay “Lost in the Pershing Point Hotel” won the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival’s Production Grant Award, winning the competition from over 600 other scripts. Subsequently, it was made into an independent feature film distributed by Northern Arts Entertainment.. This is Leslie's fifth appearance in a "Help is on the Way" production. TOP
NICK LAZZARINI
Lazzarini has been dancing since age four and began teaching and doing choreography at age fourteen. In 2003, Lazzarini, competing as part of a dance group called Hot Under The Collar, appeared on CBS's "Star Search" remake. Prior to competing on the Fox reality show, Lazzarini spent two years at the Dance Company of San Francisco and also toured Europe with the RAW dance company, which was founded by choreographer Mia Michaels (one of the judges on "So You Think You Can Dance").
Lazzarini was the first person auditioned for the show, before it even began. Nigel and Bonnie Lythgoe approached him to see if he would be a good match for a show they were then planning. For his win on the first season of the show, Lazzarini received a prize of a $100,000 cash prize and the use of a penthouse apartment in Manhattan for one year. Lazzarini became the first person ever to appear on the cover of Dance Spirit twice, with the January 2006 issue. Beginning in March 2006, Lazzarini became a founding member (of 15) of the Evolution Dance Company, which debuted at the OC Pavilion in Santa Ana, California, alongside SYTYCD alumni Melody Lacayanga and Craig DeRosa. Choreographers in the company include Liz Imperio and Mia Michaels. Nick currently lives in New York City and teaches at the Broadway Dance Center. This is Nick's second appearance in a “Help is on the Way” production. TOP
LA TOYA LONDON
An undeniable presence whose talent even managed to silence the razor sharp tongue of none-other than American Idol’s most infamous judge, Simon Cowell. Cowell’s silence was only matched by his candor as he coined the term “The Three Divas” when discussing Fantasia Barrio, Jennifer Hudson and La Toya London, and hailed London as the odds-on favorite to win that year's competition. Never one to rest on her laurels, London expanded her artistry and sought to capture the attention of audiences everywhere. Her delivery of Nettie, the spirited and infectious sister of Celie in Broadway’s first national tour of Oprah Winfrey presents "The Color Purple" musical, was met with rave reviews from critics and audiences alike, prompting the NAACP to recognize London as a leading figure in the theater industry.
The immediate fame that reality TV can provide can be overwhelming for some, but London’s star power proved steadfast as a number of record labels, who had fallen under the hypnotic spell of this young Chanteuse', endeavored to have London record for them. Ultimately, Peak Records won the “prize” and signed London to a recording deal. Their collaboration lead to 2005’s debut album, Love & Life, which debuted in the Billboard Top 100. The album spawned 3 successful singles," Appreciate" featuring 'Black Thought from The Roots,' 'Every Part of Me,' and the Adult Contemporary Top 40 hit, 'State of My Heart.' London’s allure also graced several talk shows including" Larry King Live," "David Letterman", "Regis & Kelly," and" The Ellen Degeneres Show.'
London’s magnetism is evident and though being honored for her work is rewarding, it is not where she finds her deepest appreciation; her social activism with respect to underprivileged children in the urban community provides not only her greatest challenge, but grandest reward. Armed with philanthropic ideals long before celebrity found her, it wasn’t a surprise when London accepted an invitation to sit on the Advisory Board for The Richmond/Earmet AIDS Foundation, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization established to raise funds for AIDS service provider agencies through the production of quality entertainment events. La Toya London is a star, which is obvious to anyone who takes the time to meet her, but it is her humility, her ability to not allow stardom to affect her person that truly allows her star to resonate and shine brightest. This is La Toya’s fourth appearance in a “Help is on the Way” production.
MAUREEN MCGOVERN
MAUREEN McGOVERN's nearly 40 year career includes RECORDINGS: Grammy nominations for "Best New Artist" and "Best Traditional Pop Vocal," Grammy Award for "Best Musical Recording for Children," Oscar winning Gold Records "The Morning After" (Billboard #1) and "We May Never Love Like This Again." Current PS Classics release "A Long and Winding Road," praised by The New York Times as "a captivating musical scrapbook from the 1960s to the early 70s. Ms. McGovern is blessed with a vocal technique second to none." Other critically acclaimed musical tributes include her Gershwin, Arlen, Rodgers, Marilyn and Alan Bergman CDs and more. BROADWAY: Little Women,The Musical (created her 2005 Drama Desk Award nominated role of 'Marmee'), The Pirates of Penzance, Nine, 3 Penny Opera, and the recent 1st National Tours of Little Women, The Musical and The King and I. OFF-BROADWAY: Brownstone (originating the role of 'Mary'). REGIONAL: Maureen McGovern: A Long and Winding Road, Elegies, Dear World, Letters From 'Nam (originating the role of 'Eleanor Bridges'), The Lion in Winter, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Of Thee I Sing, Let 'Em Eat Cake, The Sound of Music, South Pacific, Guys & Dolls, I Do, I Do and The Bengal Tiger's Ball (composed the music, co-created and starred). FEATURES: Airplane! (guitar strumming nun), and The Towering Inferno. VIDEO: DreamWorks animated Joseph: King of Dreams. Visit www.maureenmcgovern.com and the Maureen McGovern "Works of Heart" Foundation at www.worksofheartfoundation.org. This is Maureen's seventh appearance in a "Help is on the Way" production. TOP
Ms. Moreno is one of a select group of performers to have won all four of the most prestigious show business awards: the Oscar, the Emmy, the Tony and the Grammy. The Oscar was for her performance as Anita in the 1962 motion picture "West Side Story." The two Emmys she has won were for her 1977 variety appearance on "The Muppet Show" and for a dramatic guest appearance on "The Rockford Files" in 1978. The Tony was for her 1975 triumph on Broadway as Googie Gomez in "The Ritz." The Grammy was for her 1972 performance on "The Electric Company Album" for children which was based on the long-running children’s television show of the same name.
Along the way she received dozens of other show business awards, most notably The Golden Globe Award for her role "West Side Story," The Golden Apple Award, and in 1968 the Joseph Jefferson Award as best actress in Chicago’s theatrical season in 1968 for her brilliant performance as Serafina in "The Rose Tattoo." In 1985 she repeated her Chicago triumph and was awarded the prestigious Sarah Siddons Award for her portrayal of Olive Madison in the female version of "The Odd Couple." In 1995, Ms. Moreno received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Ms. Moreno was born Rosa Dolores Alverio in Humacao, Puerto Rico. When she was five years old she and her mother moved to New York. The following year, she started dance lessons. At age 13 she made her Broadway debut in "Skydrift" which starred Eli Wallach. Then, in the true tradition of Hollywood, a talent scout arranged a meeting for the seventeen-year old with Louis B. Mayer and she was signed for a contract with MGM. From that point on her career advanced steadily. She made some thirty films early in her career, too often typecast as a Mexican spitfire or an Indian maiden. During that period she appeared in films with Richard Widmark, Esther Williams, Mario Lanza, Susan Hayward, Tyrone Power and Gary Cooper. She appeared in the marvelous "Singin' in the Rain" starring Gene Kelly. She was also featured as Tuptim in "The King and I" with Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr, but it was only after she won an Academy Award for her outstanding performance as Anita in "West Side Story" that she was finally recognized as a major talent. In 1962, she moved to London where she was featured in Hal Prince’s "She Loves Me." Rita then returned to New York to star in the Lorraine Hansbury’s "The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window." On Broadway, she has also appeared as the female lead with Robert Shaw in "Gantry," in "The Last of the Red Hot Lovers" opposite Jimmy Coco, followed by a Tony Award nomination for her role in "The National Health." Rita then starred in "The Ritz" for which she received the Tony.
In 1967 Ms. Moreno resumed her film career playing opposite Marlon Brando in "The Night of the Following Day," then with James Garner in "Marlowe," as Alan Arkin's girlfriend in "Popi" and in Mike Nichol's production of "Carnal Knowledge." She then starred in the film version of "The Ritz" and went on to do Alan Alda's "The Foour Seasons" followed by the highly acclaimed Columbia Pictures release "I Like It Like That." In 1995 Ms. Moreno appeared in the Showtime film "Wharf Rat" and in the feature film "Angus" with George C. Scott. She was the lead in the independent film "Carlo's Wake" and in 199 she starred in the film "Blue Moon" opposite Ben Gazzara. The following year she appeared in the highly acclaimed movie "Pinero" starring Benjamin Bratt and in 2002 she completed work in the John Stayles film, "Casa de los Babys". In 204 she had a featured role in the independent film, "April Showers."
In 1981, she returned to Broadway and appeared once again opposite Jimmy Coco in "Wally’s Cafe." Her most recent Broadway appearance was in the female version of Neil Simon’s "The Odd Couple." In 1996, she starred as Norma Desmond in the London production of "Sunset Boulevard." In 2004 Ms. Moreno received rave reviews for her interpretation as Maria Callas in the Terrance McNally play "Master Class." In 2006 she received similar acclaim for her portrayal of Amanda Wingfield in the Berkeley Repertory production of "The Glass Menagerie." Ms. Moreno has appeared in regional theatre in such diverse roles as Lola in "Damn Yankees," "Annie Sullivan in "The Miracle Worker," Doris in "The Owl and the Pussycat," Amanda Wingfield in "The Glass Menageri and Mama Rose in "Gypsy." It may be said that Rita Moreno, in portraying an Irish teacher, an Italian widow, a reformed prostitute, a lady evangelist, and English lady and a southern belle has broken the mold in Latino stereotyping.
Ms. Moreno has also been the guest star on a wide variety of television productions both here and abroad. She is proud to have been a featured artist for many years on "The Electric Company," the highly regarded educational television program for children. She starred in her own TV series, the sitcom version of the film "9 to 5." She then played opposite Burt Reynolds in "B.L. Stryker." In 1994 Ms. Moreno returned to New York to appear as a series regular with Bill Crosby in the NBC "Crosby Mystery Series." Most recently she was one of the leads in the highly acclaimed HBO series "OZ." In 1995, Ms. Moreno returned to the New York stage in Anne Meara's "After Play" and in Circle Repertory's production of "Size of the World."
She continues to keep busy performing concerts across the country and as a guest artist with symphony orchestras. In 1993 she was invited to perform at President Clinton's inauguration and later that month she performed at the White House. Ms. Moreno's latest endeavor has been in cabaret where she has met with critical acclaim. In 202 she appeared as the guest artist with the San Francisco Symphony in a production of "Candide."
Ms. Moreno has served on The National Endowment for the Arts and as a Commissioner on The President's White House Fellowships. She has also served as a member of The President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities. At a White House ceremony in June 2004, Ms. Moreno was awarded The Presidential Medal of Freedom by the President. The medal is the highest honor bestowed upon a civilian and ranks only second to The Congressional Medal of Honor as the nation's highest award. It is conferred on individuals for a lifetime of meritorious service. Ms. Moreno is married to Dr. Leonard Gordon, a retired physician. Her daughter Fernanda is an artist and a mother. This is her fourth appearance in a "Help is on the Way" production. TOP
MARIA MULDAUR
Maria Muldaur's musical roots run deep. Born and raised in New York City's Greenwich Village, Muldaur was surrounded by bluegrass, old-timey, jazz, blues and gospel music, but her very first musical influences were from the records of country and western singers Hank Williams, Kitty Wells, Hank Snow and Ernest Tubb. As a teenager, Maria tuned into early rhythm and blues and was an avid fan of Fats Domino, Little Richard, Clyde McPhatter and Ruth Brown. She became interested in the girl groups coming onto the scene and formed her own, The Cashmeres, while in high school. As pop radio became less soulful, Maria turned to the wealth of American roots music that was being rediscovered right in her own backyard. On any given day, she could stroll through Washington Square Park in the Village and hear blues, jug band, gospel and old-timey music. In the Village, Maria soon became involved with The Friends of Old Timey Music, a group of that traveled to the rural South to find legendary artists like Doc Watson, Bukka White, Skip James and Mississippi John Hurt, then bring them north to present them in concert to urban audiences.
Deeply inspired by the pure mountain music of Doc Watson and the Watson Family, Maria left the intense New York scene and traveled to North Carolina to learn fiddle. During her extended visits with the Watson family, she soaked up Appalachian music and culture from the nightly gatherings on Doc's back porch. After returning to New York from one of her Southern excursions, Maria was approached by John Sebastian, David Grisman and several friends who had formed a jug band and were about to record for Spivey Records. Maria migrated to Boston and joined the popular Jim Kweskin Jug Band. Her first recorded song with them was "I'm a Woman," the anthem of feminine power and joyful sexuality. It has been her theme song ever since. The Kweskin Band recorded several albums together and during this time Maria married and had a daughter, Jennie, with fellow bandmate Geoff Muldaur. When the group disbanded in 1968, the couple remained with Reprise, recording two acclaimed albums, "Pottery Pie" and "Sweet Potatoes." By this time, they were residing in Woodstock, New York and became part of a new musical community that included Bob Dylan, The Band, Paul Butterfield, Janis Joplin's Full Tilt Boogie Band and many other notable artists. These musicians had already made the transition from acoustic music to a more full-blown contemporary (and lucrative) electric sound.
On a visit to New York City, Maria had a chance encounter with Mo Ostin, the president of Reprise Records. Upon learning that she and Geoff were no longer together, Ostin offered Maria the opportunity to make her first solo album. Maria Muldaur went platinum in two years and forever enshrined Maria in the minds of baby boomers the world over. "Midnight at the Oasis" remains to this day a staple song on multi-format radio. Four albums on Warner Brothers followed including her acclaimed second disc, "Waitress in a Donut Shop," which contained her next hit single, a remake of "I'm A Woman." She invited her friends and musical heroes to join her musical adventures and the list is a who's who of the true lasting greats in American music: Dr. John, Ry Cooder, Paul Butterfield, Lowell George, Linda Ronstadt, Stevie Wonder, Jr. Walker, James Booker, Benny Carter, J.J. Cale, Kenny Burrell, Doc Watson and Hoagy Carmichael to name a few.
In the eighties, Maria recorded two critically acclaimed jazz albums, two gospel albums and one album of swing tunes for "kids of all ages." "Sweet and Slow,' a duet album with longtime collaborator Dr. John, featured songs by Fats Waller, Duke Ellington and another of Maria's blues heroines, Sippie Wallace. She also toured extensively with her band both in the States and abroad. Her frequent gigs with Dr. John led to a growing appreciation and fondness for the New Orleans sound. In 1992, Maria signed with Black Top Records. "Louisiana Love Call," recorded in her beloved New Orleans, came at a time when American roots music began to experience a gigantic worldwide surge in popularity. Instantly embraced by critics and fans alike, with impressive accolades coming in from everywhere, "Louisiana Love Cal"l was hailed as the best album of her career. The album was awarded "Best Adult Alternative Album of the Year" by the National Association of Independent Record Distributors. She also garnered a nomination for "Outstanding Blues Album" from the Bay Area Music Awards.
The follow-up," Meet Me at Midnite," also won wide critical acclaim and was nominated for the WC Handy Blues Award. Maria holds the distinction of being Black Top's best-selling artist. Maria Muldaur continued her lifelong musical odyssey with her debut album on Telarc Blues, "Fanning the Flames." Longtime soul sisters Mavis Staples, Bonnie Raitt and Ann Peebles joined Maria on several tracks as well as slide guitar wizard Sonny Landreth and R&B crooner Johnny Adams. "Fanning the Flames" garnered widespread critical acclaim and eventually cracked the Billboard Blues Chart. Continuing her love affair with the "bluesiana" sound, Muldaur made songwriter Bruce Cockburn's "Southland of the Heart" the title cut for her second Telarc recording in 1998. As People magazine wrote, "Muldaur has got the blues... once you zero in on the emotional nuances of her finely weathered drawl, you'll hear an inspired change of heart - her voice becomes an oasis for troubled souls." Dedicated to the incomparable pianist/vocalist Charles Brown, her 1999 release, "Meet Me Where They Play the Blues", featured the last recorded appearance by the inventor of the "West Coast Blues." Too ill to make it into the studio, Brown's vocals on "Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You" were recorded in a nursing home. In fact, Muldaur had originally chosen many of the songs for this project with Brown's piano playing in mind. Brown died that same year, but the music and spirit of this great Texas blues balladeer live on through this amazing project.
Muldaur's more recent Tealrc efforts include "A Woman Alone with the Blues," a 2003 tribute to jazz icon Peggy Lee, and the equally jazzy "Love Wants To Dance," a 2004 collection of songs about love's alternately bright and melancholy sides. "Heart of Mine," a collection of love songs originally penned by legendary balladeer Bob Dylan, followed in August 2006. Her newest album, "Yes We Can!," was rreleaased in 2008. The album showcases the work of some of the most socially conscious songwriters of the past half-century: Bob Dylan, Marvin Gaye, Allen Toussaint, Earl King and Garth Brooks, to name a few. Throughout the album's thirteen tracks, a host of well known progressive voices, collectively dubbed The Women's Voices for Peace Choir, help Muldaur shed the light and sharpen the focus on the precarious state of the world and its future. Included on the high-profile guest list are Bonnie Raitt, Joan Baez, Jane Fonda, Odetta, Phoebe Snow, Holly Near and several others. "Most of these women have boldly and tirelessly been lifting their voices for peace, non-violence and social justice their whole lives," says Muldaur, "and their commitment to these causes has been deeply inspiring to me over the years. It is our hope that our efforts here will inspire minds and hearts and that these songs will become a Soundtrack to the Change we must all become a part of." This is Maria's first appearance in a "Help is on the Way" production.
KIM NALLEY
Recently named one of the "Ten Most Influential African Americans in the Bay Area," Kim Nalley has an international reputation as one of world's best jazz & blues vocalists. Known for her ability to turn a chattering cocktail-sipping crowd into a rapt audience of lifelong fans in minutes with a beguiling combination sass, soul and smarts, no trip to San Francisco is complete without hearing Kim Nalley perform. Kim Nalley, in looks and presence is often compared to Billie Holiday, but vocally she packs a 3 1/2 octave range that can go from operatic to gritty blues on a dime, projection that can whisper a ballad yet is capable of filling a room with no microphone, and the ability to scat blistering solos without ever losing the crowd's interest or the intense swing. Her singing is most reminiscent of the former Basie Singers Helen Humes & Joe Williams with a dash of Dinah Washington and occasional nods to Ella, Sarah and Nina Simone.
A born singer, as a child Nalley was taught piano by her great-grandmother and studied opera and theatre at the Educational Center of the Arts in New Haven, CT, before relocating to San Francisco in the footsteps of the Grateful Dead. Working her way through college by singing in small dives and jam sessions, Nalley learned all of the intricacies of jazz the old fashioned way. Music critic Phil Elwood and SF Symphony director Michael Tilson Thomas quickly discovered Kim Nalley and brought her to national attention after they noticed her singing nightly at the Alta Plaza to packed audiences - without amplification. Since then, Kim Nalley has performed globally, including most of the major jazz festivals in United States, Europe, Japan and Canada such as Monterey, Umbria Jazz and Lincoln Center and lived in Europe for several years before returning to San Francisco to re-open the jazz club Jazz at Pearl's. During her tenure from 2003 to 2008, Nalley raised the club to iconic international acclaim as the owner and artistic director.
She frequently collaborates and performs with artists such as Rhoda Scott, David "Fathead" Newman, Houston Person, James Williams, Michael Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony. She has recorded several critically-acclaimed CDs on labels distributed worldwide, including her latest release, She Put A Spell On Me, which was short-listed for a 2006 Grammy Award, and Million Dollar Secret, which charted in the Jazz Top 40. Kim holds a degree in history from UC Berkeley and often combines music and history to create historiographical concerts with great success, including her award-winning "Ladies Sing the Blues*," "She Put a Spell on Me: Tribute to Nina Simone," the multimedia presentation Black History Month Concert Series and "The Heart of Lady Day," a Billie Holiday biopic. As an actress she recently starred as Billie Holiday in the dramatic play "Lady Day in Love," Blues Speak woman in Zora Neale Hurston's "Spunk" and has starred in Teatro Zinzanni as Madame Zinzanni, a role subsequently filled by Joan Baez and Sandra Reeves-Phillipes. This is Kim's second appearance in a "Help is on the Way" production. TOP
CARLY OZARD
Carly Ozard, a classically-trained mezzo-soprano, debuted her first cabaret show "Bitter and Be Gay" and has been dubbed "The Kathy Griffin of Cabaret" by Chad Jones. Ozard's comic cabaret tells her story about being the biggest "Fag Hag" in San Francisco. Bitter and be Gay was co-created with Barry Lloyd and Shawn Ryan. Carly went on to win the San Francisco Cabaret Showcase 2009, and created "Bewitched, Bothered and Bipolar" which debuted in November, 2009, led by musical director Joe Wicht.
Ozard has played leads in “The Golden Apple” (42nd St. Moon), “Carousel” (Lamplighters), and was featured as Sally in “Follies,” opposite San Francisco Cabaret regulars Barry Lloyd, Lua Hadar, Russ Lorenson and Linda Kosut. Ozard has performed with Foothill Music Theatre, Broadway by the Bay, Altarena Playhouse, Notre Dame de Namur and as a cantor at the Castro’s Most Holy Redeemer Church. She has studied voice in Italy, and attended the Art of Cabaret program in Colorado under the instruction of Karen Mason, Andrea Marcovicci, Chris Denny, Barry Kleinbort, David Gaines, and Shelly Markham.
Carly Ozard was a frequent co-host of Open Mic at Octavia Lounge on Fridays, and regularly performs at Martuni’s as a featured guest at “Katya Presents!” and in Trauma Flintstone's “Bijou Nights.” Ozard made her Plush Room debut in November 2007, and was a member of “The Bracebridge Dinner” in Yosemite in 2007. Carly was honored to share the stage with Charles Strouse, Andrea McArdle, and Klea Blackhurst in “You've Got Possibilities,” the annual 42nd St. Moon Gala of 2008. Carly Ozard coaches with her music director Barry Lloyd, Michael Lavine (NYC Coach) and studies voice with Baker Peeples. Carly is ecstatic to be apart of “Help is on the Way”. Special thanks to my mom and dad, Ken Henderson, Joe Seiler and Lawrence Helman. This is Carly's first appearance in a "Help is on the Way production. TOP
KAREN FINEMAN ROBERTS
Karen Fineman Roberts made her Broadway debut in the dual roles of “Avril and “Mallory” in “City of Angles,” and then went on to recreate those roles in the Los Angeles premiere at the Shubert Theater. She created the role of “Cosette” in the Los Angeles production of “Les Miserables” also at the Shubert Theater. Other productions include the role of “Betty Schaefer” in the Toronto production of “Sunset Boulevard” and “Fran Kubelik in “Promises Promises” opposite Jason Alexander in the premiere of the Reprise series at UCLA’s Freud Theater.
Besides performing in her own Cabaret act at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Karen has appeared on television in “Seinfeld,” “Chicago Hope,” “Law and Order,” “Beverly Hills 90210,” “Early Edition,” as well as numerous national television commercials. This is Karen’s first appearance in a “Help is on the Way” production.
JEANIE TRACY
Born in Houston, Texas and raised in Fresno, California, Jeanie Tracy's singing career began from a very early age in her local church choir. Her infatuation for music led her to study opera in high school and to take piano lessons. She cites her high school music teacher as the person who told her she would have a wonderful future in music...and she was right! Aretha Franklin, Patti Labelle, Celine Dion, Santana and numerous other artists have called upon her immense talents to participate on their projects. Jeanie took up acting and starred in the musical "Slave Driver" by Oscar Brown who is a very reputable person in theatre life. This wasn't the first play that Jeanie stared in however it was the first time she felt very honored to be included because in her own words, "Oscar was the ultimate in theatre." Furthering her acting career, Jeanie took part in "Sing Mahlia Sing” opposite, and eventually filling in for, Jennifer Holliday, "Right Mind" found Jeanie staring along side veteran actors and actresses including some who were in "The Wiz."
Getting back to the music scene, Jeanie met veteran Harvey Fuqua and began writing & producing for his gospel group, Voices of Harmony. Shortly after, Harvey persuaded Jeanie to audition for the glamorous Sylvester and was thrust into the disco spotlight. Not only did Jeanie sing on his studio recordings but also in his live show! She very quickly found friendship with Sylvester and his then back-up singers, Martha Wash and Izora Armstead who had already been recording with Sylvester as "Two Tons Of Fun". Working with Sylvester opened the door for Jeanie to begin her own solo career. Her first album, "Me and You" was released on the Fantasy Label and found her working once again with Harvey Fuqua. "Me and You" saw Jeanie's music growing in a new direction. For the most part, the LP featured a softer, more R&B sound which helped her number of fans to swell to an even larger number. Returning the favor, Sylvester appeared in all his glory on "I'm Your Jeanie" - the biggest single from the album - with his remarkable low voice on background vocals.
Jeanie appeared on “Star Search” and placed number one in the Female Vocalist Category for an astounding six weeks. Her “Star Search” wins made her a household name instantly around the world. After Sylvester's untimely death in 1988, Jeanie decided to put her recording career on the backburner favoring the idea of doing more theater and session work. This break wouldn't last for long and soon Jeanie was back in action flying to New York City to work with her friend, Martha Wash. While there, she recorded the track "It's My Time" for 3-Beat Records, a U.K. based label. The track's lyrics of say it best of the way Jeanie was feeling at the moment. "It's my time to live again, it's my time to stand up and shout'.
Another U.K. label, Pulse-8, requested for Jeanie to record an entire album so she took a trip to London and spent 3 months in a studio, working with the song writing team Band Of Gypsies. "Do You Believe In The Wonder" and "If This Is Love" both were issued as singles and "It's My Time" was remixed and re-released. The full length album, "It's My Time" was then released and produced two more singles. The first, "It's A Man's Man's World", teamed Jeanie with Bobby Womack and the last single, "Crying In My Sleep," was a ballad where Jeanie had a chance to belt out. Since the release of "It's My Time" Jeanie has recorded a fair number of commercials and participated on numerous albums for people like Curtis Mayfield, Celine Dion, Michael Bolton, Tevin Campbell, Kenny Loggins, and Natalie Cole to name a few.
Recently Jeanie moved effortless back into another form of theatre - television. She became the voice of "Kimmie The Cat" and "Bantu The Snake" on the critically acclaimed P.B.S. children's series "Kangaroddy." These roles allowed Jeanie to really speak from her heart and to encourage children to have respect for themselves and for others. Something she stresses for all people to do a little more of. Continuing her recording career at the same time has proved to be time consuming however it's something that Jeanie strives on with because of her love for music. She has recorded the singles, "Happiness" on DeConstruction U.K., "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You," "Keep The Party Jumpin'" and the #1 Billboard Dance hit "The Power" with Rosabel which can be heard on club floors throughout the world! Those who have met Jeanie have said that she is a truly positive person who will captivate your attention with her energy! She herself has said that she can be a little flamboyant...a flamboyancy that generates good feelings and good times around her. What's in store for Jeanie? Only time will tell. One thing that is for sure is that we will definitely be hearing a lot more of Miss Tracy and we won't be able to take our eyes off of her! This is Jeanie’s second appearance in a “Help is on the Way” production.
TEAL WICKS
Teal Wicks is currently starring in San Francisco’s very own "Wicked" as the wicked Green Witch of the west, Elphaba. Other theatrical credits include Elphaba in LA’s production of "Wicked," Catherine in the National Tour of" Pippin," NYC Encores! "Stairway to Paradise" with Kristin Chenoweth, and various readings/workshops in New York. She is thrilled to help celebrate this Evening of Love and would like to thank The Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation for being a prominent voice in the San Francisco Bay Area in the fight against AIDS. Love to all; “In the end the love we take is equal to the love we make. This is Teal’s first appearance in a “Help is on the Way” production TOP
ISHAARA
The Western hemisphere’s premiere Bollywood dance troupe, Ishaara takes you on a journey through an exotic realm of vivid colors, intense emotion and not-stop energy. Their innovative choreography is a juxtaposition of the best elements of modern dance styles and classical Indian steps, resulting in a supercharged Bollywood experience that has won them seven 1st place awards in Bollywood competitions and has most recently catapulted the group to the next level on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” Featuring vibrant costumes, powerful music and heart-wrenching drama, Ishaara’s dynamic routines are simply electrifying.
Shahil Patel and Sian Bentson, Directors, have fused their artistic visions and diverse experiences to create the magic that is Ishaara.
Shahil, a first-generation born Indian-American, has been immersed in Bollywood culture since childhood. Having grown up watching Bollywood films, singing their songs, and performing their dances, Shahil has truly become an expert in Bollywood. He has developed proficiency in a wide range of Indian dance styles including Bhangra, Tollywood, Bharatanatyam, Filmy and Fusion. He also brings unique experience as a trained dancer in Raas Garba--the traditional folk style of Gujarat.
With a fully Indian mother and American father,Sian has brought a different set of valuable experiences to Ishaara. She has trained professionally in Western styles such as tap, jazz, and hip hop, receiving the honor of sharing the stage and dancing with the late Gregory Hines in 2002. Additionally, she has spent her summers in India performing alongside Bollywood stars such as Deepika Padukone and Zayed Khan, as well as modeling for top Indian fashion designers. Sian's passion for the performing arts is evident in all the work she does.
Together, Shahil and Sian have striven to create a world where Bollywood and Hollywood collide. Their mission has been to provide the most energetic, synchronized, and entertaining form of Bollywood dance found in this day and age. Through a combination of unique dance styles, creative production and unparalleled musicality, they are taking Ishaara--and Bollywood--to an entirely new level. This is Ishaara’s first appearance in a “Help is on the Way” production TOP
DAVID
GALLIGAN, Director
David most recently directed "My Trip Down the Pink
Carpet" written and starring Leslie Jordan currently on a 30 city tour
and the 24th annual S.T.A.G.E. benefit "Blame it on Bacharach"
featuring a one-act version of "Promises, Promises". Other recent
efforts include" Falsettos" for The Actors’ Fund,"
Like a Dog on Linoleum," written and performed by Leslie Jordan, which
has played to standing room only audiences in Los Angeles, San Francisco,
Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta and Philadelphia and the world premiere of Out
Late in Los Angeles.
Other work includes "Always…Patsy Cline" with Sally Struthers in Palm Springs, "Madly, In Love" at the Odyssey Theatre and "Rod McKuen in Concert" at New York’s Carnegie Hall. For Singapore Rep he helmed "The Fantasticks." Musical Theatre West credits include "Mame" starring Carol Lawrence, Ruth Williamson and Sally Struthers, "Show Boat" starring Dale Kristien and Sean McDermott and "Brigadoon." His direction of the musical revue" Blame It On the Movies," which he co-originated with Billy Barnes and Ron Abel, played Off-Broadway and he repeated the staging for a Pasadena Playhouse main-stage production. Other Los Angeles productions include" Lettice and Lovage," "Alone Together" with Nancy Dussault, "The Lion in Winter" with Carole Cook and Tom Troupe at the Pasadena Playhouse, "The Gay 90s Musical" (Celebration), "Blame It On the Movies II", "Cabaret" (East West Players), "Angry Housewives" (Odyssey), "A Lovely Way to Spend an Evening," "Fortune and Men’s Eyes," "Slings and Eros," Filumena (Court Theatre), "Trouble in Tahiti" (Skylight)," Triplets in Uniform," "Jesus Christ Superstar" (La Mirada)," Falsettos," "Gifts of the Maji" (Coast) and" Lullaby of Broadway" (Tiffany Theatre).
For the past
25 years he has directed and co-produced the annual S.T.A.G.E. fundraisers
for AIDS charities, saluting the theatre music of noted composers and
lyricists. He has co-produced recordings of nine of the events: "Strouse,
Schwartz and Schwartz," "Dream, the Lyrics and Music of Johnny
Mercer," "Jerome Kern: Life Upon the Wicked S.T.A.G.E.;"
"Harold Arlen, Over the Rainbow;" "George & Ira Gershwin:
A Musical Celebration"; "Cole Porter, A Musical Toast;"
"Lerner, Loewe, Lane and Friends;" "ABC Adler, Bock &
Coleman;" and "Stephen Sondheim: A Celebration." He has
also helmed all of the S.T.A.G.E. Too benefits for The Actors’ Fund
of America – "Kurt Weill: The Centennial," "Tap Your
Troubles Away: The Words and Music of Jerry Herman," "The Richard
Rodgers Centennial – Something Wonderful," "Sing Happy,
The Words and Music of Kander and Ebb," "The Best is Yet to
Come – The Music of Cy Coleman," "Hooray For Love –
A Celebration of the Music of Harold Arlen," "Everything’s
Coming Up Roses: The Jule Styne Centennial" and most recently "Falsettos."
Galligan co-produced the Actors’ Fund recordings "Tap Your
Troubles Away: The Words and Music of Jerry Herman" and "Kurt
Weill: The Centennial" as well as Dale Kristien’s first solo
recording –" Beauty of Broadway" and Pamela Myers’
debut CD "The Chance to Sing". For The Center Theatre Group
he directed" Loesser is More" at The Doolittle Theatre and "An
Evening With Noel Coward" as well as Lanford Wilson’s "A
Poster of the Cosmos" with Brian Kerwin paired with The Los Angeles
cast of "The Phantom of The Opera" performing Leonard Bernstein
at the Taper. Among his other recent credits, the original musical "Vampire
Virgins from Venus" and the writing and staging of Valarie Pettiford’s
new one woman show" Finding My Voice." He stage directed the
Ford Motor Company’s special "Heroes for the Planet" starring
Charlotte Church and Haley Joel Osment that aired on the A&E network.
He also staged "IMPACT at Ford Field," the opening extravaganza
of the new Detroit Lion’s Stadium, starring Gladys Knight. David
Galligan, a native San Franciscan, began his career at the famed Opera
Ring under the guidance of Irma Kay to whom he owes an eternal debt of
gratitude., He is the recipient of the Los Angeles Stage Alliance’s
Ovation Career Achievement Award for 2005. For the last twelve years Galligan
has staged the" Help is on the Way" AIDS benefits as well as
all of the "Help is on the Way for the Holidays" in San Francisco. TOP