PERFORMERS

Lucie Arnaz
Brian Boitano
Julie Budd
Mary Jo Catlett
Carole Cook
Tyne Daly
Franc D'Ambrosio
Chris Dilley
Jill Eikenberry & Michael Tucker
David Friedman
Lucy Lawless
Jane Lanier
Meg Mackay
Jon Maher
Sean McDermott
Lisa Viggiano
Bruce Vilanch
Paula West
Nita Whitacker
Mary Wilson
The Leading Ladies

Ron Abel
Musical Director

David Galligan
Director

LUCIE ARNAZ

Lucie has had an extremely diversified career spanning over thirty-five years in show business. She has starred on the New York stage in “They’re Playing Our Song” (Theatre World, LA Drama Critic’s and Outer Critic’s Circle Awards), “Lost in Yonkers,” and “Grace and Glorie;” in First National companies of “Seesaw,” “Whose Life is it Anyway?,” “Social Security,” and “My One and Only” (Sarah Siddons Award); and in regional theatres i “Wonderful Town,” “Master Class,” “Cabaret,” “The Guardsman, “Annie Get Your Gun,” “I Do! I Do!,” “Educating Rita,” “Vanities,” “L’il Abner,” Bye Bye Birdie,” “Once Upon a Mattress, “Mack and Mable,” in the London premiere of “Witches of Eastwick,” and most recently in the Florida premiere of a new play by Eduardo Machado, “Once Removed.”
She has appeared on television in “The Lucie Arnaz Show,” “Abduction of Innocense,” “Sons and Daughters,” “The Black Dahlia,” “The Mating Season,” “Who Gets the Friends?,” “Washington Mistress,” “Death Scream” and “Here’s Lucy;” on the big screen in “The Jazz Singer” (Golden Globe Nomination), “Down to You,” “Second Thoughts,” and “Billy Jack Goes to Washington.”
Lucie has performed on the Academy Awards, at the White House, and internationally in concert. She was Executive Producer of the “I Love Lucy 50th Anniversary Special” (EMMY nomination), and “Lucy & Desi: A Home Movie” (EMMY winner 1993). She produced two CD ROMS, and recorded an album for Concord Jazz (“Just in Time”). She also travels the lecture circuit (“Surviving Success”).

With her brother, Desi, she manages Desilu, too, LLC. With her husband, actor Laurence Luckinbill, she manages five children. Lucie invites you to visit her online at luciearnaz.com. This is Lucie’s third appearance in a “Help is on the Way” production. TOP

Few athletes have enjoyed the artistic and popular success that figure skater Brian Boitano has achieved since winning the gold medal for the U.S. at the 1988 Olympics. After turning professional in 1988, Brian won six world professional titles, placing first and scoring perfect 10’s in each of ten consecutive professional championships. As a professional, he won the first 20 out of the 24 competitions he entered, a record unmatched in the history of skating. His first book, “Boitano’s Edge: Inside the Real World of Figure Skating,” currently in its third printing, is considered one of the finest skating books ever published.

Brian was the first American male athlete to have his own network (ABC) television special, Canvas of Ice, which aired worldwide and won awards in the International Film and Television Festival of New York and the Chicago Inter-national Film Festival. In 1990, Brian won an Emmy Award for his starring role in the HBO movie "Carmen on Ice." He toured North America with fellow Olympic champion Katerina Witt in three successful ice shows, also broadcast on network TV. In 1995, Brian co-founded White Canvas Productions with partners Doug Zeghibe and Franc D’Ambrosio, producting "Skating Romance", "Skating Romance II", and "Skating Romance III: Love is in the Air", all three televised on USA Network. Other televised productions include "Skating Kicks Back: Country Music & More", "Three Masters of the Ice" starring Boitano, Scott Hamilton and Paul Wylie, "Boitano’s Holiday Skating Spectacular" with Kristi Yamaguchi, and "Brian Boitano’s Skate Against Hate." Brian began his skating careen at age eight after viewing a performance of Ice Follies. He studied with Linda Leaver, creating a partnership that has lasted 29 years, with Linda also serving as Brian’s personal manager. At 19, Brian garnered world recognition as the first skater to complete all six different triple jumps in a world championship. He placed fifth in the 1984 Olympic Winter Games in Sarajevo. In total he has won more than 50 titles, including 23 international gold medals, two world titles, two Pro/Am titles, 16 professional titles, four U.S. national titles, as well as the Olympic Gold Medal. Brian starred in Champions On Ice (formerly Tour of World Figure Skating Champions) for 11 years.

Brian is the international spokesperson and an international trustee for the Starlight Foundation, which helps grant the wishes of seriously ill children. He is one of the founding members of the National Safe Kids Campaign Entertainment Alliance, dedicated to the prevention of unintentional childhood injury and he is a member of the Public Awareness Council of the American Red Cross. Two years ago Brian started his own charity, Youth Skate, which works with the San Francisco School District to introduce inner-city youth to skating. This is Brian’s sixth appearance with "Help is on the Way." TOP

JULIE BUDD

Julie has been hailed as one of the most exciting singers today. She began her professional career at the tender age of twelve, in the Catskill Mountains where she entered a talent show on a dare and caught the attention of producer/arranger Herb Bernstein. Within six months, Julie signed a major recording contract and appeared on the “Merve Griffin Show,” where she received a standing ovation from both the audience and staff. Merv immediately took Julie under his wing and from there she went on to appear on all the major TV shows including the “Tonight Show.” In the years that followed, she co-starred with such legendary performers as Frank Sinatra, Bill Cosby, Joan Rivers, George Burns and Liberace. Julie has headlined her own one-woman show and has appeared in concert in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall, The London Palladium, Tel Aviv’s Israel Arts Center and with major symphonies around the country. The New York Times exuberantly describes Ms. Budd as “a consummate performer.”

Julie also pursued a successful acting career, appearing with New York’s prestigious Circle Repertory Company and Playwright’s Horizons and starred in Neil Simon’s “They’re Playing Our Song.” She was also in “Catskills on Broadway” at the Lunt Fontaine Theatre. Movie goers will remember Julie’s starring role in “The Devil and Max Devlin” with Bill Cosby and Elliot Gould for which she received glowing notices. The film recently repackaged and released on video, can be seen regularly on the Disney Channel.

Julie has performed with the Austin Symphony, the Baltimore Symphony, the Alabama Symphony, the Wheeling West Virginia Symphony, at the Crest Theatre and in Atlantic City. Most recently she released her newest CD, “If You Could See Me Now,” on After9 Records as a follow up to her critically acclaimed CD Pure Imagination (After9/Touchwood Records). “Pure Imagination” was named one of the “Top Ten CDs” by Entertainment Today and received a 4-star rave from Stereo Review. This is Julie’s first appearance in a “Help is on the Way” production. TOP

MARY JO CATLETT

A versatile actress and comedienne, Ms. Catlett's career has spanned film, television, Broadway and regional theater. Her film credits include "Serial Mom," "The Champ", "Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," "O'Hara's Wife" and "Semi-Tough." On television, she was nominated for an Emmy for her role as Mary Finnegan on "General Hospital", was a regular on "Diff'rent Strokes", and appeared in such shows as "Murder She Wrote," "MASH," "Mr. Belvedere," "Bob Newhart," "Night Court," "Matlock," "Gimme a Break," "Saved by the Bell", "Fantasy Island", "Maude", and "Kojak". On Broadway, Ms. Catlett was the original Ernestina in "Hello Dolly!", played Mabel in "Pajama Game," and appeared in "Canterbury Tales," "Lysistrata" with Melina Mercouri, "Fashion", "Different Times" (as six different characters), "Promenade", "Play Me a Country Song", and "Something's Afoot." In regional theater, Mary Jo appeared as Madame de la Grand Bouche in "Beauty and the Beast," as Lotte in "Lettice and Lovage", Lola in "Come Back Little Sheba" (for which she won a LA Drama Critics Award), Mama Rose in "Gypsy," Mother Superior in "Nunsense", Madge in "Philadelphia Here I Come" (another LA Drama Critics Award), Annie in "Annie Get Your Gun," and with Robert Morse in "How to Succeed in Business." Audiences may also recognize her from her over 30 national commercials. Ms. Catlett’s most recent role was that of Mrs. Puff in “Spongebob Square Pants.” This is her sixth appearance in "Help is on the Way." TOP

CAROLE COOK

Carole created the role of Maggie Jones in the New York, Los Angeles and Tokyo companies of Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble's Tony Award winning musical, "42nd Street," and originated the role of Blanche Daly in Bernard Slade's Broadway hit, "Romantic Comedy." She was the first actress in the world to follow Carol Channing in "Hello, Dolly!," playing the role for two years in Australia and New Zealand. She also has the distinction of being the only actress to have played the title role in major productions of "Auntie Mame" and the musical version, "Mame." She co-starred in the Los Angeles and national companies of Oliver Hailey's "Father's Day," for which she received a Los Angeles Drama Critic's Circle nomination as Best Actress. She later went on to star in the Australian production of that play. She won Best Actress Awards in Los Angeles for George Furth's "The Supporting Cast," Jack Hefner's "Patio/Porch" and James Golman's "The Lion in Winter" directed by David Galligan at the Pasadena Playhouse and co-starring her husband of 37 years, Tom Troupe. In Elliot Martin's highly successful national tour of Robert Harling's "Steel Magnolias," Carole played the irascible "Quiser" for which she received a 1990 Helen Hayes Theatre Award. She has starred in many musicals including "Stop The World, I Want to Get Off," "Annie Get Your Gun," "Kismet," "Anything Goes," "Call Me Madam" and a few seasons ago starred in the New York production of "Radio Gals." She more recently appeared opposite Julie Harris in a hit revival of "Ladies in Retirement." Ms. Cook once again played "Dolly!" in Birmingham, Alabama's SummerFest Celebration and reprised the role in Oklahoma City in October.

Ms. Cook's feature films include: "The Incredible Mr. Limpet," "Palm Springs Weekend," "The Gauntlet," "American Gigolo", "Sixteen Candles," "Fast Money," "Grandview U.S.A.," "Summer Lovers," "Lost & Found" and she is the voice of Pearl in the animated Disney film, "Sweating Bullets." On television, Carole was Donna La Mar in "Cagney & Lacy," Cora in "Dynasty," a regular on the "Merv Griffin Show" and has guest starred on most major television series. She has toured extensively in her highly acclaimed one-woman show, "Dress Up." Lucille Ball who put her under contract to Desilu and changed her name from Mildred Frances to Carole, after Lucy’s friend, Carole Lombard, brought Carole to Hollywood. In 1995, Carole received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Baylor University. For the past 18 years she has been deeply involved in the fight against AIDS starring each of those years in David Galligan's S.T.A.G.E. Benefit in Los Angeles. This is her seventh appearance in "Help is on the Way."

TYNE DALY

Ms. Daly has won six Emmy Awards, has been nominated for fourteen and is one of the industry’s most acclaimed and respected actors. She received for Emmys as outstanding lead actress in a Drama Series for her role in “Cagney and Lacey” on CBS television, a fifth Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her performance in “Christy,” also on CBS. Her sixth Emmy was for Best Supporting Actress in a Drams in 2003 for her role in “Judging Amy,” appearing opposite Amy Brenneman, a role she also earned a 2001 and 1003 Screen Actors Guild Award nominations for, and five Emmy nominations before winning for an unprecedented sixth time.

Tyne’s other extensive television credits include starring roles in numerous movies including four Cagney and Lacey films, “The Perfect Mother,” “Kids Like These,” as well as “Intimate Strangers” for which she received an Emmy nomination, “The Entertainer,” “Larry” and “Bye Bye Birdie.” She has guest starred in many television series and starred in the CBS movie “The Wedding Dress.”

On Broadway, Ms. Daly has appeared in numerous productions including “Gypsy” for which she won Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards, and “Mystery School” for which she received a nomination from the Outer Critics Circle for Best Solo Performance. She also won a DramaLogue Award for her performance in a Los Angels production of “Come Back, Little Sheba.” Her feature film credits include “John and Mary,” “Zoot Suit,” “The Enforcer,” “Telefon,” he Aviator,” “Movers and Shakers” and “The Simian Line.” This is Ms. Daly’s first appearance in a “Help is on the Way” production. TOP

FRANC D'AMBROSIO

Franc most recently starred in the touring production of Barry Manilow’s "Copacabana." Prior to that he starred in the San Francisco production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Tony Award winning musical "The Phantom of the Opera. He can be recognized as Al Pacino's opera singing son, Anthony Corleone, in "Godfather III."

Franc's recording credits include the soundtrack to "Godfather III," a CD released by Cabana Boy Records entitled "Christmas Center Stage" benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the Taylor Family Foundation. Franc’s performance on this recording earned him a Grammy consideration for “Best Vocal Performance by an Artist” in the classical category. His theater credits include the 1989 Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim’s "Sweeney Todd," the off-Broadway productions of "Kismet" and "She Loves Me," as well as "A Little Night Music" at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles.
Television appearances include: "Live With Regis and Kathy Lee," "The Joan Rivers Show," "MTV Spotlight," and "Entertainment Tonight." He can be seen in the BBC's "Kurt Weill in Amerika." Franc can be seen and heard singing in Brian Boitano’s "Holiday Skating Spectacular." The Olympic Gold Medal skater also commissioned Franc to sing a new rendition of “Shannendoh/They Call the Wind Mariah” for his 1998 season. Sports fans have heard Franc sing the National Anthem at the Oakland A’s games, the Giants’ season opener, and the San Francisco 49ers. He also sang at the inauguration for San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown. Franc’s vocal talents attracted the attention of Luciano Pavarotti, which led to a personal invitation by the world famous tenor to sing for, and work with him, in his home in Italy. This is Fanc’s sixth appearance in a "Help is on the Way" production. TOP

CHRIS DILLEY

Chris is best known to audiences as Trampolina of The Kinsey Sicks, America's Favorite Dragapella Beautyshop Quartet. With The Kinsey Sicks, Chris has performed throughout the U.S. and the world, including a Lucille
Lortel and Drama Desk nominated Off Broadway run at New York's legendary Studio 54. The Kinsey Sicks have been profiled on ABC's "20/20" and CBS' "Early Show." Locally, they were the stars of this year's SF Lesbian & Gay
Film Festival trailer. Last month they performed their newest show, "I Wanna Be A Republican", at San Francisco's Herbst Theatre, celebrating the release of their fourth CD of the same name. This November, they will begin the second run of their holiday show, "Oy Vey in a Manger", at the New Conservatory Theatre Center in San Francisco. As a boy (gasp!), Chris recently completed the first run of his one-man show, "Trampolina's Night Off", at the Empire Plush Room. (Keep an eye out for another run of the show, coming soon.) For more information on Chris and The Kinsey Sicks, check out www.kinseysicks.com. TOP

JILL EIKENBERRY & MICHAEL TUCKER

An accomplished actress with a strong list of theater, feature film, and television credits, Jill Eikenberry's outstanding portrayal of activist counselor, Ann Kelsey on NBC-TV hit series"L.A. Law" was the role that earned her four Emmy nominations, two Golden Globe nominations and a Golden Globe Award. Ms. Eikenberry's theater credits on and off Broadway include "Beggars Opera," "All Over Town" (directed by Dustin Hoffman), "Summer Brave," Wendy Wasserstein's "Uncommon Women," "Eccentricities of a Nightingale," "Watch on the Rhine," "Onward Victoria" and "Lemon Sky" for which she received an Obie Award. Jill made her feature film debut in "Between the Lines" opposite John Heard, then went on to do "Rich Kids" with John Lithgow, "Butch and Sundance: The Early Years," "Hide in Plain Sight" starring opposite James Caan, "Arthur," playing Dudley Moore's jilted fiancee, and again opposite John Lithgow in "The Manhattan Project." On television, Jill appeared in such TV projects as "Swansong" with David Soul, the highly acclaimed CBS-TV movie "Orphan Train," the CBS miniseries, "Kane and Abel," "Family Sins," "A Stoning in Fulham County," "My Boyfriend's Back," "Cast the First Stone," the four-hour miniseries for ABC, "An Inconvenient Woman," "Ties That Bind" with Peter Coyote, Showtime's "Chantilly Lace," and it's sequel "Parallel Lives." Ms Eikenberry co-produced and hosted "Destined to Live," a one-hour documentary on NBC-TV which dealt with the emotional aspects of breast cancer, which she herself successfully battled in 1986. In 1999, Jill was seen in the CBS-TV movie, "My Very Best Friend" and in "Gone in a Heartbeat" in which she costarred with her husband, actor Michael Tucker. Totally committed to the advancement of breast cancer education and research, Jill and Michael tour the U.S. and Canada as official spokespersons for the cause.

Mr. Tucker was catapulted to international fame with his portrayal of Stuart Markowitz on Steven Bochco's Emmy award winning television series, "L.A. Law." Other television projects include the HBO special "Tracy Ullman Takes on New York." He has also reprised his role as the hilarious Harry Rosenthal from Boca Raton in the HBO series "Tracy Take On." A veteran stage actor who made his theatrical debut at the age of 14 in a Ford Theater production of "Peter Pan," Tucker boasts an impressive list of theater credits ranging from regional theater to the Great White Way. The Carnegie Tech Drama School graduate has performed with numerous repertory companies throughout his extensive career, among them Washington D.C.'s prestigious Arena Stage where he met his wife and former L.A. Law costar, actress Jill Eikenberry. Tucker made his Broadway debut with Eikenberry in 1970 when they appeared in the play "Moon Children." His star continued to rise with the Broadway production of "Trelawney of the Wells," starring with Meryl Streep, Mary Beth Hurt and John Lithgow, as well as principle roles in "The Merry Wives of Windsor," "Measure for Measure," and "The Comedy of Errors," as part of Joseph Papp's legendary Shakespeare in the Park. On the silver screen, Tucker has appeared in a number of highly-acclaimed movies, among them Woody Allen's "Radio Days" and "The Purple Rose of Cairo," Barry Levinson's "Diner," Paul Mazursky's "An Unmarried Woman," and "Eyes of Laura Mars" with Faye Dunaway. His recent credits include "For Love or Money" starring Michael J. Fox and "Mighty Ducks II," with Emilio Estevez for Disney Studios, along with "Till There Was You" with Jeanne Tripplehorn. While Tucker has enjoyed considerable success in theater and film, he is most renowned for his performance as lawyer Stuart Markowitz on "L. A. Law." He received three Emmy nominations during his eight-year tenure on the famed show. "The Tuckerberrys" have also appeared together in A.R. Gurney's "Love Letters," on stage in New York and Los Angeles; Steven Bochco's "Hill Street Blues;" the TV movie "A Family Again," directed by Henry Winkler, and a CBS-TV movie "Archie's Wife," which featured their daughter Allison. This is Jill and Michael's eleventh appearance in a "Help is on the Way" production.

DAVID FRIEDMAN

From "We Can Be Kind" to "Listen to My Heart" to "Help is on the Way," "We Live on Borrowed Time," and "I'll Be Here With You," David Friedman has written songs of inspiration, love and hope that take on new emotional meaning in these troubled times. After spending several years conducting musicals on Broadway, David went to Hollywood where he was the conductor and vocal arranger on such Disney classics as "Beauty & The Beast," "Aladdin," "Pocahontas" and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." This led to David's writing music and lyrics for Disney's "Aladdin and the King of Thieves" and to scoring three animated television series and the film "Trick".

As a record producer, David started his own company, MIDDER Music Records, and wrote for and produced all of the late, great Nancy LaMott's CD's. David has collaborated with Kathie Lee Gifford on three albums, "Born For You," "Goodnight Angel" and "Party Animals" and they are soon to release a new album of contemporary songs that David and Kathie Lee have written together. David's songs have also been sung and recorded by luminaries such as Diana Ross, Barry Manilow, Petula Clark, Laura Branigan, Jason Alexander, Laurie Beechman, Lainie Kazan, Leslie Uggams and many others.

His Christmas Oratorio "King Island Christmas," written with Deborah Brevoort, has had over 30 productions around the world, and his musical "Nicolette & Aucassin," written with Peter Kellogg, is slated for Broadway next season. Another new Musical, "Desperate Measures," also written with Peter Kellogg, opened in Dallas in March. David's multi-platinum selling song "Open Your Eyes To Love" was featured on the soundtrack of "The Lizzie McGuire Movie" and he has written the opening song for Disney's sequel to Bambi, due out in 2005.

Having just released his Songbook, containing 63 of his best known songs, David will soon begin work on a solo CD and as many as 10 new posthumous Nancy LaMott CD's. Recently David completed an Off-Broadway run of his revue, entitled "Listen To My Heart-The Songs of David Friedman," featuring David and five of Broadways finest singers performing 27 of his songs. The Cast CD containing a live performance of the entire show has just been released.

MIDDER Music Publishing, Inc. is David Friedman's personal publishing company and handles the administration of David's extensive song catalogue as well as the printing of his new songbook "Listen To My Heart - The Songs of David Friedman" and the printing of individual sheet music of his songs. We are grateful for David’s blessings to use “Help is on the Way” as our theme song and event theme. This is David’s first appearance in a “Help is on the Way” production. TOP

Since finishing her six-year reign as Xena in the hit television series “Xena: Warrior Princess” in 2001, Lucy Lawless made a conscious decision to take a two-year break from show business. However, she did manage to squeeze in a few small projects which appealed to her sense of fun and adventure. She played a pivotal role as Tim’s Mother in “Boogeyman,” directed by Stephen Kay and produced by Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert for Ghost House Pictures. Before that, there was Sam Raimi’s “Spiderman” in which she performed a cameo role, and the provisionally titled “Ugly Americans,” filmed in Prague for Dreamworks; the Discovery Channel series “Warrior Women” filmed in China, Europe and America;”The Vagina Monologues” for the Auckland Theatre Company and a New Zealand summer resort tour in which she sang with rock musician Dave Dobbyn. Earlier, she had guest roles in television’s “Just Shoot Me” and “X-Files” and a guest season on Broadway as Rizzo in “Grease” as well as a special guest appearance in “The Simpsons” and voicing “Hercules and Xena the Animated Movie.” Her breakthrough role as Xena arose out of a successful three-episode story arc in the syndicated series “Hercules. the Legendary Journeys,” from which the series “Xena: Warrior Princess” was created and went on to become a worldwide phenomenon. Before that, Lawless, a New Zealander, worked in local television, including “Funny Business” “Air New Zealand Holiday” and “Typhon’s People” and US television filmed in New Zealand including “Ray Bradbury Theater,” “High Tide” and “Rainbow Warrior.” This is Lucy’s first appearance in a “Help is on the Way” production. TOP

JANE LANIER

Jane is a singer, dancer, choreographer, and actress who boasts an impressive resume both on and off Broadway. Some of her Broadway credits include “Fosse” (Drama Desk Award nomination), “Jerome Robbins’ Broadway” (Tony Award nomination), “Guys and Dolls,” “Anything Goes,” “Sweet Charity,” and “One Your Toes.” Her films include “Michael” starring John Travolta and William Hurt and “Mercy.” On television Jane had a recurring role “Diagnosis Murder.” Regional credits include: Cassie in “A Chorus Line,” Gladys in “Pajama Game,” Claudine in “Can Can,” Ivy in “On the Town,” and Charity in “Sweet Charity.” In Los Angeles, she has appeared in “A Little Night Music,” “Second Story Man,” “Counselor-At-Law” (Ovation, Drama Desk and L.A. Drama Critics Circle Awards), “Splitsville,” “Tables by the Road” and “Tangents.” For television, Ms. Lanier choreographed segments for “Dream On, Summer Stories” and several national commercials. For the stage, Jane choreographed “A Little Night Music,” “The Music Man,” “Nightingale” and for S.T.A.G.E. 2000. This is Jane’s first appearance in a “Help is on the Way” production. TOP

MEG MACKAY

Meg Mackay is thrilled to be back with “Help is on the Way.” She has been a fixture on the San Francisco cabaret and musical theatre scene for 20 years. Meg is the winner of 7 Drama-Logue / Dean Goodman Awards and 7 Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Awards for her work in “Hello, Dolly!,” “Roberta,” “The Grass Harp,” “A Karen Carpenter Christmas,” “And What, Give Up Show Biz?,” “Torch Song Trilogy” (National Tour), “And the World Goes Round,” “She Loves Me” and “Putting It Together.” She played Momma Rose in the TheatreWorks production of “Gypsy,” was Adelaide in “Guys and Dolls” for PASCo and starred in 42nd Street Moon's productions of “Dear Worl” and “Call Me Madam.” She also sings in cabarets nationwide with her husband, pianist Billy Philadelphia. They have recorded two critically acclaimed CD's, “So Many People” and “Legally Blonde.” This is Meg's tenth appearance in a “Help is on the Way” production.

JON MAHER

Jon is a versatile actor, performer and interpreter who has made a niche for himself within the entertainment industry. Recent theater work includes West Coat premiers of “The Language of Flowers,” “Hot Mikado,” and “ The Actor’s Fund.” Additional theatre credits include “Brush Up Your Shakespeare” performed before the opening of Los Angeles Shakespeare Festival, “Hoboland,” “She Had it Coming,” “The Gay 90’s…” and the West Coast premier of “F.L.O.W.” Jon is frequently referred to as The Sign Language Guy for his interpreted performances in productions such as “Self Defense,” “The Mysteries,” “The Exonorated,” “The Guys” “Spoon River Anthology,” “Master Class,” “Angels in America,” “Death and the Maiden,” “By Jeeves,” LosAngeles Master Chorale, Dream Foundation, S.T.A.G.E., and numerous other events. Film credits include “Baby Sitters Club,” “Carlton’s Death,” “Farce,” “Kiss Me Later,” and “June.” Television credits include “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” “The Pretender,” “The Red Cross Christmas Special,” “Twice Tried,” “The Marilu Show,” The Mo Show,” and “Comedy Tonight.” He is also a past winner of the Great West Comedy Competition. This is Jon’s seventh appearance in a “Help is on the Way” performance.

SEAN MCDERMOTT

Sean McDermott has established himself as one of Broadway's leading performers. He has played the roles of Chris in the Broadway production of “Miss Saigon” with Lea Salonga and Jonathan Pryce, Whizzer opposite Mandy Patinkin in James Lapine's production of “Falsettos,” Rusty in Trevor Nunn's production of “Starlight Express,” and Broadway's Danny Zuko in the smash hit revival of “Grease.” Off-Broadway credits include the role of Larry in the critically acclaimed revival of “the Boys in the Band” and Sean has appeared in the National Tours of “South Pacific” as Lt. Cable, directed by Geraldine Fitzgerald, and Rusty in “Starlight Express,”this time working with Arlene Phillips. Regionally, Sean played Sid Sorokin in the Goodspeed Opera House production of ”The Pajama Game” and Billy Bigelow in “Carousel.” Mr. McDermott played Tony in the critically acclaimed production of “West Side Story” for the Victoria State Opera in Sydney, Australia. He sang for the President of the United States on two separate occasions at the Kennedy Center, in Washington D.C., and for Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, at a command performance.

On television, Sean starred as Hart Jessup in the long running CBS Daytime Drama “The Guiding Light.” He also appeared on NBC'S “The Tonight Show” while Johnny Carson was still mastering the host seat. His recordings include his debut album of original material entitled “New York Nights,” as well as “South Pacific” with Paige O'Hara on Jay Records. His most recent album features Broadway hits and is entitled “My Broadway,” also on Jay Records. Sean recently made his Solo Concert Debut, garnering glowing reviews, at New York's prestigious JOE'S PUB. He is also very proud to have shared the stage with Bernadette Peters for her solo debut at Carnegie Hall. Sean can be heard on the Angel Records recording of that concert. Most recently Sean starred in “Chess.” as the American Freddie (PITY THE CHILD) at The Alliance Theatre in Atlanta and played the role of Jesus in a production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” for The Austin Musical Theatre. This is Sean’s third appearance in “Help is on the Way.” TOP

LISA VIGGIANO

Lisa Viggiano has been performing coast to coast in concert and cabaret settings such as New York's Don't Tell Mama and San Francisco's Plush Room. She is a veteran of stage and screen, appearing in films such as Running Out with Anthony Michael Hall and Philadelphia with Tom Hanks. Most recently, Lisa starred in the San Francisco premier of the new musical, "Oh, Progeny!" Recordings include the original cast album for "Oh, Progeny!", and a live solo CD entitled "One Private Moment" which features an eclectic mix of "standards-to-be" and old favorites enhanced by the magic of Christopher Marlowe's unique arrangements. Critical praise continues to mount for both the CD and the live performances. CDs can be found online at www.amazon.com. This is her fourth appearance in a Help is on the Way production.

BRUCE VILANCH

One of the most sought-after jokesmiths in the entertainment industry, Bruce Vilanch has become a recognizable face in his own right, thanks to the feature-length documentary "Get Bruce!" (1999) and his one-time stint as a regular on "Hollywood Squares" (1998 ), for which he also served as head writer. Mr. Vilanch was born in New York on November 23, 1948, but was adopted by the Vilanch's--his late father, Jonas, an optometrist and his mother, Henne, a former Broadway show girl--and then grew up in Patterson, New Jersey. He has a very special bond with Henne and according to him, gets a lot of his show biz humour from her.

Known for his eclectic eyewear and collection of unique T-shirts, he began as a child model for Lane Bryant, but when his initial efforts as an actor came to naught, he became an entertainment writer for the Chicago Tribune instead. Impressed by his review of her cabaret performance in 1970, Bette Midler hired him to punch up her act where he gave birth to Midler’s famed Sophie Tucker jokes. He later moved to Los Angeles where he wrote for variety shows like the original "Donny and Marie" and "The Brady Bunch Hour" (both ABC) and provided material for Richard Pryor, Lily Tomlin and Joan Rivers. He has maintained his connection with Midler through the years, working on such projects as the feature "Divine Madness" (1980) and the TV special "Bette Midler--Diva Las Vegas" (HBO, 1997), as well as writing for her short-lived but lively sitcom, "Bette!" (CBS, 2000).

He made his feature debut as a dress manufacturer in "Mahogany' (1975), starring Diana Ross, and also contributed material to her live act. Mr. Vilanch put his Muppet-like persona to excellent use as Santa's number one helper in the syndicated TV-movie "It Nearly Wasn't Christmas" (1989). On the heels of "Get Bruce!", Vilanch performed his comedy stylings Off-Broadway in "Bruce Vilanch: Almost Famous" (2000). After a first act reminiscing on his odd path to almost famousness, he opened up the floor to questions in Act II, displaying his amazing ability for off-the-cuff one-liners. As he told US WEEKLY (June 12, 2000), there is a downside to celebrity: "Now, I get knocked if someone tries something that doesn't work. Before it was the fault of these anonymous people, 'the writers.'"
Vilanch began contributing to Academy Awards telecasts in 1989, collaborating with the likes of Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg and David Letterman, and graduated to head writer in 2000. He has roasted celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and President Clinton. The Whoopi connection led to his providing the notorious material Ted Danson performed in blackface at a certain 1993 Friars Club roast of his then-girlfriend Goldberg, but his resume also includes "You Made Me Watch You", the touching Emmy-winning valedictory Midler crooned as a send-off to Johnny Carson.

He scripted most of the Academy Awards telecasts over the last decade, two of which won Emmys, including the one featuring Billy Crystal’s Hannibal Lecter entrance. Mr. Vilanch has also written for The Tony's, The Grammy's, The Emmy's, and just about every other award show to brighten your television screen. He also participates and volunteers at almost every charity function, especially those dealing with GLBT issues.

Mr. Vilanch just capped off his 14th writing gig for the Oscars in 2003. Recently, he is wrote for Bette Midler's 2003 Fall Tour and currently is touring in the touring company of the popular Broadway hit, "Hairspray". For the part of Edna Turnblad, Mr. Vilanch had to shave off his famous 30 year old beard. No telling what's lurking in there...but one thing it has never been able to hide....TALENT!!! This is Bruce’s third appearance in a “Help is on the Way” production. TOP

Paula was fueled by a determination to find the best music and communicate it in her own way. Born into a Marine Corps family in San Diego, California, she was initially exposed to classical music. "My parents didn't have a lot of jazz records," remembers Paula "My father linked to listen to classical music." Paula began listening to jazz singers such as Dinah Washington, Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughn while in college.

After college, Paula moved to San Francisco, unsure of what she wanted to do with her life. Buying old records from thrift shops, she studied them and then began singing classes. As she became more secure in her talent, she ventured into jam sessions, places where an open mike gave her a chance to perform before an audience. It was at one of these sessions that she met a pianist who would join her in the climb to her own musical identity and her musical success. His name was Ken Muir, and he continues as her accompanist today. Paula went on to study with Faith Winthrop, developing her unique tone and delivery. She learned how to sustain a note without a vibrato, which is now almost a Paula West trademark.

Paula worked as a waitress until pianists Muir and Larry Luckovich hired her to work with them at San Francisco's Ritz Carlton Hotel's Terrace Restaurant, and Dick Whittingham featured Paula at the Maybeck Recital Hall. Later she met Donald Smith, founder of the Mabel Mercer Foundation, which is the force behind the Cabaret Convention. In 1995 he included her in the Cabaret Convention, then arranged for her engagement at the Algonquin HOtel's famous Oak Room in 1996. This led to various bookings, allowing Paula to make a name for herself on the East Coast. Paula's cortically acclaimed CD, “Tempation,” was released in 1995, and includes old songs she loves such as "Temptation," "You'll See" by Carrol Coates and "Peel Me A Grape" by Dave Frishberg. It was followed by “Restless,” and her latest release is titled “Come What May.” Paula chooses songs she likes personally and can be as unconventional as "Don't Fence Me In" or the Pearl Bailey favorite "Tired."

Paula West has learned her craft and honed her talent, finding audiences far beyond her San Francisco home. She has played in New York and Philadelphia, has appeared on both European and American broadcasts, as well as appearing in Switzerland and Italy several times. In 1997, she had a sold-out deut at the Maison de la Musique in Paris. She has opened for Rosemary Clooney and Jimmy Scott. Her film credits include “Bicentennial Man” and “Teknolust.” This is Paula’s seventh appearance in a “Help is on the Way” production. TOP

NITA WHITAKER

After winning the title of Miss Louisiana, Ms. Whitaker moved to Los Angeles where she appeared in a number of films and television shows including “The Bodyguard” and “Star Search” which she won an unprecedented 13 times, becoming female vocalist grand champion. She appeared in the role of Sarah in the Los Angeles company of “Ragtime” and in the Reprise! revival of “Sweeney Todd,” starring Kelsey Grammer. Nita tours extensively with multi-Grammy winner David Foster. Her latest CD, “One Voice,” can be found at nitawhitaker.com.

Ms. Whitaker gained national attention during her year as Miss Louisiana and subsequent Miss America bid. Her big break, after having come to Los Angeles, was winning "Star Search" hosted by Ed McMahon. Whitaker also enjoys a successful stage and television career, with numerous guest starring roles in series, specials and network Movies-of-the-Week, as well as live theatre work as diverse as "Mr. and Mrs. Jones," "Sweeney Todd" and "Ragtime." She has also appeared in such films as "Lush Life," "Bodyguard" and "Betrayal of the Dove."

So how does the former choir director at a simple wood-floored church in rural Frierson, Louisiana attribute her association with musician-arrangers the caliber of Peter Matz, Richard Marx, Carol King, Carole Bayer Sager and David Foster? It is in no small part to her willingness to devote her talents to events ranging from Muhammad Ali's "Fight Night" and Andre Agassi's "Grand Slam for Kids" to this past fall's World Children's Day, performances at the Crystal Cathedral and the recent Los Angeles-Beverly Hills 13th Annual NAACP Theatre Awards.

A graduate of Northeast Louisiana University with a B.S. degree in nursing, Ms. Whitaker studied classical voice while in college, then segued into training for both gospel and pop vocalization. She is equally comfortable in jazz and classical styles as she is in the inspirational-pop genre. This is Nita’s first appearance in a “Help is on the Way” performance. TOP

MARY WILSON

Mary Wilson is a living legend. It was her dream of musical stardom as a Detroit teenager that led Mary Wilson to join her friends, Florence Ballard, Diana Ross and Betty McGlown in forming a singing group, The Primettes. The Primettes were the sister group to a male trio, The Primes. The Primes later became The Temptations, and The Primettes (with Barbara Martin replacing Betty) became THE SUPREMES - the most successful female vocal in the world. Between 1964 and 1969, The Supremes charted an incredible string of twelve number one hits, including “Where Did Our Love Go?” (1964); “Stop! In The Name Of Love,” (1965); “You Can’t Hurry Love,” (1966); and “Someday We’ll Be Together,” (1969). In all, The Supremes produced an incredible 33 top forty hits by the time they disbanded in 1977. They are the only American group to have five consecutive number one hits - all between 1964 and ’65! The group scored another four consecutive number one hits between mid-1966 and 1967. No other group before or after The Supremes has accomplished this feat. Recently, it was announced that while the “girl group” T.L.C. has sold 22 million records and had four Number Ones, The Supremes are still the all-time biggest female group.

In 1977, Mary officially disbanded The Supremes, and set out on her own as a solo artist. Her first solo album, Mary Wilson , yielded the dance classic, “Red Hot.” Simultaneously, Mary broadened her horizons in the acting world, starring in the musical, “Beehive,” which toured Canada and the United States for over a year. In addition, she played roles in the Disney movie, “Tiger Town,” the TV sitcom “227,” and the documentary “Brown Sugar,” and “Girl Groups: The Story of a Sound,” among others. More recently, she had a starring role in the Lifetime original movie, “Jackie’s Back.” Earlier this year, Mary co-hosted the PBS documentary concert special, “American Soundtrack: Rhythm, Love & Soul,” with Aretha Franklinand Lou Rawls. She can currently be seen in the Miramax Films documentary, “Only The Strong Survive.”

Mary also became a New York Times best-selling author in 1986, when she released her autobiography, Dreamgirl: My Life As A Supreme. The book sold more than 500,000 hardcover and paperback copies, received rave reviews, and continues to be the most successful Motown autobiography to date. Dreamgirl recounted the fairy tale history of Mary’s life as a Supreme, as well as the struggles she faced in order to achieve her dreams. The overwhelming response to her first book prompted Mary to write its 1990 sequel, Supreme Faith: Someday We’ll Be Together, in which Mary recalled her struggles to keep The Supremes together. She candidly wrote about her personal life, including raising her family, the tragic death of Florence Ballard, the explosive reunion with Diana Ross on Motown’s 25th Anniversary television special in 1983, and her abusive marriage. Mary’s third literary project, released in January, 2000, was entitled, Dreamgirl and Supreme Faith: My Life As A Supreme, an amalgamation of her first two books, with an updated chapter added. She is currently working on a coffee table book about The Supremes, as well as a cookbook. She is also working on what she terms her ultimate book on her philosophy of life. “But at age 58,” she says, “I haven’t lived enough yet!”

In 1992, Mary went back into the recording studio to record her first album in thirteen years, “Walk The Line”, debuting the title track on The Arsenio Hall Show. A second single from the album, “One Night With You”, reached the Top Thirty in several local markets. Much to her surprise, Mary found out that the independent label had folded just days after the album was released, halting distribution. Mary is currently putting the finishing touches on a new, full-length CD, which she says will “reflect the nuances and shades of my life experiences.” The CD is being produced by Richard Davis for the Holland Brothers Group. Following her own motto that, “dreams do come true,” Mary began telling her story on the lecture circuit, speaking in front of groups all over the world. Because of her experiences, Mary is able to touch individuals with her motivational speeches, which are tailored to specific groups. Mary also began participating in various charities, donating her time, talent and services to organizations including: The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, The American Cancer Society, The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (for which she served as spokesperson in 1996), St. Jude’s Research Hospital, The Easter Seals Foundation, UNICEF, The NAACP, The People with AIDS Coalition of Tuscon, Q Circuit, and The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Mary has served as national spokesperson for Pfizer’s “Value Your Heart” campaign in 2001, traveling around the country to educate people about the risk factors associated with high blood pressure and prevention techniques. Currently, Mary serves as the National Spokesperson for Universal Sisters, a division of National Speaking of Women’s Health. Mary also serves as a vice president of F.A.M.E. (Friends Against Musical Exploitation of Artists), and has testified before legislatures in Massachusetts, California and Washington, DC, about the need for legislation to protect the identities and rights of legendary artists. All of this activity is nestled in-between 100 to 150 concerts a year!
Tragedy struck Mary’s family in 1994, when she lost her youngest child, 14-year old Rafi, in a car accident that nearly claimed Mary’s life, too. “Sometimes your best lessons stem from those that hurt the worst,” says Mary. “The death of my baby prompted me to take a stronger look at my life. In many ways, this tragedy kick-started my life all over again.” Ironically, it was only a few weeks after Rafi’s funeral that The Supremes were celebrated once again, when they received a star on the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Embracing new challenges, Mary moved to New York to make a fresh start. She enrolled in New York University, where she earned her Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts in May, 2001, fulfilling her mother’s dream that one of her children would graduate from college. In 1995, Mary found herself back in the recording studio to record a new single with a new sound. Entitled, “U,” the single became an R&B hit on the European charts. She released the single “Turn Around,” which was also a hit in Europe, in 1996.

Since then, Mary has maintained a hectic, but fulfilling schedule, touring the world with her own band, performing with major symphony orchestras across the country, fusing her pop melodies with symphonic compositions. Mary has also worked as a radio disc jockey, on New York’s classic R&B station, WWRL. In addition, Mary is the only Supreme to venture into theater, starring in three Off-Broadway plays-“Grandma Sylvia’s Funeral,” “Mother Hubbard,” and “Idella’s Soul Shack.” She has also starred in the musicals, “Supremesoul,” in Sweden, and “Dancing In The Streets,” in the U.K. In April, 2001, Mary starred in “Leader Of The Pack,” at Boston’s Shubert Theater. In 2002, Mary produced and starred in the national touring company of “Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies.” In March, 2003, Mary starred in “The Vagina Monologues,” at the Detroit Opera House. This is Mary’s first appearance in a “Help is on the Way” production. TOP

THE LEADING LADIES

Though they joke on stage that they are “three women with practically the same resume”, in reality The Leading Ladies’ credits are as diverse and accomplished as the women themselves. They have collectively starred in hundreds of musicals across the country, including more than a dozen Broadway shows, and all have active concert careers. Individually they have sung with the New York Pops, the Boston Pops, the City of London Philharmonic, and the National, Chicago, Detroit, Utah, San Francisco, Santa Fe, Pacific, St. Louis and Seattle Symphonies; performing in such esteemed venues as Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall and London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Founding members Teri Bibb, Karen Culliver and Lisa Vroman had been friends for years, and shared the experience of playing Christine Daaé on Broadway and across the country in Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera” Finding that all three had relocated to the Los Angeles area, they decided it was the perfect opportunity for a joint collaboration. In 2001 they earned rave reviews for their performance in a gala event at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. That same year they debuted their holiday show at Theatre West in Hollywood, CA, and a few months later released their self-titled CD, which is available through their website.

The three ladies have recently invited other accomplished women to join in this endeavor and each brings her own special talents to the trio of singers featured at any given performance. While the concerts feature the solo virtuosity one might expect, the ladies, along with their music director John Sawoski, pride themselves in their tight three-part harmonies, interesting arrangements and unexpected material. The result is a unique evening of entertainment, showcasing the treasures of Broadway in solos, duets and trios, while celebrating the warmth and sisterhood that comes through years of friendship and shared experience.

The Ladies Music Director, John Sawoski, has played for the 2001 Presidential Inaugural, “Les Miserables,” “Both Barrels: A Salvo of John Forster Songs,” “The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Disney’s Beauty and The Beast, The Secret Garden,” Cathy Rigby’s”Peter Pan,” The Capistrano Valley Symphony, The Riverside County Philharmonic, The Mark Taper Forum, Yma Sumac, Mable King, Audra McDonald, and Archbishop Roger Mahoney. He has composed, arranged, and recorded for several film and TV scores including “The Woman Chaser,” “What’s Shakin,’ “ and “Day of Atonement” and for three musicals performed at Stanford University (his alma mater). John has appeared on”Will & Grace,” “Veronica’s Closet,” “LA Confidential,” “The Wedding Singer,” “Frasier,” and Jim Carrey’s “Man on the Moon.” Mr. Sawoski is also a co-founder of Swan Orchestral Systems. TOP

RON ABEL, Musical Director

Ron won both the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle and L.A. Weekly Theatre Awards for his score for "Twist of Fate." His other well-received stage musicals include "Is This Your Life?," "Rockwell: Life on a Palette" and "To Sir, With Love". Ron is the co-creator of the Off-Broadway musical "Blame it on the Movies." His musicalization of the Dumas classic "Camille" premiered in Los Angeles. Film and television credits include composing, arranging and/or orchestrating for Michelle Pfeiffer, Kim Basinger, Lily Tomlin, Bea Arthur and Carol Burnett. He wrote the television theme songs for "Animal Court" and "Nitecap." Ron was also the on-camera musical director for ABC's "Nitecap" as well as "Name That Tune." As an actor, he appeared on the hit series "Cheers" in a featured role. He scored and supervised film music for "Awakening Pictures." Ron music directed and arranged the long-awaited albums from Petula Clark and Helen Reddy. He helmed the debut album of actress Linda Purl as well as producing a first album for television favorite Stephanie Kramer (Hunter). He co-produced the album "George and Ira Gershwin: A Musical Celebration."

As arranger and conductor, Ron has appeared live on-stage with Bette Midler, Johnny Mathis, Liza Minnelli, Shirley Jones, Lucie Arnaz, Sam Harris, Mandy Patinkin, Patti LuPone, Jason Alexander, Joely Fisher, David Hyde Pierce and opera diva Julia Migenes. He has music directed, arranged, orchestrated and conducted the annual S.T.A.G.E. benefits in L. A. for the past fifteen years. This is his fifth musical direction of "Help is on the Way." TOPTOP