Sunday, August 2, 2009, 7:30pm
Herbst Theatre, San Francisco
CAST DETAILS
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It
was over 30 years ago that Susan Anton first burst into public consciousness
and, ever since she has been captivating theater, television, and film-going
audiences with an ingratiating style and easy charm that is found among
only a handful of performers. Her five and a half year tenure in Las Vegas
as Special Guest Star with the Great Radio City Music Hall Spectacular
and its renowned Rockettes, preceded by a 2 year U.S. national tour of
the same production, makes her not only one of the most popular and glamorous
stars on the Las Vegas Strip, but a true veteran of the theatre. During
time off from the Radio City show, Susan headlined her own one woman show
to sold-out audiences for two months at the prestigious Desert Inn Hotel
and brought back to Las Vegas a type of entertainment rarely found there
today.
Far removed from the glamour and lights of Las Vegas, however, was Susan’s early life…a life that bore more than just a slight resemblance to television’s Walton’s. The daughter of a police detective and the eldest of five children, Susan was raised in the small town of Oak Glenn, California on an apple ranch. Susan attended high school in the neighboring valley of Yucaipa. And, it was there, that her life began to change dramatically. On a dare from her high school boyfriend, she entered the Miss Redlands beauty contest. Entranced with the charisma of such performers as Doris Day, Susan Hayward, and Ginger Rogers, Susan elected to sing the torch song, “Since I Fell for You.” The powerful performance, aside from her intellect and obvious beauty, left the judges with no decision other than to award her the Redlands title. Susan continued her success in pageants by winning the Miss California crown in 1969 and went on to become second runner-up to Miss America in 1970
Susan appeared in numerous television commercials as the Muriel Girl. Her co-stars in those spots often included other budding stars such as Treat Williams and Tom Selleck. The campaign, hugely popular with the American public, was the catalyst for many appearances on the Las Vegas Strip, the first in which she headlined a production called “Turn it On” with French heartthrob Jean-Paul Vignon at the Hacienda Hotel. From that point forward, she appeared frequently on “The Merv Griffin Show” and quickly became one of Merv’s favorite guests. Susan’s appearances on Merv placed her firmly in the national spotlight and served as a launching pad for her transition into theater, films and television.
Susan made her Broadway debut by replacing Candice Bergen in David Rabe’s Tony nominated play “Hurleyburly,” directed by Mike Nichols. The show not only featured Susan, but a cast of both established stars and newcomers, including Danny Aiello, Kevin Spacey, and Frank Langella. Preceding “Hurleyburly,” she starred in the U.S. national touring company of the Neil Simon/Marvin Hamlisch musical “They’re Playing Our Song” and toured the U.S. with Elizabeth Ashley in “A Couple of White Chicks Sitting Around Talking”. She returned to Broadway in 1991 to co-star with Keith Carridine and the original Broadway cast of Tommy Tune’s Tony award winning musical “The Will Rogers Follies.”
Susan returned to the stage when she starred in Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues” at the Alcazar Theatre in San Francisco (June 2001), the Canon and Coronet Theatres in Los Angeles (August 2001) and the Cashman Center Theatre in Las Vegas (October 2002). She continues to perform in Las Vegas and around the country annually.
Susan first
emerged on the big screen in the film “Goldengirl,” and went
on to appear in such other films as “Making Mr. Right” (with
John Malkovich), “Cannonball Run II” (with Shirley MacLaine
and Burt Reynolds) and “New Jersey Turnpikes” (with Kelsey
Grammer). And, as she has in every other medium, Susan has been a significant
star on the small screen. For three seasons, she was part of the cast
of the world’s most popular television series “Baywatch”
playing the role of Jackie Quinn. She starred in the international series
“Sail Away with Susan Anton”, as well as The Travel Channel’s
“Las Vegas!” produced by Susan and her husband, Jeff Lester.
She also hosted “Perfect Buns”, one of the most prominent
exercise infomercials on television.
Susan’s other television credits include the Warner Brother’s
series “Nick Freno, Licensed Teacher;” NBC’s “City
Guys;” the critically acclaimed Steven Bochco series “Civil
Wars;” as well as “Quantum Leap,” “Night Court,”
and “Murder She Wrote.” She starred in ABC’s “Cliffhangers”
as well as her own variety show on NBC, “Presenting Susan Anton.”
She has displayed her comic abilities on Gary Shandling’s “Larry
Sanders Show,” “The Ben Stiller Show” and “Blossom.”
This is Susan’s fifth appearance in a “Help is on the Way”
production. . TOP
BaulPointPen is two long-time best friends, Ben McLain and Paul Peglar. Blending together innate musical ability with a crafted sense of understated comedy, this unique duo produces a style and sound all their own - from opera and musical theatre to pop and jazz standards, including their trademark a cappella duets. They have performed throughout Northern California, and locally in L.A.: Sterling's Upstairs at Vitello's, The Canyon Club, Gardenia, M Bar, and most recently at the Wilshire Theater as The Gershwin Brothers for the 25th Annual Southland Theatre Artists Goodwill Event benefiting AIDS Project Los Angeles.
Ben McLain is classically trained in voice, a graduate of UC Irvine with degrees in music and drama.As well as musical theater, Ben is alsopursuing acting and recently has made appearances on 'General Hospital.' Paul Peglar, a graduate of UCLA's School of Theater, has worked on stage and screen as an actor, singer, musical director, and as a pianist can be seen in the upcoming Fox series 'Glee.' Both are members of LA-based vocal/electronica band Sonos, releasing their debut album Spring 2009. TOP
Cate has produced, directed and choreographed over 100 productions and her work has been seen on television, in films, music videos, commercials and in theatrical venues world wide from the Paris Opera House to the Broadway Stage. She received an Ovation award for her performance in the West Coast premier of “Swing!,” a Garland Award for her choreography in “Grand Hotel” at the Colony Theatre and a Red Carpet Award from Women in Theatre for her work as a director/producer. Cate has also won 34 first place titles including five “US Open," three World Titles and Multiple Gold Medals in Theatrical ShowDance with dance partner Gary Franco. Her Production company, Night and Day Entertainment, co-founded with Creative partner Vernon Willet, custom designs entertainment for private parties, corporate events and industrial trade shows. Cate wrote and directed her first feature film, “Mating Dance,” which won an Accolade Award and is currently playing the festival circuit and is scheduled for release later this fall. She is also a freelance journalist and coaches and instructs both dancers and actors. Cate coached David Hyde Pierce for 9 months in preparation for his play “Six Dance Lessons” at the Geffen Playhouse, intensely once again before his premiere in “Spamalot” and most recently in preparation for his starring role in “Curtains” that just completed its run on Broadway. David won the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical on Broadway for his work in that show. This is Cate’s seventh appearance in a “Help is on the Way” production.
Gary was a Principal Dancer with the Boston Ballet, Disney's Symphonic Fantasy and the American Folk Ballet. He has performed in prestigious venues in Russia, Japan, Taiwan, and throughout Europe and the United States and was featured as the "headwaiter" in the first and second national tours of "Contact." Other memorable performances include "Grand Hotel" (Ovation Nomination), "Sound of Music," "Little Night Music," "Brigadoon," "Camelot" (at the Hollywood Bowl starring Jeremy Irons), “Lil’Abner” as Evil Eye Fleagle and "Aida" for the LA Opera. Gary also was seen in "The Mask" with Jim Carrey and played secret agent Sam Fisher in the international hit video game sensation "Splinter Cell." He participated in the American Choreographer Awards Show, and has appeared on ABC’s "General Hospital." He was highlighted dancing with his partner Cate in S.T.A.G.E.S. - A Salute to Andrew Lloyd Webber at the Luckman Theatre and they were Guest Artists with the Carmel Ballet and Pacific Festival Ballet. Gary was a ShowStopper National Champion, is a multiple gold medalist, and a Performing Arts World Champion in Theatrical ShowDance with dance partner, Cate Caplin. He most recently performed in the musical film The Producers and hosted a fitness informercial. This is Gary’s third appearance in a "Help is on the Way" production.
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 25 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 thirteenth
appearance in "Help is on the Way." TOP
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 third appearance in a “Help is on the Way” production. TOP
MELINDA DOOLITTLE
Melinda Doolittle's debut album, “Coming Back to You,” recalls the magic and luster of R&B's classic artists with the lush instrumentation and supple production style of today's pop-soul renaissance. Unveiling a timeless collection of songs tailored around a voice “The New York Times” has hailed as one of the most 'phenomenally gifted' in years, Coming Back To You's 13 songs reach back and propel you forward, sublimely blending old-school musical values with an on-the-block emotional currency that only Melinda Doolittle can deliver. Featuring production by Grammy-nominated producer Mike Mangini and recorded with top caliber musicians from the American musical epicenters of Nashville and New York City, “Coming Back to You” soars as a soul-baring tour de force with the singer transforming these lively soul, jazz, pop and R&B stylings into an evocative and affectionate treasure trove.
Raised in St. Louis, MO and Tulsa, OK, Melinda studied music at Belmont University in the storied music citadel of Nashville. She would eventually perfect her craft as a back-up singer for stars such as Michael McDonald, Aaron Neville, CeCe Winans and Gospel group Anointed, slowly building the necessary vocal confidence to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. "I watched these artists and they instilled in me what to do in front of a live audience and taught me so much about what it takes to be a singer. I look back on all of this as preparation for where I'm at now," she says.
But nothing could have braced her for the wild roller coaster ride of "American Idol." Melinda became a household name as a finalist on the popular show's sixth season, garnering millions of votes every week. Plucked from obscurity on her very first audition, she stood out as something special right from the start. "I went with 3 other friends. I didn't even want to go," she says. "16,000 people showed up. I thought it was hopeless. We got there at 4:45 in the morning and didn't audition until 12 hours later." She and her 3 friends sang together. Only she was chosen. "I still to this day have no idea how that happened. I'm just very grateful."
Her gratitude shines through on the exuberant “Coming Back to You.” Released on Hi Fi Recordings, Melinda's enthusiasm for the material was transformed by the singer's early love of R&B standards (her father was a drummer and let her bask in his vintage record collection). "I approached every session with this sense of joy and felt as if we were doing them live," says Melinda. Enjoying the creative environment fostered by the imprint's founder, John Hecker, incredibly, she laid down 9 songs in the first 5 days of recording. "So many of these songs evoke strong memories. Mike and I had a feel for every song. I also wanted to embellish them with a sense of where I'm at now. I wanted to capture that storytelling feel for music I grew up on but also convey that sense of timelessness which inspired me to step up to the material in the first place." Melinda says she was also attracted to 'the drama of the songs' on “Coming Back to You. “ "The songs are so powerful because they bring you back to a time when a singer wasn't afraid to inhabit the song emotionally," she says. "One of the things I love about the retro-soul movement is the then-and-now relationship between the eras. The songs create these universal moods that are layered with this very present kind of signature feel." The singer's undeniable talent and versatility as a vocalist consistently shine through on the new CD, with the album's extraordinary range of songs ringing true in a myriad of musical crescendos; from the classic rhythms of "It's Your Love" and "Coming Back to You," to the stripped-down-funk-and-blues of two Robert Johnson classics, "Dust My Broom" and "Walkin' Blues," to a smoldering pair of Sammy Cahn penned ballads: the Doris Day 1956 heart-wrencher, "I'll Never Stop Loving You," and the Hall of Fame songwriter's meditative 1961 Sara Vaughn hit, "Wonder Why," which is perfectly rendered in Melinda's impeccably nuanced delivery. "I'm thrilled to be singing songs backed by live instruments that paint a picture for the listener," says Melinda. "I have always loved The Gladys Knights, the Tina Turners, the Sara Vaughns - singers who knew how to find the emotional heart of a song and tell a story. Singers who knew how to lay it in the pocket and bring it home." Imbued with a knack for searching out challenges that nurture her personal and musical growth, she cites the remake of Johnny Mathis' classic, "The Best of Everything," as one of the treasures on the new album that is particularly close to her heart. She also cites "Wonder Why," the album's smoky closer. "I loved the 'feel' of that song. It's a great moment for me to find songs where I can be so intimate with the audience."
Melinda's passion for detail isn't exclusively devoted to the recording side of her career. She has fostered numerous hands-on charitable endeavors, including raising money and awareness for an organization called Malaria No More, which has set a goal "for eradicating malaria in our lifetime." She has traveled to Africa with First Lady Laura Bush (and has been a welcome guest of the White House), and is involved in The Boys & Girls Club of America and a community driven children's organization called The League. The latter organization empowers students to organize projects directly in their own communities, combining service, learning, and friendly 'co-petition' to shine a light on school students and the many ways they can positively affect their own neighborhoods. "I love working with that organization because we go directly into the schools and try to inspire kids to learn about character building and what they can do to help nurture their own communities," she says. Steeped in her wondrous interpretive vocal powers, “Coming Back to You” is a torch-passing musical revelation worthy of the R&B immortals - Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner - with Melinda Doolittle emerging as our most authentic new ambassador of R&B. This is Melinda’s first appearance in a “Help is on the Way” production. TOP
A triple threat is rare in Hollywood these days, but Joely Fisher stands out as a star of television, musical theatre, and motion pictures. Her turn as Sally Bowles in “Cabaret” on Broadway as well as the National touring company, earned her rave reviews for her “pipes and presence.” When Joely Fisher hits the theater floorboards or her marks on the soundstage you know someone special is about to knock your socks off. Joely made her Broadway debut in “Grease.”
Currently, Fisher stars opposite Brad Garrett in the new FOX television show “’Til Death.” Joely joined the cast of the hottest show in decades, “Desperate Housewives” in the recurring role of Felicity Huffman’s unapologetic bitch boss. Fisher spent two years as Zoe Busiek in Lifetime’s “Wild Card”, her first dramatic series. She starred opposite John Goodman in Fox’s series “Normal, Ohio” and WB’s highly-anticipated teen parody from Darren Starr, “Grosses Pointe,” portraying the executive producer. But it was her sexy, comic turn as “Paige,” the monstrously ambitious, seductive Hollywood executive on the Emmy award-winning, historic hit ABC show “Ellen” that introduced her to television audiences around the world, and earned her a Golden Globe nomination.
Joely’s film credits have placed her opposite some of the finest actors in film, like Jim Carrey in “The Mask,” Steve Martin in “Mixed Nuts” and Nick Nolte in “I’ll Do Anything.” Her crowning achievement to date was starring with Matthew Broderick in the $200 million grossing Disney film “Inspector Gadget.” Fisher can be seen in the upcoming “Slingshot” opposite David Arquette. Her television movies include starring roles in NBC’s “Thirst,” Lifetime’s “Jitters” and ABC’s “Seduction of A Small Town.”
No matter how much of the focus of her career seems to be acting, the underlying accompaniment throughout is her love of singing and performing. The daughter of actress Connie Stevens and singer Eddie Fisher, Joely grew up on the road, sleeping in orchestra pits during rehearsals. By age twelve she was singing all over the world, and she performed with Bob Hope during the Persian Gulf War, which led to her performance for President and Mrs. George H.W. Bush at the Kennedy Center. Joely has been featured on the Tony Awards, The Academy Awards, and as Miss Golden Globe on the Golden Globes.
Having compiled favorite songs for years, inspired by standards, Broadway or the most current hits, she will record an album soon. She created and performed “Joely Fisher… From Here to Maternity,” her first cabaret act in Los Angeles in 2001, while eight months pregnant, achieving yet another big dream. She joined the Pasadena Pops and conductor Rachel Worby last summer for an evening of Mozart, McCartney and More… in her first headlining symphonic concert.
Joely is passionate about making the world a better place and works closely with children’s and AIDS charities. After an incredible journey to Mozambique last year, Joely has been named the new ambassador for Save the Children Worldwide. She is also the Celebrity Ambassador for The Dream Foundation, the only national organization granting dreams to terminally ill adults when research and medicine can no longer help.
Ms. Fisher was born on October 29 in Los Angeles, and received her education at Boston’s Emerson College majoring in musical theater and The Sorbonne, majoring in… French. She is joyously married for over a decade to cinematographer/director Christopher Duddy, and is mother to eight year old Skylar Grace , three year old True Harlow and the newest edition, Olivia Luna. This is Joely’s third appearance in a “Help is on the Way” production. TOP
DAVIS GAINES
Davis performed the title role in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera” more than 2,000 times, for over five million people, during his run on Broadway, in Los Angeles and San Francisco, where he received the Bay Area Critics’ Award for Best Actor. Subsequently, he was chosen by Hal Prince and Lloyd Webber to play the leading role in the world premiere of “Whistle Down the Wind” in Washington, D.C. Other Broadway and national tour credits include Raoul in “The Phantom of the Opera,” Cornelius Hackl in “Hello, Dolly! “with Carol Channing, “Camelot” with Richard Burton and “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” with Alexis Smith.
Gaines’ Off-Broadway appearances include Des McAnuff’s “The Death of Von Richthofen as Witnessed From Earth,” the Maury Yeston/Larry Gelbart musical “One Two Three Four Five,” Stephen Sondheim’s “Assassins,” “She Loves Me” and “Forbidden Broadway.” He made his New York City Opera debut in “The New Moon” and appeared in New York in concert versions of “Sitting Pretty,” “The Cat and the Fiddle,” “Pippin” and the Encores production of “The Boys From Syracuse.” He appeared in “Damn Yankees” as Joe Hardy directed by the legendary George Abbott, in “Arsenic and Old Lace” as Mortimer Brewster opposite Kate Reid, in “The Rink” with Lainie Kazan and in “Two Into One” with Tony Randall. Gaines played the sailor, Anthony Hope, in the 20th anniversary concert productions of Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd” in Los Angeles, London, New York, San Francisco and at Ravinia Festival.
Film work includes a featured role in “Warlock: The Armageddon” with Julian Sands and television credits include “Chicago Hope,” “Veronica’s Closet,” “Bodies of Evidence” and “Murder, She Wrote.” He appeared in three PBS Great Performances broadcasts (the Emmy Award-winning “Sweeney Todd” with the San Francisco Symphony, Broadway Originals with the Boston Pops and Jerry Herman’s “Broadway at the Bowl”), as well as the televised specials of the 1994 Kennedy Center Honors and the opening ceremony of the 1998 Goodwill Games. Additionally, Gaines has sung for five U.S. Presidents and with every major symphony orchestra in North America, including the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra at the Hollywood Bowl. He has also performed in cabaret at New York’s Rainbow and Stars, Hollywood’s Cinegrill and San Francisco’s Plush Room. His voice can be heard on 30 cast recordings and compilation albums, as well as two solo CDs on LAP Records, “Against the Tide” and “All My Tomorrows: Songs of Sammy Cahn.” For more information, visit www.davisgaines.com. This is Davis’ fifth 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. He is the only recipient of a special Los Angeles Theatre Critics Drama Desk Award for outstanding achievement and contribution in theater. He’s also a two time recipient of the Carrie Hamilton Humanitarian Award, winner of the Great Western Comedy Competition, and the proud recipient of Help Is On The Way’s HERO award. He can be seen in the soon to be released film “The Mavericks.” Recent theater work includes originating the role of Adam Tyler in “Cute…but Slow,” and the west coast premiere of “The Language of Flowers.” Additional theatre includes “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 “A Chorus Line,” “KLuB,” “Self Defense,” “The Mysteries,” “The Exonerated,” “The Guys,” “Spoon River Anthology,” “Master Class,” “Angels in America,” “Death and the Maiden,” “By Jeeves,” and Los Angeles Master Chorale. He has appeared for over 10 years in the annual Fund Raiser’s for Southland Theatre Artists Goodwill Event (S.T.A.G.E.), The Actors Fund of America, and REAF. 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.” Except for one, Jon has performed in every single “Help Is On The Way.” He is honored to be asked back, once again. TOP
SHAWN RYAN
Whether it is acting, singing, or charming Regis Philbin on America's Got Talent, Pleasanton native Shawn Ryan is taking the world by storm, one song at a time! Shawn Ryan is Entertainment! Called the love child of Peter Allen and Bette Midler, Shawn’s crooning and comedy are an unbeatable pair! Shawn is one of the rising stars performing jazz and standards today - having what the LA Times calls “a charm that is rare!” After placing in the semi-finals of NBC's 2006 Summer hit, America's Got Talent, Shawn’s star continues to ascend. He currently has two albums and numerous national TV appearances. Most recently taking on the gender bending role of Karen Adams in ABC’s Women’s Murder Club. Shawn is also the co-founder of The Young Actors’ Theatre Camp along with his partner of 7 years, John Ainsworth. Shawn can be seen on NBC's Life this February and will be appearing at The Rrazz Room in SF in August of 2009. www.shawnryanlive.com for Complete Tour Dates. . This is Shawn's third appearance in a "Help is
on the Way" production. TOP
MAUREEN MCVERRY
Miss McVerry is thrilled to once again be performing for Help is on the Way. This Spring she played Wildcat Jackson in 42nd St Moon's Spring show - WILDCAT. She will appear next season in their revival of Jerome Kern's Very Warm for May. A longtime regular to Bay Area audiences, Maureen has appeared on most of the stages in our fair region. Outside of the Bay Area, she has worked in NYC, LA, Boston, and Dallas. In addition to her stage work, Maureen has appeared in several feature films and television shows, including an infamous episode of FULL HOUSE in 1996.
In 1995 Maureen debuted the ever-evolving cabaret show VERRY MCVERRY which most recently enjoyed a 3-week run at the New Conservatory Theatre in San Franciso.. TOP
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 first appearance in a “Help is on the Way” production.
WESLA WHITFIELD
Wesla Whitfield is a remarkable singer, with a deep love for that rich storehouse of musical treasures often identified as The Great American Popular Songbook. Wesla has been developing her skills and learning her demanding craft for a number of years - by her own estimate, it’s been ever since she “knew at age two-and-a-half that I would grow up to be a singer.” Her sound and approach would seem to place her somewhere in the intriguing area that borders on both jazz and that aspect of pop music which draws its material largely from the great standards and neglected gems of such as Cole Porter and Irving Berlin and Rodgers and Hart.
Wesla, with her husband/pianist/arranger, Mike Greensill performs annually throughout the country and returned in 2007 for the 26th and final winter run in San Francisco‘s York Hotel Empire Plush Room. Together Mike and Wesla have opened at Michigan’s Meadowbrook, New Jersey’s Garden State Art Center and Flint Center in Cupertino for such notables as George Burns, Michael Feinstein and Frankie Laine. Solo symphonic appearances include two concerts with the San Francisco Symphony as well as San Jose, Sacramento, Omaha, Stockton, Napa, Auburn, Concord Pavilion, Santa Rosa and California Symphonies.
Wesla has appeared twice on Garrison Keillor’s national show, “Prairie Home Companion”, singing with the legendary trumpeter, Joe Wilder, on ‘Weekend Edition’ with Susan Stamberg, ‘On Fresh Air’ with Terry Gross, and on All Things Considered’ with Robert Siegel. In other radio appearances, Wesla and Mike were recent guests on the highly revered Marian McPartland PBS ‘Piano Jazz’ series. In TV venues, the pair have been featured five times on the Charles Grodin show, performed on the Regis and Kathie Lee show, and were the subject of a feature story on America’s favorite TV show, ‘CBS Sunday Morning’ with Charles Osgood. In summer of ‘95 Wesla and Michael appeared as part of the JVC Jazz Festival at Avery Fisher Hall in New York and also made their Carnegie Hall debut that same summer, participating the Tribute to Frank Sinatra. Since then they have appeared in the ‘96 Ella Fitzgerald, the ‘97 Nat Cole and the ‘98 Judy Garland tributes, also held at Carnegie Hall. In June of ‘96 they were invited by Hillary Clinton to perform at the White House. In October ‘98, Wesla debuted her one-woman, autobiographical show at the Kaufman Theater on 42nd street in New York to massive, critical acclaim.
Their seventeenth recording, featuring the Klinglehorn French French_Horn Quartet and Gary Foster on the HighNote record label was released in June of this year and has received rave reviews from Jazz Times and many other national publications. The October 2005 issue of Oprah Magazine hailed Wesla as ‘a phenomenal woman in a detailed three page article. As invited members of the repertory company and the ongoing salute to American Popular Song at Lincoln Center, Whitfield and Greensill perform often in New York as well as prominent Boston, Philadelphia and St. Louis venues. Most recently Wesla was seen as Martha Watson in the St. Louis MUNY’s production of ‘White Christmas’. In the Bay Area, their ongoing vocal workshop series provides vocalists from all over the country with invaluable instruction in the interpretive skills so necessary and integral a part of the Great American Popular songbook. This is Wesla's 10th appearance in a "Help is on the Way" performance. TOP
JOHN LLOYD YOUNG
Tony Award winner JOHN LLOYD YOUNG recently shot the title role in the new comedy "OY VEY! MY SON IS GAY!!" with Lainie Kazan, Saul Rubinek, Carmen Electra, Jai Rodriguez, Bruce Vilanch and Vince Pastore. Young created the role of "Frankie Valli" in the Original Broadway Cast of "JERSEY BOYS," the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. For his Broadway debut in "JERSEY BOYS," Young won the Lead Actor Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World Awards, and he can be heard as lead singer Valli on the Grammy Award-winning Original Cast Recording. Young's other honors for "JERSEY BOYS" include a caricature at the world-famous Sardi's Restaurant, being named Person of the Week by ABC World News Tonight, and being chosen for three prestigious "Best of " lists by Entertainment Weekly, Reader's Digest and The New York Times.
Before "JERSEY BOYS," Young was a New York theatre actor in plays including the New York-area premiere of Michael Healey's "THE DRAWER BOY," with Frasier's John Mahoney; and he was named one of 2004's Best Featured Actors in a Play by the NJ Star-Ledger for "Danny Saunders" in Aaron Posner and Chaim Potok's dramatic adaptation of "THE CHOSEN," opposite Theodore Bikel, directed by David Ellenstein. New York Theatre: "Charlie" in Julia Jordan's "THE SUMMER OF THE SWANS" for director Joe Calarco (Lucille Lortel Theatre), "Moritz" in the Douglas Langworthy translation of Wedekind’s "SPRING AWAKENING;" and nail-biting number theorist "Claudio" in Rinne Groff’s "THE FIVE HYSTERICAL GIRLS THEOREM," for Obie-winning Target Margin Theatre. Young has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the White House, New Year's Eve in Times Square, Radio City Music Hall, the New York City Marathon, Yankee Stadium, the Staples Center, the Hollywood Bowl, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, McCarter Theatre Center, Kennedy Center and New York's Town Hall. Festival Films: "THE BELLIGERENTS," "THE ROMAN SOLDIER." Television: FOX TV's upcoming "GLEE" from NIP/TUCK creator, Ryan Murphy; NBC’s "LAW & ORDER," and appearances on CBS TV's "Late Show with David Letterman," ABC's "Live with Regis and Kelly," A&E's "Breakfast with the Arts," "Entertainment Tonight," "Celebrity Jeopardy," and three times on NBC's "Today Show" (including Katie Couric's highly-rated farewell). TOP
MICHALE
ORLAND , Musical Director
Michael is currently the Pianist, Arranger and Associate Musical Director for the hit FOX-TV series “American Idol.” Through this amazing opportunity, Michael has appeared on “Oprah,” “Entertainment Tonight,” “Access Hollywood” and a record number of appearances on “The Ellen Show.” At the end of every “Idol” season, Michael also accompanies the top 3 contestants to New York for appearances on “Regis & Kelly,” “CBS Early Show,” and concerts on the plaza for “The Today Show.” He has collaborated with music industry giants such as Burt Bacharach, Neil Sedaka, Diane Warren, Elton John, Dolly Parton, Martina McBride, Jennifer Lopez, and Tony Bennett all as a result of American Idol. He also served as a pianist/coach for the successful summer series “America’s Got Talent” (Seasons 1 & 2) and a few seasons back “American Juniors” and has Associate Produced two hit singles (“God Bless the U.S.A.” and “What the World Needs Now is Love”) for “American Idol” as well as the hit compilation CD from “American Juniors.”
Michael began his impressive musical career in his hometown of Worcester, Massachusetts at the tender age of three, when he escorted each member of his family, one by one, to see “Mary Poppins” and then sat down at the piano and played the songs by ear. Since this auspicious beginning, he has become one of the most acclaimed musical directors on the concert, theater, and nightclub scene.
In addition to playing and conducting for many celebrities including Susan Anton, Lucie Arnaz, Kaye Ballard, Lynda Carter, Sam Harris, Jennifer Holliday, Lainie Kazan, Sally Kellerman, Gladys Knight, Barry Manilow, Maureen McGovern, Chita Rivera, and the late Wayland Flowers & Madame, Michael played for the hit shows “Forbidden Broadway,” “Ruthless!,” and “When Pigs Fly” in Los Angeles. He made his Hollywood Bowl debut accompanying the legendary MGM star Ann Miller. Prior to “American Idol,” television appearances have included “The Rosie O’Donnell Show,” “Leeza,” “The Maury Povich Show,” “The Wayne Brady Show,” and “Geraldo.” He also appeared on the hit sitcom “The Nanny” performing an original song.
Every winter, Michael musical directs one of the touring companies of the “Radio City Christmas Spectacular” starring the world-famous Rockettes. And he is now a published author in the best-selling book “Chicken Soup For The American Idol Soul.” This is Michael's 3rd year musically directing “Help is on the Way.” 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
24 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