Sunday, August 21, 2011, 7:30pm
Herbst Theatre, San Francisco
CAST DETAILS
To download a press photo, click on a photo below. For a PRESS RELEASE, click here!
Jason Brock is a San Francisco singer, actor, emcee and entertainer. He has shared the stage with many stars of theatre and music, including Diane Schuur, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Paula West, Bruce Vilanch, Taylor Mac, Deborah Gibson, Shawn Ryan, Fauxnique and more. He has performed all his life and began a professional entertainment career in small theatre and musical productions in Arizona. He eventually moved into ongoing shows like those at Martuni's, Bubble Lounge and Rasselas. Jason has performed at the Rrazz Room, Ritz Carlton, Pier 39 and other venues in the Bay Area and can soon be seen in the upcoming film “Love is not Enough”. Jason just finished playing the role of a demented flower girl in “The Lily’s Revenge” at the Magic Theatre, where he had the pleasure of working with Julia Brothers, Jeri Lynn Cohen, Mollena Williams and many other Bay Area talents. Jason’s skills have brought him recognition as a highly talented, interactive and improvisational performer. This is Jason's first appearance in a "Help is on the Way" production although he has also appeared in other REAF "One Night Only" productions.TOP
David Burnham just returned from New York where he played Fiyero in the Broadway production of "Wicked" having created the role in the original Los Angeles workshop productions. David was a member of the original Broadway cast of the 6-time Tony Award winning musical "The Light In The Piazza," performing on both the "Tony Awards" and the PBS telecast "Live From Lincoln Center". David was the 2007 recipient of the prestigious "Helen Hayes Award" for best actor as well as the 2007 best actor "Garland Award" for his portrayal of Fabrizio Nacarelli in the national tour of "The Light In The Piazza."
In New York City he lent his talent to the Actor's Fund production of "On The 20th Century" at The New Amsterdam Theatre and performed his solo concert at the famed New York jazz club "Birdland" and the "Metropolitan Room". David first gained critical acclaim when, after a two year search, he was chosen to replace Donny Osmond in the national tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" (Dramalogue Award) a role which he has subsequently played 4 more times in productions all over the country.
At Boston's North Shore Music Theatre he created the role of Tom in the new musical "Tom Jones" as well as the role of Billy (opposite Maureen McGovern) in the new musical "Letters from 'Nam", a role which he reprised at The Kennedy Center and Seattle's Village Theatre. In Chicago he originated the role of Charlie in the world premiere of "Peggy Sue Got Married", after touring the country as Peter in the national tour of "Jesus Christ Superstar" (opposite Ted Neeley).
Other stage productions include the L.A. premiere of The Road Theatre production of "The Woman In Black" (the Actor) directed by Ken Sawyer, "Assassins" (John Hinckley) at Reprise - with members of the original Broadway cast, "Children of Eden" (Caine - Robby Award) at Musical Theatre West, "Godspell" (Jesus) at the St. Louis MUNY, and "Pirates of Penzance" (Fredrick) at The Sacramento Music Circus. On film, David was the voice of the Prince in the Warner Bros. animated feature "The King & I", and can also be heard as "Willy" in Disney's "Home On The Range". Recordings include the soundtracks to "Ghepetto", "The King & I", and "Home on the Range". Also the recordings "Strouse, Schwartz, & Schwartz", "Lerner, Loewe, and Lane" and "Lee Lessack's - In Good Company".
David is very proud to announce the release of his debut solo CD "David Burnham" for LML Music, available online at Amazon.com, itunes, Barnes and Noble Bookstores, and other fine retailers. This is David's fourth appearance in a "Help is on the Way" production. TOP
PATRICK CASSIDY
Patrick recreated the role his father Jack Cassidy orginated in 1966, last summer in the Dallas Theater Center's production of "It's a Bird It's a Plane It's Superman." He then went on to star opposite Patti Lupone in "Annie Get Your Gun" for the Ravinia Theater Festival, directed by Lonny Price. On Broadway he was last seen as Julian Marsh in "42nd Street," in Elton John’s "Aida" (as well as the national tour for which he won the 2002 National Broadway Theater Award for Best Actor in a Touring Musical), "Annie Get Your Gun," "Pirates of Penzance," and "Leader of the Pack." He originated the role of the Balladeer in Stephen Sondheim's "Assassins" at Playwrights Horizons and appeared in" Lady in the Dark" at City Center's Encores! National tours include Joseph in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" in 2000 and again in 2006. Regionally, he has been seen in "Conrack" (Helen Hayes nomination) at Ford's Theater, "Martin Guerre" at the Hartford Stage, and "The End of the Day" at Williamstown Theatre Festival.
Los Angeles appearances include: "I Love My Wife" and "Threepenny Opera" for Reprise (Garland Award for Best Actor in a Musical); Bobby in "Company" with Carol Burnett; "Love Letters;" and "Assassins" (LATC). Other theatre credits include: "The Music Man" at the Kennedy Center, "Carousel," "Little Shop of Horrors," and" Camelot." His films include "Longtime Companion," "I'll Do Anything," "I Won't Dance" and "Burning Love." He starred in the TV miniseries "Dress Grey" (Emmy nomination) and "Napoleon & Josephine" as well as TV movies-of-the-week "Oklahoma City," "Something in Common," "Christmas Eve," "How the West Was Fun," and" Follow Your Heart." He was also a series regular on the recent sit-com for ABC Family, "Ruby & the Rockits" as well as NBC's "Bay City Blues," CBS' "Dirty Dancing," HBO's "Perversions of Science" and the WB's "Smallville." He has Guest starred on "Law & Order SVU," "Crossing Jordan," "Without a Trace," "According to Jim," "CSI Miami" and" ER." This is Patrick's first appearance in a "Help is on the Way" production.
Best known as housekeeper Pearl Gallagher on the sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes," actress Mary Jo Catlett got her start on the stage, appearing in numerous musicals like" Hello Dolly!," "Pajama Game" and "Promenade." Moving from the stage to the screen, the comedienne paid her dues in show business during the '70s, appearing on everything from "Fantasy Island" to "The Smurfs." After playing Pearl for four years between 1982 and 1986, Catlett got right back into the habit, wracking up a massive list of appearances throughout the '80s, '90s, and 2000s, even taking on the recurring role of Mrs. Poppy Puff on the animated series "SpongeBob SquarePants".
CAROLE
COOK
CAROLE COOK created the role of Maggie Jones in the New York, Los Angeles and Tokyo companies of the Tony Award winning musical, “42nd Street” & originated the role of Blanche Daly in the Broadway hit play, “Romantic Comedy.” She was the second "Dolly" in the world, following Carol Channing for a two year run in Australia and New Zealand. She has starred in major of productions of both “Mame” and “Auntie Mame.” She co-starred in the Los Angeles and National companies of “Father’s Day,” for which she received a Los Angeles Drama Critic's Circle nomination for Best Actress, and also starred in the Australian production of the play. Best Actress Awards include “The Supporting Cast,” Patio/Porch” and “The Lion in Winter,” in which as Eleanor of Aquitaine, she co-starred with her husband, Tom Troupe. They also acted together in “The Gin Game.” In the National tour of “Steel Magnolias,” Carole played the irascible "Quiser", for which she received a Helen Hayes Theatre Award. She has been the recipient of eight Best Actress Drama Logue & Robby Awards in Los Angeles. Her feature films include: “The Incredible Mr. Limpet,” “Palm Springs Weekend,” “American Gigolo,” “Summer Lovers,” “The Gauntlet,” “Lost and Found,” Grandview U.S.A.,” and “Sixteen Candles.” She as guest starred on most major television shows, most recently on “Grey’s Anatomy.” She has toured extensively in her one woman show, “Dress Up” and starred in “Follies” Reprise in Los Angeles and in the New York City Center production of “70 Girls 70.” In 1995, Carole received Baylor University's Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2002, she and Tom were presented the prestigious Theatre Ovation Award for Career Achievement. The first husband and wife team ever to be so honored. For the past 25 years , she has appeared in David Galligan's S.T.A.G.E. AIDS benefit in Los Angeles, and this will be her 15th year with “Help is on the Way.” TOP
THEA GILL
Thea Gill is best known for her portrayal of Lindsay Peterson on the landmark Showtime series “Queer As Folk” (ACTRA Award nomination, Outstanding Performance by a Female) Thea’s other roles include: the upcoming T.V. Drama “Her Mother’s Secret,” Sy-Fy Channel’s Mini Series: “Riverworld,” the Hallmark Channel movie “Lies Between Friends,” the feature film “The Boy She Met Online, the acclaimed series “Masters of Horror: Homecoming, Truth, Reunion, Andromeda, Sightings: Heartland Ghost, Mulligans” and “Ghost Whisperer.” She also starred in the Feature Films, “the Putt Putt Syndrome,” “Mother Country,” “Slip Away” (short Film) and “Remembering Nigel” for which Thea, an accomplished professional singer, recorded her own original version of the Willie Nelson hit: “Crazy” produced by Damizza Young. Thea was the awarded the 2002 Golden Sheaf award for Best Actress for her work on “Bliss: Nina’s Muse” and was the 2005 Leo Award winner for her role as Caroline in “The Collector: The Mother.” She also appeared in the short film “SWAP” (Leo Award nomination for Best Actress); and “Eighteen” (With Sir Ian McKellen), in which she sang the Genie Award – nominated song “In A Heartbeat."
Also a celebrated stage actress, she starred in such notable roles as: Claudia in Joanna Murray-Smith’s “Honour,” Elena in Chekhov’s “Uncle Vanya,” Desdemona in Shakespeare’s ‘Othello,” as Catherine in David Auburn’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, “Proof” and as Mary Ann in George F. Walker’s “Better Living.” She recently graced the stage once again playing Blanche Dubois in Tennessee William’s “A Streetcar Named Desire” where she received the 2010 Critic’s Spotlight Award for Best Performance in a professional production.
Thea is also the “Face” for the SANS AGE skin care line as well as the “spokeswoman” for DMK cosmetics and has recently started WONKY GIRL PRODUCTIONS. A production company that will encompass all forms of entertainment. She is also currently working on a musical with Grammy Award winning composer, conductor & Arranger Gail Deadrick (Natalie Cole, The Pointer Sisters, Gladys Knight, Roberta Flack, James Ingram). Thea Gill resides in Los Angeles and this is her first appearance in a “Help is on the Way” production. TOP
JAMES DARREN
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Darren began his career as a teen idol, having been discovered by talent agent and casting director Joyce Selznick. This encompassed roles in films, most notably his role as Moondoggie in Gidget in 1959, as well as a string of pop hits for Colpix Records, the biggest of which was "Goodbye Cruel World" (#3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961). It sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc. Another sizeable hit with "Her Royal Majesty" (#6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1962). He is also featured in one of the Scopitone series of pop music video jukebox films ("Because You're Mine").
Darren's role in the 1961 World War II film The Guns of Navarone was an attempt to break out of his teen image. He then achieved success co-starring as impulsive scientist and adventurer Tony Newman in the science fiction television series, The Time Tunnel (1966–1967). In the 1970s, Darren appeared as a celebrity panelist on Match Game. Later, Darren had a regular role as Officer James Corrigan on the television police drama T.J. Hooker from 1983–1986. Subsequently he worked as a director on many action-based television series, including Hunter, The A-Team, and Nowhere Man, as well as dramas such as Beverly Hills, 90210 and Melrose Place.
In 1998 he achieved renewed popularity as a singer through his appearances on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine in the role of holographic crooner and advice-giver Vic Fontaine; many of his performances on the show were recorded for the album This One's From the Heart (1999). The album showed Darren, a close friend of Frank Sinatra, comfortably singing in the Sinatra style; the 2001 follow-up Because of You showed similar inspiration from Tony Bennett. Some animation fans may know him as the singing voice of Yogi Bear in the 1964 animated film, Hey There, It's Yogi Bear!, on the song "Ven-e, Ven-o, Ven-a". Prior to that, he was the singing and speaking voice of "Jimmy Darrock" on an episode of The Flintstones. This is Mr. Darren's first appearance in a Help is on the Way Production. TOP
SHIRLEY JONES
The Shirley Jones success story could not have been more perfect if it were concocted by a studio press agent. Born in tiny Smithton, Pa. (pop. 877), only daughter of the Jones Family (brewers of popular “Stoney’s Beer”) the feisty and precocious Shirley Mae was an early community handful, but showed signs of a particularly mellow vocal range, and that was the beginning. Her church, her teachers, and her parents were all savvy enough to see the way and Shirley’s local music lessons opened the door to summers at the Pittsburgh Playhouse; and the Shirley Jones Story was underway.
Someone suggested that 18-year-old Shirley Mae sign up for the “Miss Pittsburgh” competition. It was not Shirley’s #1 passion, but she went along, and took the crown. It was 1952. Here, we can say, the plot thickens some, because through all this conspicuous show business calling, Shirley Jones alerts the world around her that she has decided to be a veterinarian. And so, with all other bets off, she is enrolled in New Jersey Centenary College and prepares for the journey east…with a one-week vacation stopover in New Your (cue trumpets–Providence was back at work).
With her week (and her money) spent, she gets a call from a friend who tells her that the Rodgers & Hammerstein show South Pacific, currently on Broadway, will be having open auditions to replace two parting chorus members. And Shirley takes that fateful bus ride downtown to the St. James Theater and the line of umpteen showbiz hopefuls, where the stage has been meticulously set to deliver Smithton’s Shirley Mae Jones not to a veterinary college but to the “Time and Place” of her remarkable million-to-one public destiny. Shirley got to the front of the line and sang her song, “The Best Things in Life are Free.” “Please wait”, the man said – and another line and another trip out front to sing. Finally, almost exhausted, the line whittled down to a handful, a fourth performance, and a voice from the back of the darkened theater –“Thank you Miss Jones, for being here so long. If you don’t mind, I’d like to call my partner, Mr. Hammerstein, and ask that he come down and hear you.” “Oh, sure,” the always gracious Shirley says, “And what is YOUR name?” (Words that Mr. Richard Rodgers will never forget, we daresay). And the rest, as they say…
Mr. Hammerstein arrived and the Shirley Jones whirlwind began. Put under immediate “personal management” contract to the Rodgers & Hammerstein partners (first and last time ever) it was not fully a year later that 19 year old Shirley Mae Jones was screen–testing in Hollywood for the super-coveted role of Laurie in the film version of the long running Broadway play Oklahoma (along with the heavyweight likes of Kathryn Grayson, Debbie Reynolds and Jane Powell). We all KNOW what happened then…and we all probably know what happened after that. From Carousel, The Music Man, April Love, an Oscar for her role as Lulu Baines, (the prostitute opposite Burt Lancaster in Elmer Gantry), to the harried head of The Partridge Family; movie, television and stage roles, a record breaking Broadway run, two recent Emmy nominations, and an ongoing career of SRO Symphony Concerts and speaking engagements world wide; to be sure an incandescent place in the hearts of all America that doesn’t ever seem to go away. And so… we suppose, the only question left in the Glorious Shirley Jones American Icon Story is – Did anybody ever call Centenary College to tell them Shirley isn’t coming? This is Shirley's first appearance in a "Help is on the Way" production. To hear a clip of Shirley singing "Till There Was You" from "The Music Man," click this link
GLORIA LORING
As a singer, entertainer and host, Gloria Loring is known for her energy, commitment and joy. She is the recording artist of the #1 hit song “Friends and Lovers;” co-composer of television theme songs “Diff’rent Strokes” and “Facts Of Life;” an audience favorite from daytime TV’s “Days Of Our Lives;” spokesperson for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; author of four books; a keynote speaker for corporations and non-profits; and one of the few artists to sing two nominated songs at the Academy Awards. Standing ovations greeted Ms. Loring’s recent concerts with The Palm Beach Pops in tribute to the Streisand Songbook. “The Palm Beach Daily News” raved, “Loring commanded the stage from Note One... First and foremost, the lady came to sing — and sing she did — bringing the right combination of pipes and acting chops to give the evening’s tall order its due.”
Her newest musical show, “TV Tunez,” is a celebration of television’s best theme songs that premiered to standing ovations and is now in development for a Las Vegas run. She is currently in the studio with Producer Ted Perlman recording songs by songwriting legends such as Burt Bacharach and Desmond Child. She has completed writing “Coincidence Is God's Way of Remaining Anonymous,” a spiritual autobiography of how a series of extraordinary coincidences transformed her life, and is about to begin work on its sequel, “Life Doesn't Have To Be a Soap Opera.”
As a speaker, Gloria customizes every talk and delivers a diverse menu of topics, ranging from health and business to entertainment and spirituality. She brings her knowledge and enthusiasm to the keynote addresses, with the added bonus of a “glori-ous” song or two. Her speeches, “Life Doesn’t Have To Be a Soap Opera - How to Drop the Drama;” “Expect a Miracle – I Do, I Did, and Here’s How;” and “A Whole ‘Nother Way to Be a Woman, Living From Your Thighs on Up,” earn standing ovations and high praise.
In a performance of classic rock and blues at The Music Box @ Fonda in Hollywood, she received six standing ovations. She hosted and sang for a holiday PBS Special live from the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. She recorded Peggy Lee's classic, “Fever”, with saxophone hottie Jimmy Sommers for his new CD, “Time Stands Still.” In an intriguing twist, Gloria released her newest CD, “A Playlist,” which features her Grammy Award-winning son, Robin Thicke, on two cuts, and just days later got a phone call from jazz guitarist Gil Parris inviting her to record Robin’s R&B mega hit “Lost Without You” with him for his upcoming CD.
Gloria recorded her first meditation CD, “Body, Breath and Mind” and has playfully gone Web 2.0 1/2 with friend Leeza Gibbons with the acquisition of a digital editing system. She recently hosted and performed for the “Young Musicians Foundation Awards” at the Beverly Hilton, was a special guest for the “Gift In Shift” conference in Sedona, Arizona, hosted the launch of the Shankara skincare line, and sang a tribute to Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds where she received a standing ovation. Gloria promoted her newest book, “Living With Type 2 Diabetes: Moving Past the Fear,” with a ratings-winning appearance on “The View” where she spoke and sang of her commitment to those with diabetes. She is the on-camera spokesperson for “Mini Pharmacy,” hosts a PSA for the National Disease Research Interchange and recently appeared on” Lifetime’s Health Corner.”
Gloria is a certified yoga instructor and an articulate champion of bio-medical research. After her son Brennan was diagnosed with diabetes at age four, she created and self-published two volumes of the “Days Of Our Lives Celebrity Cookbook” which raised more than $1 million for diabetes research. She followed that success with two commercially published books, “Kids, Food and Diabetes” and “Parenting a Child with Diabetes.”
With eleven albums to her credit, Loring has performed in concert all over North America and Australia. Her performances prompt reviews such as the one written by Don Heckman of the “Los Angeles Times,” “She told stories with the panache of Lena Horne, sang torch songs like Judy Garland, and scatted with the rhythmic thrust of a young Ella Fitzgerald. She did all of this with one of the best vocal instruments in pop music since the salad days of Barbra Streisand.” Gloria has been honored with the Lifetime Commitment Award from JDRF and received the Woman of Achievement Award from the Miss America Organization, an honor she shares with past recipients Barbara Bush, Roslyn Carter, and Hillary Clinton. This is Gloria's second appearance in a "Help on the Way" production.
JON
MAHER
Jon Maher is honored to be participating in "Help is on the Way XVII." He is a two time recipient of the Carrie Hamilton Humanitarian Award, a recipient of the REAF “HERO” award, and winner of the Great Western Comedy Competition. He is also a recipient of the Los Angeles Theatre Critics Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Achievement and Contributions in Theater. Jon has made a niche for himself in the entertainment industry as a performer, actor and sign language interpreter. His past television credits include such shows as "$h*! My Dad Says," "General Hospital," "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," "The Pretender," "The Red Cross Christmas Special," "Twice Tried," "The Marilu Show," "The Mo Show," and "Comedy Tonight." His film credits include "Someone Had to Give" (The Marilyn Monroe final moments). "Navy Rescue," "The Envelope," "Mighty Mavericks," "Baby Sitters Club,"" Carlton’s Death,"" Farce," "Kiss Me Later," and "June.' His 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 credits include "Brush Up Your Shakespeare" performed at 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" Sister Act," "A Chorus Line," "The Mysteries," "The Exonerated," "Spoon River Anthology," "Master Class," "Angels in America," "Death and the Maiden," and numerous award shows like The Emmy’s, The Oscars, and The Ovation Awards. Jon is also a proud member and supporter of The Actors Fund of America. TOP
MEG MACKAY
Celebrated by audiences and critics alike, vocalist and musical theatre performer, Meg Mackay, is a popular and distinguished member of the San Francisco Bay Area performing arts scene. Meg MackayMackay has been a frequent performer in Bay Area cabarets and theaters for over twenty years. A sophisticated actress with a distinctive voice, Meg has received an amazing eight Drama-Logue/Dean Goodman awards and seven Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle awards. Her long-awaited debut album, "So Many Peopl"e was released in 1994. It was followed by her second CD, "Legally Blonde" in 1998.
A professional singer since the age of 12, Meg studied opera at Wichita State University and went on to perform with the Santa Fe Opera Company. While a student, she also began singing R&B and jazz in small clubs and hotels. These performances would pave the way for her arrival in San Francisco, where she quickly secured a featured role in San Francisco's long-running hit "Beach Blanket Babylon." Meg is best known for her diverse repertoire that includes both the familiar and the rarely-heard: American pop songs from the 30's and 40's, Broadway show tunes and original works. Her one-woman cabaret show has been well-received in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and Los Angeles and at San Francisco's famous showcase, the Plush Room. Her accompanist is her long-time collaborator (and husband), Billy Philadelphia. Mackay's versatility as a performer is further demonstrated by her shining list of musical performance credits. Following "Beach Blanket Babylon," she toured for two years (and played two roles) with the National Touring Company of the Tony award-winning play, "Torch Song Trilogy". Back home, her more recent credits include performances with the Marin Symphony, "Putting It Together," "She Loves Me" and "The World Goes 'Round" at TheatreWorks in Palo Alto, "A Karen Carpenter Christmas" at the Marsh in San Francisco, two Stephen Sondheim revues at Marin Theatre Company, the original company of the award-winning," And What, Give Up Show Biz?" and both the San Francisco and Los Angeles companies of "Stardust." Most recently she played the title roles in both the Mountain Play's production of "Hello, Dolly!" and 42nd Street Moon's "Call Me Madam."
SEAN McDERMOTT
Sean was one of four Broadway singers hand picked by Barbra Streisand to replace "Il Divo" and sing along side her on her European tour in 2007. Prior to that he has traveled the world performing with some of the most celebrated Symphony Orchestras and has shared the stage with such luminaries as Bernadette Peters, Mandy Patinkin, Elaine Stritch, Hal Holbrook, Johnny Mathis and Robert Goulet.
Sean is recognized as one of Broadway’s leading performers starring as Chris in “Miss Saigon,” Billy Flynn in ”Chicago,” the title roles in “Jekyll and Hyde,” Jesus in “Jesus Christ Superstar,” Whizzer in “Falsettos,” Rusty in “Starlight Express,” Danny Zuko in “Grease,” Billy Bigelow in “Carousel,” and Gaylord Ravenal in “Showboat.” Off-Broadway he played the role of Larry in the critically acclaimed revival of “The Boys in the Band” and ‘Down Under’ Sean was showered with praises for his portrayal of Tony in “West Side Story” for the Victoria State Opera in Sydney, Australia.
On television, Sean starred as Hart Jessup in the long running CBS daytime drama “Guiding Light.” His guest star appearances include “Medium,” “Charmed” for the WB, “Freddie” and most recently “Desperate Housewives.” He has also appeared on NBC'S “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno and Johnny Carson, “The Rosie O’Donnell Show” and “The Today Show.”
He sang for the President of the United States at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. on three separate occasions and gave a command performance for Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York. Sean made his solo debut garnering glowing reviews at New York's prestigious Joe’s Pub, at the Public Theater and is also proud to have performed at Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall in New York City and The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.
His solo recordings include “New York Nights,” “My Broadway,” “Piece of the Sky” and his latest recording “You’re Not Alone” just released through LML Music, all available on iTunes. Sean is bi-coastal, with residencies in both L.A. and N.Y.For more information visit: www.seanmcdermott.com.
KIM NALLEY
Awarded "Most Influential African American in the Bay Area," vocalist Kim Nalley, is already being called "legendary" and "San Francisco institution." With an international reputation as one of world's best jazz & blues vocalists, she is known for her ability to turn a chattering cocktail-sipping crowd into a rapt audience of lifelong fans in minutes. No trip to San Francisco is complete without seeing Kim Nalley perform. In looks, Kim Nalley exudes the aura of a diva from a by-gone era. Vocally, she has pipes to burn packing a 3 1/2 octave range that can go from operatic to gritty blues on a dime, projection that can whisper a ballad yet is capable of filling a room with no microphone, and the ability to scat blistering solos without ever losing the crowd's interest or the intense swing. She has been compared to all the greats, but in the end, it's Kim Nalley and no one else - an unforced instrument with clarity and jazzy musicality, effortlessly delivered, and a sense of humor to boot.
A born singer from a family that boasts several generations of jazz musicians, Nalley was taught piano by her great-grandmother and studied opera and theatre in high school, before relocating to San Francisco in the footsteps of the Grateful Dead. Working her way through college by singing in small dives and jam sessions, Nalley learned all of the intricacies of jazz the old fashioned way. Music critic Phil Elwood and SF Symphony director Michael Tilson Thomas quickly discovered Kim Nalley and brought her to national attention after they noticed her singing nightly at the Alta Plaza to packed audiences - without amplification. Since then, Kim Nalley has performed globally, including major jazz festivals such as Monterey, Umbria Jazz and Lincoln Center and lived in Europe for several years before returning to San Francisco to re-open the jazz club Jazz at Pearl's. During her tenure from 2003 to 2008, Nalley raised the club to iconic international acclaim as the owner and artistic director. She has collaborated with artists such as Rhoda Scott, David "Fathead" Newman, Houston Person, James Williams, Michael Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony. She has recorded several on both major and indie labels, including She Put A Spell On Me, which was short-listed for a 2006 Grammy Award, and Million Dollar Secret, which charted in the Jazz Top 40.
Nalley often combines music and history to create historiographical concerts , including her award-winning "Ladies Sing the Blues*," "She Put a Spell on Me: Tribute to Nina Simone," the multimedia presentation Black History Month Concert Series and "The Heart of Lady Day," a Billie Holiday biopic. As a playwright she has written "Ella: the American Dream" a bio-musical about Ella Fitzgerald which premiered in 2008. As an actress she portrayed Billie Holiday in the dramatic play "Lady Day in Love," Blues Speak woman in Zora Neale Hurston's "Spunk" and has starred in Teatro Zinzanni as Madame Zinzanni, a role subsequently filled by Joan Baez and Sandra Reeves-Phillips. Kim Nalley is on faculty at the Jazzschool's Bachelor's of Music program. She is also a history student in UC Berkeley's PhD program with plans to write her dissertation on the Globalization of Jazz and Black Cultural Politics. Her academic experience in both music and history combined with her stature as a performing artist brings a whole new level to the description of "triple threat." A true Renaissance woman, Kim has been credited with "saving jazz in the Bay Area" -to try and find someone with more range of genuine talent would be a daunting task.
LEA SALONGA
Lea Salonga is a singer and actress who is best known for her Tony Award winning role in "Miss Saigon." She is recognized for having won, in addition to the Tony, the Olivier, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World Awards, in the field of musical theatre. She was also the first Asian to play Eponine in the musical" Les Misérables" on Broadway and returned to the beloved show as Fantine in the 2006 revival.
Lea made her debut in the world of Cabaret in 2010, performing a sold out, three week engagement at the Café Carlyle in New York City. She returns in June 2011 to delight audiences in another multi-week engagement and will release a live version of her 2010 concert “Lea Salonga: The Journey So Far” on August 9th. The CD is currently available for pre-sale on her website and will be available for purchase the site, iTunes and select music vendors. Lea will then appear in the new musical, "Allegiance," when it is workshopped in New York City this summer. Developed by legendary actor George Takei, "Allegiance" tells the story of a Japanese-American family during World War II and the internment years.
Many fans of all ages recognize Lea as the singing voice of Princess Jasmine from "Aladdin" and Fa Mulan for "Mulan" and "Mulan II." In honor of her portrayal of the beloved princesses, Disneyland will bestow the honor of “Disney Legend” to Lea in August of 2011. Recently she participated in the 25th Anniversary Concert of "Les Misérables" to sold out crowds at UK’s O2 arena. She also dazzled as the hauntingly tragic Grizabella in a limited run of "CATS" in her hometown of Manila. Lea also teamed up with legendary Grammy winner, Patti Austin, to perform the concert series, ‘Heart and Soul,’ around the United States.
Honored with an appointment as a United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization Goodwill Ambassador in October of 2010, Lea vowed to act as advocate for the Youth and United Nations Global Alliance initiative led by the FAO. She delighted fans in Kuala Lumpur with her debut appearance there, ‘An Evening with Lea Salonga.’ She has also held sold-out concerts in both Hong Kong and Bangkok and performed a special Valentine’s Day 2011 concert with the Bangkok Symphony. In 2005, Lea played her first US concert tour in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlantic City, and Chicago. Concert dates in Washington, D.C. and Norfolk, Virginia followed. Later that year, she performed with a 26-piece ensemble to a sold-out crowd at the Isaac Stern Hall in Carnegie Hall, benefitting the Diverse City Theater Company.
In her 30-year career, Lea has performed for five Philippine presidents (from Ferdinand Marcos to Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo), three American Presidents (George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush), and for Diana, Princess of Wales and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She began her career as a child star in the Philippines, making her professional debut in 1978 at the age of seven in the musical "The King and I." She went on to star in productions of "Annie," "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," "Fiddler on the Roof," "The Rose Tattoo," "The Sound of Music," "The Goodbye Girl," "Paper Moon," and "The Fantasticks."
Lea began her recording career at the age of ten with her first album, “Small Voice,” which received a gold certification. Her albums that followed include “Lea", released in 1988 , “Inspired” released in 2007, and numerous live concert and Broadway albums. In addition to performing in musical theater and recordings, she hosted her own musical television show, “Love, Lea,” and also opened for international acts such as Menudo and Stevie Wonder. Lea's big breakthrough came when she was selected to play Kim in the megahit musical "Miss Saigon" in 1989. For her performance as Kim, she won the Olivier for Best Performance by an Actress in a Musical for the 1989/1990 season. "Miss Saigon" moved from its original London home, to Broadway in April 1991. Lea subsequently garnered the Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and the Theatre World Awards for the same role. In 1999, she was invited back to London to close the musical, and in 2001, at the age of 29 and after doing the Manila run of the musical, she returned to Broadway to close the Broadway production. In 2002, she returned to Broadway to play the role of a Chinese immigrant in a reinterpretation of Rodgers and Hammerstein's" Flower Drum Song" opposite Jose Llana. This was after the reinvented musical had a very successful run at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles in 2001, with Lea playing the lead role and the show garnering multiple wins and nominations, including Lead Actress in a Musical for her, from the LA Stage Alliance’s Ovation Awards. The Salonga-led Broadway revival cast album was also a top contender at the 2003 Grammy Awards for Best Musical Show Album. This is Lea’s first appearance in a “Help is on the Way” production. To hear a sample of Lea in concert on YouTube, click this link.
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LISA VROMAN
From Broadway to Classics, On Stage and In Concert, Lisa Vroman has established herself as one of America's most versatile voices. Lisa starred for several years on Broadway as Christine Daae in The Phantom of the Opera. As Christine, she garnered Theatre Critic's awards for the role in a record breaking run in San Francisco, and did a return engagement at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles. Ms. Vroman starred as Rosabella in The Most Happy Fella, making her New York City Opera debut with Paul Sorvino in the title role. This season Lisa made her Carnegie Hall debut with the New York Pops, starred as Lili Vanessi in Kiss Me Kate with Glimmerglass Opera, played Marian Paroo in The Music Man with Shirley Jones (Mrs. Paroo) and Patrick Cassidy (Harold Hill) at The Bushnell Theatre in Hartford CT.; sang the role of Birdie in Regina with Utah Opera, conducted by Keith Lockhart; made her New Jersey Opera debut as Rosalinda in Die Fledermaus, (directed by Ira Siff), replacing Metropolitan Opera soprano Ruth Ann Swenson; and premiered two Comic Operas by composers John Musto (Bastianello) and William Bolcum (Lucrezia - lyrics by Mark Campbell) with the New York Festival of Song.
Her Broadway debut was in Aspects of Love, and she is the first to play both Fantine and Cosette in Les Miserables. For PBS she was featured with Colm Wilkinson and Michael Ball in Cameron Mackintosh's Hey Mr. Producer! at the Lyceum Theatre in London, a Royal Gala attended by Queen Elizabeth. Lisa played Lucy Brown in Threepenny Opera at ACT (American Conservatory Theatre) in San Francisco with Bebe Neuwirth, Nancy Dussault, and Anika Noni Rose. She sang the role of Johanna in the San Francisco Symphony's Emmy Award winning Sweeney Todd in Concert, with Patti Lupone and George Hearn. Both are available on DVD. Lisa starred as Laurey in Oklahoma, filmed live in concert for the BBC Proms Festival at Royal Albert Hall in London, and starred as Mary Turner in Gershwin's Of Thee I Sing/Let 'em Eat Cake in concert with Michael Tilson Thomas conducting the San Francisco Symphony and Chorus, directed by Pat Birch.
Other roles include Laurie in The Tender Land at the Cabrillo Music Festival, Marin Alsop, conductor; Maria in The Sound Of Music with Tulsa Opera, Josephine in HMS Pinafore ,Yum-Yum in The Mikado, and Anna 1 in The Seven Deadly Sins with Utah Symphony/Opera, Florida Symphony, Portland Symphony, and Parnassus Symphony. She has sung Maria in West Side Story, Guenevere in Camelot, Carrie Pipperidge in Carousel, Christine in Phantom (Yeston), Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, Amalia Balash in She Loves Me, among others.
Lisa is a George London Competition Grant recipient and a 1999 Minerva award recipient from Potsdam State University. She received an Undergraduate degree in Music Education form the Crane School of Music, State University of New York at Potsdam, and a MFA at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With a repertoire that ranges from Stravinsky to Weill to Broadway, Ms. Vroman is a frequent guest soloist with Theatre, Opera companies and Orchestras including San Francisco, Philadelphia, Chicago, Atlanta, National, Florida, Santa Barbara, Hong Kong, Cleveland, Nashville, Pacific, Utah, Dallas, the Boston Pops (Keith Lockhart), and Peter Nero and the Philly Pops. Miss Vroman made her debut at The Hollywood Bowl in Disney's 75th celebration, singing and dancing with legend Dick Van Dyke in a medley from Mary Poppins, (John Mauceri, conductor). She guest starred with SONY artist Greek tenor Mario Frangoulis in his NYC debut concert at City Center; and has performed many times the New York Festival of Song (NYFOS), including a tribute to Broadway director Harold Prince. Miss Vroman has sung in concert with conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, composer Stephen Schwartz, Organist David Higgs, and the Empire Brass Quintet. Her solo CD Broadway Classic features Metropolitan Opera Mezzo-Soprano Stephanie Blythe and 47 of San Francisco's finest orchestral players.
Lisa had the honor of singing at the Profiles in Courage Award dinner in Boston at the JFK Library, as a guest of the Kennedy family. She has also sung on separate occasions for Queen Elizabeth, former President Bill Clinton, and former Vice President Al Gore. Future engagements include Peter Nero and the Philly Pops, Memphis Symphony, St. Louis Symphony, Disney Hall in Los Angeles and Davies Hall in San Francisco with Organist David Higgs as well as the role of Charlotte in A Little Night Music with Michigan Opera Theatre in Detroit with Leslie Uggams and Ron Raines. Lisa lives in Pasadena, CA with husband Patrick O'Neil and dog Romeo. This is Lisa's 12th appearance in a Help is on the Way production. TOP
PAULA WEST
The Great American Songbook has never sounded as captivating as it does when Paula West sings. Says Steven Winn of the San Francisco Chronicle, “It’s doubtful that anyone is singing better than Paula West these days…this extraordinary jazz singer wears each song like perfectly fitted silk”. With a particular dusky soulfulness, West has captured the hearts of critics and audiences alike from coast to coast. Known and respected for her creative and distinct repertoire, West adds her own depth and drama to whichever song she chooses for the moment, creating whole new frameworks of meaning for American favorites. Without fail, the songs come from a place of sincerity. "In the end" she explains, "it's just getting the story across. To me, the words are the most important thing. "As New York Times’ Margo Jefferson writes in her liner notes, “Ms. West never forces anything. She is rhythmically fluid and she knows just where to alter a melody but there are none of the embellishments that show off the voice, bury the song and leave the heart untouched”.
Born into a Marine Corps family, Paula West grew up in San Diego. "My parents didn't have a lot of jazz records. My father liked to listen to classical music”. Moving to San Francisco, she attended singing classes and jam sessions. Drawn to songs with interesting harmonics and literate lyrics, West always keeps two things in mind – communication with the audience and an intelligent approach to lyrics. "I'm a jazz singer – not an avant garde singer."
West has performed to sell-out houses annually at The Plush Room in San Francisco and at The Oak Room in New York's Algonquin Hotel, increasing her exposure via films, radio broadcasts and performances in France, Italy and Switzerland. West has also sung at major jazz festivals and has shared the bill with numerous jazz luminaries including Rosemary Clooney, Stacey Kent, Mose Allison, Freddy Cole, Jimmy Scott, Oscar Brown Jr., Rita Rudner, Mavis Staples and Dave Frishberg.
Performing consistently with The Eric Reed Trio, recent appearances include Jazz at Lincoln Center, Sculler’s, Jazz Aspen and a performance at The White House in a salute to American writers. Steven Holden of The New York Times comments: “Working with Mr. Reed, Ms. West has blossomed into a savvy jazz and blues interpreter and is as persuasive an illustration as I’ve seen that an inspired collaboration between singer and musicians can charge a career and send it hurtling in the right direction.” In addition to Eric Reed, West has worked with such jazz greats as Bobby Hutcherson, Bill Charlap, Frank Weiss, Mulgrew Miller, Peter Washington, Victor Lewis, Bruce Barth and Regina Carter.
In January 2004, West tied with Dianne Reeves for the New York Nightlife Award for Outstanding Female Jazz Vocalist. Her critically acclaimed cd’s include Temptation, Restless and Come What May, which received the California Music Award for Outstanding Jazz Album, as well as guest appearances on Eric Reed’s Max Jazz Christmas CD, Merry Magic, and Frank Mantooth’s final project, Ladies Sing for Lovers, featuring Karrin Allyson, Ann Hampton Callaway, Sheila Jordan and Oleta Adams. West has been featured on numerous television programs including A&E’s Breakfast with The Arts and also on The Oxygen Network. Her film appearances include Chris Columbus’ Bicentennial Man starring Robin Williams and The Lynn Hershman film Teknolust starring Tilda Swinton. TOP
(Busty, Outrageous, Over-the-top Broads Singing) is a talented trio consisting of Leanne Borghesi, Jessica Coker and Soila Hughes, all of whom have been seen in numerous local theatrical productions, cabaret shows and other stages.
Most recently the trio have appeared in concert at The Rrazz Room at the Hotel Nikko for two sold out shows. Leanne Borghesii also frequently appears as her alter ego Anita Cocktail. Jessica Coker also recently appreared in Amestead Maupin’s “Tales of the City” at A.C.T. This is B.O.O.B.S! second appearance in a “Help is on the Way” production.
Ethan and Nikki White have performed for professional ballet companies for the last 10 years, including Smuin Ballet, Oakland Ballet, Aspen/Santa Fe Ballet, Austin Ballet, Sacramento Ballet, and Diablo Ballet. Ethan and Nikki met while dancing together at Smuin, and recently started their own company 'White Tree Fine Art' to promote their choreography, performance, outreach programs, and Ethan's visual art. Most recently they appeared on Paula Abdul's 'Live to Dance' on CBS, and were one of the Top 3 Finalists. They are currently promoting and touring their own full length show, as well as promoting Nikki's children's book series that teaches young kids about dance.
For more information visit http://whitetreefineart.com.This is their first appearance in a “Help is on the Way” production.
Post:Ballet is dedicated to collaborating with diverse artists to create original art that is both socially relevant and deeply personal. Integrating dance with other art forms including photography, cinematography, digital media and visual art, Post:Ballet is using dance as a means, not an end, to artistic expression.
Recently named a ’25 To Watch’ artist for 2011 by DANCE Magazine, Post:Ballet founder and artistic director Robert Dekkers was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. He danced professionally with Ballet Arizona, ODC/Dance San Francisco, and Company C Contemporary Ballet, before founding Post:Ballet in 2009. Robert has created several new works for the company since it’s inception, including Interference Pattern, Happiness of Pursuit, Colouring, Ours, I need to be touched, Me No You, Milieu, Flutter, and B-Sides.
Christian Squires, originally from Charleston, South Carolina, is an inaugural member of Post:Ballet. He began dancing professionally with Boston Ballet after receiving an invitation at the 2005 Helsinki International Ballet Competition, and has since performed with Copenhagen International Ballet, Oregon Ballet Theater and Smuin Ballet. Christian was also a medalist at the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix in 2004. This is the Post Ballet's first appearance in a “Help is on the Way” production.
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
RICHARD BERENT, Musical Director
Richard Berent has an active career as pianist, musical director, cabaret artist, arranger, and composer in the L.A. area. His original musicals have been produced at regional theaters throughout the U.S. He is a staff accompanist at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, where he helps train the next batch of Tony award winners. This is Richard’s tenth turn as musical director for a Help is on the Way production.
BILL KECK, Musical Director
Bill Keck, Musical Director of Steve Silver’s "Beach Blanket Babylon," studied piano at the University of Illinois with Soulima Stravinsky, son of the Russian composer. While in Dallas, TX he was musical director for the Gran’ Crystal Palace, accompanied Carol Lawrence, Rich Little, Jim Bailey, and Sylvia Sims, and worked theatrically with E.Y. Harburg, Sheldon Harnick, and Alan Menken. Bill’s tenure as Musical Director for RCA recording star John Gary included five nationwide tours and numerous symphony concerts. For five years he served as guest conductor for Milwaukee’s "Music Under the Stars." Bill conducted singer Raquel Bitton’s nationwide Edith Piaf tour, including two sold-out performances at Carnegie Hall. He resides in Sonoma, CA with his wife, Starry. This is also Bill’s eighth turn as musical director for a "Help is on the Way" production. TOP