Sunday, August 5, 2012, 7:30pm
Herbst Theatre, San Francisco

CAST DETAILS

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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 16th year with “Help is on the Way.” TOP

DAVID ENGEL

Mr. Engel is a six-time winner of the LA Stage Alliance Ovation Award. He has appeared on Broadway opposite Carol Burnett in "Putting it Together," and as the Bass Wickersham in "Seussical: The Musical." Also on Broadway David created the role of Hanna from Hamburg in the original production of" La Cage Aux Folles" and played an Aggie in both the stage and the film versions of "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas." David created the role of Smudge in the original New York production of "Forever Plaid" and subsequent London, and Los Angeles productions (LA Drama Critics, Drama-Logue, Ovation Awards). He then recreated the role of Smudge in "Plaid Tidings" at the Pasadena Playhouse. Other stage credits include starring roles in "Crazy For You," "The Full Monty," "La Cage," "Kiss Me Kate," "Singin’ in the Rain," "Children of Eden," "The Producers," and "White Christmas."

Career highlights include a guest spot on "The Tonight Show," a command performance before Queen Elizabeth II in "The Royal Variety Show" at London's Dominion Theatre followed by a private audience with the queen, and co-hosting the Presidential Inaugural Gala at the Kennedy Center, preceded by dinner at the White House with the President and 1st Lady. He can be heard on the original cast recordings of all his Broadway and off-Broadway shows as well as guest artist on numerous other albums. Recently Mr. Engel starred in a new musical short film called "Zombie Prom" and shared and onscreen romance with RuPaul. Mr. Engel completed shooting on" Forever Plaid: The Movie." TOP

SAM HARRIS

Sam Harris’ diversified career has run the gamut from singer and songwriter to actor on Broadway, film and television to writer, director and producer.

Sam first came to national attention as the premiere winner of "Star Search." He is a multi-million selling recording artist and has toured the globe in concert including sell-outs at New York’s Carnegie Hall, Los Angeles’ Universal Amphitheatre and London’s West End as well The Boston Pops.

On Broadway Sam starred in "The Life" (Tony, Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk nominations, New York Drama League Award), "The Producers" and "Grease" (Drama Desk nomination). Off-Broadway/ Regional productions include The National Tour of "Joseph…," "Hair," "Pippin," "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Cabaret," "The Jazz Singer" and "The First Wives Club."

He was a series regular on the CBS comedy, "The Class," recurred on "Rules of Engagement," and has appeared on numerous specials and every talk show, his favorite being "Oprah Winfrey’s Music to Heal Our Hearts" after 9/11.

Sam wrote or co-wrote the stage musicals "Hard Copy," "Revival," "Hurry! Hurry! Hollywood!," (which he also directed), the LA smash hit, "SAM," and" Liza’s Back at the Palace," which won the 2009 Tony Award. For television, he co-created/wrote the television sitcom "Down To Earth," which aired for 4 years on TBS, supervised/directed segments of "Michael Jackson’s 30th Year Anniversary at Madison Square Garden," and co-produced the television special "Love Letter to New York."

He recently created and directed the concert event, "New York’s Finest," and performed the duets show, "Schmooli & Minnooli," with his long-time friend, Liza Minnelli, which is in development for further production. As Sam continues to tour, he is also at work on a new book, his 9th studio cd and will soon star in the Broadway-bound, "JOLSON," as the “The World’s Greatest Entertainer” - Al Jolson. Sam and has partner of 17 years were married in November of 2008 and they are the proud parents of Cooper Atticus Harris-Jacobsen. This is Sam's third appearance in a "Help is on the Way" production. TOP

VICKI LEWIS

Vicki Lewis is an American actress known for her role as the quirky secretary Beth in the NBC sitcom "Newsradio." Lewis was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio to Marlene, a nursing administrator, and Jim Lewis, an air traffic supervisor. She has a sister, Denise. Lewis graduated from Anderson High School there in 1978. She was in a long-term relationship with Nick Nolte. The two met during the filming of "I'll Do Anything." Lewis has had roles in the movies "Finding Nemo", "Mouse Hunt,' "Godzilla" and "Pushing Tin." She was also one of the stars of the short-lived NBC sitcom" Three Sisters" and the short-lived WB animated comedy "Mission Hill." Prior to "NewsRadio," she guest-starred as a secretary on both "Seinfeld" and" Murphy Brown." She also played Maureen Binford, producer of "Tool Time" and one of the Binford girls on "Home Improvement." She is well-known in many circles, including theatre and acting.

She has a black belt in martial arts. Lewis' upcoming movie will be along with "NewsRadio" star Dave Foley in "Out Of Omaha." Lewis' Broadway theatre credits include "Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?," "Damn Yankees," and "Chicago." Lewis is often confused with Kathy Griffin, another redhead who concurrently played a similar part to her "NewsRadio" character on "Suddenly Susan." Griffin's character, who perhaps not coincidentally was named Vicki, was once parodied by Lewis on a "NewsRadio" episode by straining her voice very deeply. Lewis has been vocal about the debacle on "NewsRadio" DVD audio commentaries. This is Vicki's third appearance in a "Help is on the Way" production.

KIMBERLEY LOCKE

In the past few years Nashville native Kimberley Locke, a pop/R&B singer, has had eight Top 20 Adult Contemporary hits, three #1 Dance hits, and eight #1’s across various Billboard charts. She also had three #1 Christmas singles which led to a holiday tour with Dave Koz, whom she dueted with on the classic, “Please Come Home for Christmas.” She gained fame with her participation in the 2003 American Idol® television series where she was second runner up to Ruben Studdard, and in 2007 she garnered media attention for her participation in VH1’s Celebrity Fit Club.

Locke is excited to release her new dance single, “Strobelight,” a collaboration with Idol judge and producer Randy Jackson’s Dream Merchant 21 label and INgrooves with Cutfather (Christina Aguilera, Santana, Pussycat Dolls) producing the track. “Strobelight” was released in April 2010.

With her musical aspirations at the age of 11, she and three childhood friends formed a quartet named Shadz of U, which performed at many local churches. During her high school years at Gallatin High School, she was one of twenty members to participate in its “Performers” group. She remained in the group throughout high school. In 2001, Locke received a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Marketing from Belmont University. With her business acumen, keen interest in new business ventures and passion for food, Locke served as co-owner of the Croton Creek Steak House & Wine Bar in Westchester County, NY.

Immediately following American Idol, Locke signed a modeling contract with Ford Models wherein she landed a two year deal with clothing retailer Lane Bryant and became the face of their Seven7 Jeans Designer Collection campaign. Within the same year of her Lane Bryant contract, Locke worked with Disney on a recording of A Dream is a Wish for the DisneyMania 3 album and its accompanying TV/DVD special. She also recorded a song for Universal’s The Perfect Man CD.

For the past six years, Locke has been actively involved with Camp Heartland, a national non-profit organization committed to improving the lives of children and their families impacted by HIV/AIDS. She has also worked with several HIV/AIDS related charities, including the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation, YouthAIDS, The Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation and the Davy Foundation. In November 2007, Locke was presented with the Red Ribbon Award in recognition for her extensive charitable efforts as an HIV/AIDS activist.

In addition to various tour dates, performances, and preparation for a live tour, Locke has branched out as a television personality and host, and oftentimes provides hosting duties at red carpet events for “E!,” Extra, and The Insider. She has hosted GSN’s World Slam, MTV’s Little Talent Show and co-hosted several episodes of ABC’s The View. Locke is currently attached to host and executive produce Making the Curve, a developmental reality show competition that will put together a supergroup of plus-sized women, which has garnered major interest from several networks. This is Kimberley's fourth appearance in a Help is on the Way production. T

MAUREEN MCGOVERN

MAUREEN MCGOVERN, whose career spans 40 years, includes recordings, concerts, theater, film, television, radio and songwriting, all with a voice that defies categorization. It is no wonder she has been called "The Stradivarius Voice." Her PS Classics CD, A Long and Winding Road has been praised by The New York Times as "...a captivating musical scrapbook from the 1960s to the early 70s. Ms. McGovern's vocal technique is second to none."

Grammy nominated for "Best New Artist" (1973) and "Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance" (1998), she is a guest artist on the Grammy Award winning CD/DVD Songs from the Neighborhood: The Music of Mister Rogers ("Best Musical Recording for Children.") She won the coveted Tokyo Music Festival Grand Prize Award (1975) for her performance of Paul Williams' "Even Better than I Know Myself."

Maureen's recording career began with the Oscar winning International Gold Records "The Morning After" (Billboard #1) and "We May Never Love Like This Again" from the classic disaster films, "The Poseidon Adventure and The Towering Inferno. She also introduced the Oscar nominated songs "Wherever Love Takes Me" in the film, Gold, and "Nice to be Around" from Cinderella Liberty. Other hit recordings include, "Can You Read My Mind?" from the motion picture, Superman and "Different Worlds" (Billboard Top 20 and #1 AC hit) from the ABC TV series, Angie. Other critically acclaimed recordings include songwriter tributes to George Gershwin, Harold Arlen, Richard Rodgers, Marilyn and Alan Bergman and her solo piano/voice albums, "Another Woman In Love" and "The Pleasure of His Company" with Emmy-winning, Grammy-nominated jazz pianist, Mike Renzi.

In 2005, McGovern returned to the Broadway stage, originating her Drama Desk nominated role of ‘Marmee’ in"Little Women, The Musical" and reprised her role in the 32 city 1st National Tour of "Little Women, The Musical." Maureen made her Broadway debut as ‘Mabel’ in "The Pirates of Penzance," starred as ‘Luisa’ in "Nine" with the late Raul Julia, and as ‘Polly Peachum’ in "3 Penny Opera" with Sting. Off Broadway, Maureen originated the role of 'Mary' in "Brownstone" and starred as 'Mrs. Anna' in the recent Broadway revival National Tour of "The King and I."

Most recently, Maureen performed "Carry It On," her one-woman show (formerly: "A Long and Winding Road"), at Geva Theatre in Rochester, NY. A Long and Winding Road premiered at Arena Stage in DC and the Huntington Theatre in Boston for which she received the IRNE Award for "Best Solo Performance." Regionally, she has performed in the West Coast premiere of William Finn's "Elegies" at the Canon Theatre. Maureen starred as 'Countess Aurelia' in the historic revival of Jerry Herman's musical "Dear World" (an adaptation of "The Madwoman of Chaillot") and as 'Madame Emery' in "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg," both at the Sundance Institute Theatre. In 2001, she made her dramatic debut as 'Eleanor of Aquitaine' in"The Lion in Winter" and originated the role of 'Eleanor Bridges' in the world premiere of "Letters from 'Nam" in Boston. She starred as 'Mary Turner' in "Of Thee I Sing" for the Reprise Series at UCLA's Freud Playhouse and also at the Kennedy Center and Brooklyn Academy of Music in tandem with"Let 'Em Eat Cake." She reprised her role of 'Eleanor Bridges" in "One Red Flower" (formerly Letters from 'Nam) in a moving Los Angeles benefit performance for New Directions, an organization whose mission is to empower veterans and facilitate their successful returns to families and society. Maureen has also starred in Regional productions of "The Sound of Music," "South Pacific," "Guys & Dolls" (playing both 'Sarah' and 'Adelaide'), and "I Do, I Do." Her children's musical, "The Bengal Tiger's Ball," had its Central Florida premiere in 1999, co-sponsored by Disney. She wrote the captivating music, co-created and starred in the production.

Feature films include Maureen's roles as the 'Nightclub Singer' in "The Towering Inferno" and 'Sr. Angelina,' the guitar strumming nun in the comedy classic "Airplane!" and "Airplane II: The Sequel," which was a fitting and hilarious finale to her early "Disaster Theme Queen" decade. Ms. McGovern can also be heard as the voice of 'Rachel' in the DreamWorks animated video/DVD "Joseph: King of Dreams" with Ben Affleck. Her television roles include "One Life To Live," "The Tracey Ullman Show," "Pacific Blue," "Duckman and Beyond Belief," and on radio, she spent three seasons as a frequent special guest on Garrison Keillor's "American Radio Company of the Air."

Maureen has been honored by Irish America Magazine as one of the Top 100 Irish Americans, received the “Songs From The Heart Award” from NARAS and The American Music Therapy Association, the “CUNY (City University of New York) Lifetime Achievement Award” for making a remarkable difference in the lives of individuals and students with disabilities, the “Imagination Award” from Imagination Stage for her work with children, the arts and philanthropy, the “Festival of Children Foundation’s Founder’s Award” for her dedication to broadening and enriching the lives of children and has received a Doctorate of Music (Hon) from Youngstown State University.

McGovern founded "The Works of Heart" Foundation for Music and Healing which served to address the inspirational and emotional needs of patients and caregivers. She serves on the National Board of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and is Chairperson of the annual Shamrocks Against Dystrophy Campaign. Maureen has performed for over 30 consecutive years on the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon, including serving as co-host in New York City for six years. Maureen supports music therapy and has been an Artist Spokesperson for the American Music Therapy Association since 2001. For the most current information, please go to: www.maureenmcgovern.com. TOP

JON MAHER

Jon can be seen as a series regular on the new webisode series “Last Rights,” which is beginning to film it’s second season. He also just co-starred on the ABC television show, "Switched At Birth." 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 "Shrek, Rain, Come Fly Away," “A Chorus Line,” “KLuB,” “Self Defense,” “The Mysteries,” “The Exonerated,” “The Guys,” “Spoon River Anthology,” “Master Class,” “Angels in America,” “Death and the Maiden,” Los Angeles Master Chorale, and events for many Presidents of the United States. He has appeared for over 15 years in the annual Fund Raiser’s for S.T.A.G.E., The Actors Fund of America, and Richmond Ermet Aids Foundation.

Film credits include The Mavericks, Navy Heroes, “Baby Sitters Club,” “Carlton’s Death,” “Farce,” “Kiss Me Later,” and “June.’ Television credits include, General Hospital, S!*t My Dad Says, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” “The Pretender,” “The Red Cross Christmas Special,” “Twice Tried,” “The Marilu Show,” “The Mo Show,” “Comedy Tonight, and enough television commercials to choke a horse. Jon is also the only recipient of a special Los Angeles Theatre Critics Drama Desk Award for his 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 the City of West Hollywood’s Humanitarian Rainbow Award and Help Is On The Way’s HERO award by the Richmond Ermet Aids Foundation. TOP

HELEN REDDY

Born into a well-known Australian show business family, Helen Reddy has had a life and a career richer and more varied than anything she could ever have imagined as a girl in Melbourne. She has dined on her birthday with the Prince of Wales, danced in the White House with the President of the United States, and had a tulip named after her in Holland.

Best known as a recording artist, Helen Reddy had more than a dozen Top 40 hits in the United States. She was the first Australian to win a Grammy Award and to have three #1 hits in the same year. In television, Helen was the first Australian to host her own one-hour weekly primetime variety show on an American network, along with several specials that were seen in over forty countries.

In theater, Helen has starred in London’s West End and on Broadway in New York. As a solo concert artist, she has played at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York, as well as the Royal Albert Hall and the Palladium in London. Helen was also the first western female performer invited to sing in the People’s Republic of China. In film, her starring role in Disney’s "Pete’s Dragon" continues to delight the younger generation, while the lyrics she penned for her feminist anthem “I Am Woman” are now included in Modern American History high school textbooks. Besides the compilation," The Woman I Am: The Definitive Collection" most of Helen’s early recordings are now available for digital download worldwide.

Her best-selling memoir "The Woman I Am" (Tarcher/Penguin), reveals that at the height of her career, Helen’s world was shattered by the death of both her parents and, simultaneously, the news that she had a rare and incurable disease, A riveting, frank and ultimately brave memoir, she recounts the emotional highs and lows that have shaped her life as an artist and as a complex woman, with a rich inner life sustained by a strong spiritual faith.

Helen retired from live performance in 2002 and for the past ten years has practiced as a clinical hypnotherapist and motivational speaker in her native Australia. After singing a duet with her sister at her sister's 80th birthday party, Helen decided to come out of retirement in July 2012 and return to the stage where, in addition to some of her hits, she now treats audiences to songs from her vast catalog that she has never before performed live.

Please visit www.helenreddy.com for the latest news and concert dates. Helen is back and making one of her first live appearances in "Help is on the Way XVIII."

JAKE SIMPSON

JAKE SIMPSON twice (2003 and 2004) won the top honors in the Adult Singer category on CBS-TV's "Star Search" with his powerful high tenor voice and three-octave range. Growing up in Crocker, Missouri, making music has been one of the most important driving forces in Jake's life. His sound is influenced by Stevie Wonder, Steve Perry, Donny Hathaway, and the classic style of Sam Cooke.

Jake has recorded, written and performed with a multitude of artists including Grammy Award-winning songwriter Desmond Child, "American Idol" finalists David Archuleta, Syesha Mercado and Grammy Award-nominee Adam Lambert, NBC's "The Voice" finalist Frenchie Davis, Vintage Trouble's Ty Taylor, pianist Jim Brickman (national tour), Shoshana Bean, Matt Cusson, Grammy Award-nominee Taylor Dayne, Grammy Award-winner Paula Cole and most famously on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" with the legendary Stevie Wonder.

Simpson has produced and recorded two albums including the holiday themed "Star of Wonder" and the prophetically entitled "My Song" which garnered positive reviews and radio airplay throughout the U.S. and Europe. Critics raved about his "blue-eyed soul" and his "Amen-inducing" rendition of "O Come All Ye Faithful." Currently, you can catch Jake Simpson starring in the Roll & Roll revue "Arena: Born To Rock" performing weekly at Rolling Stone Los Angeles in Hollywood. His albums are available on iTunes and CD Baby. This is Jakes first appearance in a "Help is on the Way" production.

REX SMITH

Rex Smith is a multi-talented performer who never lacks for energy. His natural singing ability has led him to a successful career as a singer and actor. A platinum recording artist and a veteran of stage and screen, Rex’s most notable Broadway credits include starring roles in the original production of "Grease,” "Grand Hotel," "Sunset Boulevard," "The Scarlet Pimpernel," "Annie Get Your Gun," and "Kiss Me Kate." Rex received the Theater World Award for his memorable portrayal of Frederick in "The Pirates of Penzance”.

In between Broadway shows, Rex expanded his career to encompass TV shows and Feature Films. Rex starred in the series "Street Hawk", and became a household name on the popular CBS daytime drama "As The World Turns", and hosted "Solid Gold". He was featured in Danielle Steele's "Once In A Lifetime," "Passion To Kill," and "Ballerina And The Blues." Rex has guest starred on numerous prime time television and movies including "Daredevi,l" "The Sentinel," "JAG," "Baywatch," "Caroline In The City," "Just Cause," "Pope Dreams," and John Schneider's "Collier & Co." He most recently wrapped “Josephine,” the Josephine Baker story for the Charlotte Wilcox Company, as well as “The Cradle Will Rock” on stage at the Blank Theatre. He will soon appear in the feature film, "CATS DANCING ON JUPITER" with Amanda Righetti .

Rex Smith has been Celebrity Host, Corporate Spokesperson and Entertainer for events ranging from Time-Life Inc., HBO, Avon Corp., Time Magazine, among many others. Concert venues include Arena Coliseum and The Hard Rock Cafe in the Philippines, “Operation Homecoming” for Vietnam Veterans in Branson, MO., The Big-E State Fair in Springfield, MA., and the "Original Idols" in Las Vegas. Spring 2010, Sony Music re-released all six of Rex’s albums including the platinum album hit “You Take My Breath Away” available on CD, iTunes, and Amazon.com; as well as, the now available new DVD Box Set release of Rex Smith as “Jesse Mach” in the series “Street Hawk” in Europe and the U.S. For a full list of credits, please go to http://www.RexSmith.com. This is Rex's first appearance in a "Help is on the Way" production.

TUCK & PATTI

Tuck & Patti. You are either a fan...or you haven't heard them yet. For nearly three decades, this unique vocal/guitar jazz duo has cast its passionate musical spell worldwide, capturing the hearts of lovers, the respect of jazz buffs, and the jaw-dropping awe of guitarists. With 29 years of performing together, and 26 years of marriage, the devotion forged by this extraordinary couple shows no sign of dimming from the pressure of familiarity. For them, this pressure creates more diamond than dust. Their instinct for refining their music, their technique and their career—their home studio makeover—their house and garden renovation—never wavers from their credo: It’s not done if it’s not from the heart. And what comes from the heart demands excellence.

Onstage and off, guitarist Tuck Andress and vocalist/arranger Patti Cathcart might, at first impression, strike you as an odd couple. The obvious difference in skin color is quickly overshadowed by the contrast of their personalities. Patti exudes the soft, centered yet powerful graciousness of a gospel singer; Tuck almost wears his brain on his skin, anticipating the thousands of musical decisions he’ll have to send to his ten fingers during the course of a performance. Seeing the virtuosity and complexity of Tuck's guitar work, most are surprised to learn that Patti is the actual writer, arranger, and producer. Without even blinking, Tuck-the-problem-solver brags, “Patti writes and arranges; I am just the orchestra.”

Meanwhile, Tuck might update their database and website. For I Remember You, Tuck worked out parts drawn from a Count Basie recording, then painstakingly figured a way to play all the parts on his guitar. “We might not even use any of it,” says Tuck, “You can't do it all at once, just on one guitar. But as a way to explore it, I would try to do it all at once. We hope we are suggesting it somehow.” Both Tuck and Patti were fortunate enough to be part of musical families where records of all types were spinning on the turntable. Tuck’s father had been a leader of a jazz band in college, and his older sister inspired him with her studies of classical piano. “Little did I know that I was getting tremendous ear training that would serve me for a lifetime.” Tuck also took piano lessons, as well as latching on to her love of pop music.

Patti seemed to be born singing. "As a little girl," she recalls, "instead of talking, I'd sing a running, stream-of-consciousness commentary on life. Many people in my family sang; I started singing in church, was leading youth choirs at age 10, and directing the adult choirs before I was 16.” Patti also studied classical violin for 11 years, and in school was involved with school choirs, musicals, and various bands. She performed with many rock and jazz groups during the historic San Francisco sixties musical scene, and saw countless key performances by rock, blues, gospel and jazz greats of the day.

“The Fillmore, Avalon Ballroom, Carousel Ballroom, Keystone Korner and Winterland were like home to me,” she continues. “Bill Graham always looked out for me. Jimi Hendrix called me ‘Foxy Lady’ on my birthday one year. I jammed with hundreds of musicians!” Tuck, too, was influenced by Jimi Hendrix, but the rocker’s sonic textures were so explosive, that Hendrix actually drove Tuck deeper into jazz. It was two years before he felt confident enough to figure out Hendrix’s songs and style. The sixties scene brought Tuck to the West Coast, and in 1970, he enrolled as a music major at Stanford University. During breaks he tried out the LA studio scene. He was given the opportunity to be guitarist for the Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour, but decided to reject this commercial detour. Later he spent four years with the GAP Band, his “graduate degree in soul music.” Meanwhile he doggedly continued studying recordings of guitarists of every style, developing a knack for playing the guitar as several instruments at once. For years, Tuck and Patti played in various Bay Area bands without meeting. Tuck, introspective and unambitious, contrasted with Patti’s persona of bandleader, one who would and did jam with every hot musician in the area. In 1978, Tuck was already guitarist for a cover band when Patti walked in to audition. “Within a few seconds of hearing her sing,” recalls Tuck, “I knew I had found my lifetime musical partner.” ”It was that immediate for me too,” says Patti. “I immediately knew that the band ‘wasn't happening,’ but that I was going to steal the guy playing guitar in the corner!” The two both explain that musicians always have this radar going, sweeping for their musical soulmate, that special someone that they can communicate and collaborate with. They stayed with the band for a few months, but really got to know each other as they shared a ride to rehearsals. They became best friends. They plotted another course. Jammed with other musicians. They realized they both had such extensive musical backgrounds that they knew hundreds of songs in common.

They formed a duo, guitar and vocalist. Landing live gigs with this sparse instrumentation took a little persuasion. Once booked, however, the rooms quickly filled with repeat fans. ‘We had never had so much fun, nor been so challenged,” says Tuck. “We went to play at a venue and forgot to take breaks.” For this duo, from then on, there has not been a break. Friendship and collaboration grew to love, and the two were married in 1981. Their recording career took off when Windham Hill Jazz signed them for 1988’s groundbreaking Tears of Joy. This and several other Windham Hill albums put them on the map (Love Warriors, Reckless Precision, Dream, Hymn, Carols and Songs about Snow, Best of Tuck & Patti, Paradisse Found, Taking the Long Way Home, and As time Goes By), and they’ve been solidifying their career, their musical conversation, their technique, and their love together ever since. Tuck and Patti now have their own recording studio, as well as their own record label, T&P Records, which licenses their CDs to major labels for distribution around the world. They tour Asia and Europe so much that they know that home is with each other, regardless of location. They are looking forward to, at long last, taking occasional time off from touring to teach at their Bay Area home, as well as doing workshops while on tour. A concert DVD, Tuck & Patti Live in Holland, with a behind-the-scenes documentary, As We Travel Round this Circle, was released in 2005. Their new album, I Remember You,was released through Universal Music in 2007 in Asia, and released worldwide in early 2008. What's on the album? Love songs of course, from the Great American Songbook, inspired by Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Pass. This is Tuck & Patti’s first appearance in a “Help is on the Way” production. This is Tuck & Patti's second appearance in a "Help is on the Way" production. TOP

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 13th appearance in a Help is on the Way production. TOP

NATALIE WEISS

Natalie Weiss is currently touring with the 25th anniversary production of" Les Misérables." In 2010, she made her Broadway debut understudying the "Menonettes in Everyday Rapture," starring Sherie Rene Scott. She also performed in the ensemble and understudied Elphaba in the 2nd national tour of "Wicked." Natalie was an American Idol season 4 semi-finalist, but is most well known for her Youtube videos. She has gained an international following from her videos which have collectively reached over 3 million views. Natalie released her self-titled debut CD in early 2011 and has been giving sold out solo concerts across the country while on tour with "Les Mis."

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PAULA WEST

With a voice acclaimed for its many shades of soulfulness, Paula West has captured the hearts of critics and audiences alike from coast to coast. Known for her distinctive repertoire--she believes the American Songbook includes such writers as Bob Dylan, Hank Williams, Jimmy Webb, and Leonard Cohen--Ms. West adds her own depth and drama to American favorites.

Born into a Marine Corps family, Ms. West grew up in San Diego. Moving to San Francisco, she attended singing classes and jan sessions, where she was drawn to songs with interesting harmonies and literate lyrics. Since then, she has performed at venues like Yoshi's San Francisco, and the Empire Plush Room, she has given annual shows at the Herbst Theatre, and she now holds the record for consecutive weeks at The Rrazz Room. In New York, she has performed at Feinstein's at the Regency, The Oak Room at the Algonquin Hotel, Jazz Standard, Birdland, Blue Note, The Iridium, and Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola at Lincoln Center. She has been a featured soloist with The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis.

Among her national engagements, Ms. West has appeared at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Boston's Scullers, Jazz Aspen and major art festivals like Spoleto USA. Internationally she has performed in Europe, Japan, and Israel. She has shared the bill with luminaries such as Rosemary Clooney, Jimmy Scott, Oscar Brown, Jr., Freddy Cole, Mose Allison, Mavis Staples, and Dave Frishberg and she performed at The White House in a salute to American writers.

Ms. West has worked with such jazz greats as Bobby Hutcherson, Bill Charlap, Mulgrew Miller, Frank Wess, Victor Lewis, Peter Washington, Regina Carter, Roy Haynes, Eric Reed, and Bruce Barth.

For the past several years, Ms. West has been performing consistently with The George Mesterhazy Quartet. Their collaboration has proven to be her strongest musical partnership to date. Mr. Mesterhazy died suddenly last month. The CD, "Paula West Live At Jazz Standard with The George Mesterhazy Quartet", has just been released on Hi-Horse Records. Ms West is grateful to have known George Mesterhazy, and to have recorded this project.    TOP

B.O.O.B.S!

(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.

JOHN NARVAEZ & ANDREW CEVANTES

Jhon Narvaez is world-class ground-breaking Salsa dance artist and director of the popular World Class Salsamania Dance Company founded in 2000. His story tells us of how a dream, fueled by passion and focus can change lives. As a powerful force in the industry, John has proven himself to be equally effective on the business, as well as creative side. He is among the most accomplished competitive Salsa dancer in the world.

Latest Achievements include: 2010,
2011 World Latin Cup Same Gender Champion
2011 World Latin Cup 1st Place Team Division
2011 World Latin Cup 3rd Place on “2” Division
2011 US Open Footwork Solo Champion 2010,
2011 US Open Top Dance Company
2010, 2011, 2012 US Open Top Teacher

John came to the U.S. from Colombia as a child. Drawing upon the rich heritage of rhythm from their Colombian roots—a musical universe in its own right, John brings an undeniable love and intelligence to their approach of Salsa Dance. He has evolved a deep appreciation for the beauty of Latin dance into a clear vision of sharing his passion and knowledge of Salsa throughout the world. In 1997, he began to build his skills and credibility through teaching and performing, and competing where he won top honors. The international interest in and influence of John’s teachings is spread across several continents. He is regularly invited to perform, along with their professional dance team in many parts of Asia, Europe, Canada and South America. John promotes his local and international activities as a means to enhance awareness of the tremendous beauty and benefits of Salsa Dance, and the many opportunities to learn and perform on a world-wide scale. For more information, please visit: http://www.salsamania.org or johnandlizproductions.com

At age 19, Andrew Cervantes is a rising star in the world salsa community. He is currently the World Latin Dance Cup Champion in the same gender division. Following the footsteps of his mother, at age 13, he began his training with Yemaya Salsa Dance Company based in Sacramento California. By the age of 16 years old, he was performing at various salsa congresses. With a strong desire and passion to improve his dancing, Andrew's intense training with World Class Salsamania Dance Company based in San Francisco, Bay Area.

Latest Achievements include:
2011 US OPEN 1st place Same Gender Division
2011 Pro-Am Champion 1st place International SF congress
2011 World Latin Dance Cup 1st place Same Gender Division
2011 World Latin Dance Cup 1st place Team Division

Andrew exudes tremendous showmanship and energy both on stage and on the dance floor. He has the ability to lead and follow and is most known for his following styling and multiple fast spins. He is the new salsa scene sensation.

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 fourteen 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 is a piano accompanist, musical director and composer. He works steadily in Los Angeles as a musical director of both musicals and cabaret shows and his is a requent pianist at auditions and open mikes. Composer of numerous musicals having regional productions throughout U.S., most recently his adaptation of "Snow White." Musical director of Wayne State University Dance Department for seven years. Staff member of Idyllwild Arts summer theater program. Musical director for eleven years for "Help Is on the Way."

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 tenth turn as musical director for a "Help is on the Way" production. TOP

MARY K. GABRYSIAK, Production Stage Manager

Mary K. Gabrysiak (Production Stage Manager) has worked as a theatrical stage manager and producer for over 20 years in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Some of her recent credits include "Always…Patsy Cline" at the Ogunquit Playhouse; "Fruit Fly" at the Celebration Theatre; "Murder for Two, A Killer Musical" at 42nd Street Moon; "It Ain’t All Confetti" at The El Portal Theatre; "The Beebo Brinker Chronicals," "Over the Mountain", and "Machinal" at Brava! For Women in the Arts; the 26th, 27th, and 28th Annual Southland Theatre Artists Goodwill Event, Original Cast, Original Cast II, and Original Cast III; Help is on the Way XV, XVI and XVII for the Richmond Ermet Aids Foundation.