Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
 |
San Francisco Examiner - July 29, 2008
Robert Sokol
For this 14th edition on Sunday, director David Galligan has assembled another fine blend of local favorites and newcomers to watch.
Notable names include comedian Carole Cook; television's Vicki Lewis, Ricki Lake and Jai Rodriguez; recording artists Joan Ryan, Paula West and Maureen McGovern; "American Idol" contestants Kimberly Locke, Frenchie Davis, RJ Helton, Constantine Maroulis and Vonzell Solomon; award-winning actress Rita Moreno and the irrepressible Bruce Vilanch.
Also on hand - for her second Help-ing - is Marilu Henner, whose runs on "Taxi" and "Evening Shade" made her a TV favorite.
These days, she's as known for her quality-¡living books and seminars as she is for her comedy chops. The mother of two is willing to tackle whatever comes her way.
"I just got offered a Broadway show, which I can't talk about yet, but when I find out, I'll tell you!" she says. "I love San Francisco and I'm so excited to be coming back. There's so many great people involved in the show and I have a fun classic song to sing with some updated lyrics. Also, my husband's company is there and we'll be seeing family, too."
Despite early career gigs like Broadway's "Grease" and "Over Here" with old flame John Travolta - plus a more recent visit to "Chicago" - most people don't think of Henner as a musical performer.
"My family owned a dancing school and we had classes going on all the time. So I grew up singing and dancing, and I thought that's what I would end up doing. It's funny that people don't think of me that way because it's something that I love."
Before singing in The City, Henner will wear her self-help guru hat in Las Vegas for a gathering of "the marilu.com community," subscribers to her healthy-living Web site. She says, "We call it a "sparty" because we're at a spa and yet it's a party."
While she doesn't see her performing career as taking a back seat, she has found that diversification has benefits. "With the strike and all the other stuff going on, I never feel 'out of work' like some actors do, because I have all these self-generated projects to work on through the books, online classes and speaking engagements. But I love acting and always will."
IF YOU GO Palace of Fine Arts, 3301 Lyon St., San Francisco
Help is on the Way
Where:
When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday; 5 p.m. pre-show reception
Tickets: $50 to $75 performance only, $175 includes receptions
Contact: (415) 931-0317 or www.richmondermet.org
080729
SE080705
Copyright © 2008 - San Francisco Examiner. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the San Francisco Examiner, Permissions Desk, 110 Fifth Street, P.O. Box 7260, San Franciso, CA 94120.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation UK, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2008. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2008. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .