About Us > Bios & Cast

Bios & Cast 

Lance Arnold (Fundraising Committee/HOH) is founder and President of Spotlight Playhouse, a Community Theater company from Haverhill, MA.  Lance has been involved with theater for over 28 years as a director, actor, singer, stage manager and crew.  He recently directed Neil Simon’s “Rumors” for Spotlight.  Lance is truly proud to participate in Voices of Hope.  He believes the greatest aspect of Human Nature is the ability to join together to overcome great obstacles.  He is happy to be a part of the effort to fight and find a cure for cancer.

Wendy S. Baisley  (Kosmic Kats/Orchestra) is honored to be playing her drums in support of this wonderful cast.  Since the fourth grade, she has performed in community concert bands, orchestras and theatre pits in Boston and on the North Shore.  Some of her favorite musical moments have been last year’s “Voices of Hope” benefit, Arlington’s “AIDA”, the SpeakEasy’s new work, “Jack the Ripper: the Musical,” performing with the “Middlesex Concert Band” in Europe, Canada and at Faneuil Hall, and as a founding member of an all-girl jazz band, “The Jazzabelles”.  Wendy is playing tonight for family members who have passed and for a special woman who is fighting blood cancer and without whom she wouldn’t be here.  She wishes to thank God for everything He’s done and will do, and Mom and Dad, and hubby, Caleb, for being so supportive through the years!

Marc Baker (Cast/Featured Vocalist) is excited and proud to be part of such an amazing event.  Singing and theater have always been a passion of his, first performing as a child and continuing throughout college.  Marc’s other passion is his career in Jewish education—he is a rabbi and has served as the Head of School at Gann Academy—The New Jewish High School of Greater Boston, in Waltham, MA, since 2007.  It is there that he brings his passions for education, theater, and singing to life.  And “life” is exactly why he is honored to be here tonight—to celebrate the lives we have lost and the lives for which we continue to fight.  Marc shares the stage tonight with his sisters, Kim and Allison, in honor of his father, who is fighting melanoma, his grammy, who fought breast cancer, and the many others whose lives have been affected by this disease. 

Hillary Brooks (Assistant Music Director/Orchestra) is proud and honored to return with Voices of Hope –  helping in the fight against cancer. Many of her family members and friends are directly impacted, battling, and / or, most importantly, living with cancer.  Hillary has been playing the piano since age 5, and involved in musical theater for over 20 years, having music directed numerous productions in local community theaters. Her favorite music director credits are: “Aida”; “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change”; “City of Angels”; “Once On This Island”; “Seussical”; & “42nd Street”.   Children’s theater is also a passion of hers, having music directed productions in both Winchester and Andover, MA.  When she is not behind a piano, Hillary is a school social worker in the Andover Public Schools. She would like to thank her husband Jeff for his never-ending love and support.  Hillary looks forward to the day when this show becomes a curtain call for the successful treatment and eradication of cancer. 

Joe Cacciola (Cast Featured Dancer) This is Joe’s first appearance with Voices of Hope.  Joe has been performing locally for 40 years and is known as a “song and dance” man.  He has appeared as the Emcee in “Cabaret”, as George M. Cohan in “George M”, as Eddie Ryan in “Funny Girl”, as Andy in “42nd Street”, as Bobby Child in “Crazy for You”, and as El Gallo in “The Fantastics”, where he won an EMACT award for vocalization.  Joe is also an accomplished Director/Choreographer with productions of “No, No, Nanette”, “Dames at Sea”, “Me and My Girl””, Chicago”, and “42nd Street” (EMACT award for choreography) under his belt.  Joe dedicates his performance to both his father Joe and his father-in-law Ed who, ironically, both succumbed to the same form of cancer.  Their strength and courage serve as ongoing examples of triumph through adversity.  They are truly missed, but remain our hearts.

Deborah Chasse (Cast/ Featured Vocalist) is so excited to join the core cast of Voices of Hope this year.  The passion and the commitment of the VOH family are truly inspiring, and Debbie is honored to have been invited to join their mission.  Debbie has been singing and performing since her solo stage debut at age 12, when she sang “Edelweiss” in her elementary school graduation ceremony.  Since then, Debbie has performed hundreds of times for audiences large and small, most notably in the annual “Winton Club Cabaret” (for which Debbie is the 2011 Producer) and in the “Lever Brothers National Singing in the Shower” contest in Hollywood CA, where she and her two co-performers placed third!!!  This production is a particularly poignant one for Debbie, having lost a dear friend to cancer in March of this year.  She dedicates tonight’s performance to Traci.

Greg Chastain (Producer/Cast/Featured Vocalist) founded Voices of Hope in 2009 after losing his mother, Barbara Byrd, to cancer, April 13, 2009.  Greg is extremely honored to have such an amazing group of talented and dedicated friends to take this incredible journey with.  Holding this year’s event in Boston’s Symphony Hall in only it’s second year is truly incredible and cannot wait to see his friends upon that magnificent stage.  Greg would like to thank his wife and daughter for their incredible love and support throughout this journey.  We still have a long way to go but having their support means more than anything.  Greg would like to dedicate this performance to his mother’s memory.  Mom, we have come quite a long way in just year and I can’t help but believe that you are up their pulling some strings along the way.  We all love you and miss you everyday.

Beth Consoli (Stage Manager) joins the VOH family this year after attending last year’s performance to cheer on her husband Michael and many friends who impressed her with their endless talent and heart felt, moving performances.  Her 4 year old son, 10 month old daughter, and job teaching 8th grade in Lawrence keep her very busy but there was no way she could pass up the opportunity to be part of this amazing experience as the group’s Stage Manager.  Cancer is an evil that steals too much from us, too early.  With the tireless efforts of groups like VOH, we can hopefully beat it sooner than later.  Beth hopes that her loved ones who have lost their battle with the disease enjoy the show, as she knows that they are watching.

Michael Consoli (Marketing/PR Chair/Cast/Featured Vocalist) is thrilled to back with VOH for the 2nd year.  Besides performing on stage, Michael is helping behind the scenes as the Sponsorship Committee Chair.  Although Michael has many years experience with local community theatre groups, he hasn’t performed with them in several years.  As a Realtor by day with a 4-year-old son and 10-month-old daughter, there isn’t time for shows, other than the yearly VOH concert.  This performance is dedicated to his many family members who have both won and lost their battles with Cancer.   Hopefully, one day, we won’t need to raise money for this disease.  Many thanks to family and friends for their support.  As always, Michael thanks his wife, Beth, for her constant love and support and dealing with all the missed meals to get to rehearsals!  Thank you Greg, for this tremendous opportunity.

Stephen P. Cote (Cast/Featured Dancer) is excited to have been invited to join and perform with the Voices of Hope family and to be part of such a wonderful cause. Stephen has been dancing for 22 years and was named 1999 Regional Male Dancer of the Year (nationally 1 of 6). Favorite performances include, “42nd Street”, “Chicago” , “Sound of Music”, “Cabaret”, “Damn Yankees”, the Boston debut of “David – The Musical”, “Aida”, “Sleeping Beauty” & “The Nutcracker”. Stephen performs tonight for his uncle, Ray Lasonde, whom was recently diagnosed and for his girlfriend, Miranda, who is a survivor.

Suellen DeVito (Cast/Featured Vocalist) is thrilled to be returning to the Voices of Hope family for the second time around. She is a 2-½ year tongue cancer survivor who was an active performer in community theater prior to her illness and she’s a “foodie” (cooking/eating/viewing anything on food).  She is now actively “back in the game” as she just performed in her first musical role since her illness, as Vera in “Mame” this past May. To give back, Suellen works with head/neck cancer patients offering them support to make it through their most difficult time of healing.  She also has been involved with the making of a video PSA, through Winchester Hospital, showing how different types of therapies can help with cancer aftercare. Suellen’s performance is dedicated to her brother, James, who is battling prostate cancer and to her husband John, whose love and support gave her the strength and perseverance to push on.

Laura Doherty (Fundraising Committee/HOH) is a first time participant of Harmonies of Hope.  Laura joins this unique performance in memory of her aunt and uncle who lost their lives to lung and pancreatic cancer."

Allison Baker Donahue (Cast/Featured Vocalist) is thrilled to be a part of this amazing event for the second time!  Allison has a passion for singing and theater and feels blessed to be able to combine that with her passion for raising funds for such crucial research.  Her favorite role is off stage and in real life as a mom to her stepdaughter, Isabelle, and 21-month old son, Ephram, and as a wife to her husband James.  It is Real Life that brings Allison here tonight to help fight the war against cancer.  Cancer has always touched her life but recently it has come too close to home with her Dad's fighting Melanoma, her father-in-law's fighting kidney cancer, and her Grammy and Nana's fighting breast cancer.  All are doing great!  Allison would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this cause!  The Dad, you are the wind beneath my wings and our Superman.  You're the best and you know buzz buzz buzz.  I love you!  Grammy, Nana, and Jim - we love you!  Always keep smiling and stay happy.

Kim Baker Donahue (Business Chair/Cast/Featured Vocalist) is incredibly honored, proud and thankful to Greg for having again been given the opportunity to play such a big part on this Voices of Hope journey to fight the war against cancer.  Kim works as an Attorney handling Care and Protection cases and Estates and Trusts.  Working with those families in need is one of her passions.  But singing and theater is what brings joy to her heart.  The privilege to share that with others for such an amazing cause has been humbling and inspiring.  Throughout her life, she has known many people affected by cancer.  This past year it really hit home--her dad has been fighting Melanoma and her Grammy and Nana fought breast cancer.  A few short years ago, her father-in-law fought kidney cancer.  She dedicates this evening and this fight to them but also to one of the “unsung heroes” that is the strength on which they rely--her mom who is foundation on which her family stands.

Amy Falk (Fundraising Committee Chair/Cast/Featured Vocalist) saw the inaugural performance of VOICES OF HOPE last year and was extremely moved.  The cast, comprised of many of her friends and theatre peers, told poignant, powerful and heart-wrenching stories, beautifully, through song, dance and the spoken word.  In January of this year, although having just made a decision not to take on any more commitments in order to focus on growing her life coaching business, she accepted Greg’s invitation to chair the Fundraising Committee for VOH.  Despite the ‘interesting’ timing of this request, she knew that the opportunity had presented itself in her life for a reason.  Amy lost both of her parents to cancer and participates in VOH in their honor and out of empathy and respect for all who have lost loved ones and for those who have survived.  “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.”  Margaret Mead

April Baldwin Foley (Cast/Featured Vocalist) “St. Augustine said: ‘Those who sing pray twice.’ For me, VOH is a celebration of those who have struggled against cancer, an effort to contribute to the fight against it, and in the broadest sense, a collective prayer offered by a group of great friends.”  April is a voice teacher on the faculty of Andover Community Music School, and does voiceover and narration work for radio and TV.  Some of her favorite musical theatre roles include, Eva Peron in “Evita”, for which she was nominated for Best Actress by EMACT, Anna in “The King & I”, Sally in “Follies”, Lily in “Secret Garden”, Gabby/Bobbi in “City of Angels”, and Sr. Robert Anne in “Nunsense”. April holds a BA in music from Tufts University, and has also studied at The New England Conservatory, and the Longy and Hartt Schools of Music. She sang in Symphony Hall long ago with the Tanglewood Festival Chorus and is thrilled to be back on this historic stage. April dedicates her performance to her dear friend, Suellen DeVito, who has battled cancer with grace, humor, and sass!

Meryl Galaid (Cast/Featured Vocalist) is extremely honored to have been invited to join this wonderfully talented cast, and to be part of such an important cause. For more than 20 years, Galaid's show: "Best of Broadway & More" with a "Little Garland & Minnelli” has had countless performances throughout New England. Favorite roles have been with the Reagle Players,Wheelock Family Theater, and Pentucket Players' “Peter Pan”. Meryl considers it a gift to be able to don her pink sequined sneakers, and red nose all in her MOST favorite role: Dr. Dazzle with the "Big Apple Circus" Clown Care Unit at Children's Hospital Boston. It is here where Meryl performs for the bravest of them all and helps to "change the energy" in a child's room. Whether singing quietly to comfort a baby, or creating mayhem and silliness, for a laugh, Meryl dedicates tonight’s performance to the kids and their wonderful families, and to the incredible staff at Children's for all they do.

Nina Giannelli (Fundraising Committee) is a new comer to Voices of Hope and is extremely excited to be part of this wonderful organization.  She was honored when Amy Falk asked her to join the fundraising committee and has enjoyed getting to know everyone that makes up Voices of Hope.  Nina is a freelance television Producer who recently moved back to Boston from Los Angeles, while in L.A. she worked on some of the following shows: NBC’s, “Deal or No Deal,” “Dr. Phil,” Fox’s “Dear Santa,” and MTV’s “Next.” Over the years, Nina has known many people who have been diagnosed with cancer and has found their strength, positive attitude, and faith inspiring.  A friend of Nina’s, who was battling cancer and won, told Nina something she will never forget.  “With every illness comes a gift – if we chose to see it.”

Mardi Grant (Advisory Committee) is the Director of The Leary FireFighters Foundation in New York City.  Mardi has worked in the nonprofit arena for over 30 years and with the Leary FireFighters Foundation for the past 8 years.  A cancer “thriver” herself, she will gain entrance to the 5  year club on January 3, 2011.  Besides her extensive duties with the Foundation, Mardi is also an actress and is working on her New York Cabaret Act debut.

Lianne Michelle Green (Cast/Featured Dancer) joins her VOH friends whom she performs with annually at the Winchester Hospital fundraiser, the “Winton Club Cabaret”.  Lianne has received EMACT recognition in the Colonial Chorus Players productions of “The Wiz” and “Once on this Island” and is proud to have performed in the debut production of “The Big Time”.  Lianne dances in honor of her mother, Joyce Hanlon Sargent, who lost her battle with lung cancer 15 years ago.  Cancer survivors in Lianne's family include her father, Donald Sargent (prostate cancer), and her sister, Pamela Hardy, a breast cancer survivor.  Grandmother Isabella Hanlon survived breast cancer but succumbed to metastasis cancer 10 years later, and Lianne's grandmother, Clarissa Ann Sargent, bravely fought a Glioblastoma before succumbing to brain cancer.  Lianne enjoys working as the Manager of Administration at Winchester Hospital and resides in Winchester, MA with her husband Glen and Scooter, the wonder dog.

Sabrina Gum (Personal Narrative) "Dum spiro spero"

Robert M. Hallisey Jr. (Silent Auction Committee Chair/Cast/Featured Vocalist) was overjoyed to be welcomed as part of the original company for the first Voices of Hope Concert last year and was thrilled to start singing in public again. As a member of a large Irish-Catholic family Robert has had many relatives who have been touched by cancer; some have won their battle, some have lost, and some fight on. Robert’s been involved in community theatre for 26 years and is proud to be raising his voice for a cure. He just finished a term as President of the Eastern Massachusetts Association of Community Theatres. Robert directed six shows for the Winchester Players and recently performed as Mr. Mushnik in “Little Shop of Horrors” at the Nextdoor Theater, sang in “My Comic Valentine” at Quannapowitt Players, and played three roles in “Sylvia” at Burlington Players. He received a 2009 EMACT best actor nomination for his portrayal of Charlie Fox in “Speed the Plow” with the Winchester Players.

Jed Holland (Orchestra) is music director of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashua, New Hampshire, his native town, where he lives with lovely wife Martha and five children. He's played piano for musical theater for decades, and for various charity fundraisers including “Karen's Climb” for cystic fibrosis. Tonight he plays in honor of Stephanie who is living with cancer.

Cara Kane (Cast/Featured Dancer) teaches fourth grade and movement arts in Lowell. She has been the arts director at her church, choreographed musicals, and danced with local community theater groups.  She performs today for those she's lost- her aunts Elaine and Lou, uncle Bill, and those that are still fighting the good fight: her mother-in-law Bernice, friend Dene.

Gary Kane (MC) dedicates his involvement to the many friends, family members and patients that continue to persevere in their struggle to regain their health in the fight against cancer.  To his parents Francis and Bernice, and to his friends and family, John White, Ethan Zohn, Peter Bucca, Julio Rodriguez, Judy Clavin, Heidi Aronofsky, and others, he takes the stage to encourage them to not give up and to remember the incredible inspirations they have been in his life.  In memory of his Uncle, Dr. William Scaring, who died of Waldenstroms Macroglobulinemia and was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, he stands believing someday for a cure.

Beth Kennedy (Choreographer) has been dancing for many years and performs all styles of dance from jazz and tap to ballet and modern. She has professionally taught dance to students from ages two through adult, and choreographs regularly for several youth and community theater organizations. She has received awards and nominations from EMACT recognizing both her choreography as well as dancers for whom she has choreographed. Her recent productions include: “Beauty and the Beast”, “Chicago” and “Aladdin Jr”. In her “other” life she is an elementary school teacher at South Elementary School in Andover and the recipient of the Pathfinder Award for leadership in technology education. Beth is honored to be involved with Voices of Hope and to have the opportunity to work with such a dedicated and caring cast.

Chris Kergaravat (Orchestra) is the French horn player in the band and is thrilled to be part of this production, not only because of the wonderful talent and vibrancy of the cast, but because she firmly believes in the cause behind it. She is a regular member of the “Arlington Philharmonic Orchestra”, the “Middlesex Concert Band”, and several chamber groups, and she accompanied AFD’s recent production of Elton John’s “Aida” and ACT Andover’s “Beauty and the Beast”. She plays with her heart tonight in memory of her mother, Jean Ploof Gravel, who lost the battle at the too-young age of 65, and to her aunt, Barbara Ploof.  She sincerely hopes that a cure will soon be found for this dreadful disease, so that future generations will not have to face the fight that these brave women endured.

Steve Longo (Kosmic Kats) is a long time community theater activist, working both on stage and off. He is equally at home in the cast, in the pit, or on stage crew. He has been playing guitar and bass since before most of you were born (that’s a very long time) and has extensive experience teaching and playing rock & roll, blues, folk, traditional jazz, church music, and show tunes. He is extremely grateful for this opportunity to do what he loves most (play music!) for such a worthy cause with this immensely talented group of performers.

Tim Lord (Marketing Committee Chair/HOH) is thrilled to be a part of the Voices of Hope and this great appearance at Symphony Hall. Tim runs a successful ad agency (Image Zoo) in Brookline NH, where he lives with wife Anne and 2 dogs (Chester and Bosco). Tim's recently appeared as Ernst Ludwig with Stagecoach Productions in “Cabaret” and in Cole Porter’s “Anything Goes” last November, a show which won the 2009 NH Theater Award for Musical of the Year!  He wishes to thank to all the friends and family that have come out to support this great cause!  A special thank you goes to Anne for her continued encouragement! This performance is dedicated to his Father in Law Marty Leonard that left us in 1994.

Glen Macon (Kosmic Kats) is a Chip Engineer by day, Gardens during the weekends and plays music the rest of the time - Has been playing with “The Cosmic Cats” and “The Jazz Disciples” of Andover for many years.  He adds a solid backbone of rhythm and blues to Voices of Hope for a second year.

Darin Maguire (Cast/Featured Dancer) is thrilled to be working with this talented team in support of such an important cause. When not performing, Darin works for Siemens and operates Derwood Productions, providing theatrical talent and technical support for Theaters and corporate events. Darin’s past stage credits include: “Chicago”, “Aida”, “David the Musical”, Leartes in “Hamlet”, Mike in “A Chorus Line”, Scarecrow in “The Wiz” and Puck in “A Midsummer Nights Dream”. Darin received a scholarship to study at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater School. He has performed in Boston, New York, and London with Billy McLaughlin, The Kamikaze Jitterbugs, Greenglass Dance Theater and Courtney and Company. Darin is performing this evening for his aunt Sheila and Aunt Alice.

Ann McCoy (Cast/Featured Vocalist) is thrilled to be part of Voice of Hope with this great cast. Ann is from Hingham where she lives with her husband, Steve, and two children, Gracie & Maddie. Ann has performed with many local theater groups. Favorite roles include: Illona in “She Loves Me”; Amneris in “Aida”; Florence in “Chess”; Eva Perone in “Evita”, Marian Paroo in “The Music Man”, Betty Blake in “Will Rogers Follies”, Annie Oakley in “Annie Get Your Gun”, Julie Jordan in “Carousel”, Narrator in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolored Dreamcoat”, Maria in “The Sound of Music”, Reno Sweeney in “Anything Goes”, and Ruby in “Dames at Sea”. Ann has lost her both her parents to cancer. Recently, her mother-in-law, Joan McCoy, lost her long battle with breast cancer. This performance is dedicated to them.

Kara Shaw McWeeney (Fundraising Committee) is happy to be welcomed into the VOH Family. She was first introduced to the VOH when she was invited to the Inaugural Production last September. The production was even more moving for Kara because her 16-year-old daughter, Meghan, had just been diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.  After watching her daughter fight and beat this horrible disease over the past year, Kara has felt the need to somehow join in the challenge to wipe out this devastating illness.  When Meghan was asked to join the Harmonies for Hope, Kara thought it would be a perfect opportunity for her to give by offering her time to help with the mission of VOH. As a home daycare provider, Kara enjoys helping the children she cares for flourish from infants into successful young adults and hopes to be able to help VOH to flourish in the same way.

David Mercure (Orchestra) earned his Bachelor of Music Degree from Boston’s Berklee College of Music and performs regularly in the Greater Boston area with numerous jazz artists and Theater Groups including the Colonial Chorus Players, Arlington Friends of the Drama & Winchester Co-Operative Children’s Theater. David is also a current member of the “East West Jazz Trio” and the “Tom Nutile Big Band “and performs regularly with Tom Pendergast (VOH guitarist) in a jazz duo setting at Johnny D’s Sunday Brunch in Davis Square, Somerville. David is honored to be a member of the Voices of Hope production and to have the opportunity to be surrounded by such a wealth of fine musicians and artists that are working together for such a wonderful cause.

Rich Meservey (Cast/Featured Vocalist) has been performing locally for many years now. He has been involved with the “Winton Club Cabaret” in Winchester for the past15 years. He has owned his own business, King Richard Co Inc. located in North Andover for the past 16 years. Rich is very excited to be involved with this project as it is such a worthy cause. He considers it an honor and a privilege to be working with so many talented individuals willing to donate their time and talents. He thanks his family for allowing him the time to participate in this event.

Jon Mouradian (Advisory Committee) is a husband and father of three, and owner of Mouradian
Guitar Co. in Winchester, Mass. The Mouradian Family is proud to support the efforts of "Voice of Hope" and their striving to combat the most deadly forms of cancer!

Tim Murner (Orchestra) is very happy to be taking part in “Voices of Hope.”  He has taught music theory and musical theatre at the Youth Performing Arts School in Louisville Kentucky for the past 25 years, and he plays piano professionally around town.  Tim has also composed many musicals including “David, The Musical”, “The Nine Symphonies of Being Alive” for National Public Radio, “Boudicca”, “Shea Pirates of the Carribbean”, and an adaptation of “Alice in Wonderland”.  Tim is a two-year cancer survivor, and he wishes to thank his friends, family, and God for getting him through the tough times. 

Rich Mutkoski (Music Director/Conductor/Cast/Featured Vocalist) is incredibly honored to be performing with such an inspiring cast and organization for a second year. The fundraising is especially dear to his heart as his professional scientific life began as a laboratory technician at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Today Rich works in the pharmaceutical industry which provides him with a constant reminder of how far we have come in cancer treatment and yet how much further we still need must go. Rich has been a Musical Director and Performer for over 25 years. Some of his favorite roles have been MD for “Voices of Hope”, King David in “DAVID-The Musical” (which he also co-created and premiered in Boston in 2001), Zoser in “Aida”, Stine in “City of Angels”, Archibald Craven in “The Secret Garden”, Cliff in “Cabaret” and Judas in “Jesus Christ Superstar”. Rich performs today in loving memory of his mother-in-law Betty Bruce taken far too soon from us with Colon Cancer and his incredible wife Melissa who is a 3 year Melanoma survivor.

Tracy Nygard (Cast/Featured Vocalist) is grateful to have been invited to join Voices of Hope last year, and to continue to be a part of them today. Thankfully, cancer has not played a large part in her life; her only real brush with it came when the fiancé of a friend passed away from melanoma 5 days after her 30th birthday. Tracy is constantly (if not obsessively) performing something. Some of her favorite past performances include Aldonza in the “Man of LaMancha”, Florence in “Chess”, Aida in “Aida”, Judy in “Ruthless!”, Truvy in “Steel Magnolias”, Luisa in “Nine”, Sally in “Cabaret”, Vicki in “The Full Monty” and Georgeanne in  “5 Women Wearing the Same Dress”. She performs in memory of Dena Brown (1975 – 2005).

Tom Pendergast (Orchestra) is both privileged and excited to part of this production. A Berklee grad he performs and teaches Jazz and Flamenco guitar in the Boston area. He has also acted and performed with Opera Un-Met. Tom has also volunteered his guitar playing for Hospice so he knows the challenge of this disease, and the importance of the fight.

Chris Reif (Orchestra) - When not trying to make a living as an engineer, Chris can be found playing hookey among the membership of the greater Boston semi-pro music scene.  Though mostly playing any of the brass family of instruments or vocalizing in community bands, pit orchestras, and choruses, she has been known to walk the boards with the North Cambridge Family Opera Company, croon seductively with her acapella quartet “Girl Treble”,  and to get down and funky with her dixie/R&B group “Jiggle the Handle”.  All this because there just isn't enough out there for French Horn players.  Chris is happy to perform with Voices of Hope in support of all her friends and family who have had to deal with the devastation of cancer in their lives; this year she especially dedicates her work to Margret Reif and Jerry McMahon.

Abby Seidel (Cast/Featured Vocalist) is excited to join the cast of Voices of Hope for her first year. She is a sophomore at Wheelock College, double majoring in elementary education and performing arts. Recent credits include: Sarah in “Translations” at Emerson College, Sally Simpson in “The Who’s Tommy” at Stoneham Theatre, Melinda in “Inherit the Wind” at AFD, Gladys in “The Pajama Game”, and Lobby in “The Visit” at Medford High School. She is thrilled to be performing with so many wonderful and talented people.  She would like to dedicate this performance to her Grampie, who passed away from Melanoma when she was only 1 ½ years old. Although he was not a huge part of her life, she knows he would be proud to see her all grown up and performing onstage to help raise money to help those battling cancer.

Dana Bissett Siegal  (Artistic Director) An award winning director of over 100 major theatrical productions and countless cabaret fundraisers, Dana is honored to be part of the team giving voice to this important message of hope. A nurse by day, Dana is involved in improving the safety of patient care, and considers herself most blessed when her passions for theater and healthcare come together. She is most grateful to share this important work with her husband Ed and daughter Sabrina. Tonight she gives thanks for the research that has saved the lives of so many loves ones, and gives voice to those who left a void in her heart, reminding us that there is much more work to be done.    

Ed Siegal (Co-Producer/Cast/Featured Vocalist) has been performing in the local community theater world since 2002 and has played many different roles during that time.  But no role is more important however than the one he currently plays as husband, father and grandfather to the most incredible, loving family.  Having seen the benefits of the amazing work of these dedicated research organizations – both his Mom and Mother-in-Law are survivors – he couldn’t be prouder to be a part of any performance than tonights. “Usually we feel successful if, as performers, we can make our audience feel good.  While we hope tonight’s audience will be entertained, our goal is to raise dollars to make people well.”

Janet Souza (Assistant Stage Manager) is thrilled to be working with this talented group of singers/dancers for such a worthy cause.  Janet has been involved in Community Theater for over 20 years, both on and off stage.  She received a DASH nomination for her "debut" Stage Manager position with Colonial Chorus for “Me and My Girl” in 2006.  In addition, Janet Stage Managed for Lexington Players' “Assassins” and Assistant Stage Managed for Actor Singers in Nashua, NH, for “Thoroughly Modern Millie”.  She is also the recipient of the 2008 Barbara Harris Best Stage Manager award from EMACT for Burlington Player's “Godspell”.  Janet is looking forward to helping with this wonderful production on a magnificent stage!

Sandra Huerta Vitti (Cast/Featured Vocalist) is honored to be a part of Voices of Hope for the second year and to share the stage with such an amazing cast of performers. Sandra has been performing in the Boston area for more than 20 years and has had the privilege of working with many different theater groups. Some of her favorite roles include Reno in “Anything Goes” with ActorSingers, Mrs. Robinson in “The Graduate” with Burlington Players and most recently Aldonza in “Man of La Mancha” with Pentucket Players. Voices of Hope is close to her heart as she lost both of her parents to Cancer. Sunday mornings growing up, the TV was not allowed on and her parents played recordings of show tunes while they all read the Sunday paper. What better way to honor Major Genaro & Betty Huerta than to sing for them and for the benefit of others that still have the chance to beat this terrible disease?

Kathleen Wackowski (Cast/Featured Vocalist) has been involved in community theatre for twenty-seven years.  Performing at Boston’s Symphony Hall is both an honor and thrill. Past roles include Cell Block Tango Annie in “Chicago”, Sister Woman in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”, the Dr. in “Baby”, Joanne in “Company”, The Mill Worker in “Working” and Svetlana, the Russian Wife in “Chess”. She has been nominated by EMACT/DASH for her work in “Vanities”, “A My Name is Alice” and “Musical Comedy Murders of 1940”. Her original one act, “A Month Too Short” has been performed at Festival, on Cable TV and in theatre workshops. However, she is most proud of being one of the original cast members of VOH. Kathleen dedicates this performance not only to those who have been profoundly touched by cancer, but to all those who work so hard, in whatever capacity, to find a cure for this terrible disease.

Elise Weiner Wulff (Cast/Featured Vocalist) is overwhelmingly grateful to be part of Voices of Hope. She was welcomed into the VOH family last year and considers it one of her proudest moments to have danced next to her mother, and this inspirational cast, in the inaugural production. As an autism therapist, those who rise above the challenges presented in life constantly inspire Elise, and VOH celebrates that strength in those who join the fight against cancer. Some of Elise’s favorite roles include Solveig in ”Peer Gynt”, Woman 1 in “Little by Little”, Kitty in “Time of Your Life”, and “Rivkala’s Ring “(a one-man play). Film credits include Committed (Cannes, CMF Regional Winner Best Drama), Happily Never After (Cannes), Philter, and The Misadventure. Elise is honored to be performing with such extraordinary people, above all her Mom. Her performance is dedicated to and inspired by all those who fight for life; you epitomize a passion.

June Weiner Wulff (Cast/Featured Dancer) Dancing with her daughter, Elise, is one of many reasons June is proud to be a member of Voices of Hope. Being able to dance in honor of family members and friends who have bravely struggled with cancer is an honor and privilege. And performing with such a talented troupe on the Symphony Hall stage is exciting (and humbling). As an award winner for dance roles in “The Wiz” and “Once On This Island”, June recently performed with Elise in “Mame” and before that played Nickie in “Sweet Charity” and Gladys in the “Pajama Game”. She studies with award-winning teacher, Jeanette Neill, and is grateful to Jeanette for 30 years of inspiration (“The secret of jazz is plié”). An arts writer for the Boston Globe's g section, June lives in Wakefield with her husband Jim and their children, Elise and Cameron. June dances tonight for her sister, Ellen Weiner, a cancer survivor, and also for her sister-in-law, K. Gail Leeco, who was not as fortunate.

Janet Souza (Assistant Stage Manager) is thrilled to be working with this talented group of singers/dancers for such a worthy cause.  Janet has been involved in Community Theater for over 20 years, both on and off stage.  She received a DASH nomination for her "debut" Stage Manager position with Colonial Chorus for “Me and My Girl” in 2006.  In addition, Janet Stage Managed for Lexington Players' “Assassins” and Assistant Stage Managed for Actor Singers in Nashua, NH, for “Thoroughly Modern Millie”.  She is also the recipient of the 2008 Barbara Harris Best Stage Manager award from EMACT for Burlington Player's “Godspell”.  Janet is looking forward to helping with this wonderful production on a magnificent stage! 

Sandra Huerta Vitti (Cast/Featured Vocalist) is honored to be a part of Voices of Hope for the second year and to share the stage with such an amazing cast of performers. Sandra has been performing in the Boston area for more than 20 years and has had the privilege of working with many different theater groups. Some of her favorite roles include Reno in “Anything Goes” with ActorSingers, Mrs. Robinson in “The Graduate” with Burlington Players and most recently Aldonza in “Man of La Mancha” with Pentucket Players. Voices of Hope is close to her heart as she lost both of her parents to Cancer. Sunday mornings growing up, the TV was not allowed on and her parents played recordings of show tunes while they all read the Sunday paper. What better way to honor Major Genaro & Betty Huerta than to sing for them and for the benefit of others that still have the chance to beat this terrible disease?

Kathleen Wackowski (Cast/Featured Vocalist) has been involved in community theatre for twenty-seven years.  Performing at Boston’s Symphony Hall is both an honor and thrill. Past roles include Cell Block Tango Annie in “Chicago”, Sister Woman in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”, the Dr. in “Baby”, Joanne in “Company”, The Mill Worker in “Working” and Svetlana, the Russian Wife in “Chess”. She has been nominated by EMACT/DASH for her work in “Vanities”, “A My Name is Alice” and “Musical Comedy Murders of 1940”. Her original one act, “A Month Too Short” has been performed at Festival, on Cable TV and in theatre workshops. However, she is most proud of being one of the original cast members of VOH. Kathleen dedicates this performance not only to those who have been profoundly touched by cancer, but to all those who work so hard, in whatever capacity, to find a cure for this terrible disease.

Elise Weiner Wulff (Cast/Featured Vocalist) is overwhelmingly grateful to be part of Voices of Hope. She was welcomed into the VOH family last year and considers it one of her proudest moments to have danced next to her mother, and this inspirational cast, in the inaugural production. As an autism therapist, those who rise above the challenges presented in life constantly inspire Elise, and VOH celebrates that strength in those who join the fight against cancer. Some of Elise’s favorite roles include Solveig in ”Peer Gynt”, Woman 1 in “Little by Little”, Kitty in “Time of Your Life”, and “Rivkala’s Ring “(a one-man play). Film credits include Committed (Cannes, CMF Regional Winner Best Drama), Happily Never After (Cannes), Philter, and The Misadventure. Elise is honored to be performing with such extraordinary people, above all her Mom. Her performance is dedicated to and inspired by all those who fight for life; you epitomize a passion.

June Weiner Wulff (Cast/Featured Dancer) Dancing with her daughter, Elise, is one of many reasons June is proud to be a member of Voices of Hope. Being able to dance in honor of family members and friends who have bravely struggled with cancer is an honor and privilege. And performing with such a talented troupe on the Symphony Hall stage is exciting (and humbling). As an award winner for dance roles in “The Wiz” and “Once On This Island”, June recently performed with Elise in “Mame” and before that played Nickie in “Sweet Charity” and Gladys in the “Pajama Game”. She studies with award-winning teacher, Jeanette Neill, and is grateful to Jeanette for 30 years of inspiration (“The secret of jazz is plié”). An arts writer for the Boston Globe's g section, June lives in Wakefield with her husband Jim and their children, Elise and Cameron. June dances tonight for her sister, Ellen Weiner, a cancer survivor, and also for her sister-in-law, K. Gail Leeco, who was not as fortunate.

Amy Agostino (Actorsingers) sings in memory of her grandfather Phil and in celebration of her grandmother Irene.

Bob Pascucci
Meg Dunn
Pedro Figueroa
Bobby Kerrigan
Kay Levesque
Adam Schuler