theatreWashington's HOLIDAY: THE DIVAS OF DC and Sandy Bainum's THIS CHRISTMAS Albums Benefit Taking Care of Our Own

theatreWashington has announced the debut of two new holiday albums - Holiday: The Divas of DC and Sandy Bainum's This Christmas - to raise funds for Taking Care Of Our Own, a program to assist theatre professionals and artists with personal emergency needs.

Featuring some of the area's most-loved theatrical divas, including Carolyn Cole, Felicia Curry, Sherri L. Edelen, Erin Gardiner, Karlah Hamilton, Kellee Knighten Hough, Donna Migliaccio, Tracy Lynn Olivera, Nova Y. Payton, Erin Weaver, Sandy Bainum, and Rachel Zampelli, Holiday: The Divas brings new life to 13 seasonal favorites. The album is arranged by Gabe Magiente, was recorded at Nevermore Records of Arlington, and was produced by Eric Schaeffer and Signature Theatre.

"After we all had such a great time partnering with Taking Care of Our Own this past August with the first annual Summer Hummer, I had the idea to bring together a bunch of our divas and produce a holiday album in support of Taking Care of Our Own," said Eric Schaeffer, Artistic Director at Signature Theatre and Executive Producer of the album.

Linda Levy Grossman, President and CEO of theatreWashington added: "What great synergy to create an album of timeless holiday music to support our colleagues in need. Eric and this incredible company of dazzling DC divas thrill us with their talent all year long. But to bring - and hear - their voices together for the holidays to support those who work for the love of the art and not the paycheck is especially meaningful."

Another Washington favorite, Sandy Bainum, will also celebrate the holiday season with her new album, This Christmas, a mix of both original tunes and classic carols, accompanied by a full orchestra and arranged by Emmy-winner Lanny Meyers. This Christmas was produced by Bruce Kimmel.

"These projects," says Ms. Grossman, "are both examples of the extraordinarily generous spirit that has fueled Taking Care of Our Own since its inception a year ago."

Inspired by programs such as Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, Taking Care of Our Own grew out of theatreWashington's mission to support, represent, and promote all segments of Washington's professional theatre community. Funds will be allocated through an application process to area artists in times of unforeseen financial hardship.

Ms. Bainum will perform songs from This Christmas at Signature Theatre on Monday, December 3rd starting at 7pm. Ticket reservations are available at Signature Theatre at 703-820-9771.

Proceeds from both CD launch events will support Taking Care of Our Own. Both albums will also be available on the theatreWashington website, www.theatrewashington.org, beginning November 27th, with proceeds benefiting Taking Care of Our Own. To purchase, click HERE.

Taking Care of Our Own, in its inaugural year, is a theatreWashington initiative born to meet a critical need in our community, assisting currently active Washington are theatre professionals and artists in personal emergency situations.