BWW Nothing Like a Dame Special: Jennifer Holliday

BroadwayWorld.com presents the sixth in a series of Broadway profiles leading up to the 12th Annual "Nothing Like a Dame" benefit, presented by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS on March 19, 2007 at 8:00 PM at the Marquis Theatre (1565 Broadway).  "Nothing Like a Dame" benefits the Phyllis Newman Women's Health Initiative of The Actors' Fund of America

Jennifer Holliday is a Tony Award-winner for her iconic performance as Effie Melody White in the original Broadway cast of Dreamgirls.  A two-time Grammy Award winner, she has recorded five chart-making CD's for Arista, Geffen and Intersound Records.  Holliday has recorded with such artists as Barbara Streisand, Foreigner, Qunicy Jones, Michael Jackson, and Luther Vandross, among others.  Her other Broadway and New York theatre credits include Your Arms Too Short To Box With God, Chicago, Grease, Down-Hearted Blues: the Story of Bessie Smith, Sing Mahalia, Sing: the Story of Mahalia Jackson and Harlem Suite.  She is also known for her recurring role on "Ally McBeal," the popular hit Fox TV show.  Her other television appearances include "Touched By An Angel," "Ellen," "Hang Time" and "The Love Boat."  She also made her motion-picture debut as both an actor and a songwriter for the independent film The Rising Place, which had a successful limited release and is now available on DVD. She will next reprise her role as Effie in the upcoming Theater of the Stars production of Dreamgirls, running in Atlanta from July 19th through 29th.

The benefit will also feature Liz Callaway, Victoria Clark, Kate Clinton, Joyce DiDonato, Jill Eikenberry, Melissa Errico, Sutton Foster, Jenn Gambatese, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Milena Govich, Judy Kuhn, Beth Leavel, Julianna Margulies, Ana Gasteyer, Maureen McGovern, Julia Murney, Bebe Neuwirth, Lynn Redgrave, Lea Salonga, Jennifer Smith, Julie White, Tika Sumpter, young dancers of the Westchester Dance Academy, the women of In the Heights, and the women of Company.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA) is the nation's leading industry-based, not-for-profit AIDS fundraising and grant making organization. BC/EFA is the on-going, committed response from the American Theatre community to an urgent worldwide health crisis. By drawing upon the talents, resources, and generosity of this community, BC/EFA raises funds for AIDS-related causes across the United States. Since its founding in 1988, BC/EFA has raised over $130 million for critically needed services for people with AIDS, HIV or HIV-related illnesses.

The Phyllis Newman Women's Health Initiative dedicates a range of resources solely to addressing the health needs and concerns specific to women in the entertainment industry, providing direct services and financial assistance to many women who are often without health insurance. The Initiative has helped clients confront breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers; domestic violence, chemical dependency, mental health, and other conditions. Inspired by actor/director Phyllis Newman, a breast cancer survivor, The Women's Health Initiative was launched in 1996 with the leadership of Broadway Cares. The Initiative provides comprehensive case management services, caring for women with a wide array of health-related concerns, including breast, ovarian, and other cancers; domestic violence; anorexia and bulimia; HIV and AIDS; menopause; substance abuse; Lupus; depression; mental health issues; chronic fatigue syndrome; and osteoporosis.

Visit www.broadwaycares.org for tickets and more information.