BWW Nothing Like a Dame Special: Renee Elise Goldsberry

BroadwayWorld.com presents the first 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.

Renee Elise Goldsberry created the role of determined defense attorney Evangeline Williamson on ABC's "One Life to Live."  Along with her OLTL role, Goldsberry performed the role of Nala in the Broadway production of Disney's The Lion King until July 2003. Her previous credits include the national tour of Dreamgirls, the movie soundtrack for the feature film Amistad, and a recurring role as a featured, on-camera singer on "Ally McBeal."  As a singer, Goldsberry has performed with various well-known artists, including Barry White, Patti Austin, Al Green, Rod Stewart, Yolanda Adams, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Brian McKnight, Jeffrey Osborne, Faith Hill, Barry Manilow and Vonda Shepherd. She has been honored with the grand prize for the John Lennon Songwriting contest. Her first album, entitled" Everything But the Kitchen Sink," features three Lennon award-winning songs.

The benefit will also feature Liz Callaway, Victoria Clark, Kate Clinton, Joyce DiDonato, Jill Eikenberry, Melissa Errico, Sutton Foster, Jenn Gambatese, Ana Gasteyer, Milena Govich, Jennifer Holliday, Judy Kuhn, Beth Leavel, Julianna Margulies, Maureen McGovern, Varla Jean Merman, 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.

Photo of Renee Elise Goldsberry by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.