Hollywood was alive with the sounds of a bygone era December 4, as Tony nominated actress, dancer and film star Valarie Pettiford dazzled with a cabaret performance in the Pantages Theatre lobby for the Actors' Fund of America's Musical Monday series.
The divine Ms. Pettiford kicked off the evening as she descended the expansive staircase into the foyer of the Pantages singing "All That Jazz," which she previously performed while in the West End production of
Chicago opposite
Chita Rivera. A self-professed student and admirer of
Bob Fosse, Pettiford spoke fondly of the late choreographer throughout the evening, at one point choking up at the mention of his passing before singing his "favorite song," "Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries."
Joined on the small stage by musical director
Ron Abel on piano, Trey Henry on bass and Mark Converse on drums, Pettiford sang a variety of Broadway tunes including, "Bye Bye Blackbird," "Mein Heir" and "If You Believe," from
The Wiz, having just ended her run in the La Jolla Playhouse's production under the direction of
Des McAnuff. The evening was directed by
David Galligan (
Like a Dog on Linoleum, Lettice and Lovage and The
Lion in Winter) with musical direction by
Ron Abel (
Blame It On the Movies and
Twist of Fate).
Pettiford was last seen on Broadway in
Fosse and spent four seasons on the UPN television series "Half & Half." Other credits include the 30th Anniversary Tour of
West Side Story,
Sophisticated Ladies and the West Coast premiere of Michael John La Chuisa and
George C. Wolfe's
The Wild Party. She also recently released her first album, "Hear My Soul."
"The Actors' Fund of America is a nationwide human services organization that helps all professionals - both performers and those behind the scenes - in performing arts and entertainment. Founded in 1882, The Fund serves those in film, theatre, television, music, opera, and dance with a broad spectrum of programs including comprehensive social services, health services, supportive and affordable housing, emergency financial assistance, employment and training services, and skilled nursing and assisted living care. Administered from offices in New York, Los Angeles and
Chicago, The Actors' Fund is a safety net, providing programs and services for those who are in need, crisis or transition," according to notes.
For more information, visit:
www.actorsfund.org and
www.valariepettiford.com.
Photos by Bill Dow
