Jacquelyn Holland-Wright and Philip Fortenberry Perform Benefit Concert To Honor Furry Friends

Actress and singer Jacquelyn Holland-Wright and pianist Dr. Philip Fortenberry will present "ANYWAY," a fur-nominal, heartwarming benefit concert to honor the furry friends in all our lives at The Smith Center's Myron's Cabaret Jazz showroom on Friday, Sept. 6, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets will go on sale Friday, Aug. 2 and start at $39. Buy at The Smith Center Box Office, by phone 702-749-2000, or online at www.thesmithcenter.com.

"This special night will be a wonderful opportunity for us to thank the furry ones, our pets, who have been our faithful, unconditional companions and to honor those special creatures who have taught us the art of loving," says Holland-Wright. "I was a lucky fur-baby-Mom to my Labrador Gus, who taught me to live simply, love generously, care deeply and speak kindly. He was diagnosed with horrible cancer and passed in 2009. My heart is always filled with love for Gus. I'm looking forward to a very uplifting and entertaining evening of songs and stories to pay homage to Gus and all pets, plus help support the work of those who have dedicated their lives to keeping them healthy," she added.

Proceeds from tickets sales will benefit Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine for bio medical and oncology research. For more information, visit www.vetmed.wsu.edu/

Holland-Wright was born and raised in Kailua, Hawaii and is a 30 year veteran of the stage and Broadway/West community. She currently stars as Soap Star in "Menopause The Musical," the longest running musical in Las Vegas. She starred as Donna Sheridan in the Broadway musical, 'Mamma Mia!" 2005-2009, and the Las Vegas Review-Journal named her "Most Talented Female Entertainer." She also originated the powerful role of Jocelyn in the world premiere of "Sudoku The Musical," Carolyn in the hysterical comedy "Divorce Party," co-starred opposite Rick Springfield in "EFX" at MGM Grand, was a leading lady of "Tease" and a featured singer for Wayne Newton on his post-9/11 USO Tour. She has performed with Ruth Pointer, Neil McCoy, Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Hudson, Rob Schneider and Shaggy, to name a few. She is a proud Mom, actress, voice over artist, singer, acting coach and member of Actors Equity Association.

Dr. Fortenberry's distinguished career includes being one of the most sought-after pianists on the Great White Way and the recipient of the coveted "Ghostlight Award" as "Best Musician on Broadway." He was the hand/body double for actor Michael Douglas in HBO's biopic "Behind the Candelabra," and has performed on numerous concert stages from Lincoln Center to Carnegie Hall, from The Kennedy Center to The White House, and featured as a headliner to rave reviews. This fall he will embark on his second solo, three-week concert tour of China. He has composed and released eight solo CDs.

"ANYWAY" is directed by beloved Las Vegas composer Keith Thompson who is co-producer with Fortenberry, as a powerhouse musical team for PK Entertainment of their hit musical show, "The Cocktail Cabaret." Thompson even wrote "Anyway," a new, original song for this concert. His numerous credits include co-composer of "Idaho! The Comedy-Musical," musical director of "Jersey Boys" and founder and host of the nonprofit "The Composers Showcase."

To post a comment, you must register and login.