The Doris Dear 10th Anniversary Christmas Special

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🎄Song List

1. Most Wonderful Time of the Year/Marshmallow World - Doris Dear
2. Holiday Toast - Doris Dear
3. Ding Dong Merrily on High - Emily Kate Gentile
4. It Wouldn't Be Christmas - Doris Dear and Leslie Carrara-Rudolph
5. Believe - Meg Flather
6. Those Girls - a 10 year Holiday Medley
7.  At Least it's Winter - Anna Anderson
8. Love You Didn't Do Right By Me - Doris Dear
9. Walking in the Air - Cooper daSilva
10. Augie Haas (Friday)
11. Sean Harkness (Saturday)
12. Winter Wonderland - Jana Robbins
13. Merry Christmas Darling/ As Long as There's Christmas - Doris Dear
14. White Christmas (cast)

🎄The Holiday Show Cast 🎄

🎄 Ray DeForest

Producer/Writer/Director

RAY DEFOREST is a seasoned veteran of the entertainment industry, boasting an impressive 46-year career marked by unparalleled dedication and multifaceted expertise. As a distinguished member of the Dramatist Guild and an esteemed figure on the NY Board & National LGBT Committee for the SAG/AFTRA entertainment union, Ray's contributions to the arts and advocacy are renowned. Throughout his illustrious journey, Ray has held pivotal roles on numerous Executive boards for non-profit institutions, leveraging his influence to drive positive change within the community. His extensive experience spans across some of the most prominent entertainment companies worldwide, where he has left an indelible mark through his work as a TV producer and host of various acclaimed TV shows. For over 35 years, Ray has been a driving force in producing live entertainment on a global scale, showcasing his unparalleled talents as a producer, writer, and star of the award-winning "Doris Dear Specials". These productions captivate audiences in theaters across NYC and beyond, embodying Ray's unwavering commitment to elevating the theatrical experience. A staunch advocate for the growth and enrichment of theater, Ray lends his expertise to a myriad of projects, from high school productions to full-scale commercial endeavors and non-profit initiatives. His passion for community engagement extends to his role as a prominent LGBT community leader, where he spearheads initiatives to raise vital funds for at-risk youth and promote awareness of pressing social issues. Ray's impact resonates far beyond the stage, as evidenced by his groundbreaking streaming series "Doris Dear's Gurl Talk". Through four compelling seasons, Ray, starring as the iconic "Doris Dear," has garnered widespread acclaim and numerous awards for his insightful and entertaining content, available on his YouTube channel. With an unwavering dedication to fostering inclusivity, creativity, and social change, Ray DeForest stands as a beacon of inspiration within the entertainment industry and beyond.

🎄 Blake Allen

Musical Director/Orchestrator

Blake Allen, PhD is thrilled to be celebrating a six year collaboration with Doris Dear! Allen has three Billboard charting albums (INSOMNIA; the shards of an honor code junkie; Sonatas). Allen has performed on Broadway (Tootsie, Stephen King's Misery, and Notre Dame de Paris), with the New York City Ballet, Philip Glass, The Eagles, The Who, and Andrea Bocelli, to name a few. Allen is a leading expert on The Sherman Brothers having music directed and music supervised the Off-Broadway Revival of Over Here! which took place right here at the Triad Theatre in 2019! Allen also was the creator and musical director of the award-winning, hit series An Evening With... and co-wrote the shows Folk Wandering and Farmyard Follows. Blake holds a PhD from NYU. Other schooling includes BYU and CCM. For more information, visit www.blakeallen.org / @blakeallenpresents

🎄 Doris Dear

Hostess/Singer

Doris Dear, famously known as "America's Perfect Housewife," is the dazzling drag persona of Ray DeForest. The journey to becoming Doris began during a pivotal moment when Ray's beloved mother, Taffy, was slipping away due to Alzheimer’s. This deeply personal experience inspired Ray to dive into the world of drag, ultimately giving life to Doris Dear, a glamorous and witty tribute to classic femininity. Doris quickly charmed audiences nationwide with her radiant smile, impeccable fashion sense, and keen attention to detail, earning her the title of "America's Perfect Housewife." Ray DeForest, through Doris, artfully merges a love for all things vintage with a modern flair, creating a unique blend of nostalgia and contemporary entertainment. Doris Dear's performances are a delightful mix of storytelling, humor, and retro glamour that transport audiences to a bygone era of elegance and charm. She fosters an atmosphere of inclusivity and warmth, becoming a cherished figure and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, using her platform to champion love, acceptance, and equality. Doris Dear's accomplishments are as impressive as her stage presence. Her series, "Doris Dear's Gurl Talk," became the #1 show on the streaming network BroadwayOnDemand, earning several prestigious awards, including the Telly Award, Communicator Award, and W3 Award. In addition, Doris Dear is a three-time MAC Award winner and a Broadway World Award winner, solidifying her place as a beloved and influential figure in the entertainment world. With her timeless appeal and genuine persona, Doris Dear continues to captivate audiences, spreading joy, laughter, and a touch of retro glamour wherever she goes. Her legacy as "America's Perfect Housewife" endures, inspiring others to embrace their true selves and celebrate individuality.

🎄 Hannah Jane

Stage Manager

Hannah Jane is a double first namer and an award winning cabaret artist from West Virginia who made New York City her home in 2014. Taking the cabaret stages by storm, some of her shows include Hey Y’all & Yee Haw along with Women of an Era. Her first two shows, On My Way and Lady Legends, each played to multiple sold out audiences across Manhattan and were met with critical acclaim. In addition to her cabaret career, Hannah Jane has a budding stage career. Past credits include Francine Valli in the White Plains Performing Arts Center’s production of Jersey Boys, Emcee (Girl understudy) in Once the Musical, and Woman 2 in Heartbeat of America, both at Bristol Valley Playhouse in Naples, NY. You can also catch her in Season 5 of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Named the 2019 Julie Wilson Award Recipient, Hannah Jane has become a regular on many cabaret and theater stages across NYC. You can follow her on Instagram or visit her website www.hannahjane.nyc.

🎄 Augie Haas

Special Guest Performer Friday Night

Augie Haas currently lives in New York City where he is a professional trumpeter, composer, and teacher. Augie has worked with artists including Harry Connick, Jr., The Maria Schneider Orchestra, The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, The Gil Evans Project, Birdland Big Band, various Broadway shows, and The Radio City Orchestra. Augie is currently a regular member of the orchestra for Aladdin on Broadway. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Augie earned his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies at Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of the Performing Arts. After Chicago, he attended The University of Miami’s Frost School of Music Conservatory for a Masters in Studio Music in Jazz, and a Doctorate in Musical Arts. Beyond music, Augie wrote his first children's book which he also illustrated called Little Augie and His Trumpet. He also has ten albums under his label Playtime Music: The Llama, Doing it Augie Style, Baby Jazz, Endless, Have We Met?, Dream A Little Dream, A 2020 Christmas, The Dreamer - Vol 1: Sleepy Time, The Dreamer - Vol 2: Playtime, and Augie Haas +8 Live at the Speakeasy. Augie also authored and self-published his book Build Your Range for both trumpet and trombone which has been sold internationally.

🎄 Sean Harkness

Special Guest Performer Saturday Night

International guitar artist Sean Harkness is in high demand as a performer/composer on solo guitar, and is bandleader/arranger for an astonishing array of world class vocalists, musicians, and ensembles. “Harkness gives full expression to the mood of the moment.” -Stephen Holden, New York Times “Sean is a technical virtuoso who’s Joe Pass / Tommy Emmanuel fingerstyle approach is always in service to telling a story or creating a feeling within the song; he transcends many genres and can touch listeners of many backgrounds.” -Jazz Inside New York. Sean’s multiple awards include the coveted MAC, Bistro, and BroadwayWorld.com awards. Harkness represents Walden guitars, DR Strings, and Fishman Pickups. He has eight commercial releases as an artist, and 20+ compilations on Windham Hill Records [BMG/RCA/Sony]. Walden Guitars features Sean on their product catalog covers, released his B-1 Baritone Acoustic and a Signature 12-string guitar worldwide. Sean always has an active international touring schedule – including Africa, the Caribbean, Japan, and Europe – of concerts, clubs, festivals, corporate events, and intimate private home salons or fundraisers. A musician’s musician of exceptional versatility, Sean is often requested to teach Guitar Master Classes and music workshops. www.seanharkness.com.

🎄 Anna Anderson

Anna Anderson is a singer and actress based in New York City and has been a part of the NYC cabaret scene for over a decade. Originally from Tucson, AZ, Ms. Anderson has taken center stage most recently as Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill (regional), and Armelia in Ain’t Misbehavin’ (regional). She is excited to spend this holiday season with Doris Dear and friends.

🎄 Cooper daSilva

Cooper daSilva is a vibrant, and talented high school sophmore, Cooper's journey in the world of performing arts has already left an indelible mark. With an impressive array of roles under his belt, he works hard to bring characters to life on stage. Cooper's dedication to his craft shines through his remarkable performances. Not only a gifted actor, Cooper's melodic award winning voice has enchanted audiences including here where Cooper brought the house to their feet at the Doris Dear shows. In recognition of his outstanding abilities, Cooper daSilva was proudly awarded a scholarship to The Long Island High School for the Arts (LIHSA) Summer Musical Theater Program 2 years in a row. This prestigious honor further underscores his potential and promises a bright future ahead. Adding to his illustrious journey, Cooper's Auntie Doris Dear, a renowned name in the entertainment industry, is thrilled to feature him once again in her heartwarming Christmas show.. As Cooper daSilva continues to captivate audiences with his boundless energy, exceptional talent and unwavering dedication, the stage is set for him to weave his magic and create unforgettable moments in the realm of entertainment. Keep an eye out for this young performer, as his journey is destined for greatness!

🎄 Meg Flather

Meg Flather has won two Bistro and three Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs (MAC) Awards as a performer, a MAC and BroadwayWorld Award as a songwriter, the 2020 Special Production MAC Award for Meg Flather Songs/A Cabaret Sisterhood, and the 2023 United Solo Award for Best Storytelling Show for her original solo musical, Hold On Tight . . . a love story. Hold on Tight also was nominated for 2023 MAC and BroadwayWorld Awards.  Meg's recent Hammerstein & Sondheim: CAREFULLY TAUGHT won the 2024 Best Show BroadwayWorld Award, and Meg was awarded the 2024 Major Female Artist MAC Award. Meg has released nine CDs of her original music and has authored two books: Home Shopping Diva. . . Lessons, Lyrics and Lipstick and Hold On Tight . . . a love story. Meg proudly serves as the North American Brand Ambassador for StriVectin Skincare. Meg continues her The Brick Room Tour—her series revisiting five shows she has performed in Don't Tell Mamas Brick Room—on November 24 th at 4 PM with her critically acclaimed show, Hammerstein & Sondheim CAREFULLY TAUGHT.

🎄 Emily Kate Gentile

Soprano Emily Kate Gentile (née Naydeck) has gained recognition in both traditional and contemporary opera and classically-based music. An advocate for new and innovative music, Emily has recently premiered compositions by Peter Frost, Rossa Crean, Griffin Candey, and Joe Rubinstein. On the operatic stage Emily has enjoyed singing the likes of comediennes, soubrettes and lyric soprano roles such as Gabrielle in La Vie Parisienne, Musetta in La Bohème, Nanetta in Falstaff, Pamina in The Magic Flute, and Gretel in Hansel and Gretel. A native of Pittsburgh, Emily is a longtime NYC transplant living in Brooklyn. Emily holds a Master of Music degree from the Maryland Opera Studio, and a Bachelor of Music degree from Ithaca College.

🎄 Those Girls

The critically acclaimed quartet THOSE GIRLS (Eve Eaton, Rachel Hanser, Karen Mack & Wendy Russell) are known for lush vocals, fun arrangements, and fresh takes on tunes of all kinds - standards to pop and classic rock to showtunes and much, much more. They're four-time MAC Award winners for Best Vocal Group and were chosen Best Group Show 2020 by BroadwayWorld.com. They made their Carnegie Hall debut in 2019 and their Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC) debut 2022, both through the Mabel Mercer Foundation. Recent appearances include Austin Cabaret Theatre in Texas with their newest show “THOSE GIRLS Sing the Broadway vol.1” and a return appearance at Jazz at Lincoln Center as part of this year’s New York Cabaret Convention.

🎄 Jana Robbins

Jana Robbins is a Broadway Actor as well as a Tony, Olivier and Drama Desk Award winning producer. As an actor , she has appeared on Broadway in GOOD NEWS, I LOVE MY WIFE, ROMANCE/ROMANCE, CRIMES OF THE HEART, GYPSY (standing by for Tyne Daly as Mama Rose while playing the “bump it with a trumpet” stripper Mazeppa) and THE TALE OF THE ALLERGIST’S WIFE (covering both Linda Lavin and Michele Lee). Producing credits include LITTLE WOMEN, RAGTIME, and COMPANY. As Pinnacle Partners she produced THE SHARK IS BROKEN with Haley Swindal. West End productions include ROSE, DEATH NOTE, and YOUR LIE IN APRIL. Their duo Cabaret Show WE JUST MOVE ON! The Songs of Kander and Ebb, played 54 Below, The Straz Center, the Sharon Playhouse and the Tillis Center. Jana’s solo Cabaret Shows, playing at Don’t Tell Mama, 54 Below, and across the county include JANA’S TURN, GYPSY IN MY SOUL, ONE HELL OF A RIDE! (The Songs of Cy Coleman) and I’M STILL HERE! www.janarobbinsproductions.com

🎄 Leslie Carrara-Rudolph

LESLIE CARRARA-RUDOLPH, is a 5 time Daytime Emmy nominated performer of Abby Cadabby on Sesame Street. She is a multifaceted entertainer and artist who has dedicated her life to championing the arts through community outreach, workshops, and live shows. Her work has garnered her a Manhattan Association of Cabaret Award nomination for Musical Comedy Performer in 2019. Her shows at have included "What Just Happened", "Moonlight Madness", and "Bizarre Brunch". Other TV and film credits include: "Splash and Bubbles" (2017 Annie Award Nominee), "Nature Cat", "Johnny and The Sprites", "Animal Jam", "ABC’s Muppets Tonight", "A Muppet Christmas", "The Simpsons", and "Forgetting Sarah Marshall". Her work as the purple fairy has allowed her to perform at The White House, and with both The Jazz and Lincoln Center Orchestra and The Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Leslie’s original musical "Wake Up Your Weird" enjoyed runs at The O'Neill Puppetry Conference and off-Broadway. Her radio-show-style podcast series, "Lolly’s Radio Playdate" received accolades from NPR. Leslie and her signature character, candy-loving 5-year old Lolly Lardpop, spend their days helping families and communities navigate life creatively by providing joy through the arts to help them make a difference with their own unique voices.

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🎄 REMEMBERING CHRISTMAS EVE 🎄

Greetings all and happy Christmas Eve! 

Christmas eve was a big event in our household. Taffy and Duke were lovers of the holidays and Christmas Eve was almost more entertaining than Christmas Day! There was lots of preparations the week before. Taffy made sure all the decorations were in place, especially in the Rumpus Room. Taffy loved holly, all green and shiny with red berries. She would make garlands that would hang on the paneled walls and small wreathes for the windows. Lots of candles and fresh pine were scattered on the bar and the smell of cinnamon was everywhere. 

Of course my sister, Nancy, and I were always transported by the pure magic of how the house sparkled that night. We would lay under the tree and stare up through the twinkling lights and German tinsel. We would lay there until mom and dad said it was time to put our red and green outfits on and sing carols in front of the tree. Duke loved this tradition. He would wear his red nightshirt and red nightcap and hold a big Christmas candle as we would sing as a family. It still puts a smile on my face when I think of those very merry moments with all of us singing slightly off key! 

Then it was time for all our friends and relatives to arrive. Johnny Mathis would be playing on the phonograph while Taffy would be warming up her dance moves with me. We would giggle through the entire rousing rendition of Johnny singing "Sleigh Ride". 

There was always plenty of food in the rumpus room as well. A buffet full of jello molds, dips and of course a relish tray since nothing says 'party' like celery and olives! The week before was spent making homemade 'spritz cookies'. We would dye the dough different colors and decorate the cookies with different color sprinkles. Nancy and I always ate too much of the raw dough which was too tasty to ignore. 

People would arrive all dressed up and Nancy and I would sit on the stairs and listen to the clinking of the ice as the manhattans and whiskey sours were poured. Everyone was happy and giggling and celebrating the holidays in full fashion.  

There was always a punch bowl this time of year. Something called a'Tom & Jerry' that was served in the most beautiful bowl and mugs. It was made ahead of time with some sort of batter. I was never allowed to taste it but everyone always seemed very happy after a few mug fulls!  

Nancy and I would eventually be called down to the Rumpus room to sing a carol before we headed off to bed dreaming of Santa and his reindeer. Duke always made sure we were awake enough to hear Santa on the roof! Of course we would leave a few of our spritz cookies out with a big glass of milk for Santa which he always seemed to fully enjoy.  

Taffy and Duke always made sure we had the  most amazing Christmas. Even when times were tough, we never would have known. Duke worked hard to make sure we always had everything we could possibly desire and Taffy made sure our home was full of love. Nancy and I were best friends and many a holiday night was spent cuddling together watching "White Christmas" or some other holiday favorite movie on the TV. I cherish each and every moment I had with my family. This holiday season I especially will be embracing the memories of each of them knowing that because of them, I am who I am today.  So lift a glass of milk and grab a cookie and remember all the people in our lives who made us who we are today.  

To you and yours I wish you the happiest of holidays. 

XOXO 

Doris Dear

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