Variety Acts

dan forlano Brent McCoy
Juggler

Brent grew up in Vermont on a small dairy farm. He started juggling at the age of 15, and hasn’t stopped yet. Since graduating from Bates College in 2003, he has performed and taught all over the world. Highlights include numerous Canadian and American Street Festivals, Clown Festivals in China, and special events all over the US. He’s studied theater at The Celebration Barn, taught for a number of years for Circus Smirkus and continues to work on New Projects. When he’s not playing… ahem, we mean, working… he spends time gardening, cooking, farming, and enjoying his time in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.
www.brentmccoy.com

dan forlano Daniel Forlano
Clown

Daniel was born in the Virgo Supercluster at the outer limits of the Milky Way Galaxy near a star known locally as the Sun on a planet where the food is quite good. When his college advisor offered to write him a recommendation to Harvard University he decided comedy was the smarter option. He was lately spotted eating popcorn in the film The Invention of Lying.
www.danielforlano.com

Eric Dittleman
Mind Entertainer

Ever wonder what it would be like to know what someone else was thinking? What if you knew exactly what someone else was going to do before they did it? Mind Entertainer Eric Dittelman knows what that’s like and has been reading minds at colleges, comedy clubs, and private functions all along the East Coast. Eric uses his understanding of human behavior to predict and influence people’s behavior to give the illusion of real mind reading. Combining improvisational and stand-up comedy, Eric is one the top up-and-coming entertainers who will leave you amazed and laughing. Experience Eric’s brand of comedy mind reading first hand, because he wants to know…what do YOU think?
www.ericdittelman.com

Becca Zaretzky
Singer

From an early age, Becca has been training in musical theater, but once she learned how to play guitar, songwriting became her “other love.” She is looking forward to performing on stage with her sister – Spicette Chelle Zaretzky – but is really hoping that this performance will open up other avenues for her (i.e. get her a date). Becca received her BFA in Musical Theater from the Boston Conservatory.

http://www.myspace.com/beccazaretzky

Diva Taunia
Singer / Songwriter

Diva Taunia is an award-winning professional vocalist, Weight Loss Surgery advocate, and Weekly Radio Host.

Formerly 311 lbs, Diva Taunia had gastric bypass surgery on 3/25/08 and has lost 165+ lbs. She now embraces the new “image” and celebrates that through vintage and retro costuming in her act.
www.divataunia.com

Friends of Broadway
Dancers

“The Friends of Broadway” is a musical revue of girls in grades 2-10 who travel all over the country singing and dancing to the likes of Broadway, movies, pop songs, oldies, holiday/summer favorites, and much more! There is something for everyone in this high energy, non-stop fun show that the whole family can enjoy!

Kendra Alati
Singer

Kendra is excited to be working with the cast and crew of Spice! She most recently played the hooker in Metro Stage Company’s “Working”. Her mother is very proud. Kendra also musically directed “Sweeney Todd”, which earned her an IRNE award Nomination this year. Other recent credits include, The Homeless Lady in “A New Brain” (2006 IRNE Nomination) Audrey in “Little Shop of Horrors” (2006 IRNE Nomination) Ellen in “Miss Saigon” (2007 IRNE Nomination) Merideth Parker in “Bat Boy” (2008 IRNE nomination) The Witch in “Into the Woods” (2008 IRNE Nomination). Opera credits include Bizet’s Carmen (Carmen), Wilder’s Sunday Excursion (Alice) Mozart’s Bastien und Bastienne (Bastienne) Menotti’s The Old Maid and the Theif (Laetitia) among many others. Kendra has been a soloist with the Boston Symphony Orchestera under conductors Keith Lockhart and James Levine (Beethoven’s 9th – Soprano solo) and member of the Tanglewood and POPS! chorus. In 2003, she was chosen to tour with Festival di Roma in Italy, playing Mercedes in Carmen. Kendra made her Carnegie Hall solo debut with Charpentier’s Te Deum under conductor Dr. Theodore Davidovich. Much love to her husband, Saad and her family. For DC.

Kielbasia
Accordion-Playing Lunch-Lady

After many years in San Francisco, where she was named “Best Drag Queen with an Accordion,” Kielbasia has returned to the East Coast. She’s based in Boston and Provincetown, where she was Family Favorite in the summer of 2007. The act is suitable for kids of all ages and persuasions – from the birthday party to the Burlesque stage! Just be ready to clap, stomp your feet and sing along!
www.kielbasia.com

Kristen Huberdea
Singer

Kristen is thrilled to be making her Improv Boston debut! While in NYC, she had the pleasure of performing at Lincoln Center as a soprano with the NYC Master Chorale, as well as originating the role of Marilyn in the new musical Miami. In the Boston area, favorite roles have included: Maria in West Side Story, Lily in The Secret Garden, Mabel in Pirates of Penzance, Tuptim in The King & I, and Christine in Phantom. Kristen is currently finishing her master’s degree while planning her wedding! Love to David, Charlie and Inman.

Mark Kenny
Handwalker

Mark is a Guinness Record holder and presenter who sees life from a different perspective. Just don’t ask him to shake hands. His records include The Fastest Inverted Sprint, Fastest Inverted Sprint Down Stairs, and Endurance Inverted Sprint Down Stairs.
http://www.handwalker.com/

Overboard
A Cappella Group

Founded in the spring of 2006, Overboard is a male a cappella group from Boston, MA. Although Overboard’s repertoire consists primarily of contemporary pop/rock songs, including covers from such artists as Rascall Flatts, Stevie Wonder and The Beatles, the group remains true to its a cappella roots and continues to perform classic selections such as “Blue Moon,” “In The Still of the Night” and “Stand By Me.”
www.overboardvocals.com

Samarra
Belly Dancer

Samarra has been performing belly dance in and around the Boston area for the past eight years, and can be seen at clubs, restaurants, variety shows and benefits. She is also a popular entertainer at birthday parties, weddings and other private events. Between 2004 and 2008, she produced a successful series of themed belly dance fusion shows in Cambridge. Samarra draws inspiration from the legendary Egyptian dancers and has studied extensively with many Egyptian master teachers. In addition to being a solo dancer, Samarra is also a member of the area’s only Middle Eastern folk dance troupe, Mirza Dance Ensemble. She is a costume designer as well, and teaches Introduction to Belly Dance workshops at Cambridge Center for Adult Education. Find out more about Samarra at www.samarradance.com.

We are not Martha
Lifestyle Bloggers

We are not Martha are blogging friends who post about all of their adventures in the kitchen and in Boston, ways to spruce up their city apartments, products they’ve stumbled upon, trips they’ve taken, and details of the lives of two 20-somethings.

www.wearenotmartha.com

Zehara Nachash
“The Snake Lady”

Based in Boston, Zehara Nachash a.k.a. “The Snake Lady,” is a professional belly dancer, side show performer, and Boston’s resident Snake Charmer. Zehara has been performing professionally since 2005 bringing her unique brand of “side show” belly dance to audiences across New England. She currently teaches workshops and classes throughout Massachusetts and beyond. Zehara is also the Proprietress of Boston’s very own Coney Island inspired show, ” Kalliope’s Karavan: An Evening of Side Show Delights and Vaudeville Theatre,” a show which brings together side show, circus and vaudeville performers from across New England. Aside from belly dancing and snake charming, Zehara is also a professional fire eater, glass walker and fire dancer. She will be adding The Ladder of Swords to her repertoire shortly. For more information on Zehara and her slithering dance partners, visit www.zehara.com. For more information on Kalliope’s Karavan, visit www.zehara.com/circus.