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Garden of Alla tells the true story of one of the most visionary artists of the 20th century, Alla Nazimova – Broadway megastar, silent film legend, one of the first female directors and producers in Hollywood – and perhaps the most famous star you’ve never heard of. A Jewish LGBTQ+ trailblazer who took on the system, her meteoric fame and infamous, star-studded Garden of Allah, the ‘Camelot of Hollywood’ has been all but erased from the history books. This critically acclaimed solo show is a hybrid of theater and film, with projection enveloping the performer in a live silent movie.
As an actor some NYC credits include Ginger in Lancelot by Steven Fechter (The Woodsman with Kevin Bacon) at Judson Gym; Shakespeare’s Slave at the Clurman (Theatre Row); and Caligula at the Kirk Theatre Row. Among regional credits she has performed at Actors Theatre of Lousiville, The Wilma Theater, Hedgerow and The Emelin. She has performed her critically acclaimed solo show The Garden Of Alla regionally at The Kennedy Center (Washington D.C/ Tonic Theatre Co), The Firehouse Theatre (Richmond Virginia), and in Los Angeles at Theatre West. In New York the show has played to sold out houses at The Cutting Room, Theaterlab, The Players Club, Dixon Place, HERE Theatre & Theatre 555. Her other playwriting credits include The Feeling Part Playwriting Collective, and live streamed internationally by LoNyLa), Sex & Sealing Wax (Estrogenious Festival, MITF), Broadville (Source Theatre, Clurman Theatre), Lipshtick (New York International Fringe Festival/Dixon Place), and Amazing Grace and NYSeeing with Neil LaBute – both livestreamed at Nuyorican Poets Café.
She is currently the recipient of a 2023 grant by The Lower Manhattan Culture Center to develop and perform her play Mother Of All Choices.
As an award-winning, bestselling audiobook narrator, Romy has recorded over 370 titles.
Member of Dramatists Guild and League Of Professional Theatre Women.
Denise Donatelli, a three-time GRAMMY® nominated vocalist, presents her latest album, “Whistling in the Dark – The Music of Burt Bacharach.” Released on August 27, 2021, this remarkable project showcases Denise’s lifelong love affair with the legendary songwriter’s music. Produced by the renowned Larry Klein, the album marks Denise’s first concept album dedicated to a single composer and highlights her exceptional collaboration with Klein.
Recorded live at The Village Studios in Los Angeles in October 2020, the album captures Denise’s warm vocal elegance accompanied by a hand-picked all-star jazz/pop quartet. The quartet includes Larry Goldings on piano and organ, Anthony Wilson on guitar, Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, and Larry Klein himself on bass and additional keyboards.
“Whistling in the Dark” presents an intimate and soulful collection of Bacharach’s iconic hits, as well as some lesser-known gems. Denise breathes new life into classics like “The Look of Love” and brings her own interpretation to Warwick’s renowned songs such as “Walk On By,” “In Between the Heartaches,” “Anyone Who Had a Heart,” and “A House is Not a Home.” The album also features collaborations with Elvis Costello on poignant tracks like “Toledo” and “In the Darkest Place.”
Denise’s artistic journey leading up to this project has been shaped by her passion for jazz. Growing up in Allentown, PA, she fell in love with the genre, drawing inspiration from vocalists like Nancy Wilson, Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae, and Ella Fitzgerald. After launching her singing career in Atlanta in the early 90s, Denise moved to Los Angeles in 2000, immersing herself in the vibrant music community.
Throughout her career, Denise has collaborated with esteemed musicians and earned recognition for her exceptional talent. Her previous albums with producer/pianist Geoffrey Keezer garnered four GRAMMY nominations, including three for Best Jazz Vocal Album. In 2012, she was honored as Jazz Vocalist of the Year by The Los Angeles Jazz Society. Known as a “musician’s singer,” Denise’s innate musicianship and pure tone have captivated audiences and led to various notable performances, including appearances on “The Simpsons” and TV promos for popular shows and brands.
Denise’s connection to the American Heart Association holds a special place in her heart, honoring the memory of her son.
