Past Performances

Upstage Lung Cancer has been staging performances since 2008—that’s 16 years of raising funds for lung cancer research! Below are some of our recent past productions, with a link to the full performance.

 cast
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2024 | Spring Concert

Frank and Tony: The Songs of Sinatra and Bennett

Hosted by WBZ-radio personality, Jordan Rich

Performers The Follen Angels Band with Jordan Rich as MC

Guest Speakers Chi-Fu Jeffrey Yang, MD and Lauren Coye

We celebrated the music of Frank Sinatra & Tony Bennett, legendary masters of the Great American Songbook.

 cast
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2023 | Fall Concert

Why don’t we…JUST DANCE?

Hosted by Emmy-Award winning A&E Critic, Joyce Kulhawik

Cast Brian DeLorenzo, Hildy Grossman, Michael Hammond, and Paula Markowicz

Guest Speakers Fan Award recipient, Lecia Sequist, MD and radiologist/researcher, Francine Jacobson, MD

Our celebrated vocalists sang toe-tapping tunes backed by the Follen Angels band with dance performances by Indian Classical Dance, Soft-Shoe and Irish Dance.

A Joyful Concert of Dance and Song! cast
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2023 | Spring "Sing Out!" Concert

Come Dance with Me
A Joyful Concert of Dance and Song!

Hosted by WBZ-radio personality, Jordan Rich

Performers Follen Angels band, Jinny Sagorin and Lexy Lattimore (Jazz Dance), Indian Classical Dance (Sumati Ram-Mohan), and 12 Bollywood Dancers! (Nivetha Dance Crew)

Guest Speakers Lecia Sequist, MD and Jennifer Moran

“This show is magical,” said one reviewer. “It is sure to knock your socks off!” Beloved WBZ radio personality, Jordan Rich, returns as emcee. He keeps the beat going with his humor, enthusiasm and velvet voice. The music will make you want to stand up and dance!

Marvelous Music and Merriment cast
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2022 | Fall Concert

“Laughter is the Best Medicine”
Marvelous Music and Merriment

Hosted by Emmy-Award winning A&E Critic, Joyce Kulhawik

Cast Jane Condon, comedian; Tooky Kavanagh, comedian

Guest Speakers Francine Jacobson, MD; Bill Shields, WBZ-TV’s reporter

Chase away the darkness with our uplifting show featuring laughter and music. Our singers and band performed joyful tunes while our featured comedians, Jane Condon and Tooky Kavanagh brought on the laughs. WBZ-TV’s celebrated reporter Bill Shields, our 2023 Fan Award recipient, shared his inspirational story.

Bill Shields (1953-2023) passed following a courageous battle with cancer.

Composers and Researchers Do Their Thing cast
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2022 | A Virtual Production

Pure Imagination: Music Meets Science
Composers and Researchers Do Their Thing

Hosted by WBZ-radio personality, Jordan Rich

Guest Speakers Heather Smith, lung cancer survivor and life coach; Upal Basu Roy, research scientist

The Cast Hildy Grossman; Krisanthi Pappas; Kristen Merrit; Whitney Doucet; David Thorne Scott and Mark Shilansky; Sarah Michelle; Colin G; Sharon DiFronzo; Batson Haines; Louise Alexandre

Special performance Sharon, Bram (& Randi) (of Sharon, Lois & Bram)

When you start from scratch to create something entirely new, what do you need? PURE IMAGINATION, that’s what! Eleven renowned singer/songwriters from around the world will perform their original songs and share their inspiration in this joyful virtual concert. Beloved WBZ radio personality, Jordan Rich, keeps the beat going as the show’s emcee. Also, lung cancer survivor and life coach, Heather Smith joins research scientist Upal Basu Roy as guest speakers.

In The Style of a French Salon cast
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2021 | A Virtual Production

All We Need is Love
In The Style of a French Salon

Hosted by Emmy-Award winning A&E Critic, Joyce Kulhawik

Guest Speakers Paula Adamson, survivor and advocate, Francine Jacobson, MD, MPH, and 2021 Fan Award Winner, Tyler Jacks, PhD, lung cancer research innovator

The Follen Angels acclaimed jazz, pop and cabaret artists

Cast away the stress of the day and join us for our concert recorded live in a luxurious grand French-style salon. Listen to your favorite songs from the American Songbook.

Sip your wine or tea as you listen to songs made famous by Sarah Vaughan, Nat King Cole, Dean Martin, Donna Summer, Joe Cocker and more. Invite your friends and family to create a watch party and virtually share the fun.

 cast
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2021 | A Virtual Production

Breathe Free

Guest Speakers A young person diagnosed with lung cancer and a scientist from Addario Lung Cancer Medical Institute to discuss the Epidemiology of Young Lung cancer project.

Lung cancer can happen to anyone, at any stage of life—yes, even to young people. Young artists share their musical talents to shine highlight the importance of increasing awareness and research on young people with lung cancer.

A virtual concert with performers from around the globe cast
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2021 | A Virtual Production

It’s a Small World, Right?
A virtual concert with performers from around the globe

Guest Speakers Jacob Sands, MD and Nian Sun, PhD

The Covid pandemic makes the world seem very small.  While we’ve been unable to hold a concert in a theater, we’ve found an unexpected opportunity to expand our reach with virtual concerts. And so, our “Small World” concert includes artists from various parts of the world. Our performers feature songs and dance from Brazil, Japan, France, the Netherlands, Greece, South Africa, Italy, India, Ireland and the good ol’ USA. We guarantee an uplifting and joyful time. Guest speakers Jacob Sands, MD and Nian Sun, PhD discuss the importance of early detection research. Our proceeds will be invested in the Addario Lung Cancer Medical Institute’s research on the epidemiology of lung cancer in young people. (Learn more about this research with our April “BACKSTAGE @ UPSTAGE” podcast.)

A Virtual Performance cast
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2020 | A Virtual Production

Looking Back, Moving Forward
A Virtual Performance

Hosted by Emmy-Award winning A&E Critic, Joyce Kulhawik

Our joyful and inspiring 12th Annual Fall Concert, “Looking Back, Moving Forward” features video clips from some of our favorite prior eleven concerts. Some best-loved songs from the American Songbook are performed by celebrated artists. Our 2020 Fan Award went to Linnea Olson, lung cancer survivor and “terminal optimist” who inspires all fighting this disease. Guests include radiologist, Francine Jacobson, MD; cancer researcher, Tyler Jacks, PhD; and Chris Draft, NFL player and patient advocate who lost his young wife to lung cancer.

A Virtual Conversation cast
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2020 | A Virtual Production

First Fireside Chat
A Virtual Conversation

What the world needs now are more meaningful conversations. We did just that following our November 12th concert, “Looking Back, Moving Forward” (see below). Six panelists gathered to talk about building community, new directions in diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer and how to maintain a positive outlook in troubling times. Emmy Award- Winning A&E critic, Joyce Kulhawik; celebrated performer, Brian De Lorenzo; former NFL player and patient- advocate, Chris Draft; 15-year lung cancer survivor, Linnea Olson; thoracic radiologist, Francine Jacobson, MD MPH and Hildy Grossman, Founder of ULC, singer and psychologist created a lively and upbeat exchange you’ll want to take part in.

A Musical Tribute to Walt Disney cast
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2019 | Fall Concert

When you Wish Upon a Star
A Musical Tribute to Walt Disney

Hosted by Emmy-Award winning A&E Critic, Joyce Kulhawik

Cast Brian De Lorenzo, James Fernandez, Hildy Grossman, Michael Hammond, Paula Markowicz; with guest singer, Candy O’Terry

Guest Speaker Francine Jacobson, MD, MPH, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute

Director / Choreographer Michael Hammond

Music Director Steve Heck

Writer / Producer / Artistic Director Hildy Grossman

From Lady Day to Lady Gaga cast
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2019 | Spring "Sing Out!" Concert

Here’s to the Ladies
From Lady Day to Lady Gaga

Hosted by WBZ-radio personality, Jordan Rich

Performers The Follen Angels; International jazz/pop/and cabaret artists: Hildy Grossman (vocals), Shinichi Otsu (keyboard), Ririka Masuda (sax), Ken Dantzig (drums), Mike Ball (bass), Mike Williams (guitar), with Annie Sharkey (vocals) and Northeastern A Capella group, Unisons

Guest Speaker Jacob Sands, MD, Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Stephen Huff, lung cancer survivor

Producer / Artistic Director / Stage Director Hildy Grossman

Show Stopping Women cast
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2018 | Fall Concert

Barbra, Bette and Bernadette
Show Stopping Women

Hosted by Emmy-Award winning A&E Critic, Joyce Kulhawik

Cast Brian De Lorenzo, Hildy Grossman, Michael Hammond, Paula Markowicz, Candy O’Terry

Guest Speakers Francine Jacobson, MD, MPH, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and Danielle Hicks for Bonnie Addario, patient advocate

Director / Choreographer Michael Hammond

Music Director Timothy Evans

Writer / Producer /Artistic Director Hildy Grossman

In Love with Gershwin and Cole Porter cast
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2018 | Spring "Sing Out!" Concert

I Got Rhythm
In Love with Gershwin and Cole Porter

Hosted by WBZ-radio personality, Jordan Rich

Performers The Follen Angels; International jazz/pop/and cabaret artists: Hildy Grossman (vocals), Shinichi Otsu (keyboard), Ririka Masuda (sax), Ken Dantzig (drums), Mike Ball (bass), Milt Reder (guitar), with Annie Sharkey (vocals) and Northeastern A Capella group, Unisons

Guest Speakers Jacob Sands, MD, Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Steven Young, Addario Lung Cancer Medical Institute

Producer / Artistic Director / Stage Director Hildy Grossman

Songs Where the Science Is cast
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2017 | Fall Concert

From Bench to Broadway
Songs Where the Science Is

Hosted by Emmy-Award winning A&E Critic, Joyce Kulhawik

Cast Brian De Lorenzo, Hildy Grossman, Michael Hammond, Paula Markowicz, Candy O’Terry, and guest Sheree Dunwell

Guest Speakers Francine Jacobson, MD, MPH, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and Anne E. Deconinck, PhD, Executive Director, Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT

Music Director Timothy Evans

Writer / Producer / Artistic Director Hildy Grossman

Classic Rock & Roll Lives On cast
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2017 | Spring "Sing Out!" Concert

The Sensational ’60s
Classic Rock & Roll Lives On

Hosted by WBZ-radio personality, Jordan Rich

Performers The Follen Angels; International jazz/pop/and cabaret artists: Hildy Grossman (vocals), Shinichi Otsu (keyboard), Rick Stone (sax), Ken Dantzig (drums), Sven Larson (bass), Fran McConville (guitar), Christina Lacoste (back-up vocals) and A Capella groups, NU Downbeats and Custom Blend

Guest Speakers Geoffrey Oxnard, MD, Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Anna Plaza, Addario Lung Cancer Foundation

Producer / Artistic Director / Stage Director Hildy Grossman

Celebrating The First Lady of Song cast
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2016 | Fall Concert

Ella Fitzgerald
Celebrating The First Lady of Song

Hosted by Emmy-Award winning A&E Critic, Joyce Kulhawik

Cast Brian De Lorenzo, Hildy Grossman, John King, Paula Markowicz, Davron Monroe

Guest Speakers Francine Jacobson, MD, MPH, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute; Chris Draft, Chris Draft Family Foundation

Diector Lisa Rafferty

Choreographer Russell Garrett

Music Director Timothy Evans

Writers Hildy Grossman and Lisa Rafferty

Producers / Artistic Director Hildy Grossman

 cast
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2016 | Spring "Sing Out!" Concert

Sing Out to Upstage Lung Cancer

Hosted by WBZ-radio personality, Jordan Rich

Performers The Longwood Symphony Quintet, Peking and the Mystics, Bo and Bill Winiker Trio, Northern Lights, with Linda Marks (vocals, keyboard), Claire McFarland (vocals), Dave Berkin (sax), Hildy Grossman (vocals), and Greg Woodsbie (piano)

Guest Speakers Deborah Morosini, MD, and sister of Dana Reeve, and Anna Plaza, Addario Lung Cancer Foundation

Producer / Artistic Director / Stage Director Hildy Grossman

Celebrating Sinatra’s Centennial cast
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2015 | Fall Concert

High Hopes
Celebrating Sinatra’s Centennial

Hosted by Emmy-Award winning A&E Critic, Joyce Kulhawik

Cast Leigh Barrett, Brian De Lorenzo, Hildy Grossman, John King, Paula Markowicz, Scott Wahle

Guest Speakers Francine Jacobson, MD, MPH, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Janet McCarthy, lung cancer survivor

Director Lisa Rafferty

Choreographer Michelle Hayes

Music Director Catherine Stornetta

Writers Hildy Grossman and Lisa Rafferty

Producer / Artistic Director Hildy Grossman

A Coast-to-Coast Effort Using Music to Fight Lung Cancer cast
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2015 | Spring "Sing Out!" Concert

Sing Out! Youth Music Festival
A Coast-to-Coast Effort Using Music to Fight Lung Cancer

Hosted by WBZ-radio personality, Jordan Rich

Performers Sounds Chasers Rock Band from Winchester Music School, Perfect Pitch, Testostertones, Note-a-fy, A Capella Groups from Brookline (MA) High School, and Sociedad Latina Youth Leadership Band from Boston, MA

Guest Speakers James Swaim, Upstage Lung Cancer, vice president and Kelcey Harrison, Jill’s Legacy

Producer / Artistic Director / Stage Director Hildy Grossman

CAUSE OF DEATH: Lung Cancer

Betty Grable

Betty Grable

Actress, Dancer, Singer, Pin-up Girl

Dec 18, 1906 - July 7, 1973
Buster Keaton

Buster Keaton

Comic Actor, Filmmaker, Producer

Oct 4, 1895 - Feb 1, 1966
Nate King Cole

Nat King Cole

Singer/Songwriter, Pianist

Mar 17, 1919 - Feb 15, 1965
Vincent Price

Vincent Price

Actor, Art Collector and Consultant

May 27, 1911 - Oct 25, 1993
Johnny Hallyday

Johnny Hallyday

French Rock 'n Roll icon

June 15, 1943 - Dec 6, 2017