Past Performances
Upstage Lung Cancer has been staging performances since 2008—that’s 15 years of raising funds for lung cancer research! Below are some of our recent past productions, with a link to the full performance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
2014 | Fall Concert
Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime
The Music of Dean Martin and The Rat Pack
Hosted by Emmy-Award winning A&E Critic, Joyce Kulhawik
Cast Leigh Barrett, Brian De Lorenzo, Hildy Grossman, Paula Markowicz, Scott Wahle
Guest Speakers Francine Jacobson, MD, MPH, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute
Director Lisa Rafferty
Choreographer Ilyse Robbins
Music Director Timothy Evans
Writers Hildy Grossoman and Lisa Rafferty
Producer / Artistic Director Hildy Grossman
2014 | Spring "Sing Out!" Concert
First Sing Out! Youth Music Festival
Hosted by WBZ-radio personality, Jordan Rich
Performers Perfect Pitch, Testostertones, Note-a-fy, The Next Best Western, A Capella Groups from Brookline (MA) High School, Northeastern University’s Unity Gospel Ensemble, Voices of Boston (youth chorus, formerly known as PALS), with Hildy Grossman (vocals) and Wendy Covell (keyboard)
Guest Speakers James Swaim, Upstage Lung Cancer, vice president and Natalya De Robertis-Theye, Jill’s Legacy
Producer / Artistic Director / Stage Director Hildy Grossman
2013 | Fall Concert
I Could Have Danced All Night
The Life And Music of Alan J. Lerner
Hosted by Emmy-Award winning A&E Critic, Joyce Kulhawik
Cast Leigh Barrett, Brian De Lorenzo, Hildy Grossman, Paula Markowicz, Scott Wahle
Guest Speaker Deborah Morosini, MD
Director Lisa Rafferty
Choreographer Leigh Barrett
Musical Director Timothy Evans
Writers Hildy Grossman and Lisa Rafferty
Producer/ Artistic Director Hildy Grossman
CAUSE OF DEATH: Lung Cancer
Dana Reeves
Actress, Activist for Disabilities
Mar 17, 1961 - Mar 6, 2006
Betty Grable
Actress, Dancer, Singer, Pin-up Girl
Dec 18, 1906 - July 7, 1973
Duke Ellington
Jazz Composer, Bandleader
April 29, 1899 - May 24, 1974
Suzanne Pleshette
Film and Theatre Actress
Jan 31, 1937 - Jan 19, 2008
