Vocalist
ACT THREE materialized from the persistent dreams of three Southern California friends, Lynn O’Hearn Wagner, Judy Whitmore, and Bill Grubman. Each had planned on a life in musical theater but—no surprise—real-life responsibilities sent them down different paths. Then, at a time when most people would be planning for retirement, Judy, Lynn, and Bill made a bold decision to resurrect their faded dreams. Along with their vocal coach, Frances Young Bennett, they performed in concerts at Shady Canyon Country Club and Winifred Smith Hall at UC Irvine before making their daring debut at New York’s Carnegie Hall in the fall of 2014.
ACT THREE has since embarked on a musical journey, with Judy, Lynn and Bill forming a trio that has a diverse repertoire extending from the great American standards to Broadway and jazz. Their latest show, “Return to the Cocoanut Grove,” played to a sold-out audience at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, and paid tribute to the Big Band era, featuring the timeless music of Cole Porter, George Gershwin, and Johnny Mercer. The three singers are also featured in the award-winning documentary film, Once Upon a Dream, which chronicles their journey to Carnegie Hall. ACT THREE’S debut album was recently leased.
In the spirit of giving back, ACT THREE’S concerts benefit a variety of charitable organizations, including The Dream Street Foundation, The Artist Scholar Sponsorship Program at the Orange County School of the Arts, and ArtsReach.
Once upon a dream
Filmmaker Carl Borack produced and directed a documentary film chronicling the singers’ journey to Carnegie Hall. It was screened at the Sedona and Los Angeles Independent Film Festivals, and honored with an award at each.
ACT THREE performers, Judy Whitmore, Bill Grubman and Lynn O’Hearn Wagner, along with Frances Young Bennett, presented their New York debut concert at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall on October 12, 2014. The concert, Once Upon a Dream, featured solo and group performances of Broadway melody favorites by Gershwin, Porter, and Sondheim. Accompanied by pianist Dennis Castellano and directed by Myrona DeLaney, the group performed a program of music reflecting their love for singing and their personal journeys to Carnegie Hall.
Press
The Tolucan Times - “‘Two for the Road – Siblings Stories & Songs’ with Judy Whitmore & Billy Grubman brings Great American Songbook to Studio City.”
Last Saturday night Judy Whitmore and her brother Billy Grubman made their first appearance as a duo to a packed house in Studio City, and it was a smash.The siblings have many non-singing accomplishments in common…
OC Register - "HOW DO 4 FRIENDS GET TO CARNEGIE HALL? OH, YOU KNOW!"
Four friends from Orange County were on the bill Sunday night at Carnegie Hall, where they planned to sing Broadway melodies and a pair of arias. The group, Frances Young Bennett, Billy Grubman, Lynn O’Hearn Wagner and Judith Whitmore, got…
LA Times - "THE CROWD: A NIGHT OF CROONING AND SWOONING"
When we were young, our parents directed us into a more serious business path discouraging pursuit of a career in the arts,” shared Bill Grubman, who goes by Billy to those who know him well…
Time's Square Gossip - "‘ONCE UPON A DREAM’ CARNEGIE HALL OCT DEBUT"
ACT THREE performers, Judy Whitmore, Bill Grubman and Lynn O’Hearn Wagner, along with Frances Young Bennett, presented their New York debut concert at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall on October 12, 2014. The concert, Once Upon a Dream…