Playbill
As far back as I can remember, I’ve loved live stage productions, especially musicals. I am honored to bring you the next best source of entertainment – a dramatized audio book featuring the breathtaking music of world renowned composer, Tim Janis.
Not only will our story touch the deepest fiber of your being, you will be blessed beyond measure by the multitude of talents that lift this project to the pinnacle of excellence in the world of audio books.
Each and every individual poured their heart and soul into the making of Tillie. I am privileged to introduce to you:
PRODUCER/COMPOSER:
Tim Janis
With millions of albums sold, five National Public TV Specials, and 10 Billboard Charting CDs, composer Tim Janis has worked with some of the top artists in the music and entertainment business — from Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, and Ray Charles, to George Clooney and James Earl Jones.
“There aren’t enough words in the English language to express how I feel about Tim. He will forever hold a special place in my heart. He believed in our story enough to put his reputation on the line and produce this project. God brought us together. May we bring glory and honor to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I love you brother.”
From Tim’s heart – “ I instantly knew I wanted to be a part of lifting this story up for the world to hear the minute Linda finished telling me. Her commitment to minister God’s love through their story has been an inspiration. It most definitely speaks to God’s calling on each of our lives to serve others through our gifts and talents. What a blessing to be a part of this beautiful project. Tillie’s life journey so glorifies God. I feel this beautifully written and narrated testimony of a life spent searching for Christ will bring hope and peace to many.”
Composer, musician, conductor and arranger Tim Janis is a story of a deep belief in the power of creating music that can heal and bring peace on a global level. His music has traveled a long and interesting journey into becoming a global healing force. This musical force has traveled to such diverse places as the hallowed ground of Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York City, Africa, China, Eastern Europe, the United States and numerous public television specials, enthralling a legion of fans.
The journey to the inspirational instrumentals that are the hallmark of his music began to receive wide recognition with his CD “Music of Hope,” which was a fundraising CD for the American Cancer Society and has been used as music for oncology patients. This CD reached number one on Billboard Magazine’s classical chart in 2001. Tim worked on the CD with artists Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, Ray Charles, Andre Previn, Emanuel Ax, Maya Angelou, and the New York Philharmonic and London Symphony.
Tim’s lush, gorgeous pieces have been dubbed “music with a mission”. He has performed and recorded in South Africa with Sinikithemba, an all-female, all HIV-positive choir that spreads a unifying message in the midst of Africa’s AIDS crisis. He has also, in conjunction with the U.S. State Department, brought his music to Eastern Europe as a gesture of goodwill and philanthropy. Shortly thereafter, Tim and actor George Clooney collaborated on the “Beautiful America” public television special. This special raised over two million dollars in donations it’s broadcast.
Tim then brought his musical message to Mainland China with a series of concerts, and back to Africa later in 2005 in collaboration with the humanitarian organization Church World Service for Kenya’s School Safe Zones Project. The goal of this project is to improve primary school education in Africa.
Some of his recent works include his American Christmas Carol PBS special with James Earl Jones. He has written songs and performed with Grammy award winner Lisa Fischer. Former First Lady Barbara Bush narrated Tim’s first children’s story Shine Like a Lighthouse, and Tim has written a new program entitled “In Room Symphony,” playing throughout hospitals across America on Telehealth’s Tigr systems.
In 2009 Tim was fundraising for the USO and headed back to Kenya, to once again, work with school children. He also taped his latest PBS special, “Celebrate America,” a project that spotlights America’s thousands of public school students and their music programs on Public Television.
With millions of listeners and thousands of testimonies, Tim continues to bring to the world a universal message of hope and peace.
Visit Tim’s website at www.timjanis.com and browse his on-line store to start your collection of Tim Janis music.
ACTORS:
Together, the following three actors bring over 100 years of combined Broadway stage experience to Tillie. Early in the discussion phase of developing this project, Tim J kept saying, “We need professional actors that will take this beautiful story to the next level.” Not only have they done just that, they exceeded all earthly expectations. The “Making of Tillie” will go down in my freeze-frame memory book as one of the top 10 experiences in my life.
Dee Hoty
“What a gift to spend two days with this remarkably talented actress! She not only captured every emotion I felt during the last ten months of Aunt Tillie’s life, she brought my 53 years of triumphs and trials to life. A humbling experience indeed!”
From Dee’s heart – “What a wonderful learning experience this was for me! Linda’s voice is strong and true and her strength and convictions are palpable. I hope we both made Aunt Tillie proud!”
Dee has distinguished herself as one of Broadway’s favorite leading ladies, having earned three Tony nominations for her starring roles in FOOTLOOSE, THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE GOES PUBLIC and THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES. She wraps up the role of Mrs. MacAfee in BYE BYE BIRDIE at the end of Jan 2010.
Other Broadway shows include MAMMA MIA, CITY OF ANGELS (Outer Critics Circle Nomination,) ME AND MY GIRL, BIG RIVER, THE FIVE O’CLOCK GIRL and SHAKESPEARE’S CABARET.
She starred opposite Tommy Tune in the recent National Tour of DOCTOR DOLITTLE, starred opposite Stacy Keach in the 1st National Tour of BARNUM and won a Joe Jefferson (Chicago) Award playing Betty Blake in the 1st National Tour of THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES.
Dee has appeared Off-Broadway in PERSONALS, VANITIES and FORBIDDEN BROADWAY.
You can learn more about Dee’s acting career at www.deehoty.com
Tim Shew
“Amazing! Simply amazing! I sat mesmerized as I listened to Tim portray and bring to life the booming voice of God, the gentle voice of Jesus, over 30 additional male Bible characters and the voices of all the special men in my world in the making of Tillie. Their presence was tangible.”
“From Tim’s heart – “My faith has been strengthened though the process of recording Linda and Tillie’s amazing story. You’re in for a treat! Blessings…..”
Tim is currently wrapping up his role as the Mayor of Sweetapple, Ohio in Broadway’s Bye Bye Birdie. Additional Broadway stage roles include, Officer John Lonigan in WONDERFUL TOWN with both Donna Murphy and Brooke Shields and Jean Valjean in The Tony Award winning LES MISERABLES. He has gone on to perform that role for more than 4 years in 4 other productions of Les Miserables again on Broadway and the tenth anniversary production in Australia. Other Broadway credits include: THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL as St. Cyr, The Alan Menken/Tim Rice Production of Disney’s KING DAVID, and Rusty Charlie in the Tony Award winning Broadway revival of GUYS AND DOLLS, SUNSET BOULEVARD w/Betty Buckley and the pre-Broadway Andrew Lloyd Webber-Hal Prince WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND. He has also performed at the world famous FORD’S THEATRE in Washington D.C. in Frank Wildhorn’s CIVIL WAR. He had the privilege of singing Leonard Bernstein’s MASS at Carnegie Hall and The Kennedy Center. For many years Tim played Santa at Radio City Music Hall.
Check out Tim’s full television/film bio at www.timothyshew.com
Marilyn Pasekoff
“The stunning return of my dear Aunt Tillie’s spirit through Marilyn’s gifted voice simply took my breath away. Only God could have chosen this perfect replica. Trim her hair just a bit and change the shape of her glasses and we’ve cast our girl to play the part of Tillie, should God open the door of opportunity for our story to become a feature film.”
“From Marilyn’s heart – “I think it’s important to learn about all aspects of life that you don’t necessarily embrace yourself, if for no other reason than to satisfy your curiosity and for the greater reason of deepening your sense of tolerance. I was most struck by the deep love and devotion that Linda and Tillie shared.”
Marilyn’s Broadway credits include Elaine May’s TALLER THAN A DWARF, directed by Alan Arkin, I HATE HAMLET, the all-female ODD COUPLE, A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Madison Square Garden and GODSPELL. Off Broadway credits include A MOTHER DAUGHTER AND A GUN, YIDDISH TROJAN WOMEN, SCMULNIK’S WALTZ. Regional credits include MARTY, YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU, A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, TALE OF THE ALLERGIST’S WIFE, BROADWAY BOUND, PROMISES, PROMISES, COLE PORTER, and SCRAMBLED FEET.
Films include SCENES FROM A MALL, and LOIS LIVES A LITTLE. Television appearances include LAW & ORDER and the animated HBO series, A LITTLE CURIOUS.
VOCALISTS:
As we began discussing the music for Tillie, Tim J graciously offered to fly to St. Louis to record some of the incredibly talented vocalists that bless me with their gorgeous voices. Though there are many, God dropped five individuals names in my heart. It brings me great joy to share their voices with you in two of the three songs Tim composed just for Tillie.
Stephanie Bills
“Steph’s hauntingly beautiful voice will saturate your soul as she sings for all who choose eternal life. I will forever be grateful to have worked side-by-side with this exceptionally gifted voice from God.”
From Stephanie’s heart – “What a privilege to be a part of such an inspiring project. Tillie has the potential to change so many lives!”
Stephanie began performing as a soloist from the age of six with her family, the Edwards Family Singers. In high school she became involved in several choirs and ensembles while taking private vocal lessons. She spent her years in college as a member of Missouri Baptist University’s, “Spirit Wing,” where she toured throughout the Midwest and recorded lead and background vocals on two albums. Stephanie has since recorded background vocals on “The Praise Rose” with singer/songwriter, Kent Henry and with singer/songwriter, Danny Liston.
Stephanie remains active in the music ministry at St. Louis Family Church where she attends with her husband and son.
Hollie Brian
“They don’t come any sweeter than Hollie. What a pleasure to work with this talented voice. She was so sensitive to listen as I described what I heard God speak to my heart about ‘Eternity.’ She lifts my precious Aunt Tillie’s spirit straight up to heaven. Her gifts reach far beyond eternity.”
From Hollie’s heart – “When I first heard the story of Tillie, I couldn’t help but be ecstatic about this project. I thank God for planting eternity in our hearts! Ecclesiastes 3:11.”
Hollie’s father, Holland Anderson, worship leader for Church of the Nazarene, launched her singing career at the tender age of three and she has been singing for Jesus ever since. Writing her first song when she was seven years old, her desire to become a songwriter was ignited. Hollie began playing the guitar when she was 23 and played at local coffee shops.
After winning a music contest, she opened and performed with Rebecca St. James, New Song, Bryan Duncan and more at the Summer Jam 2000 at the St. Charles Family Arena in St. Charles, MO.
Hollie released her debut CD, Glow, in 2004. She was a guest singer at the Sheldon Concert Hall for Flutist, Mark Holland November 2007. Hollie collaborated on the 2009 release of Magnificent Name, a new CD produced by Above Entertainment (AE) signed on as a staff songwriter for AE in 2009.
Hollie worships at St. Louis Family Church (SLFC) with her husband and two sons. She has been serving on the music worship team at her church since 2000. “Honor God, Help People” is SLFC’s mission statement, and it is Hollie’s mission statement as a songwriter.
Hollie teamed up with Tim Janis to write Eternity for the Tillie Soundtrack. This song will certainly take your breath away and hopefully call you to your eternal home.
You can order CD’s from Hollie at www.holliebrian.com
Ahnna Bruno
“The afternoon Ahnna stood in my office and sang ‘Beautiful, soooo Beautiful,’ (words spoken so often in Tillie’s last ten months of life.) I knew in my heart I wanted to lift her songbird voice for the world to hear. As Tillie’s spirit transitions from this life to eternal life, Ahnna’s voice calls you to heaven with Tillie.”
From Ahnna’s heart – “It was truly a blessing to be given the opportunity to work on Tillie with such amazingly talented people. Getting to know Linda’s heart for this project and having been asked to help bring Tillie’s story to life is an honor I will not soon forget. Working with Tim Janis was amazing and wonderful. Thanks, Linda.”
Ahnna is a classically trained vocalist who enjoys singing and acting. She studied voice at Webster University under Dee Pavelka. Ahnna has appeared on many projects and participated in several venues including the St. Louis Earth Day festival. She has also performed live on stage with the legendary Al Hirt. Ahnna has gone on to do local theater productions and continues to sing in the St. Louis area. She participates in judging candidates for a local theater company where she uses her giftings to help foster the love of acting and singing in young performers.
Ahnna is a happily married mother of two who resides in St. Louis, Missouri and has actively participated in the music ministry at her church.
Jon Garrett
“I cried the first time I heard Jon singing ‘Oh Holy Night’ in St. Louis Family Church’s Christmas program. His booming tenor voice will send shivers up your spine. His powerful voice in Psalm 23 and Eternity will bless you above and beyond.”
From Jon’s heart – “Linda is a gifted story teller. She has taken this already amazing story over the top!”
Jon is a recording artist and opera singer based in St. Louis, MO. He coordinates production for St. Louis Family Church. He also sings with the St. Louis Chamber Chorus and has performed with the Union Avenue Opera and New Opera St. Louis.
Jon has been featured on St. Louis Family Church worship recordings, My Whole World and Magnificent Name. Recently called one of St. Louis’s “finest tenors,” he just finished his first solo project, a pop/classical Christmas album, To Find Love There, with recording label, Above Entertainment.
Check out www.jongarrettmusic.com to order Jon’s newest CD. You will be blessed indeed.
Tierny Tassler
“The first time I heard Tierny sing, I fell in love with her incredible voice. God has gifted her with a voice that can span the full spectrum. I was honored and blessed to have Tierney travel to St. Louis to lend her talents to Tillie.”
From Tierny’s heart – “Tillie is a story of hope with beautiful melodies, and talented musicians with hearts of gold…., it was an incredible experience!”
Tierny was brought up in a Jewish home in suburban St. Louis, Missouri. At the age of 18, she began singing professionally on the night club circuit and about the same time became involved in Eastern religions and the New Age Movement. After several years of finding only emptiness, confusion and disappointment, Tierny cried out to God for help. As a direct answer to prayer, she came to know that Jesus is the Messiah. She made Him Lord of her life and she has been singing for Him ever since.
In addition to her singing, speaking and songwriting ministry, Tierny has served as a worship leader for many years in her church.
She also traveled with Joyce Meyer Ministries as a soloist and worship team member for three-and-a-half years.
Tierny is active in her church in St. Joseph, MO and happily married with one son.
FLUTIST:
Mark Holland
“Many years ago, I was drawn to gorgeous flute music floating through the air while I wandered the streets at a local art fair. My quarter Cherokee heritage was instantly drawn in and I have been a fan of his music ever since. When Tim J opened the door for me to invite any special talent in to recording two songs for Tillie, I knew I had to include the beautiful sound of the Native American flute.”
From Mark’s heart – “It was an honor to be asked by Linda to add a bit of musical color via Native flute for this gentle, moving and beautiful story. Tim J was a delight to work with as well, such a great talent who accepted ideas freely and was open to explore.”
Mark is considered by many authorities on the Native American flute to be among the top flutists recording and performing today. Mark has released 16 CD’s to date since he began his group Autumn’s Child in 1995. His music has received many music award nominations and he tours regularly throughout the country.
Visit Mark’s website: www.autumnschild.com to acquaint yourself with his unbelievably beautiful and relaxing music.
ARTIST:
Casey Frisch Miller
“I love you Casey. You continue to amaze me with your artistic talents. The hand of God surely spared my family from their fate of most certain death on April 15, 1912” and your drawing captures the true essence of our story.”
From Casey’s heart – “I was so excited to be asked to create the jacket for Tillie, what an honor! They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I hope my illustration captures the heart and soul of this awesome story.”
By age three, Casey was drawing the same duck in different poses and asking for help to write a story about her duck. It didn’t take us long to realize Casey’s artistic talents were above and beyond exceptional. Excelling in art all through her primary education, she graduated high school early accepting an intern artist position with world famous, Mary Engelbreit, Inc.
Taking a short break to attend Chicago Art Institute, Casey continues to free-lance for various projects with ME, Inc.
Casey is an accomplished portrait artist with a love for all things strange and old.
She and her husband Jeremy own a quaint café, “The Mud House,” in St. Louis, MO. While critics and patrons continue to spout rave reviews, we are bursting at the seams over their growing success. You’re in for a real treat when you frequent “The Mud House.”