Nassau, Bahamas - On August 7, the Standing Ovation cast hit the Bahamas to perform dances and musical numbers from the film for a charity concert to benefit the Ranfurly Home, an orphanage for children in Nassau. The cast prepared for weeks under the direction of choreographers Debbie Apalucci and Krystal Tini, along with world-renowned vocal coach Sal Dupree, who grew up in an orphanage himself. Sal was able to relate to the children and reminded them to keep their faith, always believe in themselves, and remember that there is life beyond the orphanage.

Upon arrival, the first stop was to the home of Tina Knowles, a local Bahamian and longtime Ranfurly advocate and supporter, for rehearsal with the children from the Meridan School and several Ranfurly residents, who would also be performing in the two-hour show. The Standing Ovation cast arrived expecting a rehearsal, but encountered so much more! Sun, sand and a turquoise ocean that stretched as far as the eye could see served as the background for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Bahamian children performed numbers including Michael Jackson’s “Can You Feel It,” a saxophone solo of John Legend’s “Ordinary People” and a rendition of Etta James’ “At Last ,” giving goose bumps to all in attendance! The cast chatted with the performers while munching on hamburgers and hot dogs as excitement loomed over the following day’s performance. However, it was Sal Dupree that recognized their talent then and there, telling them, “God blessed each of you with a talent and the greatest way to repay him is by using it.” We hope his words will remain fresh in their minds.

The Ranfurly Home for Children has been a Bahamian staple since 1956. The orphanage, located on Mackey Street in the center of Nassau, offers a safe haven for children ages 5-20, giving hope to those whose dreams have been shattered by broken promises and repeated disappointments. Often daydreaming about a better life, the children take comfort in the success stories of those who have once been residents of Ranfurly, including a recent graduate who is presently a dolphin trainer at Atlantis, an exclusive Bahamian Resort on Paradise Island. Damien also wrote the theme song for Ranfurly titled “Love That Child.”

When the cast arrived at Ranfurly on Monday, August 9, they expected to mingle with residents, make friendship bracelets and play sports. However, the difficult living conditions were hard to ignore. The cast and crew wanted to do something to help, and so a new slogan for Standing Ovation was born: Stand up. Reach Out. Take Action.

Standing Up

The cast and crew, along with Producer Diane Kirman, Executive Producer Suzanne Nunez and Co-Producer Jennifer Tini, decided there was much work to be done on that Monday morning. A quick scour of the grounds found the children without bare necessities such as shampoo, soap, clean mattresses, sheets and a proper place to store food. They devised a plan that a portion of the cast and crew stay behind to play basketball, take pictures and learn about our new friends, while the other half set out on a shopping trip to various local super stores to gather supplies.

Reaching Out

The following day at the Ranfurly Home for Children was nothing short of Christmas. The Producer’s team of crew members and actors returned with 40 mattresses and sheet sets, air conditioning units for the bedrooms, kitchen supplies, food and furniture. Together, the children of Ranfurly, the Standing Ovation cast and crew, and a few gracious handymen and professionals worked through the night and day despite the blazing sun to transform the home. The excitement easily spread, as administrators and residents beamed at the sight of new changes that seemed to come about in the blink of an eye.

Taking Action

As children and adults we often take things in life for granted: our homes, our parents, and even the pillow we lay our heads on at night.  After the weeklong stay and charity performance, the troupe of Standing Ovation Live! raised over $50,000 in goods and services for the kids of the Ranfurly Home. Meeting the orphanage’s most immediate needs was able to be done quickly thanks to generous donations and many wonderful local neighbors lending a helping hand. In the past, the Ranfurly kids had seen so many empty words and unfulfilled promises that Standing Ovation wanted to show them those days are far behind. Standing Ovation takes a stand and then takes action!  It is reassuring to know that the kids at the Ranfurly home now have working windows, better sleeping conditions, a stove for cooking and can live enjoying more of the day to day basic comforts .

There is, however, still work to be done and YOU CAN HELP! The cast and crew of Standing Ovation urge you to visit the Ranfurly Home website at www.ranfurlyhome.org to see how you can contribute. We have made a pledge to “Stand up. Reach Out. Take Action.” for the Ranfurly Home. Will you join us and take a stand to help these children?

Check out the charity event photos on Facebook at:

http://www.facebook.com/standingovationmovie