Provocateur

All Photos by Joshua Carlberg

This spring San Francisco’s own Beth Trifilo brings the world of cabaret something special with the debut of her original work “Provocateur the un-cabaret.” Featuring her soulful voice in a fresh send-up of social conventions and celebration of libido, she is sure to stir passion in all its forms. The revue merges the sexy of cabaret with the passion of activism, as Trifilo crisscrosses three decades of non conformity at the alter, in the polls. and in the boudoir. Written and directed by Beth, 'Provocateur' is a retrospective that explores three different decades. She establishes a personal connection to historical periods of change, and highlights revolutionaries, celebrating those who have dared to make waves and advocate for social change. With a colorful master of ceremonies, the night unfolds through Trifilo’s own compositions like 'More to Love' an ode to redefining beauty, and 'Plz Me' a fun and sexy romp giving praise to masturbation, as well as timeless tunes like Ray Charles’ “Fool for You” and Etta James’ “At Last.” Alone on stage, Trifilo is enough cause to loosen your tie, but you’re sure to feel the heat when her sultry dancers hit the stage in the intimate Mama Calizo’s Voice Factory theater. Also backing Trifilo is an ensemble of rhythm and blues musicians, Jeff Orchard on the black and whites, Mike Pitre on trumpet, harmonica, and guitar, and Santie Huckaby on congas.

The cast of Provocateur would like to thank everyone that came out and supported the show, we couldn't have done it without you! The show was a huge hit, and we all had so much fun....

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on the next run of Provocateur. That's right it will be.... BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!!

Beth Trifilo - Chanteuse,Writer,Director

'Provocateur' is a dream come true for Beth! Putting her passion and ideals onto stage for the first time she has found to be both exciting, and crazy.....but she's loving the ride! Beth has wanted to do this for so long because provoking thought and social awareness from her audiences has always been a desire. She feels that inspiring change through performance is a privilege and a responsibility as an artist. Beth has been performing her entire life, but this show is what truly excites her. It's the new 'mixtape' in her rotation! In addition to writing the script and original compositions, she has also created the musical design, as well as costume and scenery design. Beth feels extremely fortunate to have a cast of such talented people, and is so excited to have the funky rhythm and blues musicians that have taken on the funk and soul of the project. She couldn't have done all this without the exceptional love and support of her family and friends!

gettin funky in the 60's

Provocateur divas do the 30's

Now let's try that one more time!

The Fab Four

It's easy to shine with a supporting cast this beautiful!!

Writer, Director, Star!

Jason Wyman - Master of CeremoniesxtJason Jason loves to entertain! Whether he's emceeing the OMI International Family Festival (Sat. September 13, 2008), hosting monthly Sunday Brunches called The Kitchen, or organizing youth workers with the Youth Development Peer Network, Jason embodies creativity, zeal, and community. Jason originally signed on to Provocateur because...well... because Beth asked. What he was surprised by was how closely aligned Provocateur is to his core values of honesty, transformation, humor, voice, exploration, and, most importantly, LOVE. Jason is honored to be a part of this amazing production and team.

When he's not sowing his activist roots, Jason thoroughly enjoys the company of his beloved husband John, and their precocious cat Mika.

Lauren Farah Dancer/BackupVocals/Choreographer

Lauren is so excited to be a part of the cast of Provocateur the Un-Cabaret. A resident of San Francisco for 10 years, it was only recently that she has begun to study theatre. With a strong passion for the arts, especially dance, and a degree in Sociology and Ethnic Studies, Lauren is thrilled that Beth has written a show that combines activism with the glamour of the stage. Recent credits include Once Upon a Mattress (City College of San Francisco), Strip World (Exit Theatre), Seussical (Ray of Light) and Twilight Zone II (The Darkroom). Lauren would like to give love and thanks to her family and friends for the everlasting love and support, to also thank all parts of the cast and crew, and to give a big o’le Hug and Kiss to Ms. Beth Trifilo for finally letting her dreams come true by speaking her voice. Being apart of the show makes me feel so gracious for this special opportunity to be a part of it all.

Daphne Morgen- Dancer/Backup Vocals

Daphne was born in British Columbia,Canada and grew up singing and composing from an early age. She is a CCSFstudent majoring in International Relations and minoring in Human Rights and has been living and performing in San Francisco since 2003, studying voice and performing arts. In CCSF's musical "Pippin" in Spring of '06, where she met Beth, she was reunited with her love of performing, and continued this affair with part one and two of RuberMatchSeriez "Strip World" in the summer and winter of '06. Today she continues to focus on her composing and singing, and balancing the relationship between her passion for activism and her love of music, as well as performing regularly at an exotic burlesque club in Las Vegas.

Jeff Orchard - Keys

One-time sideman to legendary trumpeter 'Little Jazz' Roy Eldridge, add New York's long lost 52nd St. sound to San Francisco's jazz and rhythm & blues scene. As a sideman to SF's blues band, Bohemian Knuckleboogie, or as a solo act with his swingin' jazz and blues vocals, Jeff's sound recreates those packed clubs squeezed into old speakeasies along New York's West 52nd St. during the 1940's. Jeff grew up to the sound of jazz musicians jamming after hours in his family's Manhattan apartment. For forty years, Jeff's dad, legendary valve trombonist, Frank Orchard played with greats such as Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker, Lester Young, Bobby Hackett, and many others. For a few years after college, Jeff took a hiatus from music and went to law school, but upon his transplant to San Francisco, he found his true love again, and hasn't been able to stop tickling those black and whites. Learn more at www.jefforchardjazz.com

Mike Pitre - Trumpet, Guitar, Harmonica

His Texas-Louisiana bayou blues vocals is what gives Bohemian Knuckleboogie its mojo, Mike has soulful lyrics and swinging beats that heat up dance floors. "Times come and go, but the blues is the blues, and we still got that itch," says Pitre, who hails from Port Arthur, Texas, though now he calls San Francisco his home. Pitre's calling card is his pocket trumpet, which sends audiences into a lather when he picks it up to be-bop, swing or samba all done in his original compositions. His lyrics stick with you, Pitre, the brilliant sage, or as he calls himself, Coffee Picasso, this 21st century minstrel, likes to say, "We be buzzing in your ears"

Mike's latest cd is called 'Digital Day Dreams and Innuendos', you can buy songs on Itunes.

Check out more at www.bohemianknuckleboogie.com

Santie Huckaby - Congas

San Franciscan Santie Huckaby, has been a popular conga player and hand percussionist in the Bay Area since the 70's. You can hear him on the latest cd of Bohemian Knuckleboogie, which was released this spring. Santie's contagious rhythms can actually be experienced visually, as he is a painter and muralist. One of his most recent works, is the inspiring 'Evolution of the Blues' on the Hamilton Recreation Center, 1900 Geary Blvd. @ Steiner St. Santie has painted 15 interior murals and 12 exterior ones all over the city. A Cleveland native, Santie started painting and playing percussion for a living in 1958 when he got out of the service. While serving in Puerto Rico, it was there that he learned to play the bongos and snare drum. Santie plays congas as a sideman in venues like the Boom Boom Room, Club Deluxe, and private events. You can hear Santie most sundays playing with Miles Ahead West at the International Cafe on Haight St.

Provocateur (pruh-vok-uh-toor) n.

A person who provokes, or causes dissension