Orfeh
Encyclopedia
Orfeh is an American
singer, songwriter and Tony
-nominated actress from New York City
.
with her musical partner Mike More
in 1987. After that, they formed Or-N-More and were signed with EMI Records
. They released a self-titled album in 1991 that had mild success. They charted at #46 on the Billboard Chart with their single "Everyotherday". The song was a hit both stateside and abroad and garnered a gold album for the musical duo. "My recording career went wrong," she has said. "Really, really wrong. We had the business manager that stole all the money, the hit record that was about to become a mega-hit record and suddenly the rug was pulled out from under us. After being on the road for years and devoting my life to recording, I found myself at home saying, 'What do I do now?'" Even if Or-N-More may have been no more, Orfeh's talents as a songwriter earned her a much coveted publishing deal with Warner/Chappell and she has written and produced songs for many other artists. She also remains a member of NARAS, which gives her nominating and voting privileges for the Grammy Awards. More recently, Orfeh co-wrote the song "Wishing On You" which appears on the soundtrack of the Disney
film Model Behavior
.
Orfeh made her Broadway debut in 1998 as a swing in Footloose
. After that, she appeared in the short-lived The Gershwin's Fascinating Rhythm. She starred in the Original Broadway Company of the London musical of Saturday Night Fever
as Annette. She appeared on Rosie O'Donnell
's show to promote Saturday Night Fever
, and remains friends with the comedian. In addition to winning excellent reviews, Orfeh met her soon-to-be husband in Saturday Night Fever
, Andy Karl
.
Since then, she has appeared in many shows. Regionally, she has starred in Me and Mrs. Jones
and Bright Lights, Big City
at the Prince Theatre in Philadelphia, PA. She played Janis Joplin
in the Off-Broadway show, Love, Janis
. She also starred Off-Broadway in critical hit The Great American Trailer Park Musical
as Pippi, a stripper from the wrong side of the tracks.
She made a huge splash starring in the high-profile production of Legally Blonde: The Musical when it opened on Broadway. She created the role of Paulette, a down on her luck manicurist who helps Elle on her journey, as well as winning a love of her own. Orfeh garnered Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Tony Award
nominations for her performance. Her own husband, Andy Karl
, starred opposite her as her UPS man, Kyle. The two got rave reviews. She stayed in the show until it closed on October 19, 2008.
She has appeared on many TV shows and in movies over the course of her career. Her TV appearances include: Law & Order: Criminal Intent
, Sex and The City
, MTV's Made
and Chappelle's Show
on Comedy Central
. Movies include Kiss Me Again and Julie Taymor's Across the Universe
, where she sang "Come Together" with legend Joe Cocker
.
In addition, she is one of the top voiceover artists around. She is one of the most commonly used voices on VH1
and MTV
, and also can be heard on videogames Max Payne 2 and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
(as Millie Perkins). She also has done voiceover work for Anthony Bourdain
's television show No Reservations, and Wachovia
bank.
Orfeh released her first solo album, What Do You Want from Me, on September 30, 2008.
She is married to actor Andy Karl
, who originated the role of Luke in the off-Broadway
musical Altar Boyz
, and played opposite her as Paulette's UPS man, "Kyle" in the original cast of Legally Blonde: The Musical. They eloped in early 2001, and live together in Manhattan.
Released as group Genevha
with Mike More
.
Released as group Or-N-More with Mike More
.
Provided backing vocals.
Provided backing vocals.
Provided backup vocals and co-wrote some of the songs. (1993)
Provided background vocals.
Sang "Black Boys" with Ann Harada
and Kathy Brier
.
Played "Pippi", featured on the album.
Played "Paulette", featured on the album.
Debut solo release.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
singer, songwriter and Tony
Tony Award
The Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Theatre, more commonly known as a Tony Award, recognizes achievement in live Broadway theatre. The awards are presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League at an annual ceremony in New York City. The awards are given for Broadway...
-nominated actress from New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
.
Biography
Orfeh, born and raised in Manhattan, began her career straight out of high school. She attended the famous LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts, and got a record deal right after her graduation. Her first release was "Life in the Movies", which she released as a part of the group GenevhaGenevha
- Disbandment and current projects :Genevha never released anything after the "Life in the Movies" 12" vinyl. Members of the group, Orfeh, and Amadayus Billionaire a.k.a. Mike More went on to form Or-N-More. Following that, Orfeh became a Broadway performer, and released her own solo album, What...
with her musical partner Mike More
Mike More
Mike More is an American musician, songwriter, and record producer.-Early life:Mike More's mother died in a car accident when he was young. She was hit by a drunk driver and More inherited a large sum of money, which he used to build a recording studio...
in 1987. After that, they formed Or-N-More and were signed with EMI Records
EMI Records
EMI Records is the flagship record label founded by the EMI company in 1972 and launched in January 1973 as the successor to its Columbia label. The EMI label was launched worldwide...
. They released a self-titled album in 1991 that had mild success. They charted at #46 on the Billboard Chart with their single "Everyotherday". The song was a hit both stateside and abroad and garnered a gold album for the musical duo. "My recording career went wrong," she has said. "Really, really wrong. We had the business manager that stole all the money, the hit record that was about to become a mega-hit record and suddenly the rug was pulled out from under us. After being on the road for years and devoting my life to recording, I found myself at home saying, 'What do I do now?'" Even if Or-N-More may have been no more, Orfeh's talents as a songwriter earned her a much coveted publishing deal with Warner/Chappell and she has written and produced songs for many other artists. She also remains a member of NARAS, which gives her nominating and voting privileges for the Grammy Awards. More recently, Orfeh co-wrote the song "Wishing On You" which appears on the soundtrack of the Disney
The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company is the largest media conglomerate in the world in terms of revenue. Founded on October 16, 1923, by Walt and Roy Disney as the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, Walt Disney Productions established itself as a leader in the American animation industry before diversifying into...
film Model Behavior
Model Behavior
Model Behavior is a 2000 television movie that aired on The Wonderful World of Disney on ABC. The film starred Maggie Lawson and was directed by Mark Rosman. The film also stars Justin Timberlake and co-stars Kathie Lee Gifford...
.
Orfeh made her Broadway debut in 1998 as a swing in Footloose
Footloose (musical)
Footloose is a 1998 musical based on the 1984 film of the same name. The music is by Tom Snow , the lyrics by Dean Pitchford , and the book by Pitchford and Walter Bobbie.-Act 1:...
. After that, she appeared in the short-lived The Gershwin's Fascinating Rhythm. She starred in the Original Broadway Company of the London musical of Saturday Night Fever
Saturday Night Fever
Saturday Night Fever is a 1977 drama film directed by John Badham and starring: John Travolta as Tony Manero, an immature young man whose weekends are spent visiting a local Brooklyn discothèque; Karen Lynn Gorney as his dance partner and eventual friend; and Donna Pescow as Tony's former dance...
as Annette. She appeared on Rosie O'Donnell
Rosie O'Donnell
Roseann "Rosie" O'Donnell is an American stand-up comedian, actress, author and television personality. She has also been a magazine editor and continues to be a celebrity blogger, LGBT rights activist, television producer and collaborative partner in the LGBT family vacation company R Family...
's show to promote Saturday Night Fever
Saturday Night Fever
Saturday Night Fever is a 1977 drama film directed by John Badham and starring: John Travolta as Tony Manero, an immature young man whose weekends are spent visiting a local Brooklyn discothèque; Karen Lynn Gorney as his dance partner and eventual friend; and Donna Pescow as Tony's former dance...
, and remains friends with the comedian. In addition to winning excellent reviews, Orfeh met her soon-to-be husband in Saturday Night Fever
Saturday Night Fever
Saturday Night Fever is a 1977 drama film directed by John Badham and starring: John Travolta as Tony Manero, an immature young man whose weekends are spent visiting a local Brooklyn discothèque; Karen Lynn Gorney as his dance partner and eventual friend; and Donna Pescow as Tony's former dance...
, Andy Karl
Andy Karl
Andy Karl is an American actor and singer, best known for performing in musical theatre. He has appeared on Broadway in the original productions of Legally Blonde and 9 to 5, as well as appearing in Wicked.-Early life:...
.
Since then, she has appeared in many shows. Regionally, she has starred in Me and Mrs. Jones
Me and Mrs. Jones
"Me and Mrs. Jones" is a soul song written by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. It describes an extramarital affair between a man and his lover, Mrs. Jones. It has been recorded by Billy Paul and Michael Bublé, amongst others.-Billy Paul version:"Me and Mrs...
and Bright Lights, Big City
Bright Lights, Big City (musical)
Bright Lights, Big City is a musical with music lyrics and book written by Paul Scott Goodman and is based on the novel by Jay McInerney. It follows a week in the life of Jamie, an aspiring writer in his mid 20s who loses himself in the chaos of 1980s New York City.-Plot:Jamie, a...
at the Prince Theatre in Philadelphia, PA. She played Janis Joplin
Janis Joplin
Janis Lyn Joplin was an American singer, songwriter, painter, dancer and music arranger. She rose to prominence in the late 1960s as the lead singer of Big Brother and the Holding Company and later as a solo artist with her backing groups, The Kozmic Blues Band and The Full Tilt Boogie Band...
in the Off-Broadway show, Love, Janis
Love, Janis
Love, Janis is a collection, released in 2001, of Janis Joplin's performances interspersed with readings of her personal letters to her family throughout her career...
. She also starred Off-Broadway in critical hit The Great American Trailer Park Musical
The Great American Trailer Park Musical
The Great American Trailer Park Musical is a two-act musical, written by David Nehls and Betsy Kelso. It was performed in the first annual New York Music Theater Festival in 2004...
as Pippi, a stripper from the wrong side of the tracks.
She made a huge splash starring in the high-profile production of Legally Blonde: The Musical when it opened on Broadway. She created the role of Paulette, a down on her luck manicurist who helps Elle on her journey, as well as winning a love of her own. Orfeh garnered Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Tony Award
Tony Award
The Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Theatre, more commonly known as a Tony Award, recognizes achievement in live Broadway theatre. The awards are presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League at an annual ceremony in New York City. The awards are given for Broadway...
nominations for her performance. Her own husband, Andy Karl
Andy Karl
Andy Karl is an American actor and singer, best known for performing in musical theatre. He has appeared on Broadway in the original productions of Legally Blonde and 9 to 5, as well as appearing in Wicked.-Early life:...
, starred opposite her as her UPS man, Kyle. The two got rave reviews. She stayed in the show until it closed on October 19, 2008.
She has appeared on many TV shows and in movies over the course of her career. Her TV appearances include: Law & Order: Criminal Intent
Law & Order: Criminal Intent
Law & Order: Criminal Intent is an American police procedural television drama series set in New York City, where it was also primarily produced. Created and produced by Dick Wolf and René Balcer, the series premiered on September 30, 2001, as the second spin-off of Wolf's successful crime drama...
, Sex and The City
Sex and the City
Sex and the City is an American television comedy-drama series created by Darren Star and produced by HBO. Broadcast from 1998 until 2004, the original run of the show had a total of ninety-four episodes...
, MTV's Made
Made (TV series)
MTV's MADE is a self-improvement reality television series broadcast on MTV. The series follows teens who have a goal and want to be "made" into things like singers, athletes, dancers, skateboarders, etc. The teens are joined by a "Made Coach", an expert in their chosen field, who tries to help...
and Chappelle's Show
Chappelle's Show
Chappelle's Show is an American sketch comedy television series created by comedian Dave Chappelle and Neal Brennan, with Chappelle hosting the show as well as starring in various skits. Chappelle, Brennan and Michele Armour were the show's executive producers. The series premiered on January 22,...
on Comedy Central
Comedy Central
Comedy Central is an American cable television and satellite television channel that carries comedy programming, both original and syndicated....
. Movies include Kiss Me Again and Julie Taymor's Across the Universe
Across the Universe
"Across the Universe" is a song by the English group The Beatles. It was written by John Lennon, and credited to Lennon–McCartney. The song first appeared on the various artists charity compilation album No One's Gonna Change Our World in December 1969, and later, in different form, on Let It Be,...
, where she sang "Come Together" with legend Joe Cocker
Joe Cocker
John Robert "Joe" Cocker, OBE is an English rock and blues musician, composer and actor, who came to popularity in the 1960s, and is most known for his gritty voice, his idiosyncratic arm movements while performing, and his cover versions of popular songs, particularly those of The Beatles...
.
In addition, she is one of the top voiceover artists around. She is one of the most commonly used voices on VH1
VH1
VH1 or Vh1 is an American cable television network based in New York City. Launched on January 1, 1985 in the old space of Turner Broadcasting's short-lived Cable Music Channel, the original purpose of the channel was to build on the success of MTV by playing music videos, but targeting a slightly...
and MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
, and also can be heard on videogames Max Payne 2 and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is a 2004 open world action video game developed by British games developer Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. It is the third 3D game in the Grand Theft Auto video game franchise, the fifth original console release and eighth game overall...
(as Millie Perkins). She also has done voiceover work for Anthony Bourdain
Anthony Bourdain
Anthony Michael "Tony" Bourdain is an American chef, author and television personality. He is well known for his 2000 book Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly, and is the host of Travel Channel's culinary and cultural adventure program Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations.A...
's television show No Reservations, and Wachovia
Wachovia
Wachovia was a diversified financial services company based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Before its acquisition by Wells Fargo in 2008, Wachovia was the fourth-largest bank holding company in the United States based on total assets...
bank.
Orfeh released her first solo album, What Do You Want from Me, on September 30, 2008.
She is married to actor Andy Karl
Andy Karl
Andy Karl is an American actor and singer, best known for performing in musical theatre. He has appeared on Broadway in the original productions of Legally Blonde and 9 to 5, as well as appearing in Wicked.-Early life:...
, who originated the role of Luke in the off-Broadway
Off-Broadway
Off-Broadway theater is a term for a professional venue in New York City with a seating capacity between 100 and 499, and for a specific production of a play, musical or revue that appears in such a venue, and which adheres to related trade union and other contracts...
musical Altar Boyz
Altar Boyz
Altar Boyz is a musical comedy with music and lyrics by Gary Adler and Michael Patrick Walker and book by Kevin Del Aguila . Centering on a fictitious Christian boy band from Ohio, the show satirizes, among other things, the phenomenon of boy bands and the popularity of Christian-themed music in...
, and played opposite her as Paulette's UPS man, "Kyle" in the original cast of Legally Blonde: The Musical. They eloped in early 2001, and live together in Manhattan.
Discography
- Life in the Movies (1987)
Released as group Genevha
Genevha
- Disbandment and current projects :Genevha never released anything after the "Life in the Movies" 12" vinyl. Members of the group, Orfeh, and Amadayus Billionaire a.k.a. Mike More went on to form Or-N-More. Following that, Orfeh became a Broadway performer, and released her own solo album, What...
with Mike More
Mike More
Mike More is an American musician, songwriter, and record producer.-Early life:Mike More's mother died in a car accident when he was young. She was hit by a drunk driver and More inherited a large sum of money, which he used to build a recording studio...
.
- Or-N-MoreOr-N-More (album)Or-N-More is the self-titled debut album by pop-duo Or-N-More, released on August 26, 1991 . The album is currently out of print.- Track listing :# "Lonely Heart " – 3:51# "Everyotherday" – 3:50...
(1991)
Released as group Or-N-More with Mike More
Mike More
Mike More is an American musician, songwriter, and record producer.-Early life:Mike More's mother died in a car accident when he was young. She was hit by a drunk driver and More inherited a large sum of money, which he used to build a recording studio...
.
- "Emotionally Yours" (The O'JaysThe O'JaysThe O'Jays are an American R&B group from Canton, Ohio, formed in 1963 and originally consisting of Eddie Levert , Walter Williams , William Powell , Bobby Massey and Bill Isles. The O'Jays were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004, and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005...
) (1991)
Provided backing vocals.
- "Freezin' Em" (Level III) (1991)
Provided backing vocals.
- "Freedom" (Freedom WilliamsFreedom WilliamsFrederick Brandon Williams , better known by his stage name Freedom Williams is an American hip hop and dance music performer, who gained fame as the lead vocalist on C+C Music Factory's biggest hits.-Career:...
)
Provided backup vocals and co-wrote some of the songs. (1993)
- "M.Y.O.B.M.Y.O.B.M.Y.O.B. is the seventh original album by American singer Deborah Gibson...
" (Deborah GibsonDeborah GibsonDeborah Ann "Debbie" Gibson is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. In 1987 she was pronounced the youngest artist to write, produce, and perform a No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100, with her song "Foolish Beat" and she remains the youngest female to write, record, and...
) (2001)
Provided background vocals.
- "HairHairHair is a filamentous biomaterial, that grows from follicles found in the dermis. Found exclusively in mammals, hair is one of the defining characteristics of the mammalian class....
Actors Fund of America Benefit CD" (2004)
Sang "Black Boys" with Ann Harada
Ann Harada
Ann Harada is an American New York-based actress who is best-known for the musical Avenue Q in which she originated the role of Christmas Eve, the heavily-accented Japanese therapist.-Early life:...
and Kathy Brier
Kathy Brier
Kathy Brier is an American actress and singer.-Early life:Brier grew up on Staten Island, where she attended Moore Catholic High School before studying theatre and business at Wagner College, qualifying for a Bachelor of Science in arts administration.-Career:Brier played the role of Marcie Walsh...
.
- "The Great American Trailer Park MusicalThe Great American Trailer Park MusicalThe Great American Trailer Park Musical is a two-act musical, written by David Nehls and Betsy Kelso. It was performed in the first annual New York Music Theater Festival in 2004...
" (Original Broadway Cast) (2005)
Played "Pippi", featured on the album.
- "Legally Blonde: The Musical" (Original Broadway Cast)
Played "Paulette", featured on the album.
- What Do You Want from Me (Orfeh) (2008.)
Debut solo release.
External links
- Orfeh's official page at MySpaceMySpaceMyspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
- Star File: Orfeh at Broadway.com
- Q&A: Orfeh at Broadway.com