Press and Testimonials
BACK STAGE (New York City)
Bistro Bits
BY JOHN HOGLUND
Balancing Act
One of the perks of cabaret is its ability to redefine itself in unconventional ways. Such was the case with Wambui Bahati in her one- woman cabaret-theatre foray. “Balancing Act: A One-Woman Musical.” at Don’t Tell Mama. With brilliant musical director Curvie McMurray at the piano, Bahati (whose given name is John-Ann Washington) presented a tour de force that galvanized the room.
With a promising theatrical career that got sidetracked as a result of undiagnosed bipolar disorder, resulting in a kinetic lifestyle that spun out of control for years, Bahati faced emotional abuse, homelessness, the loss of custody of her two children, and several institutionalizations before she bounced back. And it’s all incorporated into this bruising, schizophrenic cabaret-theatre piece that is both harsh and poignant.
Bahati handles it all with a flair and over-the-top dramatics that suit her powerhouse style. Her riveting performance is powerful. As an actress and singer. Bahati reached as many Olympian highs and lows in her show as she did in her life. At times it is shocking in its intensity. Other times it is funny.
Throughout, it is frantically paced as she emotes the manic side of her persona. Many of the vignettes are ultimately punctuated with a song. The tunes are good and hit the mark, be they disco, rock ballad, or blues in the night. A gospel rafter-raiser, “I Forgot,” closes the show on an optimistic note as she ultimately triumphs. Asking herself “Why me?,” she sums it up by saying, “The past does not equal the future.”
In the case of Wambui Bahati, sharing such personal psychological and emotional mazes in a cabaret setting and making it work so well puts the lady in a class by herself.
Bistro Bits
BY JOHN HOGLUND
Balancing Act
One of the perks of cabaret is its ability to redefine itself in unconventional ways. Such was the case with Wambui Bahati in her one- woman cabaret-theatre foray. “Balancing Act: A One-Woman Musical.” at Don’t Tell Mama. With brilliant musical director Curvie McMurray at the piano, Bahati (whose given name is John-Ann Washington) presented a tour de force that galvanized the room.
With a promising theatrical career that got sidetracked as a result of undiagnosed bipolar disorder, resulting in a kinetic lifestyle that spun out of control for years, Bahati faced emotional abuse, homelessness, the loss of custody of her two children, and several institutionalizations before she bounced back. And it’s all incorporated into this bruising, schizophrenic cabaret-theatre piece that is both harsh and poignant.
Bahati handles it all with a flair and over-the-top dramatics that suit her powerhouse style. Her riveting performance is powerful. As an actress and singer. Bahati reached as many Olympian highs and lows in her show as she did in her life. At times it is shocking in its intensity. Other times it is funny.
Throughout, it is frantically paced as she emotes the manic side of her persona. Many of the vignettes are ultimately punctuated with a song. The tunes are good and hit the mark, be they disco, rock ballad, or blues in the night. A gospel rafter-raiser, “I Forgot,” closes the show on an optimistic note as she ultimately triumphs. Asking herself “Why me?,” she sums it up by saying, “The past does not equal the future.”
In the case of Wambui Bahati, sharing such personal psychological and emotional mazes in a cabaret setting and making it work so well puts the lady in a class by herself.
CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE
Stu Hamstra
If any of you enjoyed Elaine Stritch's cabaret show on Broadway, I have two shows I think you would enjoy as well, going on right now here in NYC. They both feature very talented and funny ladies relating tales of their show business careers.
The first is at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC) ---written and performed by Wambui Bahati, called "Balancing Act." . . . I and my two guests were entranced, inspired and entertained by this one-hour "tell all." I urge you to catch this show if you can . . .
Stu Hamstra
If any of you enjoyed Elaine Stritch's cabaret show on Broadway, I have two shows I think you would enjoy as well, going on right now here in NYC. They both feature very talented and funny ladies relating tales of their show business careers.
The first is at DON'T TELL MAMA (343 West 46th Street, NYC) ---written and performed by Wambui Bahati, called "Balancing Act." . . . I and my two guests were entranced, inspired and entertained by this one-hour "tell all." I urge you to catch this show if you can . . .
Wambui, many thanks to you for an inspiring launch to our Summit. People were truly energized by your story, approach, and ideas. Several people referred to your presentation when making their presentations throughout the two days.
—Judith A. Cook, Ph.D., Professor and Director
Jessica A. Jonikas, M.A.
Center on Mental Health Services Research and Policy
Chicago, IL.
—Judith A. Cook, Ph.D., Professor and Director
Jessica A. Jonikas, M.A.
Center on Mental Health Services Research and Policy
Chicago, IL.
Congratulations on an outstanding success. Everyone in our group of 5 (including 3 psychiatrists) thought the performance was wonderful. Ms. Bahati struck a spectacular balance between educating and entertaining, in my judgment the highest purpose of theater. She has put her life in the service of others doing what she does best, and it works. I would recommend it to anyone.
—Burton Reifler
Dr. Reifler is chairman of the Department of Psychiatry &
Behavioral Medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine
—Burton Reifler
Dr. Reifler is chairman of the Department of Psychiatry &
Behavioral Medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Dear Wambui,I can't begin to tell you how much people appreciated your performance at our USPRA Conference. You expertly combined your talent with a message of hope and possibilty. You are our conference theme - Recovery: Reaching New Heights - Thanks so much for touching many lives.
—Ev Bussema
USPRA (US Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association)
—Ev Bussema
USPRA (US Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association)
Dear Mary:
Having had many bouts with depression in my own life, I was not looking forward to what I assumed was to be a dark and ominous experience with “DEPRESSION.” At various times since you first brought the play to my attention, I halfheartedly attempted to wriggle out of making the commitment to come.
Our friendship won out in the long run and I knew that my love and devotion to you and your tireless cause was worth far more to me than what I assumed would be an hour or two of discomfort.
Wow, was I ever wrong.
I was completely blown away by the whole experience. Not only was Balancing Act most entertaining, but hardly the gloom and doom thing that I had been dreading. It was full of fabulous music, marvelous acting and just plain old kick butt energy that filled the auditorium.
I left feeling uplifted in a way that I had not experienced in a long time. I loved Wambui’s upbeat performance, music and demeanor. Her inner fire was a light that set the stage ablaze and I felt captivated and uplifted by her.
Please thank Wambui for allowing me the privilege of attending her wonderful play. I also thank NAMI for having the courage and insight to offer such a meaningful opportunity to become more informed. It was an inspiring evening and one that I will not soon forget.
Fondly,
A. C.
—Personal note to Mary Annecelli,
an organizer of NAMI Forsyth’s Winston-Salem production
Having had many bouts with depression in my own life, I was not looking forward to what I assumed was to be a dark and ominous experience with “DEPRESSION.” At various times since you first brought the play to my attention, I halfheartedly attempted to wriggle out of making the commitment to come.
Our friendship won out in the long run and I knew that my love and devotion to you and your tireless cause was worth far more to me than what I assumed would be an hour or two of discomfort.
Wow, was I ever wrong.
I was completely blown away by the whole experience. Not only was Balancing Act most entertaining, but hardly the gloom and doom thing that I had been dreading. It was full of fabulous music, marvelous acting and just plain old kick butt energy that filled the auditorium.
I left feeling uplifted in a way that I had not experienced in a long time. I loved Wambui’s upbeat performance, music and demeanor. Her inner fire was a light that set the stage ablaze and I felt captivated and uplifted by her.
Please thank Wambui for allowing me the privilege of attending her wonderful play. I also thank NAMI for having the courage and insight to offer such a meaningful opportunity to become more informed. It was an inspiring evening and one that I will not soon forget.
Fondly,
A. C.
—Personal note to Mary Annecelli,
an organizer of NAMI Forsyth’s Winston-Salem production
WAMBUI!
Thank you!!!
I received it today. [Balancing Act - The Musical DVD] I had already purchased a copy about a year ago, but I loaned it to my doctor... : ) She said she'll get it back soon. In the meantime, I decided I need another copy--one to loan and one to watch. : ) LOVE this show! it has helped me (and also a friend or two) to accept having bipolar disorder; it has helped a friend working with mental ill patients to understand them (us) better; ultimately, it has made me laugh, cry, and to recognize my MAGNIFICENCE!!!
Such a gift to the mental health community!!!
Thank you!!!
—Amy C.
3rd year Master of Divinity student in Chicago, IL
Thank you!!!
I received it today. [Balancing Act - The Musical DVD] I had already purchased a copy about a year ago, but I loaned it to my doctor... : ) She said she'll get it back soon. In the meantime, I decided I need another copy--one to loan and one to watch. : ) LOVE this show! it has helped me (and also a friend or two) to accept having bipolar disorder; it has helped a friend working with mental ill patients to understand them (us) better; ultimately, it has made me laugh, cry, and to recognize my MAGNIFICENCE!!!
Such a gift to the mental health community!!!
Thank you!!!
—Amy C.
3rd year Master of Divinity student in Chicago, IL
“Balancing Act is powerful and funny and moving, and tells the story of bipolar mood disorder without prettying it up,” said Beth Melcher, executive director of NAMI of North Carolina. “Besides portraying the disorder so well, the story is a story anybody can relate to.”
—News-Argus
Goldsboro, NC
—News-Argus
Goldsboro, NC
Months of preparation and promotion culminated in a standing ovation following Wambui Bahati’s brilliant performance of “Balancing Act” at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on Oct. 22.
The event was an annual fundraiser, and the benefits were many. The show placed NAMI Tennessee in the media limelight throughout the state. Wambui and our organization were featured on television, in newspapers and in radio announcements . . . Many consumers have taken time to tell us how much the show inspired and encouraged them. NAMI Tennessee thanks Wambui for sharing her story of recovery and renewal.
The event was an annual fundraiser, and the benefits were many. The show placed NAMI Tennessee in the media limelight throughout the state. Wambui and our organization were featured on television, in newspapers and in radio announcements . . . Many consumers have taken time to tell us how much the show inspired and encouraged them. NAMI Tennessee thanks Wambui for sharing her story of recovery and renewal.
Port Huron, MI
"My name is Lynn and I'm from Port Huron, Michigan.
We recently had Wambui Bahati come to Port Huron to do her show Balancing Act. It was absolutely amazing.
It far surpassed even our wildest expectations. It was fabulous, it was professional and it touched everyone in the audience.
It left us wishing we had booked her for two days because I think many people would have come to see her a second day - or word of mouth would have really expanded the audience the next day. We were very happy with the attendance. We had over 400 people.
Wambui and the musicians came back to our clubhouse and met with people, signed autographs and spoke to them personally. They were very personable.
It was just an all-around wonderful experience.
The performance was met with a standing ovation from the crowd.
We couldn't be happier."
- Lynn Vinson
Blue Water Clubhouse and Community Mental Health
of St. Clair County,
Port Huron, MI
We recently had Wambui Bahati come to Port Huron to do her show Balancing Act. It was absolutely amazing.
It far surpassed even our wildest expectations. It was fabulous, it was professional and it touched everyone in the audience.
It left us wishing we had booked her for two days because I think many people would have come to see her a second day - or word of mouth would have really expanded the audience the next day. We were very happy with the attendance. We had over 400 people.
Wambui and the musicians came back to our clubhouse and met with people, signed autographs and spoke to them personally. They were very personable.
It was just an all-around wonderful experience.
The performance was met with a standing ovation from the crowd.
We couldn't be happier."
- Lynn Vinson
Blue Water Clubhouse and Community Mental Health
of St. Clair County,
Port Huron, MI
A standing room only crowd converged on Asheville’s YMI to see Balancing Act, an impressive blend of rich vocalization and dramatization emphasizing an all-important message.
—Asheville Citizen-Times
—Asheville Citizen-Times
"Wowee!" "Fantastic!" "Needs to tour the country." "Brilliant production!"
These are just a few of the comments on feedback forms received from attendees.
—NAMI North Carolina
These are just a few of the comments on feedback forms received from attendees.
—NAMI North Carolina
Wambui was incredible beyond my words. Thank you for allowing our affiliate, NAMI Forsyth County, the privilege of presenting Balancing Act and falling in love with Wambui.
—Mary Annecelli
NAMI Forsyth County
—Mary Annecelli
NAMI Forsyth County
Four Hundred people packed the Wayne Community College Auditorium for “Balancing Act.” Ms. Bahati’s dynamic and moving performance elicited several rounds of applause, and the audience gave her a standing ovation.
—Marian Westbrook
Wayne Community College
—Marian Westbrook
Wayne Community College
Coronado Theater
I would like to thank you again for your terrific performance. I received several calls later in the week . . . they are raving about how enjoyable it was. 'Who was the woman, she was great!'.
-Randy Roberson
Director of Development Stepping Stones,
Rockford, Ill
-Randy Roberson
Director of Development Stepping Stones,
Rockford, Ill
"You did a terrific job and you could have heard a pin drop . . .YOU WERE WONDERFUL, and you provided a needed service to this community."
- S. Vann,
Guilford County Alliance for the Mentally Ill
- S. Vann,
Guilford County Alliance for the Mentally Ill
"Thank you again for your presentation. So many folks want you to come back. We are seriously working on that.
- AMI Toledo
- AMI Toledo
Specifically About I Am Domestic Violence
...Yet Rivers, who has appeared in such films as Zorro, Amistad and Hulk, did not even give the most dramatic presentation of the morning. His keynote address came after Greensboro, N.C., actor Wambui Bahati presented a part of her one-act play I Am Domestic Violence. Bahati, another survivor, took on the persona of abuse and loudly challenged the audience not to ignore the destruction it wreaks. With the use of various coats and blouses, she then assumed the role of seven different characters to illustrate that domestic violence knows no boundaries."Somebody run and tell somebody," Bahati crooned. "This ain't how it's supposed to be."
Ernest Hooper,
St Petersburg Times Columnist
Ernest Hooper,
St Petersburg Times Columnist
Bahati’s one-woman play, “I Am Domestic Violence”, took the audience on a high speed tour of the emotional effects of domestic violence ... Audience members said Bahati’s abrupt entrance during the vigil sent a realist message. “That’s the way domestic violence interrupts peace. The initial shock was frighting . . .”
Dana Haydock
Gastonia Gazette Staff Writer
Dana Haydock
Gastonia Gazette Staff Writer
The information that you share with the world through artistic means is sorely needed in our turbulent society. People are still talking about the “I Am Domestic Violence” that you performed at last year’s conference . . .
Joyce G. Dickerson,
Program Director
Domestic Violence Internship Project
A&T State University
Dept. of Sociology and Social Work
Joyce G. Dickerson,
Program Director
Domestic Violence Internship Project
A&T State University
Dept. of Sociology and Social Work
Dear Wambui,
Thank you for coming to our NCCADV conference and performing DOMESTIC VIOLENCE …something I will NEVER forget. Your passion for this crime really showed through your performance. THANK YOU!
Michelle Cole
Alexander County
Domestic Violence Resource Center
Thank you for coming to our NCCADV conference and performing DOMESTIC VIOLENCE …something I will NEVER forget. Your passion for this crime really showed through your performance. THANK YOU!
Michelle Cole
Alexander County
Domestic Violence Resource Center
Cleveland County Abuse Prevention Council attended the NC Coalition Against Domestic Violence Conference in Chapel Hill. We were very impressed with your presentation during the Plenary Session ...
Millie Hershenson
Executive Director
Abuse Prevention Council
Millie Hershenson
Executive Director
Abuse Prevention Council
Dear Ms. Bahati:
In recognition of Black History Month, the Domestic Violence Internship Program at North Carolina A&T State University is sponsoring a display that highlights significant achievements made in the area of domestic violence. "The Souls of Black Folk: Centennial Reflections" is a display honoring prominent African Americans in the field of Domestic Violence. The profiles of twenty-two domestic violence advocates will be on display in the first floor lobby in Gibbs Hall throughout the month of February.
The following female professionals have been honored: Wambui Bahati, actress, writer and singer, native of Greensboro, NC; Dr. Tricia Bent-Goodley, Assistant Professor at Howard University School of Social Work, Washington, DC; Dr. Joyce Dickerson, Associate Professor and Director of the Domestic Violence Program at North Carolina A&T State University in the Department of Sociology and Social Work, Greensboro, NC; . . .
In recognition of Black History Month, the Domestic Violence Internship Program at North Carolina A&T State University is sponsoring a display that highlights significant achievements made in the area of domestic violence. "The Souls of Black Folk: Centennial Reflections" is a display honoring prominent African Americans in the field of Domestic Violence. The profiles of twenty-two domestic violence advocates will be on display in the first floor lobby in Gibbs Hall throughout the month of February.
The following female professionals have been honored: Wambui Bahati, actress, writer and singer, native of Greensboro, NC; Dr. Tricia Bent-Goodley, Assistant Professor at Howard University School of Social Work, Washington, DC; Dr. Joyce Dickerson, Associate Professor and Director of the Domestic Violence Program at North Carolina A&T State University in the Department of Sociology and Social Work, Greensboro, NC; . . .
ON TEACHER WORKDAY, STUDENTS WORK FOR CHANGE
Teacher workdays are a chance to sleep in and watch TV for most students.
But more than 200 local teens got up early on their day off Monday to learn about social issues such as domestic violence, voting, AIDS and drug abuse at the 2004 Youth First Teen Summit.
The issue of domestic violence also topped the summit's agenda. Keynote speaker Wambui Bahati, a Greensboro-born Broadway actor , gave an enthusiastic performance of her one-woman show, "I am domestic violence," changing costumes and walking through the crowd.
"It doesn't look like I'm going anywhere any time soon," Bahati said. "Until you decide I really am a problem, then fasten your seatbelt - it's going to be a bumpy ride."
The Champion Coalition, a project of the Junior League of Greensboro, brought Bahati to the summit.
Laura Simpson, Champion Coalition chairwoman, said she hoped Bahati's performance "would let students know domestic violence is not normal and there are places they can go for help."
Bruce Buchanan,
Greensboro News-Record
Teacher workdays are a chance to sleep in and watch TV for most students.
But more than 200 local teens got up early on their day off Monday to learn about social issues such as domestic violence, voting, AIDS and drug abuse at the 2004 Youth First Teen Summit.
The issue of domestic violence also topped the summit's agenda. Keynote speaker Wambui Bahati, a Greensboro-born Broadway actor , gave an enthusiastic performance of her one-woman show, "I am domestic violence," changing costumes and walking through the crowd.
"It doesn't look like I'm going anywhere any time soon," Bahati said. "Until you decide I really am a problem, then fasten your seatbelt - it's going to be a bumpy ride."
The Champion Coalition, a project of the Junior League of Greensboro, brought Bahati to the summit.
Laura Simpson, Champion Coalition chairwoman, said she hoped Bahati's performance "would let students know domestic violence is not normal and there are places they can go for help."
Bruce Buchanan,
Greensboro News-Record
New Inspirational Self-help CD Urges Listeners to 'Get Crazy for Yourself'
January 2007
From the inspiring motivational speaker Wambui Bahati, better known as "Miss Inspiration", comes a powerful, entertaining and personal narrative for people living with or recovering from mental illness -- Crazy For Me -- How I Got Over Bipolar Disorder And Other Life Stuff.
Ms. Bahati soared to new heights when everyone around felt her life as a productive citizen was already over. After all, her doctors claimed she would spend the remainder of her time in and out of mental institutions.
When it seemed her life couldn't get any worse and she only had two options - live or die - Ms. Bahati chose to live. However, she also told herself it would be on her own terms.
During her recovery, Ms. Bahati, a.k.a. "Miss Inspiration", who was born John Ann Washington, legally changed her name and reinvented herself. In Swahili, wambui means "singer of songs" and bahati "my fortune is good". For the past 10 years she has actively researched, studied and explored various "quality of life" altering strategies. Her mission has been to determine the secret to having a life of joy, peace and fabulous health - the best life possible! This inspiring woman not only 'got up' when everyone thought she was 'out for the count', but also rose to new heights and continues to soar.
Today, she shares her inspiration, motivation and celebration, along with some strategies and techniques that were instrumental in her reclaiming and turning her life around. She also reveals how she nurtures her mind, body, and spirit as she continues to reinvent herself. She reminds audiences of how wonderful and powerful they already are and about the God she found in herself and the God that resides in each of us.
She got crazy enough to believe she could turn her life around and now she urges you to get crazy for yourself!
Ms. Bahati explains, "People are always saying to me, 'I'm happy for you. I'm glad you got better.' Then they ask, 'But, what about my mother? Or my brother? Or my sister? What about me? What can we do? What did you do?' So I decided to share my story, how I've come to view mental illness and some of the techniques and strategies that I have adopted over the past 10 years that have allowed me to be happy, healthy, peaceful and productive. I know that what works for one person won't necessarily work for another. However, there are some things that would certainly improve our quality of life if we'd only try them. Crazy for Me focuses on the potential of the individual and allows listeners to examine their own possibilities after, as has been the case for many people, years of devastation, isolation and frustration."
Today, Ms. Bahati is an actress, singer, writer and storyteller, as well as an inspirational and motivational speaker. She has also written and produced one-woman shows that have received national acclaim. She offers custom-created shows and presentations on her speaking tours and has written and performed for numerous organizations nationwide. This native North Carolinian lives in New York City and is the mother of two adult daughters.
As a special offer, those who order Crazy for Me before Valentine's Day on February 14th, 2007 will receive a free DVD gift of Balancing Act -- The Musical, Ms Bahati's one-woman show and wonderful, uplifting story about her own mental illness. To order and take full advantage of this special offer, please visit www.crazy-for-me.info.
For more information about "Miss Inspiration", Wambui Bahati, her new CD, Crazy For Me--How I Got Over Bipolar Disorder And Other Life Stuff, her one-woman musicals or her custom shows and presentations, please contact Ms. Bahati at www.crazy-for-me.info or by calling 888-224-2267.
January 2007
From the inspiring motivational speaker Wambui Bahati, better known as "Miss Inspiration", comes a powerful, entertaining and personal narrative for people living with or recovering from mental illness -- Crazy For Me -- How I Got Over Bipolar Disorder And Other Life Stuff.
Ms. Bahati soared to new heights when everyone around felt her life as a productive citizen was already over. After all, her doctors claimed she would spend the remainder of her time in and out of mental institutions.
When it seemed her life couldn't get any worse and she only had two options - live or die - Ms. Bahati chose to live. However, she also told herself it would be on her own terms.
During her recovery, Ms. Bahati, a.k.a. "Miss Inspiration", who was born John Ann Washington, legally changed her name and reinvented herself. In Swahili, wambui means "singer of songs" and bahati "my fortune is good". For the past 10 years she has actively researched, studied and explored various "quality of life" altering strategies. Her mission has been to determine the secret to having a life of joy, peace and fabulous health - the best life possible! This inspiring woman not only 'got up' when everyone thought she was 'out for the count', but also rose to new heights and continues to soar.
Today, she shares her inspiration, motivation and celebration, along with some strategies and techniques that were instrumental in her reclaiming and turning her life around. She also reveals how she nurtures her mind, body, and spirit as she continues to reinvent herself. She reminds audiences of how wonderful and powerful they already are and about the God she found in herself and the God that resides in each of us.
She got crazy enough to believe she could turn her life around and now she urges you to get crazy for yourself!
Ms. Bahati explains, "People are always saying to me, 'I'm happy for you. I'm glad you got better.' Then they ask, 'But, what about my mother? Or my brother? Or my sister? What about me? What can we do? What did you do?' So I decided to share my story, how I've come to view mental illness and some of the techniques and strategies that I have adopted over the past 10 years that have allowed me to be happy, healthy, peaceful and productive. I know that what works for one person won't necessarily work for another. However, there are some things that would certainly improve our quality of life if we'd only try them. Crazy for Me focuses on the potential of the individual and allows listeners to examine their own possibilities after, as has been the case for many people, years of devastation, isolation and frustration."
Today, Ms. Bahati is an actress, singer, writer and storyteller, as well as an inspirational and motivational speaker. She has also written and produced one-woman shows that have received national acclaim. She offers custom-created shows and presentations on her speaking tours and has written and performed for numerous organizations nationwide. This native North Carolinian lives in New York City and is the mother of two adult daughters.
As a special offer, those who order Crazy for Me before Valentine's Day on February 14th, 2007 will receive a free DVD gift of Balancing Act -- The Musical, Ms Bahati's one-woman show and wonderful, uplifting story about her own mental illness. To order and take full advantage of this special offer, please visit www.crazy-for-me.info.
For more information about "Miss Inspiration", Wambui Bahati, her new CD, Crazy For Me--How I Got Over Bipolar Disorder And Other Life Stuff, her one-woman musicals or her custom shows and presentations, please contact Ms. Bahati at www.crazy-for-me.info or by calling 888-224-2267.
