JEZ Magazine | The February Issue

CONTENTS

DRESS, THE BLONDS @THEBLONDSNY

Editor’s Letter

February is my favorite month of the year. It’s Fashion Week in New York City and…it’s my birthday month! This is a milestone birthday for me. My 60th! All I can say is I never thought I’d beso proud to utter those words. Looking back, it’s been such anincredible journey, and having arrived here with such beautiful memories, created by working with such talented people throughout the years, has made me extremely grateful to reach this milestone. Surely with as much energy and excitement as I have, I’m not “old” yet am I? 60 is the new 30. And if that isn’t a term, I’m going to make it one.

This is my favorite issue yet. JEZ has a fresh revamp thanks to the addition of some incredible contributors and creators. Have you seen how fabulous Tiffany looks on the cover? She was such a gem to shoot, and a total heart of gold who is passionate about helping her community. I hope you enjoy looking through the stunning fashion stories featuring pieces by Christian Siriano, Marc Bouwer, Edwing D’Angelo, Celestino Couture and more.

With love and blessings,

Ezequiel De La Rosa, Editor in Chief

ON THE COVERS

TIFFANY HADDISH

DRESS, THE BLONDS @THEBLONDSNY FUR, HELEN YARMAK @HELENYARMAK

SHOES, JIMMY CHOO @JIMMYCHOO

EARRINGS, JENNIFERBEHR @JENNIFERBEHR

TIFFANY HADDISH

DRESS, CHRISTIAN SIRIANO @CSIRIANO FUR, HELEN YARMAK @HELENYARMAK

THE TEAM

PHOTO, EZEQUIEL DE LA ROSA @EZEQUIELDELAROSA

DESIGN, IAN DONAHUE @IANJDONAHUE

WRITING, VICTORIA DEBLAUSS @VICTORIADEBLAUSS

STYLE, SONECA GUADARA @STYLEDBYSONECA

MAKE UP, KIM BAKER @MAKEUPBYKIMBAKER

HAIR, T. COOPER @TCOOPERBEAUTY

NAIL ART, JACQUELINE PHAM @NYC.NAILS.OFFICIAL

CONTRIBUTORS

IAN DONAHUE EDITORIAL DESIGN DIRECTOR

VICTORIA DEBLAUSS MANAGING EDITOR, WRITER

PRESTON PERICH VIDEOGRAPHER

DENISE PEREAU CONTRIBUTING WRITER

GREGG BROCKINGTON BEAUTY DIRECTOR

RUI ARAÚJO BUSINESS CONSULTANT MACIEJ LEWICKI IT DIRECTOR

ISABEL RIOS CREATIVE TEAM

CAROLINE FISS CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

OTHER–WORLDLY

BY CAROLINE FISS

PRODUCER, CAROLINE FISS @CAROLINEFISS

CREATIVE DIRECTOR, CAROLINE FISS @CAROLINEFISSPHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOGRAPHER, CAROLINE FISS @CAROLINEFISSPHOTOGRAPHY

MODEL, LARISSA MARCHIORI @LARISSAMARCHIORI, THE INDUSTRY MODEL MGMT

PHOTO ASSISTANT, VINCENT COTA @VINCENTCOTA

STYLIST, ELISA SOLER @S.ASILE

MAKE UP ARTIST, AMANDA PAIGE @FLAWLESSBYPAIGE

HAIR STYLIST, ALEX DIROMA @ALEXANDRADIROMAHAIRMUA

DRESS, BEAUTÉ COMME TOI ACCESSORIES, KAT AND CLARESE

DRESS, MINUTIAE @MINUTIAEARELIERNYC SHOES, PER FIDEM @PERFIDEMLEATHER

VEGAN BUILDABLE LIGHT-WEIGHT FORMULA Kim Baker

THEM

HEM

DESIGN, IAN DONAHUE @IANJDONAHUE

STYLE, EVAN ELKOWITZ @STYLEBYEVAN

ASSISTANT STYLE, PRIYA SINGH

MAKE UP, JUAN ALBERTO @JALBERTO.GLAMMEUP

HAIR, NICOLA AUGUSTINE @NICOLAAUGUSTINE

WHITE SUIT, ATELIER CILLIAN @ATELIERCILLIAN BLACK SUIT, EDWING D’ANGELO @EDWINGDANGELO VEST AND PANTS, ATELIER CILLIAN @ATELIERCILLIAN SHOES (L/R), JOSEPH ABBOUD @JOSEPHABBOUD , OFFICINE CREATIVE @OFFICINECREATIVE_OFFICIAL , GUCCI @GUCCI

PHOTO, EZEQUIEL DE LA ROSA @EZEQUIELDELAROSA

MODEL, GARRETT MERRYFIELD @GARRETT_MERRYFIELD, SOUL ARTIST MGMT @SOULARTISTMGMT TOP AND SUIT, ATELIER CILLIAN @ATELIERCILLIAN

WHITE SUIT,

BLACK SUIT,

@TERRYSINGH.NYC

D’ANGELO @EDWINGDANGELO

TERRY SINGH

EDWING

DRESS, MARY NEZ

MODEL, QUENTIN ANTHONY @QUENTIN.ANTHONY_ , SOUL ARTIST MGMT @SOULARTISTMGMT

SUIT, EDWING D’ANGELO @EDWINGDANGELO

SHOES, JOSEPH ABBOUD @JOSEPHABBOUD

MODEL, SKYE STRACKE @SKYESTRACKE, FENTON MODELS @FENTONMODELS SUIT, EDWING D’ANGELO @EDWINGDANGELO SHOES, OFFICINE CREATIVE @OFFICINECREATIVE_OFFICIAL

VEST AND PANTS, KES @KESNYC SHOES, SHORO

TOP AND PANTS, ATELIER CILLIAN @ATELIERCILLIAN

DRESS, CHRISTIAN SIRIANO @CSIRIANO

SHOES, ALEXANDRE BIRMAN @ALEXANDREBIRMAN

EARRINGS, NEIMAN MARCUS @NEIMAMARCUS

RINGS, HELEN YARMAK @HELENYARMAK

WRITTEN BY VICTORIA DEBLAUSS @VICTORIADEBLAUSS

There are some people who have a special kind of magnetism: a palpable, indescribable energy that fills an entire room when they are present. As Tiffany Haddish walked into JEZ Magazine Headquarters in Midtown Manhattan for her shoot, she hugged our editor-inchief like an old friend she hadn’t seen in decades. Although it was 6am on a cold, dreary day in New York: her uproarious laughter and ultra charming smile felt like sunshine peeking through the cloudy sky.

You’ve probably seen Haddish in some of your favorite comedies including Girls Trip, Like A Boss and the recent Nicolas Cage film The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent. Her powerful charisma and quick-witted comedic talent are juxtaposed with a remarkably genuine and down-to-earth nature that willundoubtedly continue carrying Haddish to even greater heights.

Aside from some exciting upcoming roles, not many people are aware of her entrepreneurial ventures. Haddish recently launched Black-owned tech platform BIZIO that is being dubbed “the African-American answer to the Big Five”. Similar to services like Zoom and Google Meet, BIZIO integrates an enterprising technology ecosystem on one platform. “I wanted to invest my money in technology that is developed by my community.” she explains with enthusiasm. Although her main role has been to make people laugh at her characters on screen, she is equally passionate about contributing her time and efforts into helping small Black businesses grow. Her business partner at BIZIO is Richard Thompson, founder of Digital AIR Technology and Analytics. Thompson has experience in creating a minority stock market, blockchain, and his version of a Bloomberg signal software to help people of color capitalize. His logical, analytical brain complements her highly creative, empathetic one.

PHOTO, EZEQUIEL DE LA ROSA @EZEQUIELDELAROSA DESIGN, IAN DONAHUE @IANJDONAHUE STYLE, SONECA GUADARA @STYLEDBYSONECA MAKE UP, KIM BAKER @MAKEUPBYKIMBAKER NAIL ART, JACQUELINE PHAM @NYC.NAILS.OFFICIAL HAIR, T. COOPER @TCOOPERBEAUTY

DRESS, MARC BOUWER @MARCBOUWER

SHOES, JIMMY CHOO @JIMMYCHOO

JEWELRY, SABRE JEWELRY @SABREJEWELRY

It’s a perfect business partnership. For Haddish, she says her ventures are mainly about keeping dollars circulating within underrepresented communities.

The actress is also in the process of building a grocery store in her community of South Central Los Angeles. This particular grocery store will have a unique twist: the majority of products will be sourced from Black farmers and Black vendors. “We’re having cooking classes and financial literacy classes. I’m a firm believer that when you understand how food works and when you understand how money works.., you become a happier, more productive human being. Then you make your family more productive and happy, and then your community is more productive and happy…and then there’s less need for police” she says this all in one breath, ending with her signature smirk and a wink. Her grocery store, she adds, is her way of combating systemic racism. It’s gutsy and genius, just like her.

We touch upon her beginnings in comedy and she confesses, “My greatest strength is being able to create comedy out of situations that aren’t necessarily funny.” It’s unclear whether humor is a learned or biological trait, but Haddish is chock full of it. She tells me she originally discovered her penchant for humor in the midst of a family tragedy. When Haddish was just a child, her mother got into a terrible car accident and she and her siblings were separated from one another and put into foster care. Her solace was watching movies and after stumbling upon the film Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Haddish says she was deeply affected by the main character’s line: “A laugh can be a very powerful thing…why, sometimes in life it’s the only weapon we have.” Roger Rabbit gave her the epiphany that honing her natural comedic ability would become

her greatest survival tool. In a heartwarming moment, Haddish looks off into the distance and says, “It’s hard to hurt somebody that brings you joy.” It’s the only time in the interview where her voice breaks. As she and her siblings were constantly moved to unfamiliar environments, she credits her ability to make people laugh with keeping her out of harm’s way. Laughter and likeability were the shields that carried her safely through her youth.

Haddish’s experiences as a foster child later inspired her to create the She Ready Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering, and encouraging children within the foster care system. She describes the disheartening experience of having her belongings stuffed into trash bags as she was moved to various foster homes. “It’s really hard to have value in yourself when you’re being moved around and all your things are in trash bags. It makes you feel like garbage. I want to make sure foster youth are equipped for adulthood and have a certain level of confidence…at least value in self.” Haddish emphasizes the importance of providing foster youth with suitcases “so they can feel like they’re on an adventure. I want them to feel like they’re traveling, they’re visitors, as opposed to garbage being moved around.” She tries to inspire the same sense of adventure and positivity in anyone she meets. Haddish reveals that her greatest weakness is “believing in people more than they believe in themselves.” She longs to inspire others not to live in fear. “I never operate out of fear. I push through the fear. People that are really successful push past their fears.”

Her bravery is evident in the tactics she used to improve her own career. You may have already heard of Haddish’s infamous audition story, in which she

DRESS, ZANG TOI @ZANGTOI JEWELRY, HELEN YARMAK @HELENYARMAK

DRESS, THE BLONDS @THEBLONDSNY

FUR, HELEN YARMAK @HELENYARMAK

SHOES, JIMMY CHOO @JIMMYCHOO

EARRINGS, JENNIFERBEHR @JENNIFERBEHR

LACE SETS, EZEQUIEL DE LA ROSA JEWELRY, HELEN YARMAK @HELENYARMAK

accidentally left her phone in an audition room and upon recovering it, discovered she had left the voice recorder on. The phone had recorded not only her audition, but had also recorded the conversation the casting director had about Haddish’s audition once he thought she had left the room. Hearing hard truths about her performance was jarring at first, but Haddish took the notes as constructive criticism, and used them to fine-tune her audition skills. Recognizing the immense value of such direct, candid feedback, she began intentionally leaving her phone in the room for ensuing auditions. It was a controversial move and she admits it was difficult to repeatedly hear such brutally honest remarks, but she credits the recordings with enabling her to improve her craft. Every now and then comments were made about things she simply could not change about herself, which helped enable her to take the audition process a little less personally. It is this level of bravery and ability to welcome challenges that sets Haddish apart from many of her peers.

“From my life experiences I’ve found that through tragedy there is growth. When something bad happens I start to think... what really amazing thing is about to happen?” She highlights her belief that bad things happen “to ground you…to be able to handle the goodness that’s about to come. With a certain level of success there’s a certain level of responsibility that you’ll have to handle with couth and tact.” There is a sagacious quality to her optimism. She comes across as a guru of resilience. As she quickly changes into yet another fabulous designer dress, I remember we are still at a fashion shoot in Midtown. Her phone rings nonstop, and her assistant continues to remind her that she has a show appearance directly after the shoot that she cannot be late for. It is evident to everyone in that room that Haddish never stops working. A week prior, I had mentioned my upcoming interview with Haddish to a screenwriter friend and he immediately sent me a paragraph long text about his belief that Tiffany Haddish is one of the hardest working women

“When something bad happens I start to think... what really amazing thing is about to happen?”

DRESS, CELESTINO @CELESTINOCOUTURE

JEWELRY, HELEN YARMAK @HELENYARMAK

DRESS AND GLOVES, MARC BOUWER @MARCBOUWER

SHOES, JIMMY CHOO @JIMMYCHOO

JEWELRY, NEIMAN MARCUS @NEIMAMARCUS

DRESS, TATEE SAKR @TATEESAKR SHOES, AQUAZZURA @AQUAZZURA JEWELRY, HELEN YARMAK @HELENYARMAK

accidentally left her phone in an audition room and upon recovering it, discovered she had left the voice recorder on. The phone had recorded not only her audition, but had also recorded the conversation the casting director had about Haddish’s audition once he thought she had left the room. Hearing hard truths about her performance was jarring at first, but Haddish took the notes as constructive criticism, and used them to fine-tune her audition skills. Recognizing the immense value of such direct, candid feedback, she began intentionally leaving her phone in the room for ensuing auditions. It was a controversial move and she admits it was difficult to repeatedly hear such brutally honest remarks, but she credits the recordings with enabling her to improve her craft. Every now and then comments were made about things she simply could not change about herself, which helped enable her to take the audition process a little less personally. It is this level of bravery and ability to welcome challenges that sets Haddish apart from many of her peers.

“From my life experiences I’ve found that through tragedy there is growth. When something bad happens I start to think... what really amazing thing is about to happen?” She highlights her belief that bad things happen “to ground you…to be able to handle the goodness that’s about to come. With a certain level of success there’s a certain level of responsibility that you’ll have to handle with couth and tact.” There is a sagacious quality to her optimism. She comes across as a guru of resilience. As she quickly changes into yet another fabulous designer dress, I remember we are still at a fashion shoot in Midtown. Her phone rings nonstop, and her assistant continues to remind her that she has a show appearance directly after the shoot that she cannot be late for. It is evident to everyone in

that room that Haddish never stops working. A week prior, I had mentioned my upcoming interview with Haddish to a screenwriter friend and he immediately sent me a paragraph long text about his belief that Tiffany Haddish is one of the hardest working women in Hollywood. His words ended with, “Just look at her IMDB, you’d think she’s 80 years old with the amount of work she’s done.” He is not wrong. Her work ethic is exemplary. As soon as the shoot is over, Haddish hugs everyone in the room, and dashes out with a flair.

Later that same evening, I was dining with some friends at Silver Lining Lounge, a brand new piano bar in the Lower Eastside, owned by the awesome folks at TAO Group. As I take a bite of a delicious tuna tartare dish and begin to recount my day, Tiffany Haddish suddenly walks into the lounge with a group of friends. Our eyes meet and we both break into a fit of laughter, as we marvel at the coincidence of finding ourselves at the same spot, on the same night. Her down-to-earth nature makes it impossible to not want to continue conversing with her.

A talented young pianist plays a few tunes in the center of the lounge and Haddish spontaneously stands up from the table and requests to sing a song. The pianist blushes profusely, in total awe that the famous comedian would want to duet with her, and shakily hands Haddish the mic. Haddish whispers her song request into her ear. Whatever she whispered makes the young musician smile, as her timidness is replaced with a newfound bravery.

A familiar tune begins to play. Haddish smirks at the crowd and closes her eyes as she begins the words to “Proud Mary”:

DRESS, MARC BOUWER @MARCBOUWER JEWELRY, SABRE JEWELRY @SABREJEWELRY

BY ENRIQUE CABRERA

Mexican artist Enrique Cabrera's brand new tribute to New York City: A crimson apple in the heart of the city.

As a sculptor and professional photographic restorer and in the 20th year of his career, Cabrera has been recognized and awarded nationally and internationally.

Catch the next issue of JEZ for more on this exciting multidisciplinary artist.

DRESS, TATEE SAKR @TATEETATI

A Twenties Twist

PHOTO, EZEQUIEL DE LA ROSA @EZEQUIELDELAROSA DESIGN, IAN DONAHUE @IANJDONAHUE PRODUCTION ASSISTANT, WILL ARDILE @DIMEWILL STYLE, EVAN ELKOWITZ @STYLEBYEVAN ASSISTANT STYLE, PRIYA SINGH MAKE UP, JUAN ALBERTO @JALBERTO.GLAMMEUP MAKE UP, LAUREN VENA @MAKEUPARTIST_LV HAIR, STEVEN RICE @STEVENRICENYC HAIR, EDDIE WUNDERLICH @EDDIEWUNDERLICH

SHOT AT REYNA NEW YORK @REYNA.NEWYORK

MODEL, CLHOE HEATH @CLHOEHEATH, THE MANAGEMENT NYC @THEMANAGEMENTNYC DRESS, MELESIA ROBINSON @MELESIAROBINSON @the_cofessional_showroom_nyc SUIT, CATOU @CATOUWEAR @THEMANAGEMENTNYC jewelry & Furs by @helenyarmak

MODEL, HARRY KELSO @KELZOHH, CLICK @CLICKMODELNY SUIT, LORIS DIRAN @LORISDIRAN DRESS, MARC BOUWER @MARCBOUWER

@SOULARTISTMGMT

SWEATER,

MODEL, JOSEPH AGGREY @JTAGGREY, SOUL ARTIST MGMT

LORIS DIRAN @LORISDIRAN

MODEL, COCO MITCHELL @COCOMITCHELL3, WILHELMINA @WILHELMINAMODELS

DRESS, MARC BOUWER @MARCBOUWER jewelry by @helenyarmak

MODEL, SIMON WHEELDON @SKWHEELDON, MAJOR MODELS @MAJORMODELSNY SUIT, LORIS DIRAN @LORISDIRAN

DRESS, EDWING D’ANGELO @EDWINGDANGELO jewelry by @helenyarmak

MODELS, DEVON RAMIREZ @D_RAMIREZ007, ANTHM MODEL MANAGEMENT @ANTHMMGMT ALISAR AILABOUNI @ALISARAILABOUNI, THE MANAGEMENT NYC @THEMANAGEMENTNYC SUIT, LORIS DIRAN @LORISDIRAN jewelry & Furs by @helenyarmak DRESS, MELESIA ROBINSON @MELESIAROBINSON

MODEL, MATTHEW FRANKLYN @IMNOTMATTHEW1, ANTHM MODEL MANAGEMENT @ANTHMMGMT SUIT, LORIS DIRAN @LORISDIRAN , jewelry & Furs by @helenyarmak

DRESS, MELESIA ROBINSON @MELESIAROBINSON jewelry & Furs by @helenyarmak

SUIT, CATOU @CATOUWEAR @the_cofessional_showroom_nyc

MODEL, KWAKU ANSONG @_KWAKU.ANSONG_, SOUL ARTIST MGMT @SOULARTISTMGMT MAKE UP, FOREVER POWDER PIGMENT GOLD

SUMMER ADVISORY

CREATIVE DIRECTOR | GREGG BROCKINGTON

BEAUTY | GREGG BROCKINGTON

MAKE UP (L), LISA ELDRIDGE FOUNDATION #26, LIP STICK “NEW WAVE,” PATRICK TA “SHE’S A DOLL” BLUSH ON EYES, REFY EYEBROW FIX

MAKE UP (R), FACELACE SILVER BROW APPLIQUÉS, RETROUVE FACE SERUM

MODEL, DELILAH SCOTT @DELILAHSSCOTT, ANTHM MODEL MANAGEMENT @ANTHMMGMT MAKE UP, PAT MCGRATH SKIN FETISH DIVINE BLUSH “DIVINE ROSE,” ASHUNTA SHARIFF BEAUTY VEGAN MATTE IL CREAM IN “PIXIE,” FACELACE EYE SPIKE APPLIQUÉS

MODEL, MARTINA KARRA @MARTINEKARRA, SOUL ARTIST MGMT @SOULARTISTMGMT MAKE UP, RETROUVE’ EYE CONCENTRATE AND FACE SERUM, DIOR FOREVER SKIN GLOW FOUNDATION # 0.5N, DIOR SHOW 10 COLOR MATZAH PALETTE, CHARLOTTE TILBURY PILLOW TALK LIP PENCIL, DIOR ROUGE DIOR #200, LASHLASH RAINBOW LASHES, JONES ROAD MIRACLE BALM IN “TAWNY,”

REFY BROW FIX

MAKE UP, CHANEL LES BEIGES HEALTHY GLOW BRONZER

MAKE

UP, LISA ELDRIDGE “GLOSS EMBRACE” IN CARNIVAL, MAKEUP FOREVER STAR KIT GLITTER IN BLUE AND HOLOGRAPHIC RED, MASCARA DIOR SHOW BLACK, FENTY CHEEKS OUT BLUSH #4

MAKE UP, FOREVER POWDER PIGMENT GOLD

EVENTS

COVER LAUNCH

PARTY / EZ’S 60TH + DIAMOND BRUNCH

CUISINE BY CHEF ARLENE STEWART DIAMONDS BY HELEN YARMAK SPONSORED BY DESERT HARVEST, B CAKE NY, AUSOME EVENTS, PRISM MED SPA, CELEBRATE LIFE INC.

TALENT, ORFEH @ORFEH AND ANDY KARL @ANDY_KARL

PHOTO, EZEQUIEL DE LA ROSA @EZEQUIELDELAROSA DESIGN, IAN DONAHUE @IANJDONAHUE

LOVE ON BROADWAY

AN INTERVIEW WITH BROADWAY’S MOST LOVEABLE DUO

WRITTEN

BY DENISE PEREAU @DPEREAU

Self-described as “Tenacious,” Orfeh, and “Adaptable,” Andy Karl, are modern day, multi-faceted entertainers. Yet they are throw-backs to an era of romanticism where relationship longevity once reigned, an element seemingly lost on today’s serial relationship enthusiasts. As a couple working in a business known to be brutal, they’ve set the bar for success managing full throttle career trajectories, totally in sync as husband and wife for some 22 years. Their combined achievements speak volumes about their hard work and dedication. Their unabashed love and support of one another touts enviable depth.

We fell into easy conversation about their lives and devotion to various causes dear to them along with their efforts to help abandoned dogs and animals shelter in NYC. Their support of

the Humane Society of New York, Best Friends Animal Society, the ASPCA, New York City Second Chance Rescue, Animal Haven, Broadway Barks, and the Stand up for Pits Foundation is inspiring.

Tony and Grammy Award nominee Orfeh, most recently reprised the role of Kit De Luca in Pretty Woman: The Musical on Broadway which garnered the Audience Choice Award. And who could ever forget her portrayal of Paulette in Legally Blonde: The Musical which received nominations for a Tony, the Drama Desk Award, and the Outer Critics Circle Award? Additional Broadway credits under her belt include Saturday Night Fever: The Musical, Fascinating Rhythm, and Footloose.

From Off Broadway in Love, Janis, and the Great American Trailer Park, to TV and Film, her credits

include roles in Netflix’ The Good Cop, and TV staples including both Law and Order: Criminal Intent and Law and Order: Special Victims Unit along with Sex and the City. Known for her powerhouse singing voice Orfeh headlined the early 1990’s dance group “Or-N-More.” The group’s single “Every Other Day,” hit the top 40 Billboard Charts and reached #1 on the dance club circuit. Rounding out her incredible undertakings are singing engagements at the Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall with her remarkably gifted husband Andy Karl.

An Olivier Award winning American stage, TV, and film star, Karl moved to New York at an early age to pursue acting. Possibly best well-known for his television role as Sgt. Mike Dodds in Season 17 of Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, Karl’s career path boasts a plethora of coveted roles most Actors can only dream of. While appearing in Saturday Night Fever as Tony Manero opposite Orfeh’s Annette, Tony’s jilted girlfriend, an undeniable spark ignited between them and in 2001 they made it official by tying the knot. Their chemistry has proved a powerful draw to several popular Broadway productions including Legally Blonde: The Musical (2007) where Andy deftly reprised the role of the hunky UPS guy opposite Orfeh’s Paulette.

Karl’s roles in Jersey Boys, the role of Rocky Balboa in Rocky: The Musical (Tony nomination) and Phil Connors in Groundhog Day (Tony Nomination) all consistently garnered rave reviews and ultimately Karl was bestowed the Olivier Award, a highly prestigious award in the theater industry given

to recognize excellence in professionalism in the London Theater. Orfeh and Andy debuted their widely celebrated American Songbook Album at Lincoln Center in 2016 soon followed by the release of their 2017 album covering their highly acclaimed show, Legally Bound-Live at Fienstein’s/54 Below.

While hunkered down during the Pandemic their creativity unleashed, projects languishing in development sprang to life as they found new muscles to flex. Content began to flourish under their expert guidance from scripts for shows, to music scores and even new ideas for fundraising. JEZ is excited to see what’s next and we hope you are too.

The Conversation:

JEZ: Orfeh; your name is beautifully exotic. Where did it originate?

Orfeh: “My mother came up with my name which is borrowed from the opera Black Orpheus.” It was also a well-received film in the 50’s based in Brazil during Carnival. In Greek Mythology Orpheus was the most talented musician of his times, and it was said that the god Apollo was his father. My mother must have been an intuit. LOL! Although my parents weren’t musical, they had a love of both the classics and great pop music and we always enjoyed music at home.

JEZ: When did you first realize that a life in the arts was your destiny?

Orfeh: “The Arts chose me. I knew from the age of 6 that I was going to be a Musician. I was that little girl singing into the mirror with a hairbrush as a microphone. After a while that hairbrush was really worn out. LOL!” My friends and I were always putting on skits and we knew all the pop songs. I even had a record deal at a very young age. Never thought about doing theater until a dancer I worked with in the music business began working as a choreographer doing musicals. Eventually I took their encouragement to audition and gradually segued to theater when my music career took a left hand turn.

JEZ: Andy; you moved to New York at an early age to pursue acting. How old were you and who made that decision?

Andy: “It was my decision. My Mom played organ for the church choir and my Dad played a little guitar so I was around music from a young age but didn’t find my voice until later.” I moved there when I was 20 years old because my college acting coach advised me to take the chance. “In high school I played Little Abner and when I found I could make people laugh it was like a drug for me.” Later in my college years I figured it was time to make a decision, and with his encouragement in the back of my mind, that’s what I decided to do. I just packed up and moved.

JEZ: Andy; you met and worked together with Orfeh on Saturday Night Fever: The Musical. Was it love at first sight?

Andy: “Orfeh is the most beautiful woman in the world for me and when she’s on stage it’s an incredible experience to witness. I had a huge talent crush on her.” She’d already been in the production for about 7 months when I was cast. I thought there was no way I could have a chance with her. And then someone mentioned she wanted to talk to me and I was just blown away. Couldn’t believe it!

Orfeh: “He must have his love goggles on, LOL, but I have to say yes, absolutely! Definitely love at first sight! It was very real for us.” What’s funny is there were some naysayers who said it wouldn’t last. “We were married within about 7 months of meeting each other which was the most natural thing ever, and here we are 22 years later.” It was fun to prove them wrong!

JEZ: What’s your biggest challenge as a couple?

Orfeh: “I think Andy would agree that being separated for long stretches of time is one of our biggest challenges because we really enjoy each other’s company. When were not in a show together we’re like two ships passing in the night.” Perhaps our longevity as a couple can be attributed to sometimes having lots of space to be alone and figure out what’s next. But we always come back together on the same page.

Andy: “That’s so true. For example, we were separated at least six months when I was in London doing a show at one point. But it’s part of our jobs so we make it work.”

JEZ: Many of us struggle for years trying to find success. For some, a career path seems to open up magically along the way. Has being in showbiz been a struggle? Now that you’re successful, is it easier?

Orfeh: “No, definitely not. The struggle is real, and it happens every day in our business. I had my sights on a job recently that went to someone else, and I didn’t even know it until I read about it which happens sometimes.” If anyone tells you they don’t struggle in our business, it’s a lie.

Andy: “We don’t take anything for granted.” Our jobs are dependent on and subject to so many variables we couldn’t list them all in this space. Landing a plum role is out of our hands most of the time unless we’re guaranteed the casting from the beginning and that’s really rare.

JEZ: How did you manage during the Pandemic as the theaters went dark?

Orfeh: “It really sucked! It really sucked a lot! But on the upside, we had a lot of time together which was great.” We tried to use our time constructively to focus on the future which was the best thing we could do while being shut down. With the theaters dark, not being able to do what we really love was unimaginably hard. No one could ever have predicted something like the Pandemic.

Andy: “Auditioning was really tough too.” On a positive note, we were eventually able to do a concert series outdoors which we were so grateful for. The Pandemic was scary and frustrating for

everyone around the world. We’ve all had to change and adapt. And it’s hard to forget the magnitude of loss for people globally.

JEZ: Who was your greatest career advocate?

Andy: “All it takes is that one person you respect, who really believes in you, to make a comment or suggestion that sticks in your brain to push you forward. My college Theater Director, Todd Pearthree was my inspiration. He told me one day that I should do this for a living.” That simple remark became the catalyst for me to pack my bags, move to NYC and give it a shot. And my parents were just happy I found my passion.

Orfeh: I was very young when I started out in the music business and had some great mentors, and I’m forever grateful for their love and support.

“I don’t like to name drop, but I would like to mention Eddie Levert of the O’Jays. I’d have to say he was one of my biggest supporters early on in my career and I’ll never forget that.”

JEZ: Did either of you have a major career set back along the way to your current success?

Orfeh: “Yes. Yes. Yes!” Think about all the most terrible things that can happen to somebody in the music business and it happened to me. It was a total tragedy!” I had to rethink my entire career and everything I dreamed about while watching everything I’d worked for slide down the drain.

I felt like my life was over and I had to dig myself out and start over again. What ever you can think

of happening, it was much worse. I don’t like to focus on that time of my life so let’s just leave it at that. You just have to keep going. I’m here now and that’s what matters.

Andy: “I knew it wasn’t going to be easy when I moved to New York. But I didn’t think I’d have to work so many shitty jobs which was a kind of set-back, but I just kept going.” We all have to continually navigate the path we’ve chosen to compete in the market whatever it is. So many people told me after doing Rocky and Ground Hog Day that nirvana was around the corner. It didn’t happen. But I’ve learned from experience

to keep my head down and live in the moment. To revel in being grateful. And to continuously set realistic goals.

JEZ: As a couple, do you ever have feelings of jealousy and insecurity if one of you gets a role and the other is rejected?

Orfeh: “Not at all. We support one another in everything we do whether we win a role or lose a role.” It doesn’t matter who brings home the paycheck. We don’t compete against each other and we’re certainly not jealous of one another.

Andy: “There’s no competition between us or any jealousy whatsoever.” People may have ideas about how we live and what we do but no one really knows what’s going on behind the scenes in anybody’s relationship. And we really don’t care about people who may be negative. We’ve both got a healthy attitude about doing exactly what we want to do. Whatever feels most natural. And you can’t do that if you’re worried about what other people think all the time.

JEZ: Orfeh; Do you sit down with purpose to write a song or does a song just start to materialize in your head before you write it? What’s the process?

Orfeh: “Something catchy comes into my head, a sound bite, a title I’ve read, a statement I’ve heard somewhere or even a concept I’ve read about.” It starts a chain reaction and I get very excited thinking wow; this could be really cool or that would work. Let’s try it and see where it goes. I think that happens with a lot of musicians.

JEZ: What’s the audition process like? Is it the same or different for you both? Did you ever experience the fear of rejection?

Orfeh: “We expect rejection! Right Andy?” Anyone who auditions regularly has got to be prepared to be rejected because that’s just how it is. And that’s the best advice we could give any Actor. Be prepared for it and just move on when it happens!

Andy: “Absolutely!” Unless given a direct offer which we’ve said earlier is really rare, we never go into an audition with the attitude that we’ve got it in the bag. No one is guaranteed that the audition process is a shoe in. Ever.

JEZ: How do you keep your voices in shape? Do you have a vocal training regimen?

Andy: “Yes, we warm up every day. We sing around the house, and we use warm up videos daily to help keep our voices in shape. Every day practice is essential.” For us, our voices are a gift and we’re very grateful to have them. Talent is inherent but it takes a wise person to respect the gift they’re given and to take care of it for the long haul.

Orfeh: “Vocal exercises are a healthy habit and it’s just natural for us to sing around the house.” Occasionally we have concert series with several performances in a row and it’s critical to constantly train. “We always say use it or lose it.”

JEZ: You’re a rescue dog family. What are your dog’s names?

Orfeh: “We have to mention Luscious and Samson! They’re everything to us.” We’ve always had dogs and all kinds of animals including cats and throughout the years. We’d have more if we were able to. It’s unconscionable to us that people can harm animals. They can’t fend for themselves. We do as much as we can to help animal rescue missions. (Please see opening intro for reference to Orfeh and Andy’s pet charities.)

JEZ: Are you involved with any other charitable organizations you’d like us to mention?

Orfeh: “Oh yes! We’d definitely like to mention St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.” It was founded by Danny Thomas, and his daughter Marlo Thomas is still active in promoting fundraising efforts to help children in need of hospital care and services. And we’d like to mention Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights Aids along with the Entertainment Community Fund, formerly the Actors Fund.

JEZ: Honesty in a relationship is very important. As Actors, do you ever “act” to get your way? If I was an Actor, I might be tempted to use my skills to win an argument or get my way.

Andy: “Believe it or not, I think knowing each other’s schtick helps to keep it real in our relationship.” We’re open and honest about everything, totally straight up. There’s no need for us to act to prove a point.

Orfeh: “Agree one hundred percent.”

JEZ: Who cleans the house? With your crazy schedules, do you split household chores? Who does the most cooking?

Orfeh: “I’m meticulous about cleaning so I take on that job. LOL! Andy’s a great cook.” If he has the time, he’ll often cook something wonderful. But we work nights a lot so there’s not much time to meal plan.

Andy: “We don’t have a lot of time when we’re working so we end up eating out or doing take out. And when we’re on the road, forget about it. LOL!”

JEZ: What was your favorite career accomplishment?

Both laughingly respond: “It hasn’t happened yet!”

JEZ: If you had only one country that you could travel to anywhere in the world for a week, where would that be and why?

Andy: “We love Paris, France so that would probably be our first pick. London, England next.”

JEZ: What role do you covet?

Both concur: Too many to mention!

JEZ: The future. Where do you see yourselves in five years?

Andy: “Where do you see yourself in five years? LOL.” With the world changing so much these days that’s a really hard question to answer! There’s no way to predict where we’ll be even in one year not to mention five years though we’re always working on our goals. We’ll definitely be doing more concert tours and auditioning for sure, and hopefully bringing some of our projects to fruition. But for right now, we’re grateful for the new year and that feeling of a fresh start.

THE STARLET

PHOTO, EZEQUIEL DE LA ROSA @EZEQUIELDELAROSA DESIGN, IAN DONAHUE @IANJDONAHUE MODEL, NATALIE M. APONTE @NATALIEMAPONTE STYLE, BELLA RIOS @MUNECAISSA MAKE UP AND HAIR, TIFFANIE G. @THEHARMLESSWAY

DRESS, EDWING D’ANGELO @EDWINGDANGELO

DRESS, THE BLONDS @THEBLONDSNY

ACTRESS, PHILANTHROPIST & TECH ENTREPRENEUR

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