Actress-singer-producer Goldie Dver, knew she wanted to perform early in her Philadelphia childhood, moving to New York City in 1973 to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Singing and touring followed and so did 
marriage to Paul Dver, a composer-performer, which immeasurably broadened her career, opening her to new contacts—Soupy Sales, Jackie Mason, Joey Reynolds, Anthony Newley—and new opportunities. But, life presented Dver with several challenges, including a breast cancer diagnosis in 2006 (she’s a survivor), and her husband Paul’s declining health and passing in 2018. Having taken a break from show business, Dver re-entered and has since created and presented cabarets and hosts a cabaret variety series called “Sneak Peek” at Don’t Tell Mama. Dver is also an advocate for women’s health and for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
On Thursday, December 11, Dver presents a star-studded benefit for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, THE SEASON: GOLDIE’S KIDS! at The Laurie Beechman Theatre. The event kicks off with a Red Carpet at 6:30 PM hosted by comedienne Trudy Carmichael and Goldie’s co-host, Justin Dylan Nastro.
Showtime is 7:00 PM, with a cavalcade of musical talent giving their all for the kids of St. Jude. The audience at the Beechman and the livestream audience will have opportunities throughout the three-hour extravaganza to make contributions online and bring in the biggest donation tally to date! For more information and to reserve, click here.
NiteLife Exchange (NLE) asks Goldie Dver (GD) Six Questions:
NLE: THE SEASON: GOLDIE’S KIDS! marks your third annual St. Jude’s benefit. What inspired you to start this event and then make it an ongoing tradition, and what does the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital mean to you personally?
GD: I’m a breast cancer survivor of 19 years – so I’m very blessed and I’m doing fine. But I’ll never forget how I felt when I heard those three words – “You have cancer”. I can’t even imagine how it feels to hear those words spoken about your child. At St Jude – it’s not just about the amazing care and treatment they give their young patients. At St Jude families never pay for treatment, housing, transportation or food – making it possible for the families to be with 
their children throughout their treatment – which is incredible. That’s why St Jude Children’s Research Hospital is very near and dear to my heart.
NLE: You’ve said that singing became your refuge and your bridge back to life after profound loss. How does producing a benefit like this—one built on community, generosity, and joy—fit into your larger journey of healing and rediscovery?
GD: Coming back to singing, and the cabaret community after my husband of 41 years, Paul Dver passed in 2019, was the major thing that helped me reconnect with my soul and my passion. That – and going through the pandemic – reinforced my belief that the only real thing in life that has lasting, true value is what we can share with the people we’re lucky enough to touch on an emotional level – to support and enhance their lives in some meaningful way.
One of the joys of producing this benefit is how readily everyone agreed to join us for this adventure. It truly touched my heart that every artist was eager to commit their time and talent to support St Jude. Giving back is one of the purest gifts we can give – whether be one-on-one, or to a larger community of some kind.
NLE: This year’s show carries your signature blend of warmth, humor, and heart. What more can audiences expect from the 2025 edition? Any special guests, surprises, or “Goldie moments” that you’re especially excited about?
GD: Oh my, yes! This year we’re doing it as a “telethon” – with a cavalcade of Cabaret and Broadway stars – leaning into the vibe of Jerry Lewis’ MDA telethon – which he did every Labor Day weekend for a thousand years. (Young ‘uns – look it up). It will also be live-streamed for the out-of-towners, or those who won’t be able to share the shenanigans and fun with us in person at The Beechman.
Hence the logo created by James Beaman, with a caricature by Ken Fallin – which is our take-off on the memorable Jerry Lewis logo. Justin Dylan Nastro will be my “Ed McMahon – co-hosting the evening with me. We will have a Red Carpet – with special surprise guests – starting at 6:30 – which will be hosted by Trudy Carmichael (my Joan Rivers).This will be happening in the room and live-streamed as well – leading into the kickoff of the show at 7:00. You won’t want to miss it!
We’ll have a fantastic trio – led by Dan Pardo our MD, John Miller on bass and Chip Fabrizi on drums. James Beaman, Director has been my right hand man – and I couldn’t be doing this without him. Check out our listing on the Beechman calendar to see the amazing artists 
(too many to mention by name) who will be joining us for this evening – which we promise will be a hoot and a half!
NLE: Your own story—from a child prodigy in South Philly to New York theatre, cabaret stages, and shows such as this award-winning benefit— embodies your resilience and reinvention. How does that history especially shape the way you curate and host a charity show like GOLDIE’S KIDS!?
GD: I remember what it’s like to try to make your mark as an artist – in any part of the industry or in any genre. I will always be grateful for those people who supported me – and continue to support me as an artist. I always try to honor that – by including artist in my shows who are the “new kids on the block”. We all work so hard and invest our hearts and souls into making music and creating our art – and it’s important to support each other whenever possible.
NLE: Fundraising in the performing arts can be both rewarding and challenging. What have you learned from producing previous St. Jude’s benefits, and how has your approach evolved for this third annual event?
GD: It’s been a huge learning curve – and I’m still learning how to best navigate the waters of doing a benefit of this scale. This year – we’re introducing our new 
“telethon” format, and not doing the raffles – which helped raise money, but ultimately ate up too much of the show time. If this works well – this will become the annual tradition – and hopefully we’ll keep improving our approach, to make it a thoroughly entertaining show and successful benefit. After all, St Jude is the reason we’re all doing this.
I’ve had lots of advice and help from several people who have been doing this much longer than me. Namely Sue Matsuki and Carolyn Montgomery, and a tremendous amount of support from the “Beechman boys” – Michael and Tom D’Angora. I’m still trying to figure out a way to get some sponsorship to help cover production costs. Right now, that’s all coming out of my pocket. (Oy Vey!)
NLE: With the success of your debut album, Sweet Beginning, your ongoing Sneak Peek series, and a Dorothy Fields songbook show on the horizon, your creative life is flourishing. Beyond THE SEASON: GOLDIE’S KIDS!, where do you see yourself—and your artistry—heading next?
GD: Thank you for your kind words. The last few years since I’ve returned to cabaret have been very active
and productive. Bringing our Anthony Newley show, “What A Man!” to The Crazy Coqs in London in September was a truly magical experience. It showed me the joy and importance of branching out beyond New York to share our stories and music with people everywhere.
Continuing to travel our Newley show – and launching our new Dorothy Fields show, “The Rhythm of Life” (slated to debut in the spring), will be two of my goals for 2026.
We’re also excited to continue our Sneak Peek series at Don’t Tell Mama through next year – where we highlight singers and songwriters – and give the audience a “peek behind the curtain” into their creative process. This is yet another opportunity for me to allow artists a forum to bring their work to new and eager audiences.
