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Keith James & Potentials Unlimited brings professional and amateur musicians, actors, and dancers on stage together with performers who are challenged by developmental, physical, and emotional special needs, in a moving celebration of diversity, nonviolence, and human potential. Since 1993 they have presented A Show of Strengths, concerts, workshops, and scenes from the play, An Army of Angels, throughout Massachusetts. In 2001, the group presented their first New York Show of Strengths, and performed with Top Ten country songwriter Jess Leary and Nashville singer/songwriter Laura Darling.
Keith James & Potentials Unlimited is produced by TSLC Incorporated, a nonprofit, nonsectarian, educational organization (501-C3), which is supported in part by private donations, Therapy & The Performing arts, and the Genesis Fund (part of the Children’s Miracle Network).
Joanne and Vincent Gookin: This husband and wife duo are dynamic performers who are always ready to lend a hand both on and off stage. Joanne is an administrative assistant, photographer, and comedienne who joined the troupe in 2002. She says that she “is touched by the unique bond of friendship and support that is shared among all the performers in the group.” Vinny helped Potentials Unlimited get started in 1994 after he heard "I'm the One" at our first concert. He is “moved by the opportunity it lends people with various challenges to be themselves and be valued, whike helping them to tap into their inner strengths." He works as a Program Manager at Perkins School of the Blind, and enjoys the fact that participation in Potentials Unlimited complements the commitment he has to the field of human services.
The Morrison Family: Maureen and her mother, Dorothy, have been lead singers, dancers, and outstanding actors with our troupe since 1998. Maureen’s father, Ken, helps behind the scenes with security and the technical crew. He likes the fact Potentials Unlimited gives “the performers a chance to be normal as adults with their talents.” Maureen has fun meeting new friends at Potentials Unlimited and is developing her beautiful soprano voice. She is challenged by Williams Syndrome, and says, “I can’t read, and sometimes find it hard to express myself.” She works in the lunch room at Mount St. Joseph Academy, and is very helpful to other performers in the group. Dot, who is over 70, has 10 children, and baby-sits many of her 19 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. She originally planned to “drop her daughter off” for rehearsal, but was lured into becoming one of our most dedicated performers. Dot says that “people who have trouble expressing themselves can do it through song and dance” and “Sandy and Keith (the Directors) give nothing but encouragement.” The Morrisons are looking forward to traveling with our troupe, and “Ken, will drive us anywhere.”
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Mark Henderson: Mark is an experienced dancer and actor, who is challenged by Cerebral Palsey and has a Masters Degree in Adaptive Physical Education, which he teaches at Amego Incorporated. Mark originally volunteered to be “just a sound man” for Potentials Unlimited, but could not resist getting into the act after experiencing his first show in 1996. He is now one of our choreographers and an inspiring lead dancer—both with and without his wheelchair. He also portrays Michael, “the Athletic Angel of Dance” in our musical, An Army of Angels. Mark says that that Potentials Unlimited has helped him to grow as a person and an artist, and is thankful to his family, friends, and Potentials Unlimited's performers for believing in him. “I have been underestimated all my life. It's a heavy burden to think you have to prove to others what you know you can do . . . I can't imagine life without Potentials.”
Dianne “Miss D” April: Since 1995, Dianne has been one of our lead singers and actor with great timing. She is also a Potentials Unlimited Solo Artist who plays keyboard and leads sing-alongs for nursing homes and our Meet Me at Hatherly showcases. Diane works at GWARC, swims at the YMCA, and is blind and multiply challenged. Her favorite Potentials Unlimited songs are “Don’t Count Me Out” and “The Greatest Leader,” and she hopes to play hand bells in the future.
Rebecca Bella Rich: Rebecca is a colorful visual artist, and a published writer and poet at Gateway Crafts. Her work was included in an exhibition of “Seven Women Artists” at Brandeis University and she has sold two pieces exhibited in New York. Included in her books is When the Cows Come Home, a collection of interviews that she conducted. She also wrote and starred in an exotic fantasy video. Rebecca has an entertaining sense of humor, is challenged by learning disabilities, and is a very talented Potentials Unlimited actor and dancer.
Richard Berman: Richard joined our troupe in 1999 after interviewing us on his New-TV “The Richard Berman Show.” In addition to learning how to sing, dance , and act, he also manages our green room and is a publicity chairman for Potentials Unlimited. Richard is challenged by cerebral palsy, works as a production assistant for Community Access Cable Television in Newton, MA, and volunteers at many organizations, including soup kitchens and “Food Not Bombs” Richard’s favorite Potentials’ song is “”Don’t Say a Word” because of its statement of nonviolence. He enjoys expressing himself artistically with the group, and hopes to help us spread our message nationally.
Liz Temple: Liz
is a visual and jewelry artist who works at Gateway Crafts. Her works have
been displayed at in Massachusetts and New York galleries and one of her
pieces was sold to a collector in England. She is a dramatic actor and
moving lead dancer for Potentials Unlimited. Her original choreography and
fluid dance duets with Mark Henderson are a centerpiece for Liz's favorite
Potentials' songs, "Greatest Leader” and “An Army of Angels.”
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