JoAna Gray

Highlights

Defying Expectations, Defining Dreams

COVID has derailed gathering for performances.  Here's to the future when we can meet in person again.

JoAna debuted her latest cabaret show, Defying Expectations, Defining Dreams, in two of her favorite cities in 2017:  San Francisco and New York.  Hoping to reprise this show in the future, when it is safe.

The show opened on July 10th at Martuni's Piano Bar in San Francisco to a packed house.  She (and it) made her New York debut on October 21st at The Duplex Cabaret Theatre. 

Defying Expectations, Defining Dreams interweaves her personal journey against the backdrop of the seismic gender and cultural shifts that started in the 60s, which are still rocking our world today. JoAna uses a mix of genres to tell the story - 60s, standards, musical theatre with a smattering of Sophie Tucker. As she defied and continues to defy prevailing expectations, she has discovered dreams and passions beyond what she ever imagined.

Directed by Tony Award winner Faith Prince. Musical Direction by Christopher Denny, multiple Back Stage Bistro and MAC Award winner for Outstanding Musical Direction.

One of her current dreams is to win the lottery. She says: “Yes, I play - I spend $2 a week and it is worth every penny for the entertainment I get spinning wild, outrageous dreams of what I would do, including living part time in New York and saving the planet!”

JoAna travels regularly to NY to attend cabaret and Broadway shows (a total theatre geek). When in NY, she can be found singing at open mics including Jim Caruso’s Cast Party and The Salon. In San Francisco, she has created and performed cabaret shows at Society Cabaret, Martuni’s, The Marsh, Oasis and the Phoenix Theatre. She has also appeared in musicals and plays in the SF Bay Area. She is a member of Manhattan Association of Cabarets (MAC) and Theatre Bay Area (TBA). 

For more information, please link to Resume page.











Ray Renati Photography 

Some Comments

“JoAna Gray is a multifaceted force to be reckoned with whose musical journey both charms and delights us from start to finish. A truly enjoyable evening full of emotional subtlety, hope, and humor tripping back to the best of past favorites that still resonate today.  Don't miss her "Defying Expectations, Defining Dreams"!
    Linda Ayres-Frederick, American Theatre Critics Association

"JoAna Gray is the epitome of the cabaret performer. Talented. Brassy. Captivating. She is a dream for pianist like me as a singer and a dream for her audience to take a journey with. She, in short, is the real thing." 
  G. Scott Lacy, Award winning Musical Director & Entertainer

"What a great show! Your voice was so rich, I loved the songs, the stories were playful and moving. I especially appreciated your stories of women's lives as you experienced them growing up. A highly entertaining evening. Brava!"
  Alison Bloomfield Meyer, Leadership Coach.