Happy to have Follies

Ten years ago, Huntington Beach resident Temre Vouga’s 5-day-old grandchild underwent heart surgery at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County. She was just one of the estimated 200,000 children who step, are carried or wheeled through its doors every year, regardless of their family’s ability to pay.

This undertaking by CHOC, a nonprofit, comes courtesy of a variety of fundraisers, partnerships and community support. One of the county’s favorite fundraisers for the organization, the CHOC Follies, is celebrating its 13th anniversary this year with its campy, uproarious production of “The Wizard of OC.”

Vouga is celebrating her 10th anniversary as a performer in the annual revue, following those harrowing days that her first grandchild spent in the hospital.

“It was at that time that I found myself in the Follies cast, and at the same time needing CHOC’s services. God works in mysterious ways!” Vouga said. “I became devoted to CHOC, and have been volunteering every year since. I hope I can continue for many years to come.”

The show attracts businesspeople and everyday folk from all over the county to volunteer their time, talent and treasure.

Business owner Heidi Miller of Laguna Beach also is celebrating her 10th year in the show. With a history as a gymnast, competitive bodybuilder and actor — and with the initials H.A.M. — Miller said she always knew that she was born to be an entertainer.

“I’ve met some of my best friends doing the CHOC Follies,” she said. “It actually brings out my inner diva. I think the show this year is going to be one of our best. We have a wonderful cast with lots of talent. We’ve got some great singers, and some really, really good dancers. It’s just an exciting thing, because CHOC makes a ton of money from the Follies. We’ve almost raised $5 million now for CHOC — so there’s a method to our madness.”

“It’s so great to be working with such a positive group of directors and cast members; the desire to create a great show for the children can be seen at every rehearsal,” said first-time cast member Lucia Solares of Costa Mesa. She will perform two solos, and appear as the Witch without a Compass in the show.

“The energy in the room is amazing — I look around the room sometimes and see everyone practicing so intensely and just say, ‘Wow.’ This experience has inspired me to seek out additional volunteer opportunities as a way to be thankful for the good health and talent I’ve been given. … I’ve realized that it is my responsibility.”

Solares is a performer who aspires to write children’s books. She said she first heard about the show from Irv Goldberg, the membership director at the Palisades Tennis Club.

“He knew of my performance background in musical theater, and thought I would be interested,” Solares said. “In addition to performing as an actor and vocalist, I have tutored children in academic subjects for many years, and kids have always had a very special place in my heart — so I have to say this performance is the most important one of all. Our rehearsals are intense, but we are under the direction of such talented people.”

She cited the efforts of director John Vaughan, Music Director Doug Austin and Choreographer Lee Martino in the show; this year’s event will help cover the costs of an education facility at the hospital for its long-term patients.

Vouga is a fifth-grade teacher at Harbor View Elementary School, and is in her 31st year in the teaching profession.

She also has a long background in the performing arts.

“I actually went to Huntington Beach High School, and opened Marina in 1962,” Vouga said. “I sang the lead in ‘South Pacific’ as a senior. I was also Marina’s first Homecoming Queen in 1966.”

At Cal State Long Beach, Vouga studied music while earning her elementary school teaching credential. She was crowned Miss Seal Beach 1966-68 at the time. She also began performing with the Long Beach Civic Light Opera, and still works with local community theaters.

For Vouga, participation in events like the CHOC Follies is a natural decision.

“It’s important to me to give back to my community by volunteering to help others,” Vouga said. “Life is more meaningful when we share a part of ourselves to benefit others. My mother taught me these values, and they’ve seen me through the test of time.”

If You Go

What: CHOC Follies, “The Wizard of OC”

When: April 1 to 3

Where: Robert B. Moore Theater at Orange Coast College, 2710 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa

Cost: $35 and up

Information: (714) 432-5880 or choc.org/chocfollies