2008-06-05 09:49:01 -

LOS ANGELES - Sultry singer Stephanie Reese is no stranger to A-list global gigs.She has performed for royalty in Malaysia, for diplomats in Russia, the elite social circles in Manila, Thailand and Indonesia, and for celebrity events across Europe. But recently, she took Hollywood by storm with her powerful rendition of songs from Broadway and classic operas.

Just a few months ago the famous Crustacean Restaurant in Beverly Hills - located one block from famed Rodeo Drive - celebrated its 10th anniversary and held a three-night star-studded celebration attended by the likes of Jamie Foxx, Magic Johnson, Michael Bolton, Angela Basset, Oliver Stone and Paris Hilton.

The restaurant owners - the An family from Vietnam - were more than thrilled to book

Patti La Belle, Natalie Cole, Will.i.am from the Black Eyed Peas and Earth Wind and Fire for performances. Included in this stellar roster is Stephanie; she did a ‘Miss Saigon' medley that impressed the Ans as it reminded them of their Vietnamese roots.It was Filipino designer Alex Pineda who introduced Stephanie to the An family; he is a friend to both parties.

'At first I couldn't believe it. Alex took me to meet the An family and they were so sweet and very excited to include me in their celebration after hearing me sing and when I saw who else was singing I was just thrilled! I have sung all over the world but to be asked to sing for this event for all three nights with living legends that I have been a huge fan of was overwhelming and a dream come true,' Stephanie told Philippine News.

She sang ‘Last Night of the World' with Broadway star Chad Kimball, followed by a solo piece from the same ‘Saigon' musical ‘I'd Give My Life For You.' The second night clearly brought the house down when she did her inimitable rendition of the aria ‘Nessun Dorma' form Puccini's opera ‘Turandot.' 'It was a last-minute addition,' she said. 'We weren't sure if opera was appropriate for the event so I chose an opera aria that I felt people would recognize and it was magic. I just didn't expect that kind of response! I was in shock. I looked up as I was singing and five feet in front of me was Patti La Belle, Jamie Foxx, George Benson and Michael Bolton.

As I looked all around me, I recognized practically everyone in the audience from television, film or the music industry.'
Everyone stood to applaud and cheer before Stephanie was even finished singing.

'They took apart all the flower arrangements I had on the tables and threw them at her feet!' recalled Pineda, the friend and designer. After the show ended Patti La Belle invited Stephanie to dine with her in the VIP private room.

'She asked me to join them and she told me ‘my goodness I had no idea that such a big voice could come from such a tiny person! I would like to sing that song!' and she asked me to sing the end of my aria once again with her in the VIP room! So we belted out the end of Nessun Dorma together right there and everyone started cheering and screaming even the waiters and waitresses,' recalled Stephanie.

Stephanie added, 'So many people told me they were my fans after that! And yet I was the one who was really so star struck. To have Magic Johnson want to shake my hand, Angela Basset hugged me and George Benson asked me if I recorded that song right as I left the stage - was so cool! I felt so blessed for the opportunity and the An family really made me feel so special.' Stephanie also spoke with Michael Bolton that night. He said that it was one of his favorite songs.San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, who was among the high-powered guests, congratulated her as well.

When I asked Stephanie what the future holds, she remained humble and said, 'The future looks bright. I have a new manager who manages a lot of big artists here in Hollywood and I'm working on my next album. But I will never forget my roots and the people who are always encouraging me along the way. I still have a long way to go but God gave me this gift to share with the world and that is exactly what I am going to continue to do. I am so grateful for everything.' Stephanie will be performing at Octavia Lounge in San Francisco in June and Daly City's Henry's Jazz Bar in July. Visit www.StephanieReese.com. - Elton Lugay, Philippine News