San Jose Shows | Unique Lives & Experiences

San Jose Center for the Performing Arts

Unique Lives & Experiences is bringing some of the most dynamic and influential speakers to the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts for our seventh exciting season of talk theater entertainment. Our goal at Unique Lives & Experiences is to showcase inspirational stories with a unique perspective, told by some of the greatest icons in our society. Personalities who encourage us to refresh, revisit and reflect upon our own views. We feel that the 2012 San Jose line-up truly meets this goal. It is a special pleasure and privilege to present these five extraordinary speakers to you.

Doris Roberts

The minute you hear her voice, it's instantly recognizable. An Evening with Doris Roberts will lift your spirits and change your outlook on life! You will love everything about her-- the warmth, wit, and wry humor of five-time Emmy winner Doris Roberts. With an illustrious career in theater, film and television spanning five decades, she is part of our lives, especially as the memorable "Marie" on EVERYONE LOVES RAYMOND. With style, charm, and an indefatigable zest for life, Roberts continues to share her personal challenges, loves, and lessons learned along the way with her vibrant voice full of spirit. Now we invite Doris here to our stage to share her stories and share her lessons learned in her journey of life spanning 82 years.

Jane Pauley

Jane Pauley made her debut on the TODAY SHOW at age 25, and became a household name overnight. The public christened her "America's Sweetheart". Her 13 years at the TODAY SHOW was followed by 11 years a NBC's DATELINE, the 2004 premiere of her own talk show, "THE JANE PAULEY SHOW" and the publishing of her best-selling memoir, SKYWRITING (Random House, 2004). At age 50, Jane was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. In a culture where so few celebrities have spoken about their struggles with this particular mental illness, Pauley is a pioneer. She is a living proof that someone with bipolar disorder can still be a success in the workplace, a loving wife to her husband (cartoonist) Garry Trudeau and a good parent.

Debbie Reynolds

For over 6 decades, our lives have been enriched by the talents of singer, dancer and actress Debbie Reynolds. In the 50's Debbie was one of Hollywood's most sought after female stars. Her marriage to teen idol Eddie Fisher captured the headlines. Debbie gave birth to Carrie and Todd. Soon after, the famous "Reynolds- Fisher-Taylor" scandal ensued and Debbie divorced Eddie. Debbie has been married and divorced three times. And she has survived the bankruptcy of her Hotel and Casino in 1997. The "Debbie Reynolds" story goes beyond her myriad of awards and endless list of starring roles. This is a story about a woman whose solution to adversity is not to merely survive, but to constantly revive, renew and live life to the maximum!

Valerie Plame Wilson

While serving her country as a CIA clandestine operations officer to protect America's national security and prevent the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, Valerie Plame Wilson kept her occupation and her identity a secret. When her covert status was revealed to the public by senior White House officials...it resulted in the loss of her career and privacy. In retaliation she wrote the New York Times best-selling autobiography, FAIR GAME: MY LIFE AS A SPY, MY BETRAYAL BY THE WHITE HOUSE. Her story was recently made into a major motion picture starring Sean Penn and Naomi Watts. Come hear Valerie Plame Wilson's unique story as she shares her views on the incredible events that led to her exposure.

Sidney Poitier

On August 12, 2009, President Obama bestowed the National Medal of Freedom - the country's highest honor to be given to a civilian - to iconic actor and best-selling author Sidney Poitier. Although Mr. Poitier is known as a Hollywood superstar and the first black man to win an Academy Award for best actor, life wasn't always easy. As a child, he grew up in extreme poverty in the Bahamas and his journey as a young adult was filled with many struggles and hard work. But despite it all, he prevailed. This is a story about "Dreams Coming True". The life story of actor, director, author and diplomat Sidney Poitier. From TO SIR WITH LOVE to GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER he has succeeded at life with dignity and poise. Come hear the stories behind the stories with Hollywood's living legend.