Smokey Joe's Cafe at Patrick Dorow Productions/The Star Theatre Photos

Meet the cast of Smokey Joe's - Loretta Chandler: Loretta Marie Chandler is best known for her honest portrayal of 'Dusty Tyler' on the innovative television series "Fame". You may also recognize her from guest appearances on a Movie of the Week called "Give Me My Child" staring Valerie Bertenelii, or from "A Different World. Loretta has been featured in numerous national tours, plays and musicals, such as "Dream Girls" where she gave a dynamic powerful performance as Effie and earned a Drama-Logue Award for outstanding performance in this lead role. She’s also stared in The Gospel Truth", "Hunger Pains” “Wait Until Dark", "Brigadoon", "Out Of The Frying Pan" and "Harlem Suite" where a special solo featured spot was created for her by the director and co-writers, Maurice Hines and Jennifer Holiday. She has also been featured as the lead soloist with the Philharmonic Orchestra in Los Angeles. Loretta started singing in her hometown of Pueblo, CO with her family's gospel group, known as "The Chandler Family", when we were younger, we were called the "Chandleretts", 'says Loretta.' "Mom and Dad, Rev. F. L. Chandler and Mrs. Rosetta Chandler always encourage each of us to do our best with the gift God gave us." Loretta, Cloretta, her sister and brothers, David and James have been performing since she was six years old. Loretta says, "It is real special when we sing together, but time has not permitted us to perform as much as we would like to." After starting a gospel program at the University of Southern Colorado, Loretta decided to transfer to California's Institute of the arts private college just outside Los Angeles, CA. There she founded and directed the Cal Arts Gospel Extravaganza and was looking into recording an album with a group when she decided to join some of her friends at an open call audition for "Fame". This is where she got her big break, thanks to the support of the legendary Debbie Allen. Most recently, Loretta has found great joy in giving back to an industry that had given her so much. She passes along her many years of experience and training to those who have a serious desire to be the best in their field. Loretta's company, LMC Production is one of the most innovative ‘entertainment training platforms available in Atlanta Georgia. Loretta would like to express her warmest gratitude to everyone at Patrick Dorow Productions for allowing her to be a part of a great production and for the chance to meet a great group of people who excel in the arts!