Tomorrow, February 11th, I am turning 49! I embrace it! I welcome it! I thought it might be fun to look over the world I've lived in and even include a few milestones as seen through pop culture! I think this is my most ambitious blog to date. Hope you enjoy! I drew several dates beyond my actual birthday out of a hat. Here are the results...Well, I was born February 11th, 1961. It was a Saturday night. I made my debut at 12:55 AM to Richard and Wilmina Skipper in Conway, SC.
In the news, the trial of Adolf Eichmann began in Jerusalem.
Here is the cover of The New Yorker which came out the day I was born:
February 11 is the 42nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. There are 323 days remaining until the end of the year (324 in leap years).
Top movies of 1961 were The Guns of Navarone
Exodus
The Parent Trap
The Absent-Minded Professor
The Alamo
Swiss Family Robinson
Come September
The World of Suzie Wong
Gone with the Wind (reissued to commemorate the American Civil War centennial)
101 Dalmatians
La Dolce Vita
Breakfast at Tiffanys
West Side Story
January 20, 1961 – John F. Kennedy is the first U.S. president to be sworn in, in a color telecast. NBC covers the inauguration in color.
January 25 – John F. Kennedy holds the first live televised Presidential press conference.
September 17 – Car 54, Where Are You? premieres on NBC (1961–1963).
February 12 - The Miracles' "Shop Around" becomes Motown's first million-selling single
ALBUMS RELEASED IN 1961
Blue Hawaii (OST) - Elvis Presley
Bo Diddley Is a Lover - Bo Diddley
Bright and Shiny - Doris Day
Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie! - Ella Fitzgerald
An Electrifying Evening with the Dizzy Gillespie Quintet - Dizzy Gillespie
Judy at Carnegie Hall - Judy Garland
Barbra Streisand on the Jack Paar Show, 1961
BROADWAY IN 1961
A Man for All Seasons opened on Broadway in 1961
SHOW GIRL starring Carol Channing opened in 1961
DO RE MI
TAKE HER, SHE'S MINE
Jerry Herman writes his first Broadway score, "Milk and Honey," set in Israel.
"How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" wins the Pulitzer Prize and makes a star out of its lead, Robert Morse.
George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart die within six months of each other.
1965, I turn 4!
* January 29 - The film Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb is released.
* March 6 - Elvis Presley's 14th motion picture, Kissin' Cousins is released to theaters.
* July 6 - A Hard Day's Night, the first Beatles film, premieres.
Top 25
TV Shows:
1964 - 65
1. Bonanza
2. Bewitched
3. Gomer Pyle, USMC
4. Andy Griffith Show
5. The Fugitive
6. Red Skelton
7. Dick Van Dyke Show
8. The Lucy Show
9. Peyton Place II
10. Combat
11. Walt Disney
12. Beverly Hillbillies
13. My Three Sons
14. Branded
15. (tie) Petticoat Junction
Ed Sullivan Show
17. Lassie
18. The Munsters
19. Gilligan's Island
20. Peyton Place I
21. Jackie Gleason Show
22. The Virginian
23. Addams Family
24. My Favorite Martian
25. Flipper
BROADWAY IN 1964
HELLO, DOLLY! opens
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
BEN FRANKLIN IN PARIS
FUNNY GIRL
GOLDEN BOY
Number One Song February 11th, 1964
I Want To Hold Your Hand - The Beatles
1969, I turn 8! Sad year! Judy Garland died!
TOP GROSSING FILMS
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid Paul Newman and Robert Redford
They Shoot Horses, Don't They? Jane Fonda, Michael Sarazzin and Susannah York
Midnight Cowboy Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman
Easy Rider Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper
Hello, Dolly!
THE YEAR IN TELEVISION
March 29 – Lulu (the singer, not the elephant) performs Boom Bang-a-Bang at the Eurovision Song Contest 1969 in Madrid, and ends up in a 4-way tie for 1st place, with 18 votes.
February 19 – At exactly 4:31 p.m. at the CBS Studio Center, with Jim Nabors saying the line "How interesting – and did she?", Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. shoots its final scene and completes its run.
April 11 – Rome as only he could see it is presented in Fellini, a Director's Notebook, an NBC special.
BROADWAY IN 1969
Oh! Calcutta! opens
DEAR WORLD
The Boston Censor is first dealing with HAIR, while New York has moved on to OH! CALCUTTA! which arrives the season that stripper Gypsy Rose Lee of the old school dies.
1975, I turn 14!
11th February, 1975 : The British Conservative Party has chosen it's first women leader, Margaret Thatcher and will be the first woman to head any British political party.
IN FILM
COOLEY HIGH
JAWS
The Towering Inferno
Strongest Man in the World
On my birthday, February 11th, 1975, it was a Tuesday night. Chances are, I watched HAPPY DAYS and Marcus Welby, MD. They both were on that night.
Also GOOD TIMES.M*A*S*Hm HAWAII 5-O
BARNABY JONES
NBC World Premiere Movie
Sarah T.: The Portrait of a Teenage Alcoholic (1975)
Police Story
BROADWAY: 1975
Despite a three-week musician's strike, this is a good season for musicals.
A CHORUS LINE
CHICAGO
PACIFIC OVERTURES
GEORGE ROSE IN MY FAIR LADY
Top song on my birthday in 1975? Linda Ronstadt - You're No Good
February 11th, 1976 (Our country's bicentenial) I turn 15! 1976 was a leap year. My birthday fell on a Wednesday. On my birthday, February 11 – Clifford Alexander Jr. is confirmed as the first African-American Secretary of the United States Army.
February 11, 1976 - John Curry skates to Olympic gold.
On February 11, 1976, Adlene Harrison became the acting mayor of Dallas after the presiding mayor's resignation. She was the first Jewish woman to become mayor of a major American city, as well as the first woman mayor of Dallas. Harrison, who had been a Democratic city councilwoman since 1973 and mayor pro tem, succeeded Wes Wise, who resigned to run for Congress. Harrison served only until the election of a new mayor at the end of the year.
March 22 - Filming begins on George Lucas' Star Wars science fiction film. In one of the best business decisions in film history, Lucas cuts his directing fee by $500,000 to gain ownership of merchandising and sequel rights.
April 1 - The Rocky Horror Picture Show is officially re-released as a midnight movie at the Waverly Theater (Now the IFC Center) in Greenwich Village in New York City, starting its run continuing to this day[update] all around the world. It also became a big hit in Myrtle Beach. Yes! One of my favorite pasttimes that summer!
On my birthday, a Wednesday, I probably watched CANNON!
Also on that night: LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRARIE, CHICO AND THE MAN, THE DUMPLINGS, PETROCELLI, and THE BLUE KNIGHT. Obviously, a time of crime drama TV. My dad was a fan!
In the theater,sadly Lee J. Cobb died on my birthday.
David Mamet became a force to be reckoned with, on and off-Broadway. STILL IS! With the revival of OH! CALCUTTA and the Broadway opening of LET MY PEOPLE COME, the LEAGUE OF NEW YORK THEATRES and Producers fear Broadway is beginning to resemble something else. Michael Bennett marries Donna McKechnie, briefly.
ANNIE is on Broadway!
and THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOM.
TOP SONG ON MY BIRTHDAY, 1976?
Paul Simon - 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover
FEBRUARY 11th, 1981...I turn 20 and I am now living in the Bronx!
* May 21 - The Empire Strikes Back is released and is the biggest grosser of the year just as its predecessor, Star Wars, did three years before.
* Sharon Stone makes her film début in the Woody Allen movie Stardust Memories (released September 26 in USA).
My birthday was on a Monday! LAVERNE AND SHIRLEY was on ABCfollowed by ANGIE
WKRP IN CINCINNATI (CBS), M*A*S*H, LOU GRANT
On NBC, LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRARIE
42nd STREET opened on Broadway! Gower Champion goes out, dramatically with 42nd STREET. I saw Elizabeth Taylor in THE LITTLE FOXES and was kissed by her backstage after the show!
Broadway producers, so unhappy with NEW YORK TIMES CRITIC Richard Eder, now face Frank Rich.
I see Raquel Welch in WOMAN OF THE YEAR and LOVE HER! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqPLNRNLvbA
We lose Mae West and George Jessel this year.
TOP SONG ON MY BIRTHDAY, 1980? Captain and Tennille - Do That to Me One More Time
FEBRUARY 11th, 1986 I turn 25! 1986 (MCMLXXXVI) was a common year that started on a Wednesday, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. February 11—Human rights activist Anatoly Shcharansky is released by the Soviet Union and leaves the country.
FILMS
HOWARD THE DUCK
TOP GUN
THE DELTA FORCE
My birthday was on a TUESDAY, WHO'S THE BOSS was on ABC. Followed by MOONLIGHTING
Believe it or not, BUGS BUNNY WAS ON CBS, followed by a movie, VITAL SIGNS
NBC had THE A-TEAM followed by RIP TIDE and REMINGTON STEELE
On Broadway, Broadway's financial health, such as it was, can be substantially summed up in 17 words: Andrew Lloyd Webber, Trevor Nunn, Camerone Mackintosh, CATS, LES MISERABLES, STARLIGHT EXPRESS (which I saw and loved)and ME AND MY GIRL-none of which bears the label "MADE IN THE USA". August Wilson continues to establish himself in the forefront of American playwrights, winning his first Pulitzer Prize for FENCES. It also wins THE TONY AWARD for BEST PLAY.
TOP SONG ON MY BIRTHDAY, 1986? Whitney Houston - How Will I Know
FEBRUARY 11th, 1991...I turn 30! I am with Danny and living in Sparkill (still am!) He threw a surprise party for me at our friend's Pat and Joe Sopiaks. STILL friends! Pat had a birthday on the 8th and we will be celebrating Joe's 60th on the 27th.
1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year that started on a Tuesday. In the Gregorian calendar, it was the 1991st year of the Common Era, or of Anno Domini; the 991st year of the 2nd millennium; the 91st year of the 20th century; and the 2nd of the 1990s.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (film) opened in 1991
SILENCE OF THE LAMBS
FANTASIA was re-released commemorating it's 50th anniversary.
My birthday was on a Monday. MacGyver was on ABC. followed by the movie Deadly Intentions... Again?.
On CBS, Evening Shade, Major Dad, Murphy Brown, Designing Women, and Saturday Night with Connie Chung
By this time, we now have THE FOX Network. A movie aired that night: Young Guns (1988)
ON NBC: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Blossom,and Perry Mason.
On Broadway, Brian Friel's DANCING AT LUGHNASA, Terrance McNally's LIPS TOGETHER, TEETH APART, and George Gershwin's CRAZY FOR YOU all appear by mid February. I saw GUYS AND DOLLS with Nathan Lane this season. We lost Eva Le Galliene, Colleen Dewhurst, Joseph Papp, Judith Anderson, Nancy Walker, Jose' Ferrer, and Molly Picon this year.
TOP SONG ON MY BIRTHDAY, 1991? C+C Music Factory - Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)
FEBRUARY 11th, 1994 I turn 33.
Lu Parker, (South Carolina), crowned 43rd Miss USA on my birthday! How appropriate!
FORREST GUMP OPENS THIS YEAR
THE LION KING
ACE VENTURA: PET DETECTIVE
TRUE LIES
THE FLINTSTONES
My birthday was on a Friday. Family Matters was on ABC, followed by Boy Meets World, Step by Step, Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, 20/20
ON CBS, 43rd Miss USA Pageant, followed by Picket Fences
ON NBC, Viper and NBC Friday Mystery
MacShayne: Winner Takes All (1994)
On Broadway, CAROUSEL is revived which I saw and loved!
HELLO, DOLLY! (This was the catalyst for my career taking off as Carol Channing!)
Sorrell Booke, Boss Hogg on Dukes of Hazzard and William Conrad died on my birthday
Top song on my birthday in 1994? Celine Dion - The Power of Love.
Those are just a few of the years I drew out of a hat. If there are other years you're interested in. Wait till next week! And here's to the next 49 years!
Support THE ARTS! LIVE THEATRE! Go see a show this week! Send me your reviews and suggestions and I will put them in my next blog coming out next Friday! Here's to an ARTS-filled week! Don't forget to contribute to the DR. CAROL CHANNING & HARRY KULLIJIAN FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS: http://www.carolchanning.org/Foundation.htm
With grateful XOXOXs for your support!
Richard Skipper
Follow me on Twitter @RichardSkipperHERE IS WHAT AUDIENCES ARE SAYING ABOUT MY WORK:
Richard -
You are among the most generous and supportive people I know, always promoting the work and performances of others, bringing people together, putting on a good face (lol), sending joy and love, and style and class into the world through your get-togethers and shows and emails and projects. You are alive! You... and your friends were the first to contribute to the National Theatre 175th Anniversary Fund, and I will never forget that! If only a tiny portion of the good you do for others, and the karma and positive energy which you radiate, returns to you, you will be fortunate indeed. Keep standing up for the good causes, and may your 49th Year be the Best One Yet!
Donn Murphy, THE NATIONAL THEATRE
My dear close friend Richard, Though you are 49 and I am 89 I hope I remain your Dolly as you have become a part of me and I have become a part of you. You can continue to make Dolly Gallagher Levi a legendary character that will live for generations to come..Our association will make that possible as you have many more birthday celebrations to enjoy. My love to you Richard. As ever and always, Carol Channing
The Iguana is more a family of entertainers than a mere nightclub. Since I have started going there, I have met some of the most caring, outgoing and best people ever! It's not just the superb talent - it's the people who make it so special. It's like a party with friends that never stops! Thank you, Iguana, for making me feel so special!! So Richard - Dana, Dana-Richard, however you say it, you make it real and beautiful!! Love to all of you, my Iguana people !!
Michael McDonald
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NYC Now a night out in NY to see a show at a VERY AFFORDABLE price!
Dana Lorge and I have put our OWN spin on the variety show format and are now hosting every Wednesday night in NYC at The Iguana VIP Lounge (http://www.iguananyc.com) in the heart of NYC (240 West 54th Street 8-11PM/with an intermission).
Cover: $12 - no food or drink minimums – but remember – the food is great!
This is a nice night
out with the family!
A "throw back" to the variety shows we grew up with.
For more info, please call 845-365-0720 or visit _www.RichardSkipper.com_
RESERVATIONS A MUST!!!!!!!!
212-765-5454. No one admitted before
7:30.
February 17th : James Alexander, Sally SwallowPam Tate
Feb 24
8pm
IGUANA VIP LOUNGE, 240 West 54th Street, NYC
WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE IGUANA - CELEBRATING DANAS BIRTHDAY
Barry Levitt on keyboard & Saadi Zain on bass.
Tonight's guests include: Susan Campanaro, Bobbie Hoirowitz ...
...and a few other surprises as well! $12.00 Music Charge/No food or drink minimum!
Reservations a must (212) 765-5454
March 3rd: Danielle Grabianowski
March 10th: David Alpher & Jenny Litt, Louise Quick (pictured)
, Nicholas Tamagna, Pam Tate, Maureen Taylor. And I'm doing a duet with the incredible David Vernon!March 17th: Bending Threads and Cindy Marchionda returns!
March 24th, Jackie Draper
Julie Reyburn, and Diana Templeton returns!March 31st: Frank Basile returns
April 7th: Sina Lewis, RJ Shaw, Susan Winter
April 21st: Susan Eichhorn Young
April 28th: Kecia Craig and Frank Stern!
Keep checking http://www.richardskipper.com/schedule.html for upcoming entertainers and shows!
May 5th: Anton Van Der Merwe
May 19th: Barbara Gurskey
TILL NEXT TIME...
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