12 DAYS TO GO!As I prepare for my upcoming show, I am reminded over and over that it is not just MY show. There are so many people both on and off-stage that contribute to the success of a show.
And sometimes, some of the most IMPORTANT people are never acknowledged...at least publicly. In cabaret, most shows end with the performers thanking the booking managers, the venue staffs, the lighting designers, the musicians...etc. Of course, these people need to be AND should be acknowledged. But what about the costume designers (when applicable), the press people, the critics, the people who support you via word-of-mouth, e-mails, Facebook postings, blogs, tweets, etc.?
Well, today, I would like to acknowledge someone who doesn't ALWAYS get credit for all he contributes to my career, Glen Charlow!
Glen has been an integral part of my career since I embarked upon the path of portraying Carol Channing on stage.
Glen and I have known each other for 25 years! Wow, as I write this, I find that hard to believe.
We started out as friends (still are). Never ask him to pull out the early pictures of me as Carol!About 15 years ago, Glen began creating press kits for performers, starting with Bill Waldinger. Those press kits were/are among the best I have EVER seen anywhere...before or since.
As a matter of fact, I recall a BISTRO BITS column in BACK STAGE in which contributing critic Roy Sander admitted that he went to see Bill's show based solely on the look of Glen's press kit.
That just doesn't normally happen folks!
It was Glen who first suggested to me in 1998 that I should have my own website. It launched on July 1st 1998 (12 years ago!). Glen was instrumental in helping me launch my own domain name, getting a host for my website, and, of course, designing the look and "feel" of my website. Of course, the site has changed several times over the years...our latest this week...and each time that the changes have been made, they have been made with the focus and clear vision of WHY I have a website always front and center. Glen has also designed almost every marketing tool I have used: posters (a few are on display here), my business cards, brochures, ...and ALWAYS with a consistent desire to make me look good.Glen and I have also conducted seminars and workshops on the business end of a career in show business. He is there to offer the technical advice and expertise needed.
In addition to the work he does for me, Glen has probably the largest Lucille Ball collection on the east coast.
He is actively involved with The Sheet Music Society. He is also a proud member of AEA (ACTOR'S EQUITY ASSOCIATION) Read more about Glen by going to http://www.glencharlow.com. Glen also designed the website of my dear friend, Janet Carroll. http://www.janetcarroll.net.
Here is Glen performing at WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE IGUANA!
THANK YOU, GLENNIE!
I lost one of my dearest friends yesterday.
Heather Duke
Heather and I first met many years ago when we shared a booth at The APAP (Arts Presenters and Performers) Convention in NY.
Also sharing in the booth was the late Paulette Attie, Bobbie Horowitz and John Meyer. Being from Rockland County, Heather and I immediately hit it off. She headed Rockland's Department of Tourism. After the convention, Heather, her husband Rob Hoover, and I traveled to North Carolina for The North Carolina Arts Presenters Convention in Wilmington, NC. We became fast friends enjoying the holidays together, shows, and being in each others homes. 
(Heather Duke and Rob Hoover)
She even produced my show a few times. She was a champion of mine on so many levels. I find it hard to believe that I will never see her again. 
My heart is broken in two! As a producer, Heather Duke’s last Broadway venture was working on the successful Little Women starring Maureen McGovern and Sutton Foster.
Off Broadway: Ms. Duke’s credits include Annie Reiner's reading of The New Living Room at the American Place Theatre with Joe Bologna and Renee Taylor and a Showcase of A Tale of Two Cities, the Musical.
Regional credits: A Mad Hatter's Tea, Peter and the Wolf, with Ellen Burstyn; Truman Capote's A Christmas Memory with Patricia Neal; For the Maxwell Anderson Centennial, she conceived and co-produced Memories of Max, a documentary featuring Helen Hayes and Burgess Meredith. She produced the World Premiere of A Tale of Two Cities, the Musical at the Helen Hayes Performing Arts Center in Nyack.
(Heather Duke and Ellen Lawrence)She was the founder and president of a 25- year old full service agency, Duke Marketing, Inc., providing public relations, publishing, advertising, marketing services for major special events, theatrical productions and tourism promotion.
Special & Fundraising Events: A celebration at the Kennedy Gallery starring Rockland County Executive Scott Vanderhoef and Mayor Guiliani, with Elaine Stritch and Arlene Dahl; Speakeasy...and all that Jazz! a benefit held in a pre-Civil War factory honoring Mandy Patinkin and Lorraine Bracco; New York Philomusica and George Plimpton; Twelve Birthday Parties for Helen Hayes, both regionally and at the Plaza and Algonquin Hotels IN NYC; Celebrity Softball with "Mr. G”; auctions at Sardi's with Len Cariou and at the New York City Armory with Faith Prince; Cabaret & Lecture Series featuring advisor to Presidents Clinton and Carter, Leon Charney, Betty Friedan and MAC Award winners K.T. Sullivan, Richard Skipper, Sue Matsuki and John Wallowitch; Rockland County’s first International Dance and Music Festival, a week-long ethnic event featuring dancers from around the world and "Springfest in Nyack”, a juried crafts street fair.
(left in the picture. Also included Bob Blume and Randi-Levine Miller.)
Memberships: Ms. Duke was a member of The League of American Theatres and Producers, Theatre Resources Unlimited, and ConsERT ( Consolidated Eastern Regional Theatres ).
Recognition Awards: “I love NY” Award for Best Travel Guide in NYS - 2005, Big W Silver Designers Award for designing the Helen Hayes Commemorative Book, a Chair Plaque for her years of devoted service to the Helen Hayes Performing Arts Center and "Woman of the Year" from the Business & Professional Women’s Club of Rockland and most recently was one of ten to receive an “Honor Our Heroes” award.
Rockland Tourism Director Heather Duke Dies at Age 67
Led efforts to bring visitors to local communities, events.
(SOURCE: William Demarest)
Heather Duke, who spearheaded Rockland County's efforts to boost local tourism since 1994, has died. She was 67.
The Haverstraw resident, who lived many years in Nyack, was director of Rockland County's Tourism Department. The department's web site promoted activities throughout Rockland and most recently had launched a campaign to attract people from the metropolitan area to visit Rockland's Hudson River villages.
Duke also for many years ran a public relations and marketing business in Rockland.
Al Samuels, president of the Rockland Business Association, said Duke was very proactive in efforts to boost the local business community in Rockland by trying to attract visitors from outside the county. Samuels said the RBA formed its Hospitality and Tourism Alliance to work in conjunction with Duke's efforts for Rockland County.
"She really loved the riverfront communities, and she really loved the arts," said Samuels, who noted that Duke was also helpful to many of the county's local non-profit organizations.
Rockland County Legislator Ed Day, R-New City, who is the Legislature's deputy minority leader, said Duke had a rare combination of being both most pleasant and highly passionate.
"She cared deeply about her work, and was relentless in bringing the uniqueness of this special place we call Rockland to as many potential visitors as possible," Day said.
Rest in Peace, Heather! :-(
Martina Vidmar is opening for me at St. Luke's on July 27th!
If you’re interested in seeing me perform at St. Luke’s July 27th, RESERVE TODAY FOR PREMIUM SEATING! This is being filmed for an upcoming documentary on the life and career of Carol Channing. Several celebrities have already responded that they will be there! This will be a star-studded audience! Would mean a lot to have you there as well. Please pay it forward. I’ve always said I’m only as good as the audiences; I truly believe that. Have you seen me perform? If yes...
When you get a moment, please let me know what you liked MOST about the show, what you liked LEAST, and what one thing you think I could do differently for next time.
ALSO, … if you don’t mind, please put your thoughts about my performance and/or the evening in my guestbook on my website (http://www.richardskipper.com/guestbook.html).
That helps to sell me and my work as well.
And please tell your friends to visit my website! Check out our promo! Jazz Cabaret:A Night at the Iguana - Richard Skipper & Dana Lorge http://tinyurl.com/yafhjgu Thank you, Neal Bennington!
Most of my audiences come from referrals. With grateful XOXOXs! Richard Skipper 845-365-0720 PS…If you would like to make a tax deductible contribution to The Dr. Carol Channing-Harry Kullijian Endowment For The Arts, Go to http://www.carolchanning.org/Foundation.html TELL CAROL I SENT YOU!
PS…Please pay this forward to your NY contacts:
July 21
8pm
IGUANA VIP LOUNGE, 240 West 54th Street, NYC
WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE IGUANA
Barry Levitt on keyboard & Saadi Zain on bass.
Tonight's guests include: Helena Grenot, Jillian Laurain, Jennifer Litt & David Alpher, KT Sullivan, Joanne Tongret ...
...and a few other surprises as well! $12.00 Music Charge/No food or drink minimum!
Reservations a must (212) 765-5454
LOOKING FORWARD TO HOPEFULY HAVING YOU AT ST.LUKE'S ON JULY 27th!
With grateful XOXOXs!, Richard Skipper
http://www.richardskipper.com/schedule.html for upcoming appearances
Last night was my first time at Iguana and somehow my music note T-shirt, noticed by Dana. just got me up on stage and there I was singing...only because the warmth of your space and you and Dana make the Iguana experience like a family get together. I am so thrilled to be singing with you July 28 and look forward to bringing my world to your world! Gloria Waldman, NYC
Every time I go to Wednesday Night at the Iguana, I am blown away yet again by the talent! Just when I think it can't get any better, IT DOES! Thank you to Richard Skipper & Dana Lorge for continuing this amazing event, and there is no doubt in my mind that it will be a staple cabaret show for years to come! Catt John, http://www.cattjohn.com/
A big Thank you to Dana and Richard for such a joyous evening on Wednesday at the Iguana. They love what they do and the entire room loves them for what they do. The show was terrific on so many levels. They are gracious and welcoming to audience and performers, offstage and on - Richard and Dana are FABULOUS onstage. Hey Folks, see you there!!
Judith A. Caporale, New York, NY
July 14, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
“CAROL CHANNING” IN CONCERT…
Starring Richard Skipper!
1-Night Only Special Performance - Tuesday July 27th 8pm
“The first time EVER I have been shown with such
love, respect, and polish. Richard Skipper is a
true musical comedy star! He is FABULOUS as me!”
– Carol Channing
RICHARD SKIPPER, the 4-time MAC Award winning celebrity tribute artist, brings his critically-acclaimed show CAROL CHANNING IN CONCERT...STARRING RICHARD SKIPPER! to New York for a 1-Night Only Special Performance. The show will be included in an upcoming documentary film on the life and career of Tony Award-winner Carol Channing. The performance
and taping will occur July 27th at St. Luke’s Theater, located on Restaurant Row in Manhattan’s Theater District.
CAROL CHANNING IN CONCERT...STARRING RICHARD SKIPPER! is a fully staged and researched musical montage celebrating the career and persona of the unique theatrical legend. Blending Channing’s standards with original material and other familiar songs sung by Skipper in a spot-on Channing-on-Broadway perfection, the musical evening surveys Channing's life with many stops along the way for Skipper's unique--and riotous--"ad-lib" interactions with the audience. Skipper is accompanied by John Fischer (piano), Jeff Carney (bass), and Steve Bartosik (percussion); songstress Martina Vidmar joins Skipper for a few duets.
The 1-night performance of CAROL CHANNING IN CONCERT...STARRING RICHARD SKIPPER! will be a sneak preview for Skipper’s upcoming one-actor musical play As Carol!, which is slated to open Off-Broadway this December prior to bookings nationwide. As Carol!, co-created by Skipper and long-time NYC actor/theater producer Mark Robert Gordon, showcases Skipper’s celebrated performance as Carol Channing but also delves into Skipper’s personal life and desire to develop an acting career separate from the Channing personage but who inevitably is drawn back to performing while donning the theater legend’s blonde wig, glitzy gowns, and bedazzling jewelry. As Carol! will be produced by The Camelback Kid. Off-Broadway theater venue and opening dates to-be-announced soon…
RICHARD SKIPPER is a 4-time recipient of the MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabaret) Award a Back Stage Bistro Award, and a CLONEY AWARD in Las Vegas for best performer. He was named
as one of the Top Ten Cabaret Performers by Cabaret Hotline and as "one of the Top of the Century Premiere Cabaret Acts" by Cabaret Scenes Magazine.
•"Skipper sparkles with the glow of Channing’s charisma, but the extra shine you see on stage is a product of a diamond-like brilliance that is his alone. [A]n unqualified musical comedy gem…Richard Skipper is well on the way to international recognition and acclaim."—Backstage Magazine
•"Skipper is no zircon…He is a diamond worthy of Tiffany’s & Cartiers.”--Hartford Courant
Carol Channing In Concert…Starring Richard Skipper performs 1-night only on Tuesday July 27th at 8pm at St. Luke’s Theater (308 W. 46th Street, between Eighth & Ninth Avenues in Manhattan).
Tickets: available in-person at the St. Luke’s box office or through TeleCharge (www.Telecharge.com or (212) 239-6200).
Tickets are $35-$73.50.
NOTE: CAROL CHANNING & RICHARD SKIPPER will be making a joint appearance at the Barnes & Noble Lincoln Square to celebrate the release of Channing’s new cd “For Heaven’s Sake!”. A Conversation with Carol Channing and Richard Skipper will occur Friday July 23rd at 6pm.
Please direct all press inquiries and communications to: TCK@TheCamelbackKid.com
SKIPPER IS AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS.
PHOTOS AVAILABLE PER REQUEST.
Please visit www.RichardSkipper.com
Support THE ARTS! LIVE THEATRE! Go see a LIVE show this week!
Send me your reviews and suggestions and I will put them in my next blog coming out July 20th.
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 @RichardSkipperFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NYC THE AWARD WINNING WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE IGUANA STARRING DANA LORGE, RICHARD SKIPPER, AND FRIENDS!
Dana Lorge and I have put our OWN spin on the variety show format and are now going into our second year 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!
WINNER OF TWO 2010 MANHATTAN ASSOCIATION OF CABARETS AND CLUBS AWARDS (MAC) FOR OUTSTANDING VARIETY SHOW AND OUTSTANDING HOSTS!
or more info, please call 845-365-0720 or visit _www.RichardSkipper.com_
212-765-5454.
JULY 28: PAULETTE DOZIER RETURNS, Patricia Fitzpatrick
TILL NEXT WEEK...HERE'S TO A MUSICAL JULY!
With grateful XOXOXs for your support!
Richard Skipper, Richard@RichardSkipper.com
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