Showing posts with label CAROL CHANNING: LARGER THAN LIFE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CAROL CHANNING: LARGER THAN LIFE. Show all posts

Sunday, May 1, 2011

The Lusty Month of May...My musings on CAROL CHANNING: LARGER THAN LIFE at The Tribeca Film Festival!

MAY DAY! (Marin Mazzie as Guenevere sings Lusty Month of May.) That song, of course comes from CAMELOT.
The musical Camelot is a cautionary tale about fulfilled wishes. King Arthur wants to establish a radical system of government based on equality and the rule of law, so temperate that the weather itself would willingly abide by certain restrictions ("Camelot"). Guenevere, irked by her arranged marriage, wants her beauty flattered and a great romantic love ("The Simple Joys of Maidenhood").
Lancelot seeks a level of purity so conspicuous that "he could easily work a miracle or two" ("C'est Moi"). A typical day in my life.


Lancelot does work a heck of a miracle. He raises a jousting opponent from the dead with a prayer, thus catching the eye of Queen Guenevere. Though fond of her husband, she is drawn to the kingdom's most eligible bachelor. They inevitably become entangled in a legendary illicit romance. Because Camelot was founded on the principle that crimes, like adultery with the queen, must invariably be punished, Arthur is obliged to order his wife's execution. Her rescue, led by Lancelot and abetted by the early hour at which Arthur scheduled the event, tears Camelot apart. The consequences of irresistible desire extend to every character. Arthur's fling with his half-sister produced Modred, who would later scheme to depose his father and end the goody-goody days of Camelot.
Merlin,
Arthur's moral and spiritual guide, is seduced away the Crystal Cave by the spirit Nimue. The knights who brought order to the kingdom get bored and will the return of rampant sin and bloodshed.

It seems like it was just yesterday that we were putting up our Christmas tree and here we are FIVE MONTHS later already! I think this is one of my favorite months of the year! There is no denying we had a LOT of April showers. Now, I a am looking forward to May and all the riches that it holds. Seeing The Callaway sisters, Ann Hampton and Liz on Thursday night at Birdland (please join me if you're in town)Liz and Ann will be recording their show Boom! live at Birdland next week. The CD will be on PS CLASSICS and can be pre-ordered at www.psclassics.com. 8:30PM Got to http://www.birdlandjazz.com/event/34457/ for tickets ) ,
Zani's Furry Friends on May 7th...I'm appearing as RICHARD SKIPPER!...also at Birdland: To place an order call Ticketfly at: (877) 435-9849.
M-F 7am-6pm PST Sat & Sun 10am-6pm PST), Peggy Herman at The Metropolitan Room on May 15th, Vincent Wolf at The Triad on May 20th, May 23rd:IT'S ALL RELATIVE featuring RICHARD SKIPPER!
Paula J Riley Presents: Primary Principles of Acting workshop Industry Showcase.
Scenes that examine the family dynamic from: BEAUTIFUL CLEAR-EYED WOMAN, DARK AT THE TOP OF THE STAIRS, WAKE & LITTLE MURDERS. e-mail Paula to reserve. Chris Barrett at The Metropolitan Room on the 25th; THOSE are my May Flowers!
(Dori Berinstein, Adam Zucker. Photo credit: Patty Gay)Congrats to CAROL CHANNING: LARGER THAN LIFE on being the audience award runner up The Tribeca Film Fest. (Photo credit: Patty Gay)
Speaking of May Flowers...yesterday, I spent the day with my favorite flower, Carol Channing. This picture, however, was taken backstage at The New Amsterdam Theatre in December when Carol was in town to appear in BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS' GYPSY OF THE YEAR competition. Carol did the opening number with several of the dancers of the 1994 revival of HELLO, DOLLY! That was Carol's last Broadway show. Thank God, I saw it. The memories are still fresh in my mind. When Carol appeared in the GYPSY OF THE YEAR competition in December, it was the first time she had appeared on a Broadway stage in 16 years. You can see a behind the scenes look at this and oh, so much more in Dori Berenstein's loving tribute to Carol (and Harry, too)in CAROL CHANNING: LARGER THAN LIFE which just premiered at The Tribeca Film Festival. (Photo credit: Patty Gay)
It has garnered rave reviews and I am so lucky to be included in this! Last Saturday morning, I saw it for the first time and I was joined by Glen Charlow, Patty Gay, and Danny (all pictured here) Also in the audience were Marge Champion, Allan Cummings, Tyne Daly (who also received a Bistro Award Tuesday night),Margot Feiden (from the Feiden Gallery...they gave Dori permission to animate Hirschfeld images for the film), Louise Hirschfeld, Tommy Tune. Marge, Tyne, and Tommy all appear in the film. It was exciting to see this film that Dori, Harlan, and Adam Zuker have been working on for two plus years. It has been worth the wait. So many people are loving the film. Also, there are MANY aspects of Carol's life not touched upon. But how do you put 90 years into an 85 minute film? I'll tell you, go see Dori's film! I am amazed at how much ground she covered. (Photo credit: Patty Gay)And thank God that we have this while Carol is around to appreciate and enjoy it!
Carol, of course, turned 90 in January! I was lucky enough to celebrate with her at The Pantages Theatre in Hollywood on February 21st. Carol's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is right in from of The Pantages Theatre. It was a star-studded affair...hosted by the always brilliant Bruce Vilanch! (pictured: John Bowab (who directed), Davis Gaines, Joanne Worley, Carol, Bruce Vilanch, Carole Cooke, Mary Jo Catlett, (I'm sorry but I don't recognize the last person pictured...if anyone recognizes him, please let me know. Here is a fun moment with Carol and Mary Jo Catlett. Mary Jo played Earnestina in the original HELLO, DOLLY! She has a wonderful anecdote about that in CC:LTL

Here is Harlan Boll (in the forefront) , Carol's publicist and FRIEND for the past 15 years (and co-producer of CAROL CHANNING: LARGER THAN LIFE)
Harlan has also become a friend of mine and one of the nicest men in the business.
Thank you, Harlan, for all you do.When Dori finished shooting “Carol Channing: Larger Than Life,” she told Carol and Harry , that if they’d name their favorite restaurant, the grateful filmmaker take them out for a celebratory dinner. (Carol Channing plays Muzzy in the 1967 musical Thoroughly Modern Millie. One of her two big numbers in the film takes place at her mansion where she shows off her dancing and singing skills to her party guests including Millie (Julie Andrews) and Miss Dorothy Brown (Mary Tyler Moore).)
Guess what they asked for? SUBWAY! The funny thing is they said the same thing to me when I asked them where they would like me to take them after her Feinstein's debut several years ago! I thought they were joking! Harry explained yesterday that after spending so much time on the road, that they wanted to find something quick and fresh and that Subway fit the bill! Are you listening SUBWAY? I see a great endorsement deal!Tony Randall, Helen Gurley Brown, and Martin Gabel join the panel . Many incorrect guesses are made, and Carol ends with plugging of her upcoming TV special.Stephen Mosher's thoughts on yesterday? "It was a magical morning and an exceptional film, all of it made even better by having the legend herself sitting behind me on the left and her preeminent tribute artist behind me on the right. The film swept me up into a heaven based on its' combination of honesty and theatricality. We got to see the wacky and wonderful characteristics that make Carol Channing larger than life, as well as the tenderness and vulnerability that makes her a person. I was especially happy with the director's ability to film all of the interviewees with camera angles and lighting that made them look pretty (something that rarely happens in documentaries). I hope the movie gets picked up and, widely, distributed; because it deserves it, as does Miss Channing and all the people who are interested in show business who would flock to see a true story of an irreplaceable talent in the history of entertainment."

The following is from my friend, Patty Gay:
My thoughts on the Tribeca screening of Carol Channing: Larger Than Life, a beautiful film that intertwines two stories.

One is the love story between Carol and Harry, childhood sweethearts who went their separate ways only to be reunited 70 years later. It was a joy to see a very happy Carol with the love of her life.


The second is the portrait of a dying breed of performer, a larger than life beloved icon, who didn't miss performances and was extremely accessible to her fans.
It was clear from interviews from former cast members that Carol was a genuine, caring person who made them all feel special.
Her bubbly upbeat personality also made her a favorite for generations (fans included little Caroline Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson.)
As I watched the film a second time, I was saddened by the thought that the current generation hardly knows who Carol Channing is.
Her film presence was minimal though she gave a hilarious performance and was nominated for an Oscar in Thoroughly Modern Millie.
Her most famous work though was live theater, the best medium for Carol to connect directly with the audience.
As Lorelei Lee in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Dolly Gallagher Levi in Hello, Dolly! her wit and comic timing were unsurpassed. She owned those roles and they made her a legend.
Luckily we have clips of Carol from the stage and TV that will last forever, and Dori Berinstein's film and tribute is the delicious icing on the cake.

Thanks to an introduction from Richard Skipper, I got to spend time before the start of the film talking with Carol and Harry. At 90, you can still see the sparkle in Carol's eyes and bright pink lips. It was a sweet interview I will cherish forever. I was fortunate to take many photos from the event. I've enclosed some of my favorites. (They are included throughout this blog)

Patty Gay


I received the nicest note today:
They say there are angels on Broadway. Mine is a dear man named Richard Skipper. Your warmth, open heartedness and kindness has overwhelmed me these past few days. It is a dream that you Richard with Carol, get to live every day, for me - magical fleeting moments that I will never forget. I still see the gleam in your eye when we met on Fifth Avenue.
Yes I saw her on Broadway, yes I saw her at charity events, but this a 39 year dream come true. All the right pieces fit into place after all this time and Carol now is now finally signed in her spot on my wall behind me! (She's looking over my shoulder!) Thank you for this wonderful day, this wonderful afterglow and your friendship. XO
Hans Von Rittern


On a serious note, Please pray for those missing in Tuscaloosa and donate in any way you can,large/small.



(Buy THE CABARET ARTIST'S HANDBOOK by Bob Harrington, edited by Sherry Eaker http://www.amazon.com/Cabaret-Artists-Handbook-Creating-Livliest/dp/0823088529Bu)

Tomorrow's blog will be YOU TELL ME...the first three suggestions I receive!

Please contribute to the DR. CAROL CHANNING & HARRY KULLIJIAN FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS: http://www.carolchanning.org/foundation.htm

TILL TOMORROW...HERE'S TO AN ARTS FILLED MAY!


Richard Skipper, Richard@RichardSkipper.com

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Happy EASTER , Honoring Carol Channing, Happy birthday to the original Funny Girl, Barbra Streisand!

God partly experiences creation through your soul, and your soul partly experiences creation through your body. -JN, AotS
Happy Easter! If you don't celebrate Easter, celebrate anything today!It's my favorite Holiday!!! Yaaaaay! Hope your day is happy!
(with Patty Gay, Glen Charlow, and Danny yesterday at The Tribeca Film Festival premier of CAROL CHANNING: LARGER THAN LIFE)
The following was sent to me yesterday.
Hello, Jerry!

I have no idea who you are but THANK YOU! You made my day!!
Someone sent me this from "ALL THAT CHAT"
A documentary on "Carol Channing--Larger Than Life" premieres tonight at the Tribeca Film Festival. I'm looking forward to it. I've never seen her "live." The closest I came was seeing Richard Skipper's one-man show about her in December, which I thought was well done; if they give any kind of awards for outstanding one-person play, his show deserves consideration. He not only sang her songs, he answered questions from the audience (in character).

The following article was written by my dear friend Deborah Smith Ford. Thank you, Deborah!


Honoring Carol Channing
Carol Channing, 90, is a singer, actress, and comedienne who is also the recipient of three Tony Awards (including one for lifetime achievement), a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination. She will be honored in NYC at a special event (details below).
Channing is best remembered for originating, on Broadway, the musical-comedy roles of bombshell Lorelei Lee in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, and matchmaking widow Dolly Gallagher Levi in Hello, Dolly!

Richard Skipper, a professional tribute artist to Carol Channing, was the associate producer of the 2010 Bistro Awards in association with Sherry Eaker. (Richard Skipper, as Carol Channing, seen here with award winning impressionist Sharon Daniels)
He will be repeating that with this year's Bistro Awards on April 26th, 2011.


Skipper was filmed and interviewed as part of CAROL CHANNING: LARGER THAN LIFE and career of Carol Channing and his close association with her.

The film, Carol Channing: Larger Than Life, opens April 23, 2011 at The Tribeca Film Festival. In February 2011, Richard debuted "To Carol Channing With Love" (now available for booking!) at Blame It On Midnight in Palm Springs. This honored Carol Channing's 90th Birthday and was a benefit for Carol Channing.

More on this special upcoming event as shared by Richard Skipper:
(Carol is seen here with Chief Justice Roberts in 2006)
"I’m very excited, because we are honoring Carol Channing (who is the subject of the documentary, CAROL CHANNING: LARGER THAN LIFE, premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival April 23rd.

Tyne Daly, Kevin Dozier, A Special Award will be given to Michael Feinstein for his three-part documentary series “Michael Feinstein’s American Songbook,” shown on PBS and now available on DVD, which celebrates and explores the history of the Great American Songbook, and for the other work the Michael Feinstein Foundation does to promote and preserve our musical heritage.

Allan Harris (Ongoing Achievement in Jazz), Carole J. Bufford (Outstanding Vocalist), bring a diversity of musical styles to their singing, and Hilary Kole is accompanied by various celebrated jazz pianists on her CD “You Are There” (Outstanding Recording), The Johnny Rodgers Band has been named Outstanding Musical Group, and guitarist Sean Harkness is being honored as Outstanding Instrumentalist.
Some of the singers and shows honored pay tribute to the past: Anthony Cochran reinvents the Elvis Presley catalogue in “Elvis Lives” (Outstanding Theme Show), while Janice Hall pays homage to Marlene Dietrich in “Grand Illusions: The Music of Marlene Dietrich” (Outstanding Tribute Show).
The Ira Eaker Special Achievement Award, given to an outstanding performer on the rise, and named after Back Stage’s co-founder, co-publisher and first cabaret critic, goes to The Rescignos, brothers Robbie and Paul Rescigno...…so we are talking about major visibility by advertising with us.

The gala event will be held on Tuesday, April 26 at Gotham Comedy Club, 208 West 23rd Street. A Champagne reception for the Bistro recipients and Premium Ticket holders begins at 5 pm, followed by the awards presentation and show starting at 6:30 pm.

Producer Sherry Eaker will be hosting the annual event, along with the other members of the Bistro Awards Committee: Elizabeth Ahlfors (Cabaret Scenes, CurtainUp.com, and BistroAwards.com), David Finkle (Village Voice, The Huffington Post), Rob Lester (Cabaret Scenes, NiteLifeExchange.com), Erv Raible, Executive/Artistic Director of the Cabaret Conference at Yale University, and Roy Sander (BistroAwards.com). Eaker, who heads up the Bistro Committee, is the former longtime Editor-in-Chief of Back Stage and the producer of the event since its inception.

We expect a capacity crowd… hope you can join us as well!



I was very pleased at the response we got from last year’s 76-page COLOR program My goal is to surpass what I achieved last year. I hope that you will be a part of that. I am already excited about what I know will be an incredible keepsake! We are also seeking sponsorship! Ask about sponsorship opportunities!

Once again, the date of the event is Tuesday, April 26, 2011 in New York city. Hope to see you there!" - Richard Skipper


Happy Birthday, Barbra Streisand!Thank you for all the gifts you have given us over the years. I truly LOVE YOU!
For Barbra's official website, go here: http://www.barbrastreisand.com/us/home
Barbra Joan Streisand (pronounced /ˈstraɪsænd/; born April 24, 1942) is an American singer, actress, film producer and director. She has won two Academy Awards, eight Grammy Awards, four Emmy Awards,a Special Tony Award, an American Film Institute award,a Peabody Award,and is one of the few entertainers who have won an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award. Happy Birthday, Barbra!


The following is from my friend Josh Ellis who was Carol Channing's publicist during her run of LORELEI on Broadway: You know I don't go to the movies very often. So, while I have yet to see THE KING'S SPEECH, today I did see the new documentary, CAROL CHANNING: LARGER THAN LIFE, part of the Tribeca Film Festival.
Between the interviews with the present-day Channing, video clips that cover the past 62 years, vintage photographs ("Channing Art," as Charles Lowe used to call them), and interviews with many of Channing's friends and fellow theatre artists, we get a very happy musical comedy feast. If you are a Channing fan, it doesn't get better than this. If you are not a Channing fan you've probably stopped reading this review already.
The overriding story is her love affair with Harry, her new husband. They met as young teenagers in San Francisco and went their own way for 70 plus years. After Carol's autobiography was published, they met again and fell in love.

It's up to you to decide if you see the "real" Carol Channing in this documentary. Director Dori Berinstein doesn't shy away from the topic of Charles Lowe, Carol's husband/manager for over 40 years. Debbie Reynolds' comment about the marriage is worth the price of admission. But mostly it's a love-fest created to make you feel good. There is no dark edge, axe to grind or score to settle.
Needless to say, I adored it, as I adore Carol. What it lacks in depth is made up for in glitter.
There are three more Tribeca Film Festival screenings of the film. There is no national distribution set at this time.
Josh
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1737122
(Here I am with Dori Berenstein at the premier yesterday)
Don't forget The 26th annual Bistro Awards Tuesday night at The Gotham Comedy Club in NYC! (www.BistroAwards.com)
Please click on the banner ads on our Bistro Award site and support our advertisers.

Tomorrow's blog will profiles on the first three suggestions I receive today!


Please contribute to the DR. CAROL CHANNING & HARRY KULLIJIAN FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS: http://www.carolchanning.org/foundation.htm

TILL TOMORROW...HERE'S TO AN ARTS FILLED WEEK!


Richard Skipper, Associate producer of the 26th annual Bistro Awards , Richard@RichardSkipper.com

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Leslie Orofino, Carol Channing: Larger Than Life, and The Blue Bird (1976)

Last night, we went to see Leslie Orofino at The Laurie Beechman theatre in her latest cabaret show. Yes, Leslie is a friend. Yes, I've known her a looonnngggg time. Yes, I've seen many of her shows. But I have to say here and now, this is her best work to date. There is a sultry-ness in her voice that reminded me of Baby Jane Dexter. Leslie was definitely in control of her game last night. Her arrangement of WHAT'S THE USE OF WONDERING? (one of my favorite songs) and SOMETHING WONDERFUL was one of the best renditions of these song I have ever heard. She was joined by the delightful Daryl Kojak on piano and Boots Maleson on bass. Together, they all made great music. Louis Pietig is director. The show covers the songs of things that make everyone's heart beat a little faster ... Romance, Latin Dancing, Five Star Hotels, Your First Child, Dear Friends ... all through the songs of Cole Porter, Rodgers & Hart, Tony De Sare, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Lerner & Lowe and many more (a perfect way to celebrate Mother's Day). PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE record this show! I desire it on my Ipod! In Leslie's audience last night was Francesca Blumenthal, Glen Charlow,Richard Holbrook, George Marcy,Julie Wilson, and Ken Urmston.
Leslie has been enchanting sold out audiences with her sultry voice from New York City's legendary Algonquin Hotel's Oak Room to Napa Valley's Silverado Country Club for the last 20 years.
A few of Leslie's other New York City nightclub engagements include the Waldorf Astoria, The Plaza Hotel , Opia, Danny's Skylight Room, and the Hideaway Room at Helen's, and The Laurie Beechman Theatre.

After seeing Leslie in Red Hot And Blues at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, International Cabaret Star, Julie Wilson exclaimed, "I had such a great time, I had to go back again...She's a winner! Leslie has a certain elegance mixed with sex appeal that sells each and every song.
She's also a great comedian."

Of a benefit at Fairfield University's Quick Center in which Leslie was the opening act for singer/songwriter Paul Williams, the organizer of the event, Gary Stromberg remarked, " Leslie is a magnificent performer with a heart to match her talent...unforgettable evening!"

Leslie's musical theatre credits range from lead roles in the St. Bart's Players in N.Y.C. as Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music, Miss Hannigan in Annie, Sharon in Finian's Rainbow, Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes, Meg Brockie in Brigadoon to the Westport Country Playhouse as Kay Goodman in Nite Club Confidential.

After a successful run of her show at the Algonquin's Oak Room Leslie released her CD, Moonlight Cocktails. Critic Dave Nathan from All Music Guide remarked," Leslie manages to impart such a high degree of eloquence to the songs she sings that one can picture her singing these tunes live and in person. She delivers each and every song with ease and aplomb. Solid cabaret and is highly recommended."

Leslie recently said: "I have always loved the music of the '30s and '40s mainly because my dad filled our home with his gorgeous tenor voice singing those songs and passed his love of them on to his first born of four daughters....me. I love performing and was so blessed to have appeared across the country and for a few years had the honor of having my darling dad as my very special guest singer at the Algonquin's Oak Room. "
Leslie is a 2007 Hanson Award Winner
Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs
Leslie returns SATURDAY, MAY 7, 4:00 pm

Affairs of the Heart
Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W. 42nd St., NY, NY
Daryl Kojak - Piano / Boots Maleson - Bass
Reservations: 212.695.6909

"With voice robust and energy percolating, Leslie Orofino infects the Metropolitan Room with Manhattan Madness, and she does it with her usual panache, optimism, and personality. Orofino works that stage, clicking on to her audience with natural ease. She is having fun and it shows."
Elizabeth Ahlfors
Cabaret Scenes
September 23, 2007

"Leslie Orofino's new show at The Hideaway Room is great fun. Her theme is clear: it's Spring Fever, and Orofino is restless. Enough of these winter doldrums, she espouses. Spring marks the resurgence of plants, flowers and - for Orofino - desires. Following her opening with Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart and It Might as Well Be Spring, Orofino lets out the stops with a spirited Spring Cleaning, complete with feather duster and accompanying wiggles as she dusts off everything and everyone on stage."
Peter Leavy,
Cabaret Scenes
April 14, 2007


"Let's Do It, by Gershwin and DeSylva, was one of the songs Leslie Orofino offered in her recent show, titled Let's Misbehave, at Helen's Hideaway Room. The number, delivered with her rich vibrato and playfully sultry style, echoed the sentiments of her packed-housed audience, which didn't want the performance to end. With her warm voice, clarity and intelligence in interpreting and communicating a lyric, and sense of fun, Leslie filled the room with refreshing professionalism and style. Among highlights: her lush treatment of My Foolish Heart, a wise-cracking Daddy, her Banderas-style version of Let Yourself Go, and musical homages to two great ladies of song, Julie Wilson and Alberta Hunter. With Keith Ingham on piano, Boots Malleson on bass, and Steve Little (subbing one evening for Rex Benincasa) on drums, the evening is classic, classy cabaret. You, too, should "let yourself go" to wherever Leslie is performing next."
Peter Haas
Cabaret Scenes
May 21, 2006
Review by Dave Nathan, All Muisc Guide

Leslie Orofino has taken the cabaret act she dispatches at the Algonquin Hotel's Oak Room as the foundation for her first album. The play list is loaded with tunes in support of the album's theme, namely moonlight and all matters romantic or despairing associated with the light given off by that orb. Most of the tunes will be well-known to listeners. Others are not so familiar, including the rarely recorded "Blue Fool" and "Full Moon at Half Price." The latter is a classic torch song complete with the soulful sax of Aaron Heick moaning in the background. This track also features some very jazzy piano by Ross Patterson, who is also responsible for the arrangements. Orofino is a mature mezzo, who takes an occasional foray into the higher range. She has a noticeable vibrato which she uses to her advantage, especially on slow ballads which give added warmth to make her already-rich voice sound even fuller and more dynamic. The singer manages to impart such a high degree of eloquence to the songs she sings that one can picture how she comes across singing these tunes live and in person. There will likely be gestures which help to frame the mood she wants to impart to the audience with each song. Whether it be with a flamboyant, upbeat "Down With Love"; a hushed, heartfelt "My Foolish Heart"; or with a touch of the blues, as on "Is It Hot in Here," Orofino delivers all with ease and aplomb. Throughout the session, she is expertly backed by the similarly expressive and facile pianism of Ross Patterson with the now and then, but telling, appearance of Heick on tenor or flute. This album is solid cabaret and is recommended.

Moonlight Cocktails is now available on
CD Baby

To download Leslie's press kit, go here: http://www.leslieorofino.com/pdf/orofino_press_kit_2010_B.pdf
Please visit Leslie's website at www.LeslieOrofino.com

In February of last year, Dori Berenstein came to our home to interview me as part of a documentary on Carol Channing's life and career. That film opens today at The Tribeca Film Festival. I cannot wait and I am excited to share in the love that Dori and I have for Carol Channing with the rest of the world! If there ever was a secret recipe for crafting entertainment in its purest and truest form, Dori Berinstein most likely has it. The Tony-winning producer and Tribeca alum (ShowBusiness, TFF '05; Gotta Dance TFF '08) is back with another inspiring story—and she couldn't have chosen a more appropriate subject or captured one more affectionately. With every lyrical word, movements akin to the grace of choreography, and a rich and rarefied storyline that rivals that of any heroine of the Great White Way, Carol Channing's life could itself be a Broadway musical.

Footage from the archives—television appearances, song and dance numbers, and stage performances—show Carol at her best (not that there is a "worst"). Without batting a false eyelash, she effortlessly charms audience after audience with her hilarity, relentless energy, and unique beauty, reminding us that before Barbra or Marilyn, there was Carol. Perhaps the most brilliant thing about Berinstein's bubbly biopic is that you don't need to love Broadway or even theater itself to love or to be mesmerized by Carol. Theatrics aside, Larger Than Life proves that Carol Channing—as a person—is very much worth knowing about.

(Source: Ashley Havey and Caroline Tran)
From Carol Channing's one woman show "The First Eighty Years are the Hardest" - Sophie Tucker
Film Director Dori Berinstein's latest project, "Larger Than Life," looks at the career of Broadway star Carol Channing, who at 90 years old is still performing. It premieres at the Tribeca Film Festival on Saturday.

"Carol is one of a kind, she is totally iconic, she is a legendary Broadway performer, but she is this spectacular vivacious person on stage and off," says Berinstein.

The film is Berinstein's third entry in the Tribeca Film Festival. She is also a Tony award winning producer of Broadway shows whose credits include "Legally Blonde," "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest" and "The Crucible." She says she was hooked on theater at the age of five after seeing a production of Hello Dolly with Channing.

"I remember it vividly, and my mother tells me after I saw that I was just dancing around the house pretending to be in a parade, it really did change my life because I was just obsessed with theatre from that point on," recalls Berinstein.

In the film, Channing talks about just some of the many people she worked with and met over the years, including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and her children.

Berinstein says she recently showed Channing the film, and the performer gave it rave reviews.

"I wanted her to at the end, to tell me this is honest, this is real, this is my life, and that's what she told me," says Berinstein.

Berinstein hopes everyone will enjoy the film, and says Tribeca is the perfect place for it to make its debut to the public.

"In terms of how they take care of and nurture the film makers that are here and really support the work and give you so many opportunities to really showcase your film in a very, very special way," says Berinstein.

Berinstein adds the festival is an event you look forward to, because there is something there for everybody.
(Source: Tribeca Entry Examines Life And Times Of Channing
By: Roger Clark, NY1)

When I was a teenager, I was addicted to Rona Barrett's Hollywood. I read all the articles about George Cukor's THE BLUEBIRD with an all star cast including Elizabeth Taylor, Ava Gardner, Jane Fonda, Cicily Tyson, among others. I was obsessed with this film. I could not wait to see this film. It disappeared as quickly as it came. I never saw it! I have dreamed of seeing this film for 35 years! It is being aired on the Fox movie channel on Monday night in a very rare showing. I cannot wait!

Don't forget The 26th annual Bistro Awards Tuesday night at The Gotham Comedy Club in NYC! (www.BistroAwards.com)
Please click on the banner ads on our Bistro Award site and support our advertisers.

Tomorrow's blog will feature a review of CAROL CHANNING: LARGER THAN LIFE premiering today at The Tribeca Film Festival, and YOU TELL ME. I will do a profile on the first two suggestions I receive today!

Please contribute to the DR. CAROL CHANNING & HARRY KULLIJIAN FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS: http://www.carolchanning.org/foundation.htm

TILL TOMORROW...HERE'S TO AN ARTS FILLED WEEK!


Richard Skipper, Associate producer of the 26th annual Bistro Awards , Richard@RichardSkipper.com

Saturday, October 30, 2010

FROM GREENWICH VILLAGE TO GREENWICH, CONNECTICUT! CAROL CHANNING: LARGER THAN LIFE!, ANDREA WOLPER,HELENA GRENOT, ...AND MORE!

"The secret to my career success is that I always represented entertainment without malice."
Carol Channing




















HAPPY HALLOWEEN...A day early! I love Halloween. I always have! I have so many memories of Halloween growing up. As I write these words, the memories are flowing through my mind. Memories of my family being together.
Memories of Grandma Skipper with her big bowl of candy...and acting scared when we came to her door.

Memories of going door to door...and people being welcoming and friendly.
Those are my South Carolina memories. Then there are my NY memories. Memories of dressing up as Carol Channing(pictured '85!) and Judy Garland and going from piano bar to piano bar and singing.
It seemed to "legitimize" what I do. For many years, I ONLY appeared as Carol Channing on Halloween night. I never knew that I would end up making a living at this, much less, that Carol Channing and I would become friends!?!?!
So this year, how am I celebrating Halloween (and Carol)? I have a show tonight in Greenwich Connecticut. From Greenwich Village to a command performance at a party that was formed tonight to showcase me! Pretty heady, huh? So go out this weekend and create your own memories.

Be safe...and who knows what path this weekend will take you down! My blog today is all TREATS...no tricks. My first treat is something you all all have to wait to savor. It is an upcoming documentary on Carol Channing! I'm in it as well. Can't wait to see it!
The following article will give you a little insight. The other treats that follow are treats that you can enjoy a lot sooner. They are shows around town that I highly recommend.
If you are not going to a party tonight, GO SEE A LIVE SHOW!
“Carol Channing: Larger than Life” explores the epitome of letting loose, in an exploration of one of the most vibrant performers under the age of 100 working in the U.S. today!
Dori Berinstein is a busy woman. While working on finishing up her latest documentary, a portrait of Carol Channing titled “Carol Channing: Larger than Life,” Berinstein is working with DreamWorks on projects for the stage and various other theatrical projects. Berinstein made waves in the film world with a few documentaries, her most recent foray into directing was the profile of the New Jersey Nets’ halftime senior citizen dance crew, “Gotta Dance.” From that film to her “Some Assembly Required,” Berinstein has succeeding in bringing playfulness to documentary film.

No other performer is quite as playful and vibrant on the stage and screen as the effervescent comic actress Carol Channing, who still insists on walking to the beat of her own drum at the age of 89. Berinstein has a long history with Channing: “Hello, Dolly!,” featuring Channing, was the first production Berinstein saw on Broadway.
After enough time in the theater business, Berinstein became friends with Channing. After hearing a few of Channing’s quite unbelievable stories about her career and social life, Berinstein was convinced she needed to make a film about Channing. Though Channing has been approached before about being the subject of a documentary, Berinstein is sure her friendship with the actress is what made her cave in this time.

One thing Berinstein never expected to find at the heart of the Carol Channing life story was a love story that spanned nearly eighty years. Central to the film is the story of Channing’s relationship with her current husband. “It starts with the story of a twelve year old girl who’s madly in love with a boy.
He has a band, and she sings in it, but then his family moves away…and they don’t see each other for seventy years.” After Channing ended her third marriage and was left with nothing after the divorce, she wrote a book about her life, the second chapter of which was “My First Love.”
After hearing he was the significant character in the star’s autobiography, Harry Kullijian got in contact with Channing and within two weeks, they were engaged.


Berinstein’s profile is more than a love story, though; it’s also about Channing’s strength of character. During the AIDS crisis, Channing was at the bedside of many of her theater friends who were lost to the epidemic. To this day, she continues to be a tireless proponent for arts education in the nation’s schools.
Preparing to send the film on its festival run now, Berinstein just reached a deal with the Al Hirschfeld estate to use his drawings to animate parts of Channing’s life. The film is entering the final stages of its edit, and will hopefully premiere at festivals next year.

Monday, Nov. 1
7 - 9 pm
The Fabulous 55 BAR
55 Christopher St. east of 7th Ave. So., NYC
1 train to Christopher St., trains to W. 4th, PATH to W. 9th or Christopher
No cover charge
Andrea Wolper Trio with Michael Howell & Ken Filiano.... and special guest, saxopholosopher (Andrea's word for him) Dennis Mitcheltree, who left NY for CA a few years ago (for which she hasn't yet forgiven him). Good news is he'll be back for a few days, saxophone in tow. Dennis is going to add somethin' singular and special to to mix, so please join them.

Back by Popular Demand
(and because she doesn't know what else to do with her time!)

Helena Grenot in Damn'd if I Know...

Saturday November 6 at 8:30 PM


Don't Tell Mama
343 West 46th Street
212 757 0788 www.donttellmamanyc.com

Musical Director, Barry Levitt
Directed by Peter Napolitano

$15 cover ( $10 MAC, AEA) 2 Drink Min. CASH ONLY!!!

Featuring songs by Bock & Harnick, Laura Nyro, Melissa Manchester, Stephen Schwartz and many more, including original tunes by Meg Flather and Levitt/Napolitano!


Deb Berman has a show coming up this Tuesday night at 7 pm at The Metropolitan Room.

In honor of Election Day, TAKE 5 minutes to vote, then TAKE an additional $5.00 off the $15.00 cover making it a $10.00 cover charge / $5.00 cover charge for MAC members

Hope to see you there where you can actually hear our version of the legendary TAKE 5
by Dave Brubeck!

Join Bistro Award winner, Deb Berman,
accompanied by Windham Hill Recording Artist, Guitarist, Sean Harkness,
at the Metropolitan Room as they merrily romp through songs about life, love
and the pursuit of time-well-spent
set to music by John Mayer, George & Ira,
The Beatles, Laura Nyro and special material written by
Peter Napolitano & Barry Levitt
ALL IN GOOD TIME
Directed By Susan Winter

Monday, October 25 @ 7 pm
Tuesday, November 2 @ 7 pm

Metropolitan Room
34 West 22 Street
Reservations Suggested 212 206 0440

$15 Cover + 2 drink mimimum
(MAC discount applies)




“That Theatre Show” Talk Show to Launch November 15, 2010.

Hammerstein and Dawes Perform in Debut Show for Charity.”




Broadway lovers are invited to join Oscar Andrew Hammerstein III (“The Hammersteins: A Musical Theatre Family”) and Bill Dawes (“Lombardi”) to be among the first guests to appear on a new Broadway-themed talk show launching November 15, 2010 at Manhattan’s Iguana New York at 8:00 p.m. Also there will be special performances from Broadway’s Russell Fisher (Jersey Boys), Kelly Grant (Company) and Correy West (South Pacific). Musicians will include Gene Blank on guitar, Brad Gardner on piano and Michael Pagnotta on alto saxophone.


The new talk show, entitled That Theatre Show, seeks to chronicle the thoughts and stories of various actors, directors, composers and others that make New York’s theater community world-renowned. The show will contain both be interviews and performances. The show is being produced by Neal Benington (owner of NealBTv) and Sahar Helmy (pictured).

In an effort to give back to the community, the event will also contribute partial proceeds from the maiden episode to the Food Bank For New York City (http://www.foodbanknyc.org). The Food Bank For NYC addresses the growing needs of people seeking emergency food assistance in New York City. Over the years, the Food Bank has experienced dramatic growth in the areas of food distribution, operations, programs and research to better serve the network of community food programs — and ultimately the people in New York City who rely on the food they provide. There will also be Broadway-themed raffle items to benefit the Food Bank, including a one-hour vocal coaching session with Broadway vocal coach Michael Lavine, Broadway posters and playbills. Bennington states that "The purpose of this new endeavor is to bring awareness, through different charitable organizations, to show that theater is unlike any other experience."

Oscar Andrew Hammerstein, the grandson of the late lyricist-librettist Oscar Hammerstein II, will discuss his new book “The Hammersteins: A Musical Theatre Family”. This is the only biography of the musical theatre legends written by a family member. Oscar “Andy” Hammerstein (Oscar II’s grandson), gives readers unprecedented access to family archives of art, photographs, theatre blueprints, letters, programs, patents, and more, and makes this a profoundly rich celebration of musical theatre in America. He presents a multi-layered portrait of the Hammerstein legacy. He is a painter, writer, lecturer, and family historian. He has devoted much of his life to studying and preserving his family’s heritage and their contribution to American culture. He lectures frequently at universities, institutes, and theatrical and civic organizations on the Hammerstein family’s pivotal role in shaping the development of musical theatre and popular entertainment in this country from the 1860s to the present. He is an adjunct professor at Columbia University, teaching graduate level New York City theatre history.
Bill Dawes (pictured) can currently be seen on Broadway “Paul Hornung “ in Lombardi. As a stage actor, Bill’s first role was on Broadway with Sigourney Weaver and Christopher Durang in the play Sex and Longing, which was followed by Gross Indecency in which he originated the role of "Lord Alfred Douglas". He is an actor/comic/writer. As an actor, he has appeared in several award-winning independent films, including Adam, Evenhand and Fiona and an acting/writing role in the DVD cult hit I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell. On TV, Bill has been on several hit shows, including Sex and the City, OZ, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, Damages, All My Children and One Life to Live. As a comic, Bill has performed all over the U.S. and the wordl including crowds of over 8,000 international troops at bases in Baghdad. Bill has been published in several magazines and an hour comedy special he wrote with Jamie Kennedy, Uncomfortable, will be seen on Showtime this fall. Bill performs every Friday & Saturday 10pm shows at Times Square Comedy Club. www.laughfactory.com/blog/billdawes

Russell Fischer is currently making his Broadway debut as “Joey” and an understudy for the role of Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys. Other credits include the ’98-’99 National Tour of Big – The Musical (Billy Kopecki), Chautauqua Opera’s The Music Man (Tommy Djilas), Paper Mill Playhouse’s Children of Eden (Young Abel u/s) and The Sound of Music (Kurt) starring Debby Boone.

Kelly Grant (pictured) recently finished playing lead role of Christine Daaé at select performances in the Broadway National Touring Company of Hal Prince’s production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. Broadway audiences will remember Kelly in the 2007 Tony-award winning revival of Company, starring Raúl Esparza and directed by John Doyle, where she played the role of “Kathy”.
Kelly has also been seen in numerous musicals nationally including Showboat, directed by Harold Prince; The Secret Garden, South Pacific, and My Fair Lady.

Correy West has been seen Broadway in the Tony-winning musical South Pacific (Lincoln Center Revival); as well as Off-Broadway in Shades of Harlem. Correy’s credits also include 42nd Street (Tour), The Radio City Christmas Spectacular; NY: Lunch (NYMF),An Evening with Jason Robert Brown (Cooper Union); Regional: The Producers(Westchester Broadway Theatre), Paint Your Wagon (Pioneer Theatre Company), Dreamgirls (Prince Music Theater/North Carolina Theatre), Miss Saigon (Lenape Regional Performing Arts Center), The Wizard of Oz (North Carolina Theatre).

Tickets for That Theatre Show’s November 15th performance can be purchased by calling (212) 765 5454. The Iguana New York is located at 240 West 54th Street, New York, New York.

Visit http://www.thattheatreshow.com



Hi---just a reminder to all who are planning to go to Janice Hall's show to call the Met Room and reserve, especially if you are attending one of the first three shows. The first one is next Wednesday--
If you reserve in advance, you help the club, and you help Janice, so if you know for sure you're coming, call 212-206-0440.



SUZANNE CARRICO'S "THIS IS WHAT CHRISTMAS-TIME MEANS TO ME"
---------------
Suzanne Carrico, winner of the 2008 MAC Award for Best Female Debut for THE
ART OF THE CAHN, Music from the Sammy Cahn Songbook, has taken off part of
this past year to record WHAT CHRISTMAS TIME MEANS TO ME, her first holiday
CD. She will be joined by The Don Rebic Quartet, Dan Gross on percussion,
Jim DiMatteo on bass & Windham Hill recording artist, Sean Harkness on
guitar. On the CD will be tunes ranging from the popular ("Silver Bells,"
"I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" by Irving Berlin & "Baby It's Cold
Outside/Let It Snow" by the wonderful Frank Loesser,Jule Styne & Sammy Cahn
sung with Booth Daniels) to the spiritual ("What Child is This," "Little
Drummer Boy," "Do You Hear What I Hear" & "Gesu Bambino") to an original
tune by Musical Director Don Rebic, "Merry Christmas to Us All." The CD is
available for pre-order at http://www.shop.suzannecarrico.com/ and will be
available for purchase on iTunes,Amazon and at retailers across the country
after November 23rd. Ms. Carrico will open a brand new show directed by &
featuring Booth Daniels on December 2nd at THE METROPOLITAN ROOM with a full
band & a champagne reception to celebrate the CD release, 5 additional
December dates are scheduled at THE METROPOLITAN ROOM, as well as at
DAVENPORT'S in Chicago with additional cities & dates (along with a few
guest artists!) to be announced soon.



Manhattan cabaret singer Karen
Oberlin to open Ritz Supper Club
season TONIGHT!

(SOURCE: Phyllis A.S. Boros, ctpost.com)
It was not until Karen Oberlin "stepped away from singing" a few years ago that she
realized that she had no desire to live without it.
"It's what makes me happy," said the award-winning Manhattan cabaret singer.
Oberlin intends to share that joy on Saturday, Oct. 30, while kicking off the inaugural
season of the Ritz Supper Club at Cinzano's in Fairfield.
Doors will open at 6:30
p.m., a buffet dinner begins at 7, followed by the show at 9.
Considered by many critics as one of the leading interpreters of the Great American
Songbook (which includes jazz standards from Broadway, musical theater and
Hollywood during the 20th century), Oberlin headlined for three weeks in June at the
storied Oak Room at the Algonquin Hotel in New York.
Manhattan cabaret singer Karen Oberlin, seen here at NYC’s Oak Room at the Algonquin Hotel,
opens the Ritz Supper Club 2010-11 Season on Oct.30 in Fairfield, CT. From that engagement has come "Karen Oberlin -- Live at
the Algonquin/ The Songs of Frank Loesser," which is
currently in production and may indeed be available for her
Fairfield visit, she said.
For Saturday's performance, the 40-something performer
has put together an "eclectic mix" of songs that will be
"instantly recognizable" to American Songbook fans,
including "Heart and Soul," "Baby, It's Cold Outside,"
"Shadow of Your Smile," "Lydia the Tattooed Lady," "Spring
Will be a Little Late This Year" and "Secret Love."
Accompanying her will be noted jazz pianist Jon Weber, a
Chicago musician-composer who now lives in New York
Critic Stephen Holden of The New York Times has described
Oberlin's style as "impeccable," oozing "musical intelligence .
. . purity, naturalness and polished phrasing, with added
colors and a jazzy spontaneity."
Oberlin -- who was featured in more than 100 off-Broadway performances of the hit
show, "Our Sinatra" -- now appears regularly at such major New York venues as Jazz at
Lincoln Center, Town Hall, Iridium Jazz Club, Feinstein's, Merkin Hall and the
Metropolitan Room. Among her many honors is a nomination as the 2010 Outstanding
Vocalist of the Year by the Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs, the 2009 MAC
Award as Outstanding Vocal Duo of the Year, and the 2002 Bistro Award as Vocalist of
the Year.
The granddaughter of vaudevillians and the youngest daughter of two classical
musicians, Oberlin said that music has been a part of her very soul since childhood
growing up in Central New York state.
"I grew up in a von Trapp-ist type of family," said the
singer, laughing, referring to the famous Austrian
family of singers.
It was a family that would go around "singing `Dona
Nobis Pacem' "—a "Grant Us Peace" hymn in Latin --
"in four-part harmony."
"And I thought it was normal," she added, laughing.
As a child, she studied piano, flute and cello and sang
frequently in community productions, performing in
her first opera at age 6. As a teenager,
leading New Wave and rock bands became her passion. After receiving a bachelor of arts
in English literature from Hunter College at City University of New York, Oberlin
completed a two-year professional actors workshop at Circle in the Square.
Karen Oberlin will be
featured at the new
Ritz Supper Club season
Oct. 30, in Fairfield, CT.


Professional non-musical theater and film called to her for a time; she has performed in
a range of roles -- from Shakespeare to nationally televised commercials, and as a nurse
in a recurring role on the daytime drama "All My Children."

"For a time, I (feared that) singing was not special enough. So I stepped away for a
while," said Oberlin, who is married to writer David Hajdu. (The couple have a 7-yearold
son.)
"That time away helped me to value singing all the more, helped me to realize how much
I love telling a story for the audience -- which is very challenging and very rewarding.
"I feel very privileged to be singing these masters . . . they're the best of the best."
INAUGURAL SERIES LINE-UP
This past April, Ritz Supper Club producer Jeffrey C. Williams -- the host of the weekly
"At The Ritz!" radio show on Fairfield University's WVOF 88.5 FM -- debuted his
long-awaited Ritz Supper Club at Cinzano's with jazz vocalist Tony DeSare. (Williams
and DeSare will host a Ritz Supper Club at Sea five-night Canadian cruise aboard
Manhattan singer Karen Oberlin, who recently performed at the Oak Room at the
Algonquin Hotel in New York, will kick-off the Ritz Supper Club season in Fairfield, CT
on Oct. 30.

Cunard's Queen Mary 2 July 1-6; details are available on Williams' website.) That
event quickly sold out, convincing Williams that the region is eager to support a series of
intimate musical evenings in a cabaret format.
On the inaugural season are: Comic vocalist Christine Pedi performing a holiday show
that pays tribute to such female superstar singers as Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand,
Julie Andrews and Ethel Merman on Dec. 18 in "A Remarkable Roster of Great
Dames"; the husband-and-wife team of Barbara Fasano and Eric Comstock in a
Valentine's Day holiday show, "This Thing Called Love!" on Feb. 19; and Will &
Anthony Nunziata, identical twins, performing "Two for the Show" from the Great
American Songbook on April 16.
Williams said the series is part of his continuing efforts to celebrate jazz and cabaret in
Fairfield County, noting that his supper club is named in honor of the Ritz Ballroom, a
former landmark in Bridgeport's Black Rock section that hosted some of the country's
most popular bands and vocalists from the Roaring Twenties through New Year's
Eve 1961.
"The goal of our project," said Williams, "is to provide the needed escape entertainment
we all seek during good and bad times. . . . As long as people come and support our
efforts, I plan for the Ritz Supper Club to be around for a long time to come."


Williams also attempts to celebrate Bridgeport's history through his occasional series of
“Bridgeport By The Sea Calendars,” which feature colorful nostalgic and historic
postcard images from the early 20th century. The 2011 theme is "Frolic & Fun in the
Park City." Calendars, which are $12 each, are available at the following locations:
Bridgeport -- Barnum Museum, Antoniak's Greeting Cards, White's Diner, Lupe's
Drug Store and Hillview Superette; Stratford -- Clough's Hardware and Oronoque
Pharmacy; Fairfield -- Fairfield Stationers and Billy's Bakery; Trumbull -- Frances
Bakery; Monroe -- Jennie's Pizza; Shelton -- Sassafras Restaurant, Written Words
Bookshop and Center Services; Milford -- Graphic Image Printers.
Calendars may also be ordered by calling toll-free 1-800-529-8497.
WHEN YOU GO
Cinzano's is at 1920 Black Rock Turnpike in Fairfield. Doors will open at
6:30 p.m., a buffet dinner begins at 7, followed by the show at 9. Admission
is $70 per person, which includes dinner. (Tax, gratuity and cocktails are
additional.) For reservations, which are required, call 1-800-529-8497.
For details on the Ritz's buffet menu and to hear song samples from the
season's featured artists, visit www.ritzsupperclub.com.

Have something to promote? Please send a press release to Richard@RichardSkipper.com and I will include it in my next blog (November 5th)!


THE FOLLOWING ARE RECENT COMMENTS FROM
http://www.richardskipper.com/guestbook.html

What a fun and fabulous night of great entertainment at the Iguana! Richard, you are the King of herding a huge group of crazy singers into a wonderful show. I loved the eclectic mix or performers, the friendly vibe, and the fact I could actually hear myself when singing on stage! Oy! What a relief.
There was never a dull moment, never a lull in the energy, and that's hard to accomplish in this kind of show. Now I understand why Wednesday Night at the Iguana is an award-winning production.
Thank you for including me, and I will definitely be taking that 2-hour train ride from Kingston to the city to be at the Iguana again.
Nancy Tierney, http://nancytierney.com

Richard, Thank you so much for making Wednesday Night at The Iguana such a memorable occasion. I was honored to be on the program with so many other wonderful, talented singers. What a bore Wednesday nights will be without the joy of you and the diverse group of artists you managed to bring each week to the Iguana. Wish it could have gone on, and on, and on and on.
Alicia Terry Littman, NYC

As always, a top-notch performance at St. Luke's (7/27/10 AND 10/11/10). Dancers Over 40 is honored to have Richard Skipper as one of its friends. I'd say Richard is a consummate performer, but some may confuse him with the soup..., so I'll just say, PLEASE continue to channel Ms. Channing, and continue to work with DO40 on our projects! All of Dancers Over 40 LOVES Richard Skipper! And we look forward to working with him on our DO40 Legacy Awards (which he will be hosting...for the second year in a row!) on December 12th at SWING 46 in NYC, honoring DO40 members Harvey Evans, Fred Curt, Richard Korthaze, Ken Urmston and Stuart Hodes. Sincerely, John Sefakis, President, Dancers Over40


. . . 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

www.RichardSkipper.com

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Please contribute to the DR. CAROL CHANNING & HARRY KULLIJIAN FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS: http://www.carolchanning.org/foundation.htm



TILL NEXT WEEK...HERE'S TO A MUSICAL HALLOWEEN!

With grateful XOXOXs for your support!
Richard Skipper, Richard@RichardSkipper.com
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