SPEND TONIGHT WITH US AT THE IGUANA!

Julie Reyburn will perform tonight at The Iguana! Tonight Dana Lorge and I are celebrating our 25th week at The Iguana!

Obviously, we have a lot to be Thankful for as we go into this holiday season.

TONIGHT'S SHOW IS AT 7pm


IGUANA VIP LOUNGE, 240 West 54th Street, NYC

THANKSGIVING EVE AT THE IGUANA



Barry Levitt on keyboard & Morrie Louden on bass. PLEASE NOTE: SHOW STARTS AT 7PM - - Tonight's guests include: Christopher Gerrard,
William Blake, Jim Speak, David Vernon, Diana Templeton ... A few other surprises as well! Remember $10.00 Cover/No food or drink minimum!
Reservations a must (212) 765-5454

When we were first approached by Joan Crowe, our goal was to raise the bar. I didn't want to do another "open mic".

I wanted a real opportunity for entertainers to showcase themselves and build their fan base!
(Joan Crowe, pictured)

After Ray Jessell appeared in our show last week, 12 people from that night's audience came to his show Monday Night at Don't Tell Mama.

Meet some of the entertainers we have tonight:


David Vernon is a self-trained song stylist with a seemingly endless repertoire of music.

His vocal range is as broad as his song-list. Developing an early appreciation and study of performance art he strives to challenge material and weave it into an experience to be heard.

Testing and developing his gift by performing in dozens of nightclubs he has established a loyal following and continues to recruit new listeners.
By the age of 19 he had already produced and directed himself in a three-act nightclub engagement.
He then went on doing engagements featuring standards and theatre compositions.

David first entered the recording studio in 1986 to record his first demo and has since continued to record 5 more albums all showcased on this website.
Shortly after relocating to New York he has been commissioned to do demo work for several different composers.
David Vernon has done television appearances with both his performance and design showcases.

David the designer specializes in Haute Couture. David builds his own designs from paper to finished product with a close eye on detail and expert tailoring.


In 2000 he unveiled his first full collection. His agency has pushed him forward and will be the foundation for future collections.

His current project stems from a nightclub act done in New York City.

The Album of that show entitled “By Myself” is a compilation of songs that conjures up the emotions and questions derived through solitude.

The album is currently available at this website. When David is not performing or designing he spends his time working for not-for profit arts organizations raising funds and recruiting patronage.


David Nathan Scott has a lovely stage presence...' Phil Geoffrey Bond - Laurie Beechman Theatre.
J. Michael Reeds. Feel free to check out his CDs! http://www.jaymichaelreeds.com/discography.html


Rita Ellis Hammer.

When the petite, elegant, bird-like lady walks out on stage and stands in the spotlight, chances are she\'ll have you expecting some delicate crooning.

Not on your life. Rita Ellis Hammer could fill a room the size of Radio City Music Hall with her voice alone--no microphone necessary.
This is one of those prodigious, force-of-nature sounds, a Broadway belt, a Mermanesque vibrato and High Brooklynese enunciation that are not for the faint of heart.
Prepare to be walloped.


Diana Templeton is making a rare NYC appearance this eve! Diana Templeton is a singing actress - or an acting singer, I can't decide which. Having both a lovely sweet voice that can sail over a wide ocean of notes as well as the talent to convey emotions and tell good stories, Templeton seems virtually unlimited in her repertoire of song.


Esther Beckman who won the MAC 2007 Award for Best Female Debut!



Jim Speake with Steven Ray Watkins on piano. Jim Speake is an actor/ singer living in New York City. Jim is originally from Alabama. His early years were spent on a cotton farm. As an adult he lived and worked in Atlanta, Georgia where he built his own company, Speake Garden Furnishings.
This company sold quality garden furniture and accessories to the design trade from a showroom in The Atlanta Decorative Arts Center. While in Atlanta, Jim worked with several local theater companies including The Savoyards Musical Theater Company. In 1996, Jim was one of four "Catfish" in the Opening Ceremonies of The US Olympic Games.







Erin Cronican Proud Member of AEA, SAG and AFTRA. Currently residing in New York City, Erin was raised in San Diego, California and has been acting/singing/dancing since the age of 9. Erin's first role was as the gander in "Charlotte's Web" and this was only the first of many gender-bending and species bending roles! In fact, it wasn't until college that she started to play roles in her own age range, ethnicity and gender









Maria Ottavia! Her connection with both audience and her material - serving as a conduit for the
feelings and thoughts expressed in the show- was amazing.
Quite honestly, I have
never heard the very familiar "If I Loved You" done quite as well! Several song
pairings were surprising - and perfectly performed.
And when it comes to a ballad,
no one does it better than Maria on songs like "A Quiet Thing."

Truly someone
ready to make her mark on the cabaret scene, Ms. Ottavia is a performer to watch -
and catch when she makes her next appearance.

Stu Hamstra, Cabaret Hotline


AND POSSIBLY YOU! All other singers present will be chosen by lottery! Check out the fun we have at The Iguana!


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 Tuesday! 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 @RichardSkipper



HERE IS WHAT AUDIENCES ARE SAYING ABOUT MY WORK:
You were fabulous! You made me cry when you recited the soliloquy from "Dolly". You look wonderful and are such a precious person all around. Keep on going ...pleease.... with your talent extraordinaire!!!! Sondra was a delight. I wish her the best of good fortune. Loved chatting with Donna Hanover. Our sons attended the same high school (not at the same time). She is so sweet and I am so glad she found happiness!
Thanks for letting me come.
Love,
Lozita, New Jersey



I had the honor of participating in a very special memorial concert for musician/composer Jim Fradrich who passed away in August. This wonderful evening was produced by Jim's partner Kevin McMullan and took place at the Actors Chapel on 47th St in Manhattan. Kicking off the concert was Richard Skipper who's amazing voice vibrated through the entire church..it was like a choir of angels. Jim was smiling down upon us I'm sure. Julie Reyburn, http://www.juliereyburn.com


Hi Richard,
I am away at a Music Therapy Conference in San Diego but I wanted to thank you for last Wednesday night (11/11/09).
I think the show seems to be unique in that it offers singers the oppurtunity to perform Jazz, Broadway, comedy and even opera. Within that the diversity every performers uniqueness made it truly interesting and exciting. The talent seems to get better and better. More importantly the audience seems to feel comfortable and enjoying themselves which in turn makes the performers feel connected and good about what they are doing. Barry is also a joy to work with and you and Dana just know how to make everybody laugh and smile. As a singer, counselor and Music Therapist I feel you have created a show of diversity, comfort, talent and joy and that is what connects to people. I have no doubt you and Dana will continue to be a huge success.
And I a very grateful to be a part of your organization. Please tell me what I can do to be of further assistance.
Allegra Pigott, Stamford, CT



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).
WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE IGUANA!



Barry Levitt on keyboard and Morrie Louden on bass!
on bass. Time: 8 - 11:00 p.m.

Cover: $10 - 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.










December 2nd: Cynthia Crane, The debut of The Marquee 5 (Mick Bleyer, Adam Hemming, Vanessa Parvin, Sierra Rein, Julie Reyburn) singing selections from their upcoming revue, "We Can Make It...The Songs of Kander & Ebb" and Hector Coris!


December 9th: Richard Holbrook, Josh Zuckerman, Helena Grenot, Jillian Laurain, Jerry Wichinsky

December 16th: Jessee Luttrell and Susan Eichorn-Young


December 30th: Ritt Henn, Annie Hughes, Yvette Malavets-Blum, David Nathan Scott

January 20th: D'Yan Forrest and Scot Wisniewski
Keep checking http://www.richardskipper.com/schedule.html


February 17th: James Alexander!

HAPPY END OF SEPTEMBER!

Can you believe another month in 2009 is slipping through our fingers today? I certainly can't. The month began with me in Malibu. Next month, I go to Louisville, Kentucky with Steven Brinberg and Tommy Femia.
Wednesday Night at The Iguana continues to be a great success. THANK YOU, DANA LORGE! We had some incredible entertainers this month.
Here is the latest on a few of those. Sue Matsuki kicked off our month. She has gone on to a succesful run at The Laurie Beechman Theatre. I have heard through the grapevine that this is her best work to date.
Congrats on a successful run, Sue Matsuki! They are putting it up one more night Mon, Nov. 9th at 7:00 at Beechman.

The following week we were lucky enough to get Val Ryder in a rare NY appearance. He brought the house down (as usual). I hope that he will be doing his own show in the near future. We need it!

Last week, we had David Gurland and UPTOWN EXPRESS. The critically-acclaimed show, Brand New Day, returns to the Metropolitan Room for three more shows this Fall.


The show on Sunday, October 18 at 7:00 p.m. features special guest KT Sullivan, and the Thursday, October 29, and Wednesday, November 11 shows, both at 7:30 p.m. features special guest Julie Gold, whose new song "Love is Love is Love" the group is among the first to perform.

Uptown Express has been delighting concert and cabaret audiences with musical direction and arrangements by James Followell for more than two decades.
The group's diverse repertoire ranges from pop standards and show tunes to rock and roll, with a special fondness for guy groups like the Four Seasons, the Beatles and the Plaids. Uptown Express has had the privilege of performing with many Broadway and cabaret greats, including Kristin Chenoweth, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Karen Mason, Sam Harris, Terri White, KT Sullivan, Klea Blackhurst, Melissa Errico, Steve Ross, Lina Koutrakous, Sidney Meyer and Mario Cantone.


Most recently, the group has been nominated for two MAC Awards from the Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs: Recording and Vocal Group. Also, this year, the group has been honored to win awards from two distinguished New York City cabaret organizations: 2008 Best Vocal Group Recording from Cabaret Hotline for their CD "Walk Like A Man," and Outstanding Vocal Group from Back Stage Bistro for their 2008 shows at the Metropolitan Room.
Uptown Express features Christopher Caswell, John DePalma, David Gurland and Brad Parks. The group is backed by Dan Gross on drums, Sean Conly on bass and Musical Director James Followell at the grand piano. The show is directed by Lennie Watts.

For more information about Uptown Express, visit www.uptownexpressnyc.org


Copies of their CD, "Walk Like A Man" are available at www.cdbaby.com/cd/uptownexpress (SOURCE: BROADWAY WORLD.)


We are ending the month with a bang! Tonight we have Wendy Lane Bailey and an incredible line-up of entertainers! You can read more about Wendy by visiting her website: http://www.wendylanebailey.com.

We also have Bobby Belfry!
Rick Younger:



Stewart Brodian: http://www.webspawner.com/users/brodianpage

and Paul & Rochelle Chamlin
... and a few other surprises as well.
AND THAT'S JUST TONIGHT!

Over the next few weeks, Melissa Young, Edd Clark, and many others will be dropping by.
Please keep checking http://www.richardskipper.com/schedule.html for updates.



A HOLLYWOOD THEATRICAL LANDMARK CELEBRATES IT'S CENTENNIAL
by opening its door to the general public (non-members) for the first time.

On November 2nd, The Academy of Magical Arts is planning a week long celebration of Magic for the 100th anniversary of the structure known today as The Magic Castle, culminating in a show at the Kodak Theatre called IT's MAGIC! on Nov 8th (Attached).

There will be a number of promotions involved, featuring such personalities as Neil Patrick Harris (Board Member), Romi Dames, Sam Freberg, Phill Lewis, and Florence Henderson as well as performers from Lance Burton and Shimada to Kevin James. In fact, one of their attractions involves recreating one of Harry Houdini's great escapes by using a crane to raise escape artist, 100 feet above the Castle in a straight jacket.
In addition, for the first time in their history the World Famous Magic Castle will open its doors to the general public for one night only on Monday, November 2nd. Space is very limited so guests will be selected through a random raffle. Those interested can sign up at www.magiccastle.com/contest for a chance to win entry for 2. Dinner reservations are required for all winners. Food and Beverage charges, gratuities and valet charges are the responsibility of the winner. All contestants must be 21 years of age.
Also, all guests must be 21 years of age with photo ID and in proper dress code, which can be found at http://www.magiccastle.com/visiting/dresscode.cfm, to enter the club.

The Castle has been the location for many of Hollywood films as well as TV Series including Hart to Hart, Murder She Wrote, the Mae West Story, Monk, Barnaby Jones, Matlock, VH1, Top Chef, America's Top Model, etc.
Over the years members have included and include many of the industry's elite such as Johnny Carson, Gary Grant, Dom Deluise, Johnny Depp, Buzz Aldrin, Sean Penn, Carol Channing, Nicholas Cage, Tony Shaloub, Drew Barrymore, JoAnne Worley, Loni Anderson, Steve Martin, Buddy Ebsen, Rose Marie, Tippi Hedren, Walter Mathau, Karl Maldin, as well as some of the greatest magicians including Penn & Teller, Doug Henning, Sigfried and Roy to name only a few.

Six theatres exist within the walls of The Magic Castle, from the Parlor of Prestidigitation and the Penn & Teller stage to The Palace Theatre itself.
Most recently, their Inner Circle became home of the new Cabaret at the Castle which has featured some of Broadways biggest names including Carol Channing, Jason Graae, Ilene Graff, Phyllis Diller, Rose Marie, Richard Sherman, JoAnne Worley, Rip Taylor and a special guest during the Castle's centennial, Miss Florence Henderson. Up until now, the rarely used space has been virtually unknown to even many of the Castle members. It houses a eclectic collection including WC Field's trick pool table, Marionettes from The Sound of Music, Edgar Bergen's Ventriloquists dummies, Walt Disney's original miniature of the Haunted Mansion, the original automaton Madam Carnak that Johnny Carson (who was an amateur magician and Magic Castle member) based his famous character, and the actual Hello Dolly! bar.
Other attractions include the Hat and Hare Pub, the piano bar, where the ghost of Erma plays nightly and the Houdini seance room which contains one of the largest original collections of Houdini's great tools of the trade including his personal handcuffs, straight jacket, metamorphosis trunk and famous milk can escape.

For more information, acquire artwork or to request interviews with co-founder Milt Larsen, please contact me at 626-296-3757.
SOURCE: Harlan Boll (h.boll@dcpublicity.com)


THOUSANDS TURN OUT FOR CAROL CHANNING'S NEW CD RELEASE OF "FOR HEAVEN"S SAKE"

If theatergoers were to be polled about what they felt was the most memorable scene in musical comedy, most would probably cite the moment when the curtains part atop the stairs of the Harmonia Gardens Restaurant and Dolly Gallagher Levi appears in her red Freddy Wittop gown and begins her descent to "rejoin the human race."
Well, Carol Channing's latest project, “For Heaven's Sake,” is a gift to the human race and includes many of the songs she came to know and love as a child with spirituals that she learned from her family. The CD features handpicked spirituals from Carol's childhood, taught to her by her father as well as hymns and rousing classic gospel tunes that southern gospel fans and people of all ages will know and love. "I remember touring the country in DOLLY and everywhere we went, they all knew these songs. It was incredibly unifying." The album produced by Larry Ferguson and John Wyatt was released on Sept 18th (2009) by Daywind Records in association with Ferguson Music with major distribution in both secular and Christian retail through New Day and Word Entertainment Association a Warner Brothers Company.

Miss Channing officially launched the CD at the National Gospel and Quartet Convention in Nashville to an estimated crowd of thousands. Miss Channing graciously signed an uncalculated number of CD's for the adoring crowd that had gathered to see the living legend, unit the last possible moment before her hectic schedule required she move on. Channing has had 10 gold records, including the original cast recording for "Hello Dolly!" which bumped the Beattle's out of the number one spot, but this is her first gospel recording. Within hours of the launch, Miss Channing was on her way to sold out engagements at The Derby Theatre in Clarksville, IN and The Dixie Carter Theatre in Huntingdon TN.

Before the official launch, Miss Channing had graciously given a CA landmark church a preview to help them raise the much needed funds to restore their 70 year old roof and beautiful stain glass windows, original to the structure. "The congregation received a blessing from Miss Carol Channing who gave a benefit concert on September 6th to help us raise funds for a new church roof. While spending time with Miss Channing, I discovered two things: one I already new and the second was a discovery.
The one I knew is that no matter what Miss Channing sings, there is JOY in the music. I know this from all of her well loved songs and I realize this as I listen to For Heaven's Sake. In fact, as I enjoy these new recordings she sings, I get swept up in the joy and sing along. The second thing, which was a discovery for me, is that Miss Channing is a very passionate woman. I admire her PASSION in wanting to restore arts funding to public schools. What a rare gift to see someone of her stature willing to spend her time, energy, and financial resources in helping others! Our prayers are with her in this endeavor!" - Rev Joe McGowan/Altadena Community Church

It is true, that Miss Channing's greatest focus is in her effort to secure a place for the arts back into the public school system, “It's got to be included in education because what it does... it fertilizes young minds.
When they are exposed to the arts, they get brighter in everything else. That's what happened to me. We don't need to save the arts, we need to help the Arts save our children." What began as a California based effort has grown with requests for Carol's help in other states including New York, Louisiana, Florida, Tennesse, New Jersey, Indiana and Illinois. So in June of 2010 the Dr. Carol Channing/Harry Kullijian Foundation for the Arts will go national starting in Nashville, TN. "Anything we can do these days to support our youth and encourage their education is too important to ignore. Without the arts, a child's ability to create and to dream is stifled. We can't afford to shortchange our children and our future by denying an arts education for all students," says Harry Kullijian, Carol's husband and foundation co-founder. Over the last three years Miss Channing has been making appearances (performing, speaking, teaching, etc.) at both public schools (Jr and Sr High) as well as universities in order to help them raise the much needed funds for their Arts Departments as well as raise awareness for the need for youth involvement and exposure to the Arts.

Next on Channing's itinerary are appearances in Los Angeles to accept The BraveHeart Arts Education Award that will be presented by a fellow blonde, Ms. Loni Anderson on Oct 3rd, followed by a CD signing and Q&A with her friend Bruce Vilanch at the West Hollywood Book Festival on Oct. 4th. She will then return to Los Angeles and be joined by colleagues Joyce Aimee, Mary Jo Catlett, Carole Cook, Jason Graae, Ilene Graff, Sam Harris, and the voices of Los Angeles' Vox Femina and NPYNK of GMCLA, as well as students from Creative Planet School of the Arts for a one night only event at UCLA's Royce Hall entitled BROADWAY VOICES for Arts in Education on Oct 11th. Slated to host the evening is the star of the Disney hit series "Suite Life of Zach & Cody," Kim Rhodes.

Miss Channing will be celebrating 89 years of age in January 2010, just weeks after her husband turns 90 and neither are showing any signs of slowing down. In fact, Channing has already scheduled recording sessions for her follow up CD (the rumor mill says it will be a jazz collection) and has given the greenlight to the production of a documentary on the ultimate Broadway baby's life to TONY Award winning director and producer Dori Berinstein. Earlier this year, Miss Channing was selected as one of the leading ladies of stage and screen for the Smithsonian Institute's first permanent Entertainment Exhibit. In addition, Stars are in the works for Walks and Walls of fame in both Palm Springs and New York, respectively. What may shock most fans of the perennial blond is that the Kennedy Center Honors has never tributed the original Jazz Baby, and, in fact, has declined honoring her every year for the last 10 years that friends and colleagues have been submitting her. When asked about it, Miss Channing simply replied,"It would be nice and I would be extremely honored, but Im not taking it personal. Every time they announce the list I couldnt agree more with their selections." A bigger than life personality with a heart to match, is it any wonder that screen icon Johnny Depp recently announced that his dream role was to portray the legend on film.

Please see PSA at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d3Uf-QG3Zk or visit www.channingarts.org for more information. (SOURCE: HARLAN BOLL, h.boll@dcpublicity.com)
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 @RichardSkipper





HERE IS WHAT AUDIENCES ARE SAYING ABOUT MY WORK:


I just love your Carol. She is so captivating by mixing a vibrant, riotous rapporté with touching moments of nostalgic storytelling and song. Her courage to charge into the audience and take no prisoners is brilliant. The audience feels teased, exposed and tickled, but never insulted nor humiliated. Carol's quick wit and warm charm win every heart in the house.
John Tidd, after Malibu appearance earlier this month


Richard - hearing you this past Wednesday nite at The Iguana VIP Lounge pull out of your back pocket a wonderful ballad as 'Old Man River' was so enjoyable! You sang with such tenderness and feeling. You really stopped me dead-in-my-tracks. I always see you exhibiting such energy and excitement in your emceeing duties that to hear you sit and hold court in that spotlight was thrilling for me and the entire audience. You are truly the "consummate entertainer".
Love, Jillian Laurain




Wednesday Night (September 16th) you were so delicious! Strawberry shortcake. You are so sweet. Your voice, the way you speak and sing.. I"ll have sweet dreams tonight thinking of your smiling face. You remind me from my childhood when I used to watch Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Dana was great too! Great show! Glad to see you back!
xo!
Love,
Sunny Leigh


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NYC

Now a night out in NY to see a show at a VERY AFFORDABLE price!
Dana Lorge and I have
now put their 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). WEDNESDAY NIGHT OF
THE IGUANA!
Each week
will showcase 5 entertainers.
Barry Levitt returns on keyboard and Saadi Zain on bass!
on bass. Time: 8 - 11:00 p.m.
Cover: $10 - no food or drink minimums – but remember – the food is great!



CASH ONLY PAID AT THE DOOR! 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.









October 7th: Edd Clark, Marianne Meringolo, Wendy Russell, Marcus Simeone, Maureen Taylor

October 14th: Kelly Esposito- Broelmann, Barbara Gurskey, Jonathan Long, Andrea Mezvinsky-Kolb , Martin Vidnovic

October 21st: Esther Beckman & Stearns Matthews, Leslie Orofino, Susan Winter

October 28th: Jenna Esposito returns!, Laurie Krauz & Wicked’s very own Walter ONeil, Angela Schultz, Mauricio Villa-Lobos!


November 4th: Arianna, Moira Danis, Elaine St. George, Daryl Glenn, Lynn DiMenna

December 2nd: The debut of The Marquee 5 (Mick Bleyer, Adam Hemming, Vanessa Parvin, Sierra Rein, Julie Reyburn) singing selections from their upcoming revue, "We Can Make It...The Songs of Kander & Ebb"

December 9th: Richard Holbrook, Josh Zuckerman, Helena Grenot

December 30th: Linda Fields, Ritt Henn, Annie Hughes

Keep checking http://www.richardskipper.com/schedule.html