Happy Birthday, Horace Vandergelder!

"All the troubles of man come from his not knowing how to sit still."
-Blaise Pascal, French philosopher (1623-1662)


Happy Birthday, Horace Vandergelder!
(This is Horace's grandfather, Grand Sire Ritzy!)
I don't mean David Burns, Eddie Bracken, Cab Callaway,Walter Matthau...etc.
I mean our baby, Horace Vandergelder Skipper-Sherman!
Danny and I had for about 11 years, a Yorkie named Chip. He was devoted to both of us and when we lost him six years ago, we were devastated.
When the holidays rolled around again, I said I wanted to get another Yorkie.
We were watching the CBS news one night when they did a story about getting the breed you were seeking without going through a pet store. Most dogs that end up in pet stores come through puppy mills. They suggested going to the American Kennel Association and putting in the breed you were seeking and a zip code and within a certain radius, all breeders registered with the American Kennel Association would show up. We tried it and found a breeder near the Delaware water gap. We made plans to meet with her on Saturday afternoon. Danny informed me that this was only the first breeder we would be seeing and that we did not need to make up our mind that day.
So on Saturday, we went to this farm and after she interviewed us as fit parents, she took us into this mobile home and let the dogs out! Interestingly enough, Danny and I both gravitated to Horace. There is an old saying that you don't choose pets; that they choose you. Whatever happened, we had our minds made up! Then she said before you get too attached to any of these dogs, please let me inform you that there are different prices based on their age, size, and lineage.
Of course, we had chosen the most expensive dog there!
This is a picture of Horace's father, Champion Edgewood's Sky High Blue, called 'Jag'.
Horace's mothers name was Poco in the Sky.Horace is descended from Champions.


Horace is noted as 'Boinb May 28,05' off to the left of the chart.(Seen below)






Our minds were made up! We had lots of paper work to fill out plus an agreement that our vet would see him within 72 hours to make sure there were no health issues and that he would be neutered.
He was at this point a little under 7 months old. We named him Horace Vandergelder,brought him home(this is a pic of Harace the day we brought him home), put him in his crate, and, unfortunately, due to a prior engagement, went out. When we came back, he was running around the house! How did he get out of his crate? This happened a few times until I caught him in the act! He would climb over the top. We learned very early on that Horace has confinement issues. Chip used to love to travel with us. Never an issue! But Horace WILL NOT go in a carrier. After a trip to Florida with him in which he barked the whole trip, going and returning, I said NEVER AGAIN!
Luckily for us, we have a tenant and therefore we are able to leave him at home.
One other thing that we have learned about Horace is that he loves to watch TV...IF animals are involved. He loves the animal planet, all commercials that feature animals, and his favorite movie, as mine was growing up, is THE WIZARD OF OZ.The Wizard of Oz is a 1939 American children's musical fantasy film produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. It was directed primarily by Victor Fleming. Noel Langley, Florence Ryerson and Edgar Allan Woolf received credit for the screenplay, but there were uncredited contributions by others. The lyrics for the songs were written by E.Y. Harburg, the music by Harold Arlen. Incidental music, based largely on the songs, was by Herbert Stothart, with borowings from classical composers.Based on the 1900 fairytale novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum,the film stars Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, and Frank Morgan, with Billie Burke, Margaret Hamilton, Charles Grapewin, Clara Blandick and the Singer Midgets as the Munchkins.
He watches, checks his food bowl, and brings a "snack" in to watch it in front of the TV. Take a look: WARNING: You may want to turn down your volume: The strange thing is that it includes animated animals as well!

Here are some of Horace's favorites!


Here he is watching Max in How The Grinch Stole Christmas!


And Snoopy!


And BABE:Babe is a 1995 Australian-American film directed by Chris Noonan. It is an adaptation of the 1983 novel The Sheep-Pig, also known as Babe: The Gallant Pig in the United States, by Dick King-Smith and tells the story of a pig who wants to be a sheepdog. The main animal characters are played by a combination of real and animatronic pigs and Border Collies.Babe was filmed in Robertson, New South Wales, Australia.The talking-animal visual effects were done by Rhythm & Hues Studios. Although the setting and style of the film are distinctly British/Australasian pastoral, many of the human speaking parts were overdubbed from Australian to American accents for popular acceptance in the American film market.



LASSIE COME HOME:Lassie Come Home is a 1943 MGM film starring Roddy McDowall and canine actor, Pal, in a story about the profound bond between Yorkshire boy Joe Carraclough and his rough collie, Lassie.The film was directed by Fred M. Wilcox from a screenplay by Hugo Butler based upon the 1940 novel Lassie Come-Home by Eric Knight. The film was the first in a series of seven MGM films starring "Lassie."
The original film saw a sequel, Son of Lassie in 1945 with five other films following at intervals through the 1940s. A British remake of the 1943 movie was released in 2005 as Lassie to moderate success. The original film and its sequels continue to air on television and have been released to VHS and DVD.



The Muppets are a group of puppet characters created by Jim Henson starting in 1954–55. Individually, a Muppet is made by Jim Henson or his company's workshop. Although the term is often used to refer to any puppet that resembles the distinctive style of The Muppet Show, the term is both an informal name and legal trademark linked to the characters created by Henson.

RUDOLPH:Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer is a fictional reindeer with a glowing red nose.
He is popularly known as "Santa's 9th Reindeer" and, when depicted, is the lead reindeer pulling Santa's sleigh on Christmas Eve. The luminosity of his nose is so great that it illuminates the team's path through inclement winter weather.Rudolph first appeared in a 1939 booklet written by Robert L. May and published by Montgomery Ward.The story is owned by The Rudolph Company, L.P. and has been adapted in numerous forms including a popular song, a television special, and a feature film. Character Arts, LLC manages the licensing for the Rudolph Company, L.P. Although the story and song are not public domain, Rudolph has become a figure of Christmas folklore.
Robert L. May created Rudolph in 1939 as an assignment for Montgomery Ward. The retailer had been buying and giving away coloring books for Christmas every year and it was decided that creating their own book would save money. May considered naming the reindeer "Rollo" and "Reginald" before deciding upon using the name "Rudolph".In its first year of publication, 2.4 million copies of Rudolph's story were distributed by Montgomery Ward. The story is written as a poem in the meter of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas". "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" is loved by millions and still selling copies. Publication and reprint rights for the book "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" are controlled by Pearson Plc.

THE Westminster Dog Show:In 1877, New York was well on its way to becoming the world's greatest city. This was the year that a group of sporting gentlemen decided that this would be a good time to hold a dog show in Manhattan. It didn't take long before the Westminster Kennel Club, following the lead of its home town, would be on its way to becoming the world's greatest dog show.

We love our baby and we're looking forward to the next six years!


The Yorkshire terrier is a small dog breed of terrier type, developed in the 19th century in the historical area of Yorkshire, England to catch rats in clothing mills. The defining features of the breed are its small size, less than 3.2 kilograms (7.1 lb), and its silky blue and tan coat. The breed is nicknamed Yorkie and is placed in the Toy Terrier section of the Terrier Group by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale and in the Toy Group or Companion Group by other kennel clubs, although all agree that the breed is a terrier. A popular companion dog, the Yorkshire terrier has also been part of the development of other breeds, such as the Australian Silky Terrier.
Here is Horace sleeping with his favorite toy:



At our back gate:



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Tomorrow's blog will be about YOU TELL ME!! I'm open to suggestions

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TILL TOMORROW...HERE'S TO AN ARTS FILLED SUMMER!
Richard Skipper, Richard@RichardSkipper.com

I'm The "Greatest" Star?

I very excitedly went to see Funny Girl Saturday night in Asbury Park starring Steve Brinberg. I LOVE STEVE BRINBERG! Presented by Revision Theatre at The Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park. The following is from Peter Filichia's column and the letter the subscribers got from The Revision Theatre. I debated as to whether or not I would post it in my blog today. I chose to place it here because I love this theatre and what they are trying to accomplish in Asbury Park (Not an easy task in today's tough economy!). But they have proved themselves time and time again.

Last summer, I had the pleasure of playing Carol Channing as Dolly Levi in a fully staged production of HELLO, DOLLY along with Charles Karel as Horace Vandergelder (who was in the original production with Carol Channing!) This was the kick-off for the theatre and their first big introduction to Asbury Park! What a great honor to be part of this new journey for them. Steven Bishop Seeley, Thomas Morressey, and David Leidholdt who founded Revision Theatre are three men to watch in the theatre. I was so excited to have this opportunity that I showed up at the first rehearsal completely off book! I wanted to honor the original vision of Michael Stewart, Jerry Herman, Gower Champion, and Carol Channing without any editorial nudges. Even though it was being presented as a "concert version" of the show, my expectations were higher. Halfway through the first rehearsal, Jim Weitzer (Cornelius Hackl) and Chris Gunn/pictured here (Barnaby Tucker) said that I had set the bar very high. They chose also to be off book and before you knew it, the entire company was off-book. From my first rehearsal with John Fischer, the musical director (as he was with FUNNY GIRL), it was an INCREDIBLE experience. Connor Gallagher, our choreographer (he directed/choreographed Funny Girl), and Thomas Morressey (director), and the entire company strived to make this an exciting night at the theatre. The three (who's counting) standing ovations attested to that.

I know how much time the "Funny Girl" company had to put this show together. I don't blame the creative team. I blame Steve Brinberg. I love him but why didn't he know the script? Especially at these prices! Our top ticket price was $50.00 on Dolly. This was $100.00.

I feel that Steve let the company down, his audience, and more importantly himself. I hope he realizes this. The apology came from the wrong people.




Does It Take More Explanation Than This?
Peter Filichia, Theatermania.com

I know that today I was supposed to tell you all about my London trip, but something came up.

Funny Girl at the ReVision Theatre of Asbury Park, New Jersey.

Not a full production, but a concert version, starring Steven Brinberg. He’s spent most of the last 15 years imitating Barbra Streisand in concert, here, there, and around the world -- from London to Australia to Hong Kong. Indeed, when Streisand herself was asked to perform at Donna Karan’s birthday party, she asked Brinberg (through her people, natch) to go in her stead.
So the idea sounded good, especially when also promised was a 14-piece orchestra, which is larger than we get at some Broadway shows. Better still, Lainie Kazan, who was Streisand’s original understudy, would be on hand to introduce the show and sing “The Music That Makes Me Dance” -- thus freeing Brinberg to do “My Man” at show’s end.


Some nice Broadway names would be attached, too. Loni Zoe Ackerman would be Mrs. Brice, Gene Castle was tabbed for Mr. Keeney, and Harvey Evans would portray Flo Ziegfeld.

I wasn’t the only one looking forward to it. When I approached the Paramount Theatre on the famous Asbury Park boardwalk, I was stunned at how many people had turned out for the show: Hundreds of heterosexual and gay couples, many powers-that-be from New Jersey theater, and plenty of New Yorkers. On my way in on down the aisle to my seat, I shook hands or said hello to more than a dozen people I knew.
1,600 others filled the large orchestra and substantial mezzanine, too.

And were we all primed for this evening! Kazan delivered the goods on some bittersweet stories and her song, and as the lights dimmed, the crowd roared its approval. Then came what I consider to be musical theater’s greatest overture (and yes, of course I’ve heard Gypsy). Even strangely out-of-tune-sounding violins couldn’t put a damper on what was to come.
Brinberg certainly can sing a la Streisand. He knows how to put a breath between “that,” “same” and “night” in “Sadie, Sadie” and how to mimic many other of the lady’s affectations, too. The problem, though, was one that we heard about Debbie Gibson’s stab at the role some years ago – that “they should have changed the title to just Girl.”

In short, Brinberg didn’t know how to whack a joke from here to Hackensack. He was slightly better in Act Two when he didn’t have to be funny, but his serious acting chops could have used some additional attention, too.

My theory is that Brinberg is best when he’s imitating latter-day Streisand, the one he knows from the videos of her all-too-infrequent concert appearances. He has less access to the 21-year-old who starred in Funny Girl on Broadway in 1964.
One could argue that he has that 1968 film to guide him, but Streisand was a very different animal by then. Listen to the cast album and then the soundtrack, and you’ll see that on the latter disc, she’s playing with the songs, not quite singing the notes that Jule Styne wrote for her, but is riffing on many of them. In this film, Streisand, despite a performance that won an Oscar, distanced herself a little from the material. So did Brinberg.

To be fair, staged concerts of musicals are famous for having little rehearsal time, so with a few extra days or weeks, a director might have been able to draw what was missing from Brinberg. Too bad, for much of the rest of the cast was up to their assignments, though the actress who played one of Mrs. Brice’s poker-playing buddies was so over-the-top and intent on stealing the show that she embarrassed herself.

All right. We all went home, and were prepared to forget about it. But then something happened that, in the 48 consecutive years that I’ve been paying attention to Broadway, I’ve never experienced.

For on Monday morn, this is what I found from ReVision Theatre in my e-mailbox.

We know that some were disappointed with this past Saturday evening’s presentation of FUNNY GIRL.

For those who have seen our shows in the past, you know our quality has been exceedingly high. Our past productions included "Hello, Dolly!" with the incomparable Richard Skipper as Carol Channing, our sold out production of "Hair" last summer in the Carousel House, the hysterical "Scrooge in Rouge" this past December, and, this past spring, "Kingdom" an innovative and fresh new hip hop rock musical. All of these shows received rave reviews from audience members and critics alike and all of them involved our willingness to take risks.

We pride ourselves on producing new works and classic works in a new way. Our company is founded on the belief that risk taking produces great theatre. When you take risks you sometimes succeed and sometimes fail. History has shown that very nature of live theatre produces more flops than hits.

Everyone will not always like all of our shows. Theatre is, as is all art, subjective, but the commitment to quality we put into it will never be less that top notch.

Steven Brinberg, a cabaret artist came to us highly recommended with a huge reputation as the premier Barbra Streisand impersonator. His cabaret act has been seen and loved by thousands throughout the world. Knowing that, we thought that as a benefit performance he would shine as Fanny Brice in FUNNY GIRL.
In FUNNY GIRL we had a wonderful cast and ensemble of Broadway veterans and Connor Gallagher the director/choreographer did an amazing job. The dance numbers were fabulous and we were delighted with Lainie Kazan as she introduced the evening.

FUNNY GIRL was a benefit and billed as a concert. We modeled the presentation after the Encores series in NY at City Center which are produced with limited costumes and sets, and with the performers on book. With our presentation, this is necessary because all of the performers are working professionals who are volunteering their time to help support live theatre here in Asbury Park. As such, they are only available for an extremely limited number of rehearsals. Ticket sales for our full main-stage productions only cover a portion of a show’s expenses. Benefits and other donations are necessary to help make up the difference.

As a benefit, FUNNY GIRL raised much needed funds to help us continue our mission as a professional regional theatre in Asbury Park. We are exceedingly grateful for your support and we know we cannot do what we do without you.

We also realize that the adage "you're only as good as your last show" is true. If you are among those who felt that FUNNY GIRL did not meet your expectations we apologize. If we had the chance to go back in time we would certainly make some very different decisions.

We hope, however, that you will continue to support us and to support the process that is vital to exciting live theatre.

Please join us for our next full main-stage production of THE FULL MONTY which runs from August 12 thru September 6 in the Carousel House on the Boardwalk in Asbury Park and be a part of that process.

We welcome your comments or feedback at any time. Please email us at info@revisiontheatre.org to offer your comments.

THE FULL MONTY TICKET OFFER to help make it easier for you to come back! Use code: MontyOffer and receive 25% off your tickets but HURRY! Offer expires this Wednesday July 15 at Midnight. Order online at www.ReVisionTheatre.org or by phone at 732-455-3059. Please continue your support of risk taking theatre!

Sincerely,
The entire producing team of the ReVision Theatre.

Have you ever seen a written apology from a theater? Oh, I can recall some shows that opened to putrid reviews and said, “Come, and if you don’t like it, we’ll give you your money back.” But I’ve never seen a theater admit that it offered a not-so-hot show.


Of course, e-mails make this easier, and don’t involve much labor or any postage. If theaters of years past sent out such a letter when a show bombed, the post office wouldn’t now have a deficit, and Central Park would be nothing but grass, because all the trees would have been required to be chopped down to make enough paper for the apologies.


One could argue that this is just a different way of sending out a “Buy now at a discount!” ticket offer, but I see it as a healthy move. Many theaters would have blithely insisted that it had delivered the goods, and said that if you didn’t like the show, hey, that was your problem.


But because I saw Hair and Kingdom -- and thought they were marvelously done – I have a feeling that ReVision Theatre is letting its considerable audience know that it can tell a good show from a bad one. Isn’t that the height of NON-nonchalance?


GO SEE A LIVE SHOW THIS 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


AND DON'T FORGET: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NYC



WE WERE SRO LAST WEDNESDAY NIGHT (7/8/09)!
Now a night out in NY to see a show at a VERY AFFORDABLE price!
Richard Skipper, along with Dana Lorge, is hosting a weekly variety show in NYC at The Iguana VIP Lounge in the heart of NYC (240 West 54th Street 8-11PM/with an intermission). WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE IGUANA! What they are doing is NOT being done anywhere else! Each week will showcase 5 entertainers. Other entertainers that show up will be inserted throughout the show as time permits/this is done by lottery!
AND each are joined by Barry Levitt on keyboard and Saadi Zain on bass.Each week will be different. The price is ONLY $10.00 with NO food or drink minimum (although the food at The Iguana is top notch). This is a nice night out with the family! The show will also be done with class and elegance.
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!!!!!!!!! 845-365-0720. No one admitted before 7:30.
TONIGHT (July 15th) guests include: Suzannah Bowling, Diana LeBlanc, Mitch Kahn, Gretchen Reinhagen, and Kim Schultz Improv Group... and a few other surprises as well! Remember $10.00 Cover/No food or drink minimum!

July 22nd: Michael Austin, Jonathan Long, Sue Matsuki, Maria Ottavia, and Felicia Strassman AND Sharon McNight


July 29th: 2009 Bistro Award Winner for Outstanding Debut: Deb Burman, Kristopher Monroe, Marcus Simeone, Maureen Taylor, and Susan Winter.


August 5th: Sandi Durell, Bobbie Horowitz, Carolyn Ohlbaum, Brent Winborn, and Yaffa

August 12th: Barbara Gurskey, Rachel Stone and Leslie Orofino confirmed (Others TBA)



THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS ARE FROM 7/8/09
"What a bright, warm, funny host you are! Thank you so much for allowing me to jump up and enjoy my craft last night. Looking forward to the next one!” –Sierra Rein”



“That was a great evening, glitches or no glitches. My friend Deb Mayer (who I introduced you to, and is a fabulous actress) said she absolutely loved the format you have devised. XXXOOO Diana LaBlanc

“Such a deal!! 3 hours of excellent live entertainment for $10 deserves SRO every week!!!!” Carolyn Kalmus

“Thank you so much for last night! And thanks to Dana also! I had an absolute ball! Looking forward to coming back on August 5, and hopefully sooner.”
Carolyn Ohlbaum


AND TOMORROW NIGHT!July 16
8pm
TIM MCCLOONE'S SUPPER CLUB, 1200 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ
LEGENDARY LADIES
Starring Stephen Brinberg as Barbra Strisand, Tommy Femia as Judy Garland, and myself as Carol Channing joined by Christopher Denny on piano! ALL LIVE! NO LIP SYNCH!! ALL ON ONE STAGE

Steven Brinberg writes and stars as Simply Barbra which is updated annually as he travels the globe with the show. This year he appears with Marvin Hamlisch and the Symphony Orchestras of Dallas, Milwaukee, Buffalo and Norfolk. Prior appearances with Mr. Hamlisch include one with Barbara Cook and the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center and another at Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh. He recently narrated the New York City Gay Men's Chorus concert at Avery Fisher Hall, written especially for him by Terrence McNally. That program was also seen in Seattle.

Tommy has won an unprecedented 5 MAC Awards for Outstanding Impersonation and a Back Stage Bistro Award for his work. Tommy also received a 6th MAC Award for Outstanding Musical Comedy Duo for "Judy Garland & Liza Minnelli Live!," co-starring Christine Pedi (Forbidden Broadway, The Sopranos) as Judy's daughter Liza Minnelli.

And ME!
Now we join forces for what promises to be quite an exciting evening!

RESERVE NOW!