STAYING FOCUSED: WHAT'S NEXT?

As I lied in bed last night, I tossed and turned about what today's blog would be about. I felt that I didn't really have much to report and then as I was making my coffee this AM, I decided to do a continuation of the themes I wrote about last week. Is it Part 2 or is it just a serial? It continues. It has now been a month since I co-hosted Wednesday Night at The Iguana. I do miss it. I still refuse to write about the events that led up to, what some assume and feel, was a quick departure. But please know there are many layers to this "onion". None of which has anything to do with the venue itself. I do appreciate the MANY phone calls and e-mails with your concerns. Those who have not reached out to me have deduced their own conclusions. That's OK. I know the truth and I can sleep at night knowing that the decisions I have made over the past 5 weeks were/are the RIGHT decisions for me. There is no reason why WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE IGUANA (which of course is an off shoot of what Joan Crowe started there) will not continue to soar without me. I thank EVERYONE who contributed to that evening. Audiences, entertainers, ALL the musicians who have played that evening, and of course, THE IGUANA!

If you saw my blog last Friday, you know about my class with Judith Light. What took place in that class has stayed with me...and will continue to do so. I don't know if I'm better in tuned with my emotions these days or if I'm just ready to receive.
Messages seem to be coming to me from all angles and I'M LISTENING! Last week, I was referred to as running things like the "gestapo" (their words, not mine). Last night, I was asked to co-produce a major event next year (for the second time!) bringing to the table the same skills that I use that were recently dismissed! I'm open to ALL possibilities...and we'll see what is at the next bend in the road.

Tonight, I'm taking a class on Web Marketing 301: Using FACEBOOK, TWITTER, and LinkedIn. I'm also reading a book now called LINKEDIN FOR DUMMIES. I am going to be launching a workshop/classes on building an audience and a following utilizing these skills that I have learned and honed over the years. Those who know me and have experienced my shows know that I know how to fill a house. I'm not being braggadocios, I'm stating a fact.

Stay tuned for several projects that I am working on! Trust me, I'm not collecting moss!
On another note, it's amazing how FACEBOOK is so much a part of all of our lives. One of my favorite features is the birthday reminders. Carol Channing used to say in her act that, "People are just people and they like to be acknowledged on their birthdays." I am also working on a monologue from Truman Capote's "CHILDREN ON THEIR BIRTHDAYS" for an audition I have next week. I did a show MANY years ago based on this novella. One of my favorites and now I am emersed in this. Perhaps I'm thinking a lot about birthdays because my 50th is on the horizon! Who knows? But right now, I would like to acknowledge my FACEBOOK friends who have a birthday today! The first is Meg O'Brien! (Pictured here on the right)One of the gifts of The Iguana was the incredible people I met. Meg came to us via Tod Hall, an incredible singer. Meg is an incredible singer in her own right.
She has moved to Dorchester, Massachusetts.
Mass' gain is our loss! Love and miss you, Meg!
It is also Chris America's Birthday! Chris is one of the best tribute artists in the world as Madonna..if not the best! AND she is a REAL WOMAN! I met Chris years ago at the IGCITA (International Guild of Celebrity and Tribute Artists) convention in Las Vegas and became a huge fan. AND Chris is a nice person to boot! Check out Chris' website at: http://chrisamerica.net.

It is also Lee Tannen's Birthday! Lee and I have actually never met. However, I became familiar with Lee when I read "I LOVED LUCY", Lee's memoir about his friendship with Lucille Ball in the later years of her life.
You can read a little bit about this book, Lucille Ball, and Lee by going to this link: http://www.lucyfan.com/leetannen.html

I Loved Lucy Stage Play Gives Look Into Later Years of Lucille Ball

(SOURCE: Published: October 25, 2010
I Loved Lucy
Lee Tannen knew legendary actress Lucille Ball like few others. A distant cousin of her second husband, Gary Morton, Tannen met Ball as a child. Some 25 years later, they became very close friends; from 1980 until her death in 1989 (save for a riff that lasted more than a year).

In his book, I Loved Lucy: My Friendship with Lucille Ball, Tannen gives a intimate look at the private self and world of one of television’s most popular performers. When not traveling for various events, functions or vacations, the two spent much of their time together simply playing Ball’s favorite game, backgammon, at her Beverly Hills home. Aside from offering lots of interesting anecdotes and insights, I Loved Lucy also gives readers some details about Ball’s only unsuccessful series, 1986′s Life with Lucy.
It was dumped by ABC after eight episodes had aired.

I Loved Lucy was first published in 2001 and Tannen has since adapted it into a two-person stage play.
It was recently presented at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach, California.
The production ran until Halloween afternoon and starred Jeffry Denman (as Lee) and Diane Findlay (a dear friend of mine!) (as Lucy). You can order I LOVED LUCY by Lee Tannen by going here: http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=Lee+Tannen&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&hl=en&cid=14747547209067906203&ei=DbXaTMHsKqjswgXvg4zzDw&sa=title&ved=0CAgQ8wIwADgA#p
So what's next for Lee? I LOVED LUCY going to London in the spring of 2011. Lee is directing a show for Jason Graae in Palm Springs on Saturday, November 27. PERFECT HERMANY: Jason Graae sings Jerry Herman. Jason Graae Brings PERFECT HERMANY to The Arthur Newman Theatre 11/27 (SOURCE: BROADWAYWORLD.COM)

Read more: http://losangeles.broadwayworld.com/article/Jason_Graae_Brings_PERFECT_HERMANY_to_The_Arthur_Newman_Theatre_1127_20101101#ixzz14tVGmWz2Popular cabaret singer and Broadway star Jason Graae will brings his new show "Perfect Hermany," to The Arthur Newman Theatre at the Joslyn Center in Palm Desert on Saturday, November 27th at 7 PM as part of Les Michaels' Life Is A Cabaret Concert Series which began there in July and will continue through December.

Jason Graae has starred on and off-Broadway in "A Grand Night For Singing", "Falsettos", "Stardust", "Snoopy", "Do Black Patent Leather Shows Really Reflect Up?", "Forever Plaid", "Olympus on My Mind", "All in the Timing", "Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh" and many more. Jason Made his Metropolitan Opera House debut in Twyla Tharp's "Everlast" with American Ballet Theatre. In Los Angeles, he won his second Drama Critics Circle Award, the Joel Hirschorn Award for Oustanding Achievement in Musical Theatre, and the Ovation Award for "Forbidden Broadway Y2KLA!", an Artistic Director's Achievement Award for "Fully Committed", and a Santa Barbara Indie Award for "High Button Shoes". Jason originated the role of "Houdini" in "Ragtime" at the Shubert Theatre, "Marcellus" in "The Music Man" at the Hollywood Bowl, "Grand Hotel" and "The Grand Tour" at The Colony as well as many shows at Reprise' Broadway Series.

Jason has performed his one-man shows all over the country, including Rainbow and Stars and Birdland in NYC, Caramoor Music Festival, Wolf Trap, Feinstein's at the Cinegrill, and The Plush Room in San Francisco. He received the New York Nightlife Award, 4 Bistros Awards and was listed in TimeOut-NY's Top 10 Cabaret shows of 2006. In 2010 he toured with his cabaret show "Magically Delicious" - receiving critics' raves everwhere he played. Jason has recorded over forty CDs, including original cast albums, concerts, compilations, and his two solo CDs, "You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile - Jason Graae Sings Charles Strouse", and "Jason Graae LIVE at The Cinegrill". For the November 27th date, the audience will see the debut of "Perfect Hermany", featuring songs by local resident and famed composer and lyricist, Jerry Herman and directed by Lee Tannan and musical director John Boswell. Tickets for the show are $10 cash only at the door if available, reservations may be made at 760-325-2731. Show time is 7 PM and the box office opens at 6 PM with an optional wine and cheese social, also $10, which will benefit programs at The Joslyn Center.

WHO: Jason Graae in "Perfect Hermany" - directed by Lee Tannen, with John Boswell on piano

WHAT: Live cabaret music concert- Tickets are $10 at the door if available
Or on line at www.brownpapertickets.com

WHERE: Arthur Newman Theatre at The Joslyn Center
73-750 Catalina Way in Palm Desert, CA. 92260

WHEN: Saturday, November 27, 2010 - Show time 7 PM

HOW: Call 760-325-2731 for information or reservations

Read more: http://losangeles.broadwayworld.com/article/Jason_Graae_Brings_PERFECT_HERMANY_to_The_Arthur_Newman_Theatre_1127_20101101#ixzz14tV93f1t
Happy Birthday, Lee!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Marc Smolowitz! Check out Marc's IMDB Page: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0810625



HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RUTH CROSON!Please visit Ruth's website at http://www.ruthcroson.com

Take Ruth home with you! http://www.amazon.com/Its-a-Good-Day/dp/B001A30RVS

ALSO IN THE NEWS: A New Kind of Torch Song: Harvey Fierstein Will Star as Albin in La Cage aux Folles (SOURCE: KENNETH JONES, PLAYBILL.COM)Four-time Tony Award-winner Harvey Fierstein will return to Broadway, in drag again, to star as Albin in the 2010 Tony Award-winning revival of La Cage aux Folles, for which he also wrote the libretto. He will slip into feathers and bugle beads starting Feb. 15, 2011, for 12 weeks.

Fierstein won the 1984 Tony Award for writing La Cage, but this will be his first time appearing in the show. He replaces 2010 Tony Award winner Douglas Hodge. Fierstein's co-star at the Longacre will be announced soon.

The current stars of La Cage, five-time Emmy Award-winner Kelsey Grammer as Georges and Olivier and 2010 Tony Award winner Douglas Hodge as Albin, will depart the production on Feb. 13.

La Cage aux Folles, about a gay couple who run a St. Tropez drag club, features music and lyrics by Jerry Herman and book by Fierstein, based on the play by Jean Poiret. This production is choreographed by Lynne Page and directed by Terry Johnson, who won a 2010 Tony Award for his direction. It won the 2010 Best Revival (Musical) Tony.


"I've loved watching this new production of La Cage and think director Terry Johnson and the wonderful company at the Longacre have really mined the material for its humor as well as its heart and humanity," Fierstein said in a statement. "I'm thrilled to get the chance to play Albin a mere 25 years after creating him. It will be a challenge to follow in the footsteps of all the brilliant actors who have portrayed the role before me. But I do have one secret weapon — I know how to reach the author for rewrites."

Fierstein made his professional acting debut at La Mama ETC in 1971 in Andy Warhol's only play, Pork. He followed that with appearances in more than 60 Off-Off-Broadway productions before he began his playwriting career. Early plays like Flatbush Tosca and Cobra Jewels led to his underground hit, Torch Song Trilogy, which transferred Off-Broadway in 1981 and then to Broadway in 1982 where it won the Best Play Tony Award as well as Drama Desk, Obie and Dramatist Guild Awards. Fierstein also won Tony, Drama Desk and Theater World Awards for his portrayal of the Torch Song lead, a drag performer with a heart of gold. He won his third Tony for the libretto of the musical La Cage aux Folles. His other plays include Safe Sex, A Catered Affair and Legs Diamond.

Fierstein's starring role as Edna in the musical Hairspray won him his fourth Tony Award as well as another Drama Desk Award, New York Magazine Award and the Drama League Award for Outstanding Performance of the Year. This made him only the second person in history to win Tonys in four different categories. He recently completed a national tour of Fiddler on the Roof, playing Tevye, a role he played for more than a year in the show's 2005 Broadway revival.

For more information, visit www.LaCage.com.


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

I had the best time at the Iguana last night. it was a night to remember. where else can you go and get that vast variety of a show. it was with out a doubt the most entertaining night of my year! Thanks DeOnzell Green



On Tuesday nite (7/27/10), I saw something at St Luke's theater I am still thinking about today. I saw Richard Skipper transform himself into one of the Grand Dames of American Theater, Ms. Carol Channing.
From the moment he stepped on the stage, I BELIEVED I was watching Ms. Channing. This wasn't your typical tribute show.
This was a show that was put together with love and respect and it showed. I learned more about Carol Channing from this show than I ever knew!
This show was about music and life. The life of Carol Channing and all of the wonderful music she brought to the world and put her signature on. Who could imagine the role of Dolly Levi or Lorelei Lee with anyone besides Carol Channing...maybe Richard Skipper!
Richard gives performers something to aspire to. He gives audiences something to enjoy. He gives the world the gift of Carol Channing with a touch of Richard Skipper thrown in for good measure. Thank you.

Fran Giannini Leonardis, Ringwood, NJ

Richard, the show at St. Luke's was amazing. I loved every minute of it, and judging from the enthusiastic response, so did every single person in the audience. You are incredibly adept at weaving biography, humor and fabulous entertainment into a truly engaging show. (I don't remember the last time I laughed so hard as I did during your "scene" with Evan!) I can't wait to see your show again!
Catt John, NY

Richard's class, wit and resourcefulness shines through, whether as "Carol" on stage at St. Luke's or as himself when he interviewed the "real, Carol at Barnes & Nobel last week. Always a joy to encounter Richard.
Bart Greenberg, Special Events, BARNES & NOBLE LINCOLN SQUARE NYC


. . . 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

Follow me on Twitter www.Twitter.com/RichardSkipper


Google me!

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

"CAROL CHANNING" IN CONCERT STARRING RICHARD SKIPPER, WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE IGUANA, and STEVEN FALES' MISSIONARY POSITION!

"CAROL CHANNING" IN CONCERT STARRING RICHARD SKIPPER LIVES AGAIN!
Some of my readers, family, friends, fans may recall my "farewell" concert this time last year in Asbury Park. Believe it or not, I WAS serious about that. I was burnt out!
After 15 years of doing this show, I still have to prove myself. As I sit here at my desk writing this, I am surrounded by my awards, my testimonials, the photos of my career and the incredible association I have with the "real" Carol Channing. (She loving refers to me as the "unreal" Carol Channing.)If I were to send out a press kit with all of my reviews and press coverage that I have accumulated over the years, it would look like the old SEARS and ROEBUCKS WISHBOOK!
One of the greatest lessons I have learned in this business is that it all boils down to "YES" or "NO". Whether or not that person over the phone, across the desk, sitting over cocktails is going to say yes or no. If they are in the business, are they going to hire you?
If they are a potential audience member (and EVERYBODY is!), are they going to invest their hard earned time and money to come see you. With everything I have going for me (and trust me, I do), It is STILL a very hard show to sell. The "straight" venues (which is my ideal demographic, by the way) are afraid to book me because they think they are getting a "drag" show.
ON THE OTHER HAND, the "gay" venues don't feel that I'm cutting edge enough (read bitchy and catty)! I get standing ovations everywhere I go and sell out in most instances, however the struggle gets harder and harder every day.
Add to the above obstacles, a generational issue. Those that are making the booking decisions are either too young and naive and have no idea of anything remotely to do with Carol Channing OR they are older and have the images of the drag queens who impersonate her in an over the top caricature of her.
ARGH!!!!!
So you may ask "Why continue?"

Several events have happened over the past few months that have brought me to this decision. Check out previous blogs for a more detailed look at the details of the past five weeks.
In February, I was filmed and interviewed about an upcoming documentary on the life and career of Carol Channing! I can't wait! I'll give more details as I am able to. If all goes well, this could be a MAJOR turning point for me and bring me the legitimacy I have been craving on a larger scale.
Also, Herb Goldman came into my life. He started the wheels moving in a way that led up to my show on July 27th. Read my blog from the 30th to read about that. He gave me a wonderful gift. I realize that now! He forced me to self-produce! Something I've done my entire career.
However, he FORCED me to raise the ante and for that I am eternally grateful.
Next, Mark Robert Gordon, The Camelback Kid, came into my life. Actually, he has been there for the last couple of years. But, again, because of the wheels being set in motion with Herb Goldman's actions, he is REALLY involved and that brings us to where I am as I write this blog.

He is producing my show in Provincetown later this month! I will be returning to Provincetown for the first time in eight years!
Details below. I thank you Mark AND everyone at The Vixen/Pilgrim House who have made this happen "so fast"! All of this has fallen into place since the show on July 27th! What's next? Off-Broadway or better yet, BROADWAY! I would love to have 90 bookings to celebrate Carol Channing's 90th birthday! (January 31st, 2011)I have decided to give a portion of ALL future shows to The Dr. Carol Channing-Harry Kullijian Foundation For The Arts. Carol has given the world so many great gifts over the year. The gifts I've received are immeasurable. Now, it's time to give back.
Enjoy the journey with me!

Channeling Channing :: Richard Skipper on "Carol Channing in Concert"
by David Foucher, EDGE Publisher -
In the world of gay cabaret, female impersonators are ubiquitous - but precious few can say they are adored by those they imitate. When Richard Skipper takes the stage as Carol Channing, he dons both the actresses’ ring and her ringing endorsement of his work.

"We’ve become very good friends," Skipper says of his relationship with the actress he emulates. "We talk all the time, she calls me to ask how I am. She was in New York three weeks ago and we spent the afternoon together. She’s thrilled with what I’m doing."
Skipper admits his is not a usual line of work; he eschews the term "drag" when its used to describe his artistry - but he doesn’t mind telling a willing listener how he was dragged into his career.

"I watched a lot of television when I was young," he begins. "As a kid I mimicked everything I saw on TV. And one of the things I remember really well was Lucille Ball doing her imitation of Carol Channing."

Via television he discovered a yearning to act; and as a young thespian, he rapidly bloomed.

"I started out in musical theatre, of course," he quips. "I was first in ’Mame’ - and no, I was not Mame, I was not even young Patrick.

I came to NYC when I was 18 to pursue this as a career. And had some one then said to me that I would be doing what I’m doing now, I would never have believed it."

But when Skipper was called to sing "Hello Dolly" in a Manhattan piano bar one night, he took Lucille Ball’s lead... and ended up with a startling change in direction.

"I was nineteen," he rcalls, "but I got up and I sang as Carol. The place just went crazy. Afterwards, someone asked me what my drag name was. Look - I grew up on a farm in South Carolina - I didn’t even know what that meant. She said, ’Well obviously you do this professionally.’"


Her statement was prophetic; he was briefly added to a gay-themed theatrical show performing as Channing - the gig didn’t last, but at its close he had added to his arsenal a critical next weapon: the outfit.

For the span of a few years, Skipper continued to work odd jobs - messenger, waiter, temp - while entertaining crowds each Halloween as the famous actress. He slowly developed a reputation for his high-quality emulation. And then, in 1994, Broadway called.

It didn’t call Skipper - at least, not yet. Instead, Carol Channing returned to the Great White Way in ’Hello Dolly," and the fervent fans in the gay community celebrated her return. One of the organizations to officially mark the event was the New York Gay Men’s Chorus, who that year produced a tribute to Jerry Herman.

To Skipper, the confluence of events seemed the perfect opportunity. He began researching and preparing a show, and then reached out to the chorus.

"I started campaigning to do a number in that show. I faxed, emailed, everything -= all on deaf ears," he laments. "But a week or two before the concert, a friend called up and asked what I was doing the night of the concert. He was planning the post-party, and Carol and Jerry were both going to be there."

He then asked Skipper to crash the party dressed as Channing, and suggested that Skipper prepare a few numbers in case there was an opportunity to perform. Skipper debated about this unusual chance to meet his idol - but not for long.

"I went down to the Regent that night, and I walked into the bar," and here, Skipper pauses for effect. "The entire place went crazy. They walked me through to Carol’s table, and they said, ’Carol we have a surprise for you - this is Carol Channing.’ she looked up and she said, ’Where did you learn to do this?’"

Skipper has - consciously or unconsciously - begun flawlessly channeling Channing in my presence.

"I said, ’Bennington College in Vermont, you do know where that is Carol? It’s the lower left-hand corner of the map, the part of the state that’s always purple.’ Of course this is material from her act.

"She started laughing, and she asked, ’How long have you been impersonating me?’ And I said, ’Who’s to say you’re not impersonating me?’"

A friendship was struck, and Channing asked Skipper to sit with her. She grilled him on his life, and he responded with hers, in complete character. "She said I was scaring the hell out of her," he brags.

"Well I didn’t want to monopolize her," he continues. "But I did say I wanted to do a song for her before she left. She said, ’You want to do a song for me?’ I said, ’Actually I would like to do my whole show for you, but I don’t think you have the time.’ She said, ’I’ll make the time, you just tell me when and where.’ I said, ’Upstairs in ten minutes.’ And she stood up and she announced to the entire room: ’I never thought I would say these words, but in ten minutes we’re all going to see Carol Channing.’"

She was good to her word, sitting on a stool in front of the nervous Skipper as he performed his new show. At the end of the performance, Channing jumped up on stage and presented him with a ring of hers, placing it on his finger.

"As long as you keep this," she said to him, "I will always be on stage with you."

The audience cheered. Skipper laughs, remembering: "She then told me, ’There are two things I don’t like about your show, you look better and you sound better than I do.’"

With her ring - and her ringing endorsement - in hand, Skipper left behind odd jobs and took his act on the road. Over the past ten years, he’s played from coast to coast, earning awards and accolades, many for his recent production, "An Evening with Carol Channing." He’s not played in Provincetown for eight years, and returns this month with a three piece band and a musical tribute entitled, "Carol Channing in Concert," playing at the MADEIRA ROOM VIXEN @ THE PILGRIM HOUSE. He describes the show as a loving musical-comedy tribute.

"I call it loving because most people who do impersonations are mean and nasty," he asserts. "Most people who do that are making fun of the people they’re impersonating. They’re putting their own spin on people. I don’t need to put a spin on Carol, she’s bigger than life as she is. I’m 49 now. I present Carol exactly as she was at 49. Imagine her then - she was doing ’Hello, Dolly,’ she had done ’Thoroughly Modern Millie,’ she had a lot of wonderful things behind her and in front of her. And I present her at that point of her life, at her heyday."

The show is also a throwback to the popular supper clubs of the 1950s and 60s. Those who wish to merely see the show may do so; but for those who wish to truly immerse themselves in the experience, a full dinner is held prior to curtain. And then, Skipper tells her story through song. His focus, this time, is on the music... and with luck, a different kind of return to Broadway for Carol Channing.

"I want to do this show on Broadway," he states without hesitation. "The buzz is already great. At my first preview there were three women who said they wanted to invest in the show. I have three theatre companies coming in to see the show. It’s selling out every night. That’s the goal. I want to do this show on Broadway."

With determination and critical acclaim in equal evidence, he may just succeed - which makes "Carol Channing in Concert" a homecoming to remember.

Aug 30 - Sep 2
9pm
MADEIRA ROOM VIXEN @ THE PILGRIM HOUSE, 336 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA
"CAROL CHANNING" IN CONCERT STARRING RICHARD SKIPPER (WITH A LIVE BAND!) SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES
Tickets are $35 ($30 if ordered in advance. A portion of proceeds from each ticket will benefit The Dr. Carol Channing & Harry Kullijian Foundation For The Arts. www.ptownvixen.com or (508) 487-6424.



NOW BOOKING JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011!

To find out more about me, please visit: http://www.richardskipper.com
PAULETTE ATTIE came back into my life this week!Paulette passed away on January 21, 2009. The world lost a magnificent lady! But she wrote a book shortly before she died. Something I knew nothing about! Thanks to FACEBOOK, a friend of hers found me and sent the book to me this week. I think Paulette reached out to me. The book is called CREATE YOUR FUTURE NOW: 7 KEYS TO A MASTERFUL LIFE. Her timing couldn't be better! I'm including an entry here from her blog about a happier time at our home. PEOPLE, CELEBRITIES: THE GRAPEVINE

…and the livin’ is easy

by Paulette Attie



It’s summertime and a highlight of the season is RICHARD SKIPPER and DAN SHERMAN’s annual SUMMER BARBEQUE at their beautiful Rockland County home. They were also celebrating their 17th anniversary! Richard is such a bigger than life star he often eclipses everyone around him, especially in a cabaret venue.

Experiencing Dan’s warmth and glow in the setting of his home was a special treat. They’re both pictured with their dog, Horace, named after Horace Vandergelder, the principle male character in, you guessed it, Hello Dolly.
CYNTHIA CRANE, fellow songbird and fellow Friar was the first person with whom I spoke. I love that gal! She has a heart of gold, a head full of knowledge, and is a wonderful singer, with lots of CD’s to substantiate the latter. She was accompanied by TED STORY, director, writer, actor, and Cynthia’s handsome husband. Cynthia and MARYANN LOPINTO filled me in on the recent losses to the cabaret world: BOBBI BAIRD, JEAN BEAUVAIS, J.D. BRADLEY, HOPE HARDCASTLE, and TOMMY WALSH. These were all within a scant three weeks of each other. It served as a reminder that our cabaret community care about one another. It’s like one big family, minus the bickering (well, much of the time). You can count on Maryann to know what’s going on, where it’s happening, and who’s doing it, literally and figuratively.Photo: Sydney Myer with Paulette Attie. Paulette was booked by Sidney when he ran the elegant East 57th Street cabaret, Panache.

RONNY WHYTE and JACK BURNS were there. Ronny resumes producing his Midtown Jazz at Midday at St. Peter’s Church on September 5. Ronny and Jack wrote a song I’d heard a few weeks earlier at the New York Sheet Music Society that delighted me called, “Hampton’s Blues.” As Ronny put it, “rich people can have the blues, too.” We’re talking here about the East, South, West, etc. Hampton set, but Beverly Hills dwellers would also serve as appropriate prototypes. LINDA AMIEL BURNS, president of the NYSMS is a regular at Richard and Dan’s parties and makes any event she attends so much the better. Photo: Jana Robbins is pictured here with Bob Ost, who publishes TRU, the online newsletter which “offers postings of jobs, goods, and services for the performing arts community…and our friends!” Richard Skipper has served on TRU’s Board of Directors.

JANA ROBBINS, was recently back from a cruise to end all cruises. Think Barcelona, the Greek islands, Rome, and Athens. Caring soul that she is, Jana took her mother on the trip with her. I had the good fortune to see Jana on Broadway when she played the lead role in The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife, by Charles Busch. And you thought she was just a fabulous singer.

Seen and definitely heard was Dana Lorge, who took the photos for this article. She’ll be hosting an open mike night at the Triad on Wednesdays, beginning July 11. Miles Phillips, jazz singer from Massachusetts, has shows coming up at the Metropolitan Room. JUDY BARNETT, salt-of-the-earth jazz singer, and beautiful chanteuse JEANNE MAC DONALD with producer DIANE TRINKAUS were there, as was everyone’s cabaret favorite and Don’t Tell Mama’s booker, SIDNEY MYER . Then, there were friends of the cabaret community, like sculptor MARTIN GLICK, BABS CASBAR, SASHA BAUER, and JASON MC KAMEY and DON DEL BELLO. JOE and PAT SOPIAK kindly drove Jana and me to and from the party. Joe worked with Dan, even before Richard entered the picture. It was another added attraction to learn more about one of our two marvelous hosts. If your name isn’t mentioned, it’s because we missed chatting. Here’s to the next fantastic time we’re together. Joe worked with Dan, even before Richard entered the picture. It was another added attraction to learn more about one of our two marvelous hosts. If your name isn’t mentioned, it’s because we missed chatting. Here’s to the next fantastic time we’re together.

Show tunes wafted in and outdoors throughout the afternoon and early evening. Everyone stayed late, waiting for the well timed presentation of the Viennese pastry table. Wow! What an array of deserts. Mind you, I’m a fresh fruit fanatic. The only thing that could entice me to succumb to the desert table was something with fruit on or in it. I can still taste the luscious blueberries on top of and mixed into a cheese cake with a graham cracker crust. Mmmm, good. LOVE AND MISS YOU, PAULETTE!

"Carol Channing" in Concert Starring Richard Skipper!* Venue:
* Cast: Starring Richard Skipper

Carol Channing in Concert Starring Richard Skipper Tickets and Showtimes

* Opening Date: August 30, 2010
* Closing Date: September 2nd, 2010

* The Madera Room/Vixen at The Pilgrim House
* 336 Commercial
* Provincetown, Mass.

* Ticket Price: $30.00 in advance/$35.00 night of ($5.00 of EVERY ticket goes to The Dr. Carol Channing-Harry Kullijian Foundation For The Arts)
* Ticket Information: Tickets are available at the door or call 508-487-6424 to purchase tickets. All tickets are non-refundable.
*



Plot Description for Carol Channing in Concert Starring Richard Skipper

'Carol Channing in Concert starring Richard Skipper' is a fully staged and researched, musical montage, celebrating the career and persona of this unique, theatrical legend. Blending Channing standards with original material and other familiar songs sung by Skipper in his powerful Broadway voice, the musical evening surveys Channing's life with many stops along the way for Skipper's unique - and riotous - "ad-lib" interactions with the audience.

Read about Carol on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carol_Channing
Carol Channing, Melissa Manchester, Davis Gaines and More Set for Help Is On the Way Benefit

(SOURCE: Adam Hetrick, PLAYBILL.COM)


Tony Award winner Carol Channing, Davis Gaines, Melissa Manchester and Sheryl Lee Ralph will be part of Help Is On the Way XVI Aug. 15 at San Francisco's Herbst Theatre.

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The 7:30 PM concert, which is the largest annual AIDS benefit in Northern California, provides funding for AIDS-related organizations and service providers. David Galligan will direct with musical direction by Richard Berent. The Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation presents the benefit.

In addition to Channing (Hello Dolly), Gaines (The Phantom of the Opera), pop singer Manchester and Ralph (Dreamgirls), the concert will feature Carole Cook (42nd Street), David Engel (La Cage aux Folles), LaToya London ("American Idol," The Color Purple), Larry Raben (The Producers), Bruce Vilanch (Hairspray) and Lisa Vroman (Phantom of the Opera), as well as Leanne Borghesi, James Darren ("Star Trek"), Kimberly Locke ("American Idol"), Jon Maher, Von Smith, dancers Jenny Sokolsky and William Stansbury, and original cast members of Forever Plaid.

An additional benefit, the One Night Only Cabaret, will take place Sept. 20 at 7:30 PM at the Marines Memorial Theatre. Original Broadway Dreamgirls star Sheryl Lee Ralph will join cast members from the current national tour of the Motown musical for a special concert. The evening will benefit The Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

For tickets visit HelpIsOntheWay.


Carol Channing - For Heaven's SakeIntro, He Ain't Never Done Me Nothin' But Good, Joshua Fit' the Battle of Jericho, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms, Roll Jordan Roll, Modesto, You're My Hometown!, Do You Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans?, Razzle-Dazzle, Old Time Religion, God's Peace is Like a Gentle Rose, Medley of Memories: Ezekiel Saw the Wheel/All God's Children Got Shoes, Saint James Infirmary, Shine God's Love to Everyone, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, One More Valley, I'm Just an Old Chunk of Coal, The Show Must Go On, He's Got the Whole World in His Hands. Buy it now by clicking here: http://tinyurl.com/2aj3t5m

TOMORROW NIGHT, WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE IGUANA! Aug 11
8pm

IGUANA VIP LOUNGE, 240 West 54th Street, NYC
WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE IGUANA
Barry Levitt on keyboard & Saadi Zain on bass.
Tonight's guests include: Bobbie Horowitz, Leslie Orofino, David Sloan, Frank Torren ...
...and a few other surprises as well! $12.00 Music Charge/No food or drink minimum!
Reservations a must (212) 765-5454


Are you around Saturday night? Please join me!

Steven Fales' Missionary Position

Out playwright/actor Steven Fales, star of Confessions of a Mormon Boy, mines more artistic gold from his Latter Day upbringing with his new Fringe Festival show, Missionary Position, which is based on Fales’real-life (mis) adventures as a missionary in Portugal. “Mormon boys are hot because we’re well-preserved when we finally come out,” Fales reveals of his hunky spiritual brethren. “It’s all the milk we drink in our youth. The crystal meth comes later. Then we get sober and the glow comes right back!” —Dan Avery

Missionary Position at Soho Playhouse, 15 Vandam St (btwn Varick St/Sixth Ave), Aug 14 at 7:45 pm. Additional performances Aug 20–27. $15. Visit MormonBoy.com for more info. (SOURCE: http://www.nextmagazine.com)


Support THE ARTS! LIVE THEATRE! Go see a LIVE show this week!



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






FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NYC THE AWARD WINNING WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE IGUANA STARRING DANA LORGE, RICHARD SKIPPER, AND FRIENDS!
Dana Lorge and I have put our OWN spin on the variety show format and are now going into our second year every Wednesday night in NYC at The Iguana VIP Lounge (http://www.iguananyc.com) in the heart of NYC (240 West 54th Street 8-11PM/with an intermission).
Cover: $12 - no food or drink minimums – but remember – the food is great!
WINNER OF TWO 2010 MANHATTAN ASSOCIATION OF CABARETS AND CLUBS AWARDS (MAC) FOR OUTSTANDING VARIETY SHOW AND OUTSTANDING HOSTS!
or more info, please call 845-365-0720 or visit _www.RichardSkipper.com_
212-765-5454.

HERE IS WHAT AUDIENCES ARE SAYING ABOUT MY WORK (TAKEN FROM GUSTBOOK AT www.RichardSkipper.com)


As always, a top-notch performance at St. Luke's (7/27/10). 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 Agnes De Mille panel/event on October 11th at St. Luke's Theater and 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, http://www.dancersover40.org


Richard,MUST have Carol Channing's DNA...it's a scientific miracle!!! And he makes the most of it all with his musical extravaganza and quick repartee!! I was recalling his equally smashing performance at my 60th Birthday Cabaret, and how our Board Members commented after about how wonderful Carol Channing looks and performs for 86!!!!! So happy that I was there to enjoy it on the 27th. It was all very exciting.....luv him......Anarene Barr, Boynton Beach, Fl


I had the best time at the Iguana last Wednesday night (8/4/10). It was a night to remember! Where else can you go and get that vast variety of a show? It was without a doubt the most entertaining night of my year! Thanks, DeOnzelle Green, NYC

A night at the Iguana: laughter and plenty of sweet music
NY Variety Show Examiner Ella Smith


Wednesday night at the Iguana, on August 4, the theme for the evening was “Think Pink.” There were pink shirts and ties, and sequined outfits. And then there were the ladies in classic little black dresses who jokingly said, “Well, black is the new pink.” There were gentlemen dressed in muted gray or black who announced that they’re all wearing their pink underneath. The audience ‘tickled pink’ tittered. There was laughter and plenty of sweet music, played with style and finesse by accompanists, pianist Barry Levin and bass player Saadi Zain. Bass player Saadi Zain was celebrating a birthday. So, there was cake and a rousing round of Happy Birthday and a standing ovation. And there were songs that brought you near tears and others that kept you laughing. Even without a single drink one could begin to feel a bit intoxicated, drinking in the atmosphere and enjoying the performers who soulfully crooned or belted out a tune with complete abandon.

Wednesday night, August 4th at the Iguana VIP Lounge was quite an evening as Richard Skipper and Dana Lorge introduced a parade of performers from 8pm to 11pm. Jillian Laurain, who will be appearing in November at the Metropolitan Room, performed the melancholy, “Send in the Clowns.” Some of the audience might actually have started sniffling. And then shortly after they were laughing as Richard Skipper, clowning around, launched into a parody of Catherine Zeta-Jones in “A Little Night Music” singing the same song. There was also Sarah Rice, the original Johanna in Broadway’s "Sweeney Todd." She treated the audience to a dreamy medley “Let’s spend a lazy afternoon . . . quiet with the daisies running riot . . . ” and, suddenly the audience was transported for a moment to a field in bright sunshine, and yearning for more.

And there was more, many more performers than can all be mentioned here. Among the performers were: J. Michael Reeds promoting his “West: Country, Cowboys, Camping” opening Sept. 16 at the Laurie Beechman Theatre;” Teresa Fischer “Miss Congeniality” appearing at Don’t Tell Mama September 12; Gregory Nalbone shared "A Moment” flashing a half-naked postcard of himself, see more of him at the Duplex on Tuesday, August 10; the Home Shopping Diva, Meg Flather sang some originals and will sing in September at Don’t Tell Mama; husband and wife team Rochelle Breyer and Paul Chamlin will be at Don’t Tell Mama on October 30; and Edie Stokes was "A Wicked Woman” with a fun faux German accent singing sassy lyrics by Francesca Blumenthal, and is appearing in an "Elegy to Ellington" on November 14 at Don’t Tell Mama.

In the midst of the parade of performers, Richard Skipper, a gracious host, was celebrating the eve of the 32nd Year Anniversary of his move to New York City. He shared his story of arriving in the city 32 years ago. He triumphantly sang, “It’s Not Where You Start, It’s Where You Finish!"

In 1973, on August 5th, Richard Skipper set the goal of leaving his family’s tobacco farm in South Carolina and moving New York. He had just read Shakti Gawain’s book “Creative Visualization” advising him to set his mind on a goal. Richard Skipper decided his goal. In 5 years time, from that August 5th of 1973, he'd move to New York. Each year, for 5 years, he announced that he would move to New York on August 5th of 1978. Each year, his family thought him to be crazy. On August 5th, 1978 Richard Skipper hitchhiked to the airport and bought a one-way ticket to New York. He paid cash for his ticket, $86.95, and had $500 in his pocket when he got on an airplane headed to New York. A friend who lived in New York told Richard Skipper to take a car, meaning a taxi, to the apartment where he would be staying with the friend. Arriving in the airport in New York, Richard Skipper not realizing the difference between taxi and limo, went to the ground transportation stand with cars that said ‘LIMO.’ So quite by accident, or maybe it was the Universe’s way of smiling upon him, Richard Skipper, farm boy from South Carolina, arrived at his friend’s apartment in a limousine, embarking upon his new life in New York in style!

“It’s not where you start, it’s where you finish!”


Richard with Carol Channing & Sondra Lee Richard has received much artistic and critical acclaim and 2010 has been a breakout year. In February, Richard was filmed and interviewed as part of an upcoming documentary on the life and career of Carol Channing and his close association with her. In July, Richard sat down in conversation with Carol Channing in a sold-out event at Barnes & Noble celebrating the release of her latest CD, "For Heaven's Sake." He also joined forces with producer Mark Robert Gordon and brought his show to Off-Broadway's St Luke's Theatre for a one night only special performance that is being launched as an Off-Broadway run in the Fall of 2010. Wednesday Night at the Iguana continues to pack in the audiences every week, winning two MAC AWARDS in the process for OUTSTANDING HOST and RECURRING SERIES. Richard continues to teach his workshops on HOW TO MAKE A LIVING AS AN ENTERTAINER and he just signed a contract to perform as "Carol Channing in Concert" at the Madeira Room Vixen in Provincetown, August 30th thru September 2.



Wednesday Night at the Iguana - 8pm to 11pm

A musical variety show

240 West 54th Street (between 8th & Broadway)

Hosted by Richard Skipper & Dana Lorge




















TILL NEXT WEEK...HERE'S TO A MUSICAL AUGUST!
With grateful XOXOXs for your support!
Richard Skipper, Richard@RichardSkipper.com