Count Down to : 5 Nights from Tonight! The 26th Annual Bistro Awards are honoring HILARY KOLE, FAYE LANE, and COLLEEN McHUGH!

As those of you who follow my blogs know, this week I'm focusing on the recipients of the 26th annual Bistro Awards taking place Tuesday night at The Gotham Comedy Club. I hope you have your tickets. Over the past three days, I've written about Liz Larken Brown, Nate Buccieri, Carole J. Bufford, Carol Channing, Anthony Cochran, Tyne Daly, Kevin Doxier, Michael Feinstein,Janice Hall, Sean Harkness, Allan Harris, and Dionne Warwick...all recipients! Today, I'm going to focus on Hilary Kole, Faye Lane, and Colleen McHugh.
Some of the Bistro’s special honorees have included Mitzi Gaynor and Elaine Stritch (2010), Charles Aznavour and Liza Minnelli (2009), Marilyn Maye (2008), Betty Buckley (2007), Steve Ross (2006), as well as Dame Cleo Laine and Sir John Dankworth, Bobby Short, Eartha Kitt, Barbara Cook, and many others.
Take a look at some of the recipients from 2009:
I first heard Hilary Kole sing when we did a memorial together a few years ago and I was instantly smitten. Hilary is receiving her Bistro for her Recording
"You Are There". Vocalist Hilary Kole's current release "You Are There," (Justin Time/JVC Japan) is a compilation of piano and vocal duets with some of the greatest artists in the history of jazz piano including Dave Brubeck, the late Hank Jones and many more. It is a follow-up to her debut recording produced by John Pizzarelli, "Haunted Heart" (Justin Time) which was released to critical acclaim in April of 2009, winning the Gold Disc Award in Japan, and receiving 4 stars in Downbeat Magazine. Both recordings are testaments to Hilary's musicianship and versatility as an artist in a career that started in a slightly different vein:

After studying composition at Manhattan School of Music, Hilary began performing as a vocalist at the legendary Rainbow Room as the youngest singer ever to grace the stage. From there, she debuted at the Oak Room at the Algonquin Hotel as the co-writer and star of the critically acclaimed, Off-Broadway reviews, "Our Sinatra," and "Singing Astaire." She made her concert hall debut at Lincoln Center as part of the "American Songbook Series" with Jonathan Schwartz. In June 2007, she appeared at Carnegie Hall in a Tribute to Oscar Peterson, a performance reprised in January 2008 at the Canadian Memorial to Dr. Peterson at Roy Thompson Hall alongside Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock and Nancy Wilson.
Here are some upcoming appearances after Tuesday night's Bistro Awards
Spring Japan Tour Celebrating the release of Hilary's newest CD- TBA

EVERY SUNDAY NIGHT IN MAY- Hilary will be performing at the Bemelman's Bar, Hotel Carlyle, NYC. 8:30-11:30. www.thecarlyle.com

May 6th- private event

May 7th- Pt. Washington, NY "A Tribute to Mel Torme" with Billy Stritch, Hilary Kole and Friends. www.landmarkonmainstreet.org

June 25th- Saratoga Springs, NY - Saratoga Jazz Festival. www.jazzfest.louthompson.com
"You Are There marks the second album on Justin Time for Hilary Kole, the New York based jazz singer (and pianist, arranger, and composer). Even though hundreds of singers are releasing what seems like hundreds of CDs these days, it's fair to say that no vocalist - in either the classic or the contemporary era - has done an album like You
Are There. This is a set of voice-and-piano duets, and though that fact by itself may call to mind Ella Fitzgerald's famous meetings with Ellis Larkins and the iconic Tony Bennett-Bill Evans collaborations, no one has done what Hilary does here: she has
teamed up with eleven different great pianists - each of them true legends of the keyboard - and recorded thirteen spontaneous piano-vocal duo tracks with these amazing musicians.
The project got underway when Hilary met the late keyboard colossus Oscar Peterson in 2005. She was, then as now, singing frequently at Birdland (then as always, "the Jazz Corner of the World," and her New York base of operations) . The
two became friends, and on one set, to her astonishment, Peterson invited her to sing
with his quartet . . ."Ms. Kole's poised, sultry ballad-singing has always been easy on the ears. But her smooth melodic lines have never been so consistently infused with literary subtext, which spells the difference between sounded pretty, and having something to say." --Stephen Holden New York Times
Contact Information for Hilary Kole

Birdland Worldwide Management
(212) 581-3080
gv@birdlandjazz.com
ll@birdlandjazz.com
315 W. 44th Street
New York, N.Y. 10036

North American Orchestra Bookings:
Eric Hansen
Tree Lawn Artists
PH: 215-248-LAWN (5296)
Email: Contact Tree Lawn Artists
(Content from http://www.hilarykole.com) Please visit Hilary's website and congratulations Hilary!
A little over a year ago, Faye Lane and I had breakfast and she was telling me about a concept she had for a new show. Well, folks, she followed through! She has had a very successful run at The Soho Playhouse and on Tuesday night, she will be going home for a well deserved Bistro Award and possibly a MAC Award next month for Musical Comedy
"Faye Lane's Beauty Shop Stories"
Soho Playhouse!We may know her as Faye Lane; she is a writer and performer living in New York City. But on the inside she's still Rhonda Faye Gunnels, who grew up in her mama's beauty shop in Texas. Casa Vale Beauty Salon was an old A-Frame house that was converted into a salon, with big mirrors and swivel chairs in the front room and shampoo bowls in the old back bedroom. And on the front porch? A fat little girl in a glittered-up Burger King crown, practicing her beauty queen acceptance speech and dreaming of being a star of the stage!
Praise for Faye Lane
and Beauty Shop Stories

She had them gobbling from the palm of her hand… they were howling, crying, falling in love with her.
– New York Magazine

I would go see it, by all means. It's a great show!
– Time Out New York

Endearing and soaring voiced – a real standout
– Backstage

A glorious evening of one-woman theatre that blazes it's way across the cultural highway.
– NightlifeExchange.com

Lane relates her journey with extraordinary wit, charm, and subtle power, resulting in a performance that's unforgettable.
– Hy Reviews
Faye Lane is a writer and performer who lives in the Chelsea Hotel in New York City. Her unique blending of story and song moved New York Magazine to gush, “She had them gobbling from the palm of her hand. They were howling, crying, falling in love with her."
Congratulations, Faye! I'm so proud of you! To find out more about Faye, please visit http://www.beautyshopstories.com

COLLEEN McHUGH is receiving her Bistro Award for Entertainer
The Duplex
This is Colleen's year!
2011 Nightlife Award Finalist

2011 Bistro Award Winner

2011 MAC Award Nominee
In 2008, Colleen McHugh set off on a daunting project: to present a completely different cabaret show each month, for one night only, without losing her mind in the process. More than three years later, she's not only sustained the effort, she's received rave reviews along the way. The Calendar Girl Project has featured shows ranging from a musical tribute to the subtext of the color green, to an exploration of Karen and Richard Carpenter's songbook. Along the way, she's explored 'Tales of Revenge and Regret' and 'Songs of Self-Delusion.' She's tackled (not literally, mind you) Cole Porter's French connections and feted Judy Garland in honor of the anniversary of Stonewall.
You can take Colleen home with you! COLLEEN MCHUGH

SONGS OF SELF-DELUSION

All of your friends think that you've lost your mind--except for the imaginary ones. Thank goodness you have Colleen McHugh to help you. Colleen McHugh's debut album songs of self delusion is wonderfully entertaining, as well as being highly theraputic. Oh, did we mention that it was selected as an' iTunes Essential?'"Arts & Entertainment" April 12, 2002
CABARET REVIEW: 'Songs' takes you high, low in one-woman show
by Howard Reich, Tribune Arts Critic

"Delusion is a great survival technique," Chicago cabaret singer Colleen McHugh cheerfully tells her audience at the outset of her intriguing new show at Davenport's.

She then sets about proving the point, launching into an evening's worth of songs about troubled souls who revel in their self-deceptions.

By turns emotionally stark and wickedly satirical, McHugh's "Songs of Self-Delusion" proves that a night at the cabaret need not be an entirely light-hearted affair. For though McHugh shrewdly punctuates the proceedings with comic songs and casual patter, she also probes into the darker sides of the psyche.

Better yet, she does so by drawing upon a remarkably far-flung songbook, which spans material by everyone from Broadway veteran Jerry Herman to modern-day Chicago troubadour Robbie Fulks. The ingenuity with which McHugh interweaves these vignettes helps give this show its dramatic heft.

McHugh opens her homage to self-delusion, for instance, with not one song but two, merging sections of Herman's "I Don't Want to Know" with Amanda McBroom's "Dreaming." In this haunting introduction, McHugh hints at both the comic and tragic sides of the set pieces yet to come.

Somehow, she switches easily from the absurd, black humor of Jill Sobule's "Mexican Wrestler" to the dripping irony of Jim De Wan's "You Wouldn't Do That to Me," from the clever wordplay of Phillip Namanworth's "Avoid" to the self-loathing laments of Francesca Blumenthal's "The Lies of Handsome Men."

Every song makes a point, though few more searingly than Fulks' "I've Got to Tell Myself the Truth," which McHugh sings to the accompaniment of a lone guitar.

To her credit, McHugh also brings some beguiling bits of stage business to the proceedings, particularly in Herman's "A Little More Mascara" (from "La Cage Aux Folles"). As the protagonist sings the glories of heavy makeup, two attendants hand her a tiara, white gloves and other ornaments with which to mask her insecurities.

With evocative musical direction from pianist Andrew Blendermann and expert backup vocals from Allison Bazarko and [Anne Smith], McHugh has conceived a bittersweet cabaret show as original as it is meaningful.

And that doesn't happen very often.

(c) 2002 Chicago Tribune. All Rights Reserved.Go here to buy tickets: http://www.bistroawards.com/buy-tickets/ticket-information.html

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Tomorrow's blog will feature THE RESCIGNOS, JOHNNY RODGERS BAND, and SONDHEIM UNPLUGGED!

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

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


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

Count Down to : 1 week from Tonight! The 26th Annual Bistro Awards are honoring CAROLE J. BUFFORD, ANTHONY COCHRAN, and KEVIN DOZIER!

Success comes to those who dare to get it! As those of you who follow my blogs know, this week I'm focusing on the recipients of the 26th annual Bistro Awards taking place next Tuesday night at The Gotham Comedy Club. I hope you have your tickets. Over the past two days, I've written about Liz Larken Brown, Nate Buccieri, Carol Channing, Tyne Daly, Michael Feinstein,and Dionne Warwick...all recipients! Today, I'm going to focus on Carole J. Bufford, Anthony Cochran, and Kevin Dozier.The BISTRO AWARD was established by Bob Harrington in 1985 in his “Bistro Bits” column in the trade weekly Back Stage, then under the editorship of Sherry Eaker. For the first few years, the awards were merely listed in Harrington’s column as notable performances he had seen during the calendar year.
The first formal presentation of the awards was held in 1990 at Eighty Eight’s, a popular cabaret venue in the West Village. From there, the show moved on to The Ballroom in Chelsea, and then relocated to the Supper Club in the Broadway District, where it remained for many years. This year marks the fourth year at Gotham Comedy Club. Here is the post card design for this year's Bistro Award:The guidelines that Harrington set up for himself to determine the first winners have become the basic philosophy behind the Bistro Awards, which recognize achievement in a wide variety of categories — from outstanding performances to outstanding contributions by members of the cabaret community. The object is not to choose the “best” of anything of the year, but to recognize and congratulate the accomplishments of those who have done something special. Accordingly, categories can easily be created from year to year as they best fit the year’s distinguished work.Here are is a video montage thanks to Russ Weatherford from the 2009 Bistro Awards
The first recipient that I am writing about today is Carole J. Bufford. I'm excited as I get to know Carole. I really wasn't very familiar with Carole's work before her Bistro win. She is receiving this award as a vocalist for her shows in the past year at DON'T TELL MAMA and THE METROPOLITAN ROOM. What's Next?
11 O'Clock Numbers at 11 O'Clock
Appearing weekly at Feinstein's
Next Show- 4/21 at 11:00PM
Carole J. Bufford made her entrance on the New York cabaret stage in the Metropolitan Room’s MetroStar Talent Challenge. Immediately following, she was asked to perform at the 2009 Cabaret Convention presented by the Mabel Mercer Foundation where she received specific praise by Stephen Holden in The New York Times. In addition, Carole was featured in Broadway By The Year, Musicals of 1927 and Musicals of 1966 at Town Hall where she was singled out for praise in numerous reviews.Carole recently debuted her cabaret Carole J. Bufford sings Randy Newman at Don’t Tell Mama which received rave reviews. She also enjoyed a run of her cabaret intro at the Metropolitan Room. Roy Sander of Bistro Awards said, “The small "i" in the title of her show, "intro," is the only thing lower-case about Carole J. Bufford. She can deliver a song with more force and drive than a speeding locomotive…Combine that with a voice that is both powerful and attractive and you get a performance that can thrill an audience.”

Regarding her appearance in Broadway by the Year, Musicals of 1966, Carole received the following review:

“A last-minute addition to the show was the young cabaret singer Carole J. Bufford, making her second Broadway By The Year appearance to sing "What Makes It Happen?" While still at an early stage of her career, Bufford is a captivating song interpreter whose confident vocals are matched with strong story-telling skills and interesting lyrical shadings.”
–Michael Dale, Broadway World.com

To get on Carole's mailing list, go here: http://www.carolejbufford.com/mailinglist.htm

For all performance inquiries:

ARTHUR SHAFMAN AAAArtists International
163 Amsterdam Ave #121
New York, NY 10023-5001
212-799-4814 - ASHAFMAN@AOL.COM
WWW.ARTHURSHAFMAN.COM

Again, Carole, congratulations on your Bistro Award!
I first became familiar with Anthony Cochran when Daryl Glenn brought him to The Iguana to sing in WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE IGUANA. I promptly became a fan! Anthony Cochran is probably one of the unlikeliest looking guys to be singing a mix of gospel, country/western, blues and Dolly Parton that you are ever to come across. Slightly bearded, black shirt sleeves rolled up and wearing a vest he comes across as that real nice guy next door. He has a pleasantness and calmness about him that is contagious. A confiding, soft spoken husky voice that transforms a lyric into a thing of beauty as his voice strengthens and then lifts into a clear and easy falsetto. I guess you could say I was impressed.

Anthony is receiving his Bistro Award for Theme Show/"Elvis Lives"
Metropolitan Room
Earlier this past year, I went to see Kevin Dozier at Feinstein's with Alex Rybeck. I predicted a MAC Award and a Bistro Award for that show. He is receiving The Bistro Award for his shows at Laurie Beechman Theatre, Feinstein's at Loews Regency, Don't Tell Mama. I also predict a MAC Award! 2011 Bistro Award winner for Outstanding Vocalist and 2011 MAC Award Nominee for Male Vocalist, Kevin Dozier, had a wonderful 2010 year, as he made his critically acclaimed Feinstein's debut, and had sold-out runs at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, and Don't Tell Mama's under the musical direction of Alex Rybeck with direction by Lennie Watts. 2010 also brought his second feature appearance at The Mabel Mercer Foundation's Annual Cabaret Convention at Rose Hall in Lincoln Center and he was featured in 2 editions of the Bistro Award winning, Phil Bond production of "Sondheim Unplugged". In addition he was chosen as a contestant for the 1st Annual Cabaret Competition held by The Noel Coward Society and was honored to be a featured performer with Steve Ross at The Noel Coward Society Annual Luncheon.Kevin Dozier's "Love-Wise" is a lovely, lovely, love-filled listen. Projecting a gentle soul, even a butterfly-fragile one, and with a rhapsodically romantic spirit, his voice is an exceptionally pretty one, and very musical...Kevin projects thoughtful intelligence as he and Marlowe set and sustain a mood, knowing the value of a pause. This album is worth the pause in any day to relish the honeyed and wise Love-Wise." ~ Rob Lester, Talkin' Broadway

You truly are Wonderful, Wonderful Kevin and I am looking forward to seeing you perform at The Bistro Awards NEXT TUESDAY NIGHT!

Go here to buy tickets: http://www.bistroawards.com/buy-tickets/ticket-information.html

Please click on the banner ads on our Bistro Award site and support our advertiser.

Tomorrow's blog will feature JANICE HALL, SEAN HARKNESS, and ALLAN HARRIS!

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

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


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

Count Down to The Bistro Awards: 1 week from Tomorrow! The 26th Annual Bistro Awards are honoring MICHAEL FEINSTEIN, LIZ LARK BROWN, and NATE BUCCIERI

It's hard to believe that one week from tomorrow is the Bistro Awards!
I remember when they first began and, here we are 26 years later. The Bistros are my favorite award night because the recipients and the audience already know who the winners are. AND THEY EACH PERFORM ONE SONG!

The tension and anxiety are devoid from the evening except for Sherry Eaker who, of course,is anxious to make sure that everything stays on course and falls into place as planned. (I'm knocking on wood as I say this)...It always does. Thank God for Sherry carrying on the tradition of the Bistros and keeping this going.
Some of you may recall, it used to be called THE BACK STAGE BISTRO AWARD. At least that is what it was called when I won it in 1998. 13 years ago!The Bistros started when Bob Harrington, who until his untimely death, was the Bistro Bits columnist for BACK STAGE. For the first couple of years, his pics were just listed in his column. Then, he and Sherry decided to make it an actual awards ceremony. The Award winners are decided upon by a committee of critics who pick those they feel have created outstanding work within the past year and deserve recognition.
You also can only win once in a particular category. They also have a limit to the number of recipients...otherwise this would become at least a 5 hour event! The first couple of years, the recipients received a certificate, THEN it became an actual award, and has moved on to be a very beautiful award for those who receive it.
BACK STAGE changed hands several years ago. Sherry is no longer affiliated with the paper, but she carries on this tradition because of her love of the medium. She deserves a special award alone for this! Supporting this evening not only honors our winners but keeps this tradition going. Yesterday, I wrote about three of our recipients this year: Carol Channing, Tyne Daly, and Dionne Warwick.
Today, I'm focusing on three more of our recipients...MICHAEL FEINSTEIN, LIZ LARK BROWN, and NATE BUCCIERI.




A Special Award will be given to Michael Feinstein for his three-part documentary series “Michael Feinstein’s American Songbook,” (written, directed, and produced by Amber Edwards) shown on PBS and now available on DVD, which celebrates and explores the history of the Great American Songbook, and for the other work the Michael Feinstein Foundation does to promote and preserve our musical heritage. I am a HUGE fan of Michael's. I also am a huge fan of Amber Edwards' work! Kudos to you, as well, Amber!

Michael Jay Feinstein is a singer, a pianist, music revivalist, and an interpreter of, and anthropologist and archivist for, the repertoire known as the Great American Songbook. In 1988 he won a Drama Desk Special Award for celebrating American musical theatre songs.Feinstein was born in Columbus, Ohio, the son of Florence Mazie (née Cohen), an amateur tap dancer, and Edward Feinstein, a sales executive for the Sara Lee Corporation and a former amateur singer.
At the age of five, he studied piano for a couple of months until his teacher became angered that he wasn't reading the sheet music she gave him, since he was more comfortable playing by ear. As his mother saw no problem with her son's method, she took him out of lessons and allowed him to enjoy music his own way. The following is from THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER: Feinstein brings 'Songbook' to Kennedy Center


Emily Cary 04/16/11 8:05 PM
Special to The Washington Examiner
Michael Feinstein returns to Washington for a solo concert in the Kennedy Center celebrating the songs he recorded for the Sinatra Project and other favorites.

"The project was my way of thanking Frank Sinatra for his kindness to me at the start of my career," he said.
"His professionalism was a great influence on me and I've tried to emulate his ability to present a song."

Feinstein grew up in Columbus, Ohio, enamored by the popular music he began playing in local piano bars. He was only 20 when he made his way to L.A. and soon met pianist Oscar Levant who introduced him to Ira Gershwin. He accepted Gershwin's invitation to become his assistant and, for the next six years, archived the published and unpublished songs by Ira and George. Along the way, he met and became caretaker of music by other major composers. Today he serves on the Library of Congress' National Recording Preservation Board.



This past February, the Feinstein's work began making its way to the new Center for Performing Arts in Carmel, Ind., a multimillion-dollar complex holding a museum and library with interactive displays and online access around the world. The 1,600-seat Palladium Theater, opened in February, will host guest artists.
"The museum and library will be completed in about two years," Feinstein said. "It will grow incrementally as we transfer in the many orchestrations, original sheet music and artwork. In the meantime, I continue sifting through my collection and occasionally make important discoveries. Several years ago during my research I found a lost song by Cole Porter written for 'The Gay Divorcee.' Last year, I found an unknown Johnny Mercer song."


This year began with another success for Feinstein, a duo CD with Broadway legend Barbara Cook. Titled "Cheek To Cheek," it alternates their harmonious duets with solo interpretations of timeless pop standards like "Without A Song," "I've Got You Under My Skin" and "There'll Be Some Changes Made."

Never standing still, Feinstein has projects aplenty underway, including writing the score for "The Gold Room," a musical about the heiress Barbara Hutton set during the period of her life in the 1950s when she gave up her residence to the U.S. government.
He is also composing the score for a musical based on MGM's "The Thomas Crown Affair."

"I love composing, performing and sharing this wonderful music with my audiences," he said. "In looking back at all I've managed to accomplish and ahead to future opportunities, I feel very lucky."

Take Michael home with you: Michael Feinstein - Remember: Michael Feinstein Sings Irving Berlin (Available on Amazon.com)The first of Feinstein's theme albums, and one of the best. He captures the simple (and at times deceptively clever) sentiment of Berlin with an unadorned approach that brings out the sturdiness of the melodies as well. ~ William Ruhlmann, Rovi

Our next recipient is LIZ LARK BROWN for her outstanding debut, TARNISHED, at The Metropolitan Room.On Monday August 31,2009 Liz Lark Brown eked out a win in the exciting finale of the second annual "MetroStar Talent Challenge" at The Metropolitan Room, beating out Danielle Grabianowski (the first runner-up...who won a Bistro Award last year) and Carole Bufford...another Bistro Award winner this year!, who was chosen as the second runner-up. Brown, who, in a sweet twist of fate, was 2008's grand prize winner Anne Steele's back-up singer, combined both understated charm and a flair for the dramatic that earned consistently high marks during the eight-week jury and audience-voted singers' competition. The two other finalists, who went head to head against the three top ladies, were the competition's highest-achieving men, Cornelius Bates, and the late great David Gurland.
Liz has paid her dues and now it is time for her to shine in the spotlight! Liz is also nominated for a MAC Award (May 10th) for her debut show.

NATE BUCCIERI is receiving a Bistro Award as outstanding musical director this past year."A skilled sight-reader, not to mention a highly accomplished player and versatile, resonant singer, Buccieri wins over his Wednesday audience/ participants with a mixture of talent, wit and the sort of infectious good humor that makes you feel like you really can step up to the mike and turn that song." - Metroland Best of..., 2003 (Again, another recipient who has paid his dues!)

Go here to buy tickets: http://www.bistroawards.com/buy-tickets/ticket-information.html

Please click on the banner ads on our Bistro Award site and support our advertiser.

Tomorrow's blog will feature CAROLE J. BUFFORD, ANTHONY COCHRAN, and KEVIN DOZIER

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

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


Richard Skipper, Richard@RichardSkipper.com

BEEF AND BOARDS DINNER THEATRE, MICHAEL FEINSTEIN, DAME EDNA...AND MORE!

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre Presents HELLO DOLLY 3/25-5/2
(Source: BROADWAYWORLD.COM)


Love is in the air this spring as Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents the famous matchmaking musical Hello, Dolly!
The beloved Broadway show, which won 10 Tony Awards including Best Musical, is live on stage March 25 through May 2.
Based on the play "The Matchmaker" by Thornton Wilder, Hello, Dolly! is the story of Dolly Levi, who is filled with personality and an agenda. A turn-of-the-century matchmaker, Dolly is supposed to be arranging a match for the wealthy Horace Vandergelder - but she'd much prefer to keep him to herself.
Horace has his sights set on a pretty young widow, but Dolly doesn't give up on getting her man.


Award-winning composer Jerry Herman's score includes such great songs as "It Takes A Woman," "Put On Your Sunday Clothes," "So Long Dearie," "Ribbons Down My Back," "It Only Takes A Moment," and of course, "Hello, Dolly!"

Renowned Chicago actress Iris Lieberman stars as the meddling title character, while Mark Goetzinger of Indianapolis reprises the role of half-a-millionaire Horace Vandergelder.
There are 43 performances of Hello, Dolly! scheduled in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre.
Tickets range from $35 to $58, and include Chef Odell Ward's specially prepared buffet with a fruit & salad bar, unlimited coffee and tea. Ample free parking is available.

For reservations, call the Box Office at 317.872.9664. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays.

Hello, Dolly! is sponsored in part by Indianapolis Woman magazine.

For complete show schedule, visit www.beefandboards.com.

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, located on the Northwest side of Indianapolis, has been providing food and fun for everyone since 1973.



Feinstein and Dame Edna are B'way's new odd couple

By MICHAEL KUCHWARA, AP Drama Critic



In this theater publicity image released by Jeffrey Richards & Associates, Michael Feinstein, left, and Barry Humphries as Dame Edna are shown in "All About Me," playing at Broadway's Henry Miller's Theatre in New York.





Not since Felix Ungar and Oscar Madison moved in together has Broadway had such an odd couple on the boards.

But there they are: Michael Feinstein, cabaret sophisticate with an encyclopedic knowledge of the Great American Songbook, and the purple-coiffed Dame Edna Everage, that audacious Australian housewife channeled by Barry Humphries, sharing the stage at the Henry Miller's Theatre.


Their 90-minute show, which opened Thursday, has the feel of a glossy Las Vegas revue, well put-together but unsurprising, especially if you have seen both performers before.

Feinstein, dressed in a spiffy tuxedo, gets to demonstrate his formidable musical-theater expertise, particularly in a lovely rendition of the classic Rodgers and Hart tune "My Romance." He caresses the lyrics, making each word count. And when the lyricist is of the caliber of Lorenz Hart, the words are straight from the heart, pure and truthful.

Other songs are given more of a hard sell, from the Burton Lane-Alan Jay Lerner "What Did I Have That I Don't Have?" to the Charles Strouse-Lee Adams "A Lot of Livin' to Do." Both numbers are pumped up to maximum volume by the on-stage orchestra under the athletic direction of Rob Bowman.


The conceit for the show, which was written by Feinstein and Christopher Durang, is that each performer doesn't know the other will also be appearing.

After an argument — and a solo turn by Dame Edna — they agree, under the mediation of the revue's stage manager (Jodi Capeless) to become a double act.

Dame Edna, in a splendid array of gaudy costumes by Anna Louizos, knows how to interact with an audience. It's a unique skill, and Dame Edna is a master practitioner. Deftly peppering them with questions, she can extract information from even the most recalcitrant theatergoer and then use the material to get laughs.

There are other performers, too. When both Feinstein and Edna are in the wings, Capeless delivers a gutsy rendition of "And the World Goes 'Round," the John Kander-Fred Ebb anthem closely associated with Liza Minnelli.
And both stars are ably assisted by a couple of well-built chorus guys, Gregory Butler and Jon-Paul Mateo.


"All About Me" has been directed by Casey Nicholaw, one of Broadway's most savvy showmen. He's schooled in old-fashioned razzmatazz, and his knowledge of making a musical move comes in handy as the show builds during its final half-hour and celebrates the stars' more-or-less peaceful coexistence.

Here we get an idiosyncratic and often funny rendition by Dame Edna of Stephen Sondheim's "The Ladies Who Lunch," even after Edna had previously proclaimed that the show would be a "Sondheim-free zone."
And the section includes some of the show's more original material, including an outrageous little ditty (penned by Feinstein and Humphries) called "The Dingo Ate My Baby," and sung, of course, by Dame Edna.

Feinstein also has written a number celebrating Edna's signature flower, the gladiola. It wouldn't be a Dame Edna show without those posies being thrown into the audience at the finale and getting theatergoers on their feet. Talk about a ready-made standing ovation.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2010/03/18/entertainment/e150514D01.DTL#ixzz0iZzXqzcg


On Monday, March 15th, The Actors Fund presented the next in their series of Musical
Mondays in the lobby of the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. This time offering
audiences a chance to get Up Close and Personal with Alan and Marilyn Bergman. The
evenings special guests included the incomparable talents of Maureen McGovern and
Lari White with the evenings moderation by Michael A. Kerker, ASCAP. The truly
enchanting evening was produced by John Bowab and Martin Wiviott. The, oh so very
important, Sponsors included Continental Airlines, Sunset Marquis and the
Nederlander Organization.

Among those in attendance for this evening of reflection upon music we grew up with
were Ilene Graff, Florence Henderson, Jane A. Johnston, Roslyn Kind, Patricia Kelly,
Kate Linder, Rose Marie, Donna Mills, Patricia Morrison, Eve Plumb, Stefanie Powers,
and Charlotte Rae.

Alan and Marilyn Bergman are two of the most distinguished figures in music today.
Nominated for sixteen Academy Awards, they have won three Oscars, four Emmys, two
Grammys and a Cable Ace Award. Patrons were heard to say more than once ... "I
remember where I was when I first heard ..." as they listened in rapt attention to
songs such as “The Way We Were”, “The Windmills of Your Mind”, “Papa, Can You Hear
Me?” from “Yentl”, “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?”, “Nice 'n' Easy”,
“That Face”, “It Might Be You”, “The Summer Knows”, “Where Do You Start?”, “How Do
You Keep the Music Playing?”, among many others. The audience was stunned to hear
that Ms Barbra Streisand had in fact recorded 50 of their songs. For television,
they won Emmys for “Sybil' and for the TV musical “Queen of the Stardust Ballroom”
which was later adapted for the Broadway stage as “Ballroom”. Television theme songs
include "Maude," "Good Times," "Alice" , "Brooklyn Bridge" and “In the Heat of the
Night.” Their first collaboration with Cy Coleman, “Portraits in Jazz: A Gallery of
Songs” was commissioned by and performed in 2002 at The Kennedy Center in
Washington, D.C. and received widespread acclaim. The show, expanded with text by
Larry Gelbart, ran for a sold-out, limited engagement at the Mark Taper Forum in Los
Angeles. Now titled “Up Close and Musical”, it is being prepared for Broadway. Alan
and Marilyn are currently working on several projects with Michel Legrand and Marvin
Hamlisch. Their musical “Queen of the Stardust Ballroom” with music by Billy
Goldenberg, new music by Marvin Hamlisch, book by Jerry Kass, directed by Jerry
Mitchell and starring Tyne Daly is scheduled to open in the Fall of 2010. Their
current film Steven Soderbergh's “The Informant!” starring Matt Damon, includes
their song “Trust Me”, with music by Marvin Hamlisch. They are also working on
“Visions of America” - a photo symphony celebrating the sights and sounds of America
- for which they have written four new songs with composer Roger Kellaway. It had
its premiere performance in January 2009 with the Philadelphia Pops Orchestra.
“Lyrically, Alan Bergman” a CD of their songs sung by Alan with the Berlin Radio
Orchestra is in current release on Verve Records. Other collaborators of Alan and
Marilyn's are Dave Grusin, Henry Mancini, Johnny Mandel, Quincy Jones, John Williams
and James Newton Howard, collaborations which have resulted in countless important
works for film, television and recordings. Their many awards and honors include
induction into the Songwriters' Hall of Fame and its Johnny Mercer Award, the
Clooney Foundation Singers Salute to the Songwriter Award, the Songwriter's Guild
Aggie Award, the National Academy of Songwriters Lifetime Achievement Award, the
first Johnny Mercer Award by the Johnny Mercer Foundation and ASCAP's Founders
Award. Marilyn served as President and Chairman of the Board of the American Society
of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) for fifteen years and continues to
serve on the ASCAP Board. She is also the Chair of the Library of Congress National
Sound Recording Preservation Board. Alan serves on many boards including the
Library of Congress National Film Preservation Board, the National Academy of
Songwriters, the Johnny Mercer Foundation, the Artists’ Rights Foundation and the
Jazz Bakery Board of Directors. They both serve on the Executive Committee of the
Music Branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. They were born in the
same hospital in Brooklyn, NY. Marilyn was a music major at New York's High School
of Music & Art, going on to study Psychology and English at New York University.
Alan holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of North Carolina,
continuing study toward a Masters Degree at UCLA.

The only complaint for the audience members was that there wasnt enough time to hear
more from Maureen McGovern and Lari White.
Two brilliant performers who captivated
the audience.

Taking control of the evening from the stage was Michael A. Kerker. Kerker has been
Director of Musical Theatre for ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and
Publishers) since 1990. In addition to coordinating ASCAP's Musical Theatre Workshop
in New York (which is led by composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz), he works with
Disney Theatricals to produce the ASCAP/Disney Musical Theatre Workshop in Los
Angeles (also led by Stephen Schwartz). Together with Michael Feinstein, Kerker
produces a regular series of concerts at Carnegie Hall highlighting the catalogue of
both legendary and contemporary songwriters. Michael is also producing a regular
series of interview programs entitled “Broadway: Up Close and Personal” for the
Kennedy Center. Michael's on stage conversations with some of our nation's most
prominent songwriters have included evenings with Jerry Herman, Alan and Marilyn
Bergman, Charles Strouse, Sheldon Harnick, Marvin Hamlisch, and Stephen Schwartz.
Michael produces an annual songwriter's cabaret as part of the Chicago Humanities
Festival. (Source: Harlan Boll)

Liza Minnelli to Offer Chicago Concert in June

By Adam Hetrick
17 Mar 2010

Award-winning entertainer Liza Minnelli will perform a one-night-only concert June 6 at the historic Chicago Theatre.


Minnelli, who was most recently seen on Broadway in her Tony-winning show Liza's at the Palace, will be joined by a quartet of performers and musical director Billy Stritch for the 7:30 PM concert. Tickets go on sale March 20.

An Oscar winner for her performance in the film "Cabaret," Minnelli has also earned Tony Awards for her performances in Flora, the Red Menace and The Act, as well as a special 1974 Tony. She presented a tribute to her late father Minnelli on Minnelli at the Palace, and has appeared in the films "The Sterile Cuckoo," "Arthur," "New York, New York" and "Stepping Out." The singer is also a Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actress.

For tickets visit TheChicagoTheatre.


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 Friday! 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:
Thank you for a lovely and festive St. Patrick's Day show at the Iguana! You and Dana were visions in green. :)
Sally Swallow





Dear Richard and Dana,
Last week's show was terrific! I have been away for a few weeks and I really missed the wonderful friendly atmosphere, comfortable surroundings, and fabulously talented entertainers. Keep up the great work. You have both created a place to "make mention about," and I mention it whenever I can.
Marlene Sampson






Hi Richard! Thank you again for a wonderful and entertaining evening at The Iguana on Wednesday night! You and Dana are so terrific and truly a delight to watch and hear. What an interesting line-up of singers, as well! Lots of fun! I thoroughly enjoyed the variety and the positive energy in the room. Looking forward to seeing you Wednesday! Best Always, Lisa Raze






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).



Cover: $12 - no food or drink minimums – but remember – the food is great!
This is a nice night out with the family!

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.


















March 24th, Jackie Draper Marquee Five, and Diana Templeton returns!


March 31st: Frank Basile (seen here with Celeste Holm) , Deb Berman, Annie Dienerman, Stearns Matthews, Allegra Thieman ...


April 7th: Esther Beckman Group, Sina Lewis, Cindy Marchionda, RJ Shaw, Susan Winter


April 14th: Naomi Miller, Karen Oberlinjoins us!George Stella returns!

April 21st: Anaiza, Henry Dee, Rita Ellis Hammer, Jim Speake, Susan Eichhorn Young

April 28th: Kecia Craig and Frank Stern!

May 5th: Anton Van Der Merwe

May 19th: Adrienne Haan


May 26th: Michelle Collier

June 2nd: D'Yan Forest and Tod Hall





June 16th: 2010 Julie Reyburn


May 19th: Michelle Collier, Barbara Gurskey
TILL NEXT MONTH...HERE'S TO A MUSICAL SPRING!

Michael Walters, Dame Edna, Jon Burr & Lynn Stein...and MORE!

Florida Actor came to New York to audition as Dame Edna's understudy!

Performer Michael Walters has an unforgettable presence, this combined with his quick wit, and booming voice make him the hit of any stage performance .
This week Walters who recently moved from Orlando, to south Florida came to New York to audition as Dame Edna's understudy in Dame Edna's upcoming Broadway show with Michael Feinstein!
He was one of a handful of actors that auditioned for the the role of understudy to famous Aussie actor,comic Barry Humphries.
Humphries, regularly plays the iconic character of Dame Edna.
He originally appeared in the role in 1979 for BBC Arena mockumentary. He often refers to himself as Edna’s manager. For those who may be unfamiliar with Dame Edna, she is best known for her signature lilac colored hair and outrageous cat eye glass’s, and siganture catch phrases as "Hello, Possums!.
Edna became regular on television in the UK, and in US homes making her a household name.


Walters acting background hails back to his childhood when at the age of 5 he began singing in Church plays and local theater . Later in High-school he skipped football practice, (much to his fathers disapproval) to audition for the classic “Bye Bye Birdie” and was cast in a leading role.
Said Walters “It was in High-school that I knew this is really what I wanted to do”.

Mark Two Theater Production of “Guy and Dolls” Kevin Thornton, Michael Walters, Sean Vigue ( FILE)

As many performers have he honed his craft in many of Orlando’s theme parks and local attractions. He has taken the stage at the Mark II dinner Theater, Walt Disneys "Hoop de doo Revue",streetmosphere actor, and as Tony for "Lady and the Tramp" town square restaurant .One role he is especially proud of is that he was the original actor for the role of Bruce the shark for “Finding Nemo the Musical”. This is a role that Barry Humphries had originally performed as a voice over for the Blockbuster film “Finding Nemo” also starring Ellen DeGeneres as Dory.

It was his job at Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show, in Orlando which gave him his first taste of being Dame Edna. The role he had to play was a man dressed as a woman. He chuckles and says “Trust me ,I never wanted to spend my career in a dress, that was never an ambition or goal of mine, but you play the cards your dealt”.
The role was written as a “sort of psychotic Julia Child”.




So said Walters "I wanted to find a character quirk that would make her interesting", so he asked the director if he could get "a lavender wig, some cat eye glass’s and a beaded dress”. He recalls that his first attempts at Edna were “miserable to say the least”. But he soon began to realize that he was getting the laughs .

Soon after an event producer approached him to start performing at red carpet events.
He began taking the role more serious studying footage of the real Dame Edna, and practicing his routine.

When an opportunity to catch his friend Michelle's performance as a backup dancer in Barry Humphries show, Walters jumped at the chance.
He watched with amazement at "how sharp his improv skills were", and how “absolutely brilliant he was .. he took total command of the audience”. It was then that Walters realized he had much more work to do. He sent a note backstage feigning a chance to see his friend, but she quickly caught on that it was Humphries he really wanted to see.
She relented and brought Walters back to meet his idol.

During the meeting Walters showed Humphries his photos as Dame Edna, and even did a little impromptu audition for him. Walters says that Humphries “gave me his blessing to portray the character” making him the “only other person authorized to play the role in the United States”.

Walters recommends getting permissions from any “living stars” before you invest the time, and efforts into any act. He is also approved to portray Jackie Gleason by his widow Marilyn Taylor Gleason.
This week, he headed to NYC for Dame Edna’s return to Broadway in duo show with Michael Feinstein called “All About Me”. (Video courtesy: Corine Cohen of http://www.corinescorner.com)

He told me me he will be bringing his show to The Post Office Cafe in Provincetown this summer mid June through Labor Day. DON'T MISS THIS SHOW!







Michael's website:

www.michaelwaltersonstage.com (Thank you Dawn Behren's for the source of this information)


New York’s Second Annual Rainbow Book Fair to Arrive March 27, 2010.

What do you call the largest LGBT book event in the entire U.S., showing
thousands of books geared especially for the diverse LGBT community,
headlined by famous writers, coupled with non-stop readings, academic panels, and
lots of eye and brain candy of every sort?

Answer: The Second Annual Rainbow Book Fair, taking off on Saturday, March
27, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Concourse of the City University of New
York’s flagship headquarters in the glamorous old B. Altman Building at
Fifth Avenue and 34th Street. The Second Annual Rainbow Book Fair is hosted
by CLAGS, the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies at CUNY, which knows that
LGBT books are the backbone of the queer studies field.
To make matters more interesting, this event, unlike so many others in New
York, is stark free to visitors. All you have to do is show up, look
around, hear writers you know and some you’ll want to know, meet dozens and
dozens of them (who’ll all want to meet you, too—writers with new books to
sell love readers!), as well as publishers, and maybe even a couple of agents
or two who’ll be showing up to scout out new talent. (And of course buy
books, writers adore book buyers!) Writers from all over the US, Canada, and
Europe will be on hand, along with such noted names as Martin Duberman, Brad
Gooch, Sarah Schulman, Joan Schenkar, and many others. There will also be,
concurrently, for the poetically minded, a Poetry Salon, curated by
Nathaniel Siegel, which was such a big success at the First Rainbow Book Fair
that it became almost a separate in itself.
The Salon will attract poetry
talent from the East Village to East Brunswick, and if you are a poet and just
want to s
how up, there will be some open mike time, too.

And, if you are learning about the Rainbow Book Fair for the first time,
and want to show books there, tables are a mere $100, and can be shared by
two authors. Even better for $250, you can become a sponsor, get your name
plastered all over New York, with immortality on the Book Fair’s website,
_http://rainbowbookfair.org_ (http://rainbowbookfair.org/) . The website will
also show you how to sign up directly through the CLAGS site. For more info
on the Second Annual Rainbow Book Fair, please Daniel Kitchen at
NYRainbowBkFair@yahoo.com. To get in touch with Nathaniel Siegel:
nathanielsiegel@nyc.rr.com.

Press contacts:

Daniel Kitchen: NYRainbowBkFair@yahoo.com. 973-820-3262

Perry Brass: belhuepress@earthlink.net. 917 301 3417

CLAGS contact: Sarah Chinn: SChinn@gc.cuny.edu. 212-817-1955

Jon Burr and Lynn Stein in Concert


Sunday, March 7, 2010
Time:
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Location:
Rockland Center for the Arts
Street:
27 South Greenbush Road
City/Town:
West Nyack, NY

A benefit for the Rockland Center for the Arts

Vocal/bass duo? Amazing!

Jon and Lynn perform soulful re-inventions that express the essence of the American Songbook, 60’s Pop and contemporary jazz. Jon Burr, acoustic bass virtuoso, has worked with Tony Bennett, Chet Baker, Stephane Grappelli, Barbara Cook and others. Artist/curator Lynn Stein returns to her musical roots as a vocalist. The duo will be performing selections from their CD “Jon and Lynn” coming out in March.

"Now you might think that a vocal and string bass duo would sound a bit thin, but let me assure you, it's not at all. This is one of the most musical renditions I've come across in years and I've found myself not only returning to it time and time again, but also recommending it to friends. It's beautiful. What a delight!"--William Duckworth, Composer

"Jon Burr and Lynn Stein of Jon & Lynn are a jazz/pop duo from the NYC area that combine the distinctive sound of the upright bass and voice into a mesmerizing combo that makes you think there's a big band playing instead of just the two of them..." - Darryl Gregory, Unsigned Underground
http://myspace.com/jonandlynn
twitter: jonandlynn
http://rocklandartcenter.org

West Nyack, NY 10994
(845) 358-0877
Pacino to Star in ‘Merchant of Venice’ in Shakespeare in the Park
By DAVE ITZKOFF

Steve Braun/Sony Pictures Classics Al Pacino, seen here in the 2004 film of “The
Merchant of Venice,” will again take on the role of Shylock for the Public Theater’s
Shakespeare in the Park production.
Say hello to Shakespeare in the Park’s new Shylock: Al Pacino will play that central
character in this summer’s coming production of “The Merchant of Venice,” the Public
Theater said on Monday. Mr. Pacino, the “Scarface” and “Godfather” star, who
previously played Shylock in a 2004 film version of the play directed by Michael
Radford, will play the role for Shakespeare in the Park’s 2010 season, in which
“Merchant of Venice” will be presented in repertory with “The Winter’s Tale.” (Mr.
Pacino, who apparently made the Public an offer it couldn’t refuse, will be
appearing only in “Merchant of Venice.”)

The repertory plays will also feature Jesse Tyler Ferguson (as Solanio in “Merchant”
and Young Shepard in “The Winter’s Tale”); Jesse L. Martin (Gratiano/Polixenes);
Lily Rabe (Portia/First Gentlewoman); Ruben Santiago-Hudson (Prince of
Morocco/Leontes); and Max Wright (Old Gobbo/Old Shepherd). Daniel Sullivan will
direct “Merchant of Venice” and Michael Greif will direct “The Winter’s Tale.” The
plays will be performed from June 9 through Aug. 1.


Mar 13
9:30
PIANOS CABARET ROOM (AT PIANOS BAR & GRILL), 36 Broad Street, Bloomfield Center, Bloomfield, NJ
CAROL CHANNING IN CONCERT STARRING RICHARD SKIPPER with Tim Taylor on Piano
$25 ticket, ($12 food/drink min. pp in cabaret room) Reservations: 973-743-7209. Following the show, please stay and dance in our main lounge!
"CAROL CHANNING" (SORT OF) COMES BACK TO BLOOMFIELD


On Saturday, March 13th @ 9:30PM, RICHARD SKIPPER, one of the most respected and acclaimed celebrity singer/actor/tribute artists will bring his famous show,"CAROL CHANNING IN CONCERT...STARRING RICHARD SKIPPER!" to PIANOS CABARET ROOM (AT PIANOS BAR & GRILL) in Bloomfield, NJ.
$25 ticket, ($12 food/drink min. pp in cabaret room) Reservations: 973-743-7209. Following the show, please stay and dance in our main lounge! "Skipper is no zircon" said THE HARTFORD COURANT , "He is a diamond worthy of Tiffany's & Cartiers."
Carol Channing herself, agrees! After seeing Richard Skipper's performance at NYC's Regent, she told reporters that "[this is] the first time EVER I have been shown with such love, respect and polish." And they have shared the stage several times since then!

"CAROL CHANNING IN CONCERT...STARRING RICHARD SKIPPER!" is a fully staged and choreographed,musical montage celebrating the career and persona of this unique, theatrical legend. Blending Channing standards, such as, "Hello Dolly," 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.
Mr. Skipper is a two time recipient of the MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabaret) Award for "Outstanding Achievement in Impersonation"and the Backstage Bistro award for best performer.
He was named as one of the Top Ten Cabaret Performers by Cabaret Hotline and as "one of the Top of the Century Premiere Cabaret Acts" by Cabaret Scenes Magazine. Skipper returns to Bloomfield, NJ after recent engagements at various venues throughout the East Coast , the Ontario Hilton and Washington D.C.'s Mimi's. In each of those venues, he has played to sold-out houses and received outstanding reviews.
Said Backstage Magazine: "Skipper sparkles with the glow of Channing's charisma, but the extra shine you see on stage is a product of a diamond-like brilliance that is his alone.
[A]n unqualified musical comedy gem...There is no doubt in my mind that Richard Skipper is well on the way to international recognition and acclaim."

Here is your opportunity to experience Channing as you've never seen her before! For further information or directions, contact Pianos Cabaret Bar at 973-743-7209 .


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 Friday! 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:
Long may you wave! And continue to bring joy to all your audiences. The iguana is a great showcase for your multiple talents and you and Dana have resurrected a true entertainment that can be recommended to everyone, especially those from out of town.
Joe Regan Jr.



Richard -
You are among the most generous and supportive people I know, always promoting the work and performances of others, bringing people together, putting on a good face (lol), sending joy and love, and style and class into the world through your get-togethers and shows and emails and projects. You are alive! You... and your friends were the first to contribute to the National Theatre 175th Anniversary Fund, and I will never forget that! If only a tiny portion of the good you do for others, and the karma and positive energy which you radiate, returns to you, you will be fortunate indeed. Keep standing up for the good causes, and may your 49th Year be the Best One Yet!
Donn Murphy, THE NATIONAL THEATRE, http://www.nationaltheatre.org



My dear close friend Richard, Though you are 49 and I am 89 I hope I remain your Dolly as you have become a part of me and I have become a part of you. You can continue to make Dolly Gallagher Levi a legendary character that will live for generations to come..Our association will make that possible as you have many more birthday celebrations to enjoy. My love to you Richard. As ever and always, Carol Channing, http://www.carolchanning.org







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).



Cover: $12 - no food or drink minimums – but remember – the food is great!
This is a nice night
out with the family!

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.












Feb 24
8pm
IGUANA VIP LOUNGE, 240 West 54th Street, NYC
WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE IGUANA - CELEBRATING DANA'S BIRTHDAY
Barry Levitt on keyboard & Saadi Zain on bass.
Tonight's guests include: Susan Campanaro, Bobbie Horowitz, Cindy Marchionda ...
...and a few other surprises as well! $12.00 Music Charge/No food or drink minimum!
Reservations a must (212) 765-5454


March 3rd: Danielle Grabianowski

March 10th: David Alpher & Jenny Litt, Louise Quick (pictured), Nicholas Tamagna, Pam Tate, Maureen Taylor. And I'm doing a duet with the incredible David Vernon!

March 17th: Bending Threads and Cindy Marchionda returns along with Sally Swallow!

March 24th, Jackie Draper Julie Reyburn, and Diana Templeton returns!


March 31st: Frank Basile returns


April 7th: Esther Beckman Group, Sina Lewis, RJ Shaw, Susan Winter


April 14th: George Stella returns!


April 21st: Rita Ellis Hammer, Susan Eichhorn Young

April 28th: Kecia Craig and Frank Stern!
Keep checking http://www.richardskipper.com/schedule.html for upcoming entertainers and shows!


May 5th: Anton Van Der Merwe


May 19th: Michelle Collier, Barbara Gurskey

TILL NEXT TIME...

READY, SET, GOAL...THE ROAD TO BROADWAY!

It is hard to believe this is my last blog of the year...of the decade, even!
One of the greatest things to come out of this year has been my weekly series with Dana Lorge. Wednesday Nights At The Iguana. I never realized when this fell into my lap in May that I would still be doing it. I continue to campaign for the importance of ARTS IN EDUCATION.
I hope that as I write my blog this time next year, that EVERY school in the nation has an arts program as part of their curriculum.
I will continue to work with Carol Channing and Harry Kullijian and their foundation for the arts.
At the end of this blog, you will see how you, too, can help.


This has been a great year for Liza Minnelli! Talk about come-backs! She inspires me! In February, the DVD of her Tony Award winning (and now Grammy nominated) LIZA'S AT THE PALACE comes out.

I was lucky enough to see the concert at The Palace at the end of 2008. Last month, I saw the filmed version at The Paley Center. Liza was in attendance and was interviewed by Michael Feinstein afterwards.
Marc Rosen and Arlene Dahl were in attendance. As well as most of the cast of the show.
2010 is going to be a concentrated plan to get to Broadway. I am going to work and study with (and surround myself) with the people that I think will get me there. I will be keeping you abreast of my progress through my blogs, twitters, and Facebook. I hope that you will support me in this quest. I don't mean financially! I mean emotionally and spiritually.
When I was 13, I committed to come to NY on August 5th, 1979. I DID IT! I did a lot of theatre and 15 years ago, I went in another direction with my tribute to Carol Channing. It has been an incredible journey and I will continue to do those performances when the time arrives.

On Tuesday, I have my first audition of 2010. It's for a role and a show that I really desire A LOT! Keep me in your thoughts and prayers at 10:15AM on the 5th!


On a sadder note, this decade started with Tragedy at the World Trade Center. The decade ends with us STILL dealing with threats to our way of LIFE.
This is in today's NEW YORK POST: O furious over botch in security



By CHUCK BENNETT

AP


President Obama yesterday trashed the “systemic failure” by security and intelligence agencies that allowed an al Qaeda crotch bomber to nearly blow up a US airliner — as it was revealed the CIA had been tracking the jihadi since August. “When our government has information on a known extremist, and that information is not shared and acted upon -- as it should have been -- so that this extremist boards a plane with dangerous explosives that could have cost nearly 300 lives, a systemic failure has occurred," Obama said."And I consider that totally unacceptable."The president, speaking from Hawaii, where he's on vacation, hit the system responsible for keeping airline passengers safe, after remaining largely silent for two days following the thwarted Christmas Day attack over Detroit.
"There was a mix of human and systemic failure that contributed to this potentially catastrophic breach of security," Obama said, confirming reports that would-be bomber Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab's father had warned US officials in Nigeria about his son on Nov. 19.
The CIA had been tracking a person of interest dubbed "The Nigerian," but missed the connection with Abdulmutallab, even after his dad contacted the US Embassy in Lagos, CBS News reported.
CIA spokesman Paul Gimigliano said the agency didn't have Abdulmutallab's name until November and didn't connect the dots with "The Nigerian" until after the bungled bombing.
The agency is reviewing data "to determine if more could have been done to stop Abdulmutallab," he said.
The young thug's father told embassy officials his son might have traveled to Yemen to rendezvous with Islamic terrorists.
That led to a broader meeting the next day, in which the information was shared with representatives of the Homeland Security Department, the FBI and the State Department, a US official told The Wall Street Journal.
It's unclear whether intelligence officials then effectively analyzed the information from Nigeria.
But a US intelligence source told The Post the State Department cable warning about Abdulmutallab on Nov. 20 was "very thin" and could have been summarized in "one sentence" -- so sparse that he wasn't added to any watch list, nor was his US travel visa revoked.
The president ordered a review of airline screening procedures and the way in which terrorists are placed on watch lists. He said he wants answers about the stunning breach on his desk tomorrow.
In other developments yesterday:
* Yemen-based radical imam Anwar Aulaqi, the former Virginia mosque leader who counseled two 9/11 hijackers and the Fort Hood Massacre gunman, had approved of Abdulmutallab's failed attack and was becoming more involved in planning assaults, sources told the Washington Times.
A US intelligence official told the paper that Aulaqi indoctrinated Abdulmutallab into al Qaeda, blessed him and told him, "You are going to be the tip of the spear of the Muslim nation." Officials said Aulaqi might have been killed in Yemen earlier this month.
* Obama and his advisers believe there is "some linkage" between al Qaeda and Abdulmutallab. The administration is "increasingly confident" that the group worked with him to secure the explosive mixture he took aboard Northwest Airlines Flight 253, The Washington Post said.
The government also had intelligence suggesting a possible al Qaeda attack on the US around Christmas, the paper said.
* The United States and Yemen are looking at fresh targets in Yemen for a potential retaliatory strike over the foiled bombing, CNN reported.
* MTA police stepped up patrols and random bag inspections on commuter rails and major stations.
* Sen. Chuck Schumer said he wants Transportation Security Administration personnel stationed in foreign airports.
* Al Qaeda has its own security scanners and has been practicing concealing explosives, a Dutch newspaper reported. They have carried out test runs by smuggling explosives through European airports, the paper said.

Additional reporting by Tom Namako
chuck.bennett@nypost.com

I've often said that if everyone began the day with a show tune or a song, there would be no violence in the world! I BELIEVE THAT!

Here is an entertainer, I recommend: Jane Stuart Trio @ The New Leaf CafeFriday, January 15 at 7:30pm
New Leaf Cafe @ The Cloisters (Ft. Tryon park) NYC. She will also be appearing at The Iguana on February 3rd, my mom's birthday!
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:
Richard: SO sorry to miss the party! I was so looking forward to it and singing with your glorious voice and the others! Your Carol Channing is SO marvelous, but, at Jim's Memorial, your voice sounded so rich and strong! We were so impressed! It's very difficult to just be yourself and stand and sing! You touched us all with your heart and your talent! What a treat - and -the bonus is, you are such a lovely person! You are really a superb, charming and warm performer! Hoping SOME day to get to your Wed. night fiesta! Sorry if I waxed compliments overboard, but it's not often we get to do it with sincerity and when it is, it's a joy!! Have the greatest New Year! Billie Stewart






I had the wonderful opportunity of performing last nite at the Iguana. Dana and Richard are the most inviting hosts and make every one feel welcomed and loved... They have created a comfortable atmosphere at the Iguana.. I was sitting between Celeste Holmes and Eileen Fulton.. Not too bad I'd say. A perfect place to meet new people and brainstorm. Come and be a part of New York's Gem and make a little of your own history. see you there! Esther Beckman


Richard....
My sister, Joanna, and my student Omar Felix went with me to Dancers Over 40 on 12/13 for the tribute performance...your energy, warmth and enthusiasm as Carol Channing made the afternoon very special for all of us, and tied the whole program together. Can't wait to see more, Richard...
Cheers,
Garold Gardner, garoldgardnerscholarshipfoundation.org



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!



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.






TONIGHT!
December 30th: Ritt Henn, Annie Hughes, Cindy Marchionda, Sarah Rice, David Nathan Scott


January 13th: Barbara Gurskey returns!

January 20th: Douglas Davidian, Cait Doyle, D'yan Forrest, Greta Heron, Catt John, Alegra Themmen

Feb 3 : Michael Austin, Christopher Gerrard, Lucia Mozzola, Jane Schechter, George Stella, Jane Stuart

February 17th : James Alexander


March 10th: David Alpher & Jenny Litt, Louise Quick (pictured), Nicholas Tamagna, Pam Tate, Maureen Taylor

March 24th, Julie Reyburn returns!


April 28th: Kecia Craig and Frank Stern!
Keep checking http://www.richardskipper.com/schedule.html for upcoming entertainers.