Merry Christmas!

Here I am at a very early hour writing my blog on Christmas Day. Danny and Horace and most of the world are still asleep but I'm up and on a high and here at my desk. I had an incredible Christmas Eve. Almost a sold out show and mostly strangers and tourists! I like that! But I also had Joe Franklin, John Tantillo, Florence Ferrare, Barbara Flood, and Joan Jaffee (celebrating her birthday!) among others in the audience! Thank you all!
As you already know, I’m opening off-Broadway at St. Luke’s Theatre308 West 46th Street.
Check out our promo video created by Russ Weatherford:

Tomorrow afternoon is my third preview of Richard Skipper as "Carol Channing" in Concert. I would love to spend it with you. The show is at 73PM and I promise you will continue to stay in the holiday mood throughout as we celebrate my favorite Christmas “CAROL”. Check out www.RichardSkipper.com for more info. If you can make it, please call me. I can get you tickets at half price! St. Luke’s Theatre 308 West 46th Street.
Also makes a nice Christmas gift! Please call me!
Richard Skipper 845-365-0720

RICHARD SKIPPER AS “CAROL CHANNING” IN CONCERT
Off-Broadway Premiere
Special Day after Christmas show at 3PM!
Opening Night is Wednesday January 12th at St. Luke’s Theatre

“Richard Skipper is a true musical comedy star! He is FABULOUS as me!”
-- Carol Channing

RICHARD SKIPPER AS “CAROL CHANNING” IN CONCERT celebrates the career and persona of the unique theatrical legend. Accompanied by a three-piece band led by John Fischer, Skipper blends Channing’s standards with original material and other familiar songs sung in a spot-on Channing-on-Broadway perfection.
The musical surveys Channing's life with many stops along the way for Skipper's unique --and riotous-- "ad-lib" interactions with the audience.
New York City has gotten
a very special Christmas “Carol” this year! Richard Skipper
brings his critically-acclaimed show RICHARD SKIPPER AS “CAROL CHANNING” IN CONCERT Off-Broadway at St. Luke’s Theatre, 306 West 46th Street (between Eighth & Ninth Ave.) Opening night will be Wednesday January 12th. The production will be directed by Mark Robert Gordon. A portion of the proceeds from this Off-Broadway premiere will benefit The Dr. Carol Channing & Harry Kullijian Foundation for The Arts.

The Dr. Carol Channing & Harry Kullijian Foundation For The Arts is dedicated to building a nationwide awareness campaign heralding the benefits of arts in the curriculum of public schools and providing musical instruments for low income school districts via the funding of scholarships for students and teachers in the arts.


Special added performance tomorrow night! December 24th (7:30pm).
Here are three audience comments from yesterday! (Taken from guest book at www.RichardSkipper.com) Keep checking website for additional comments.


I was lucky to be at Richard Skipper's amazing show today (12/22/10). Every song was perfectly done and I loved the way he had the audience involved with sing alongs and lots of laughter.
Richard was Carol Channning on that stage! I still have a smile on my face, and I know this is just the beginning of a very successful run! What a great way to kick start the holidays! Everyone should go see this wonderfully enjoyable musical experience as soon as possible..Carol Siwek, NYC

Larry Olin saw your show yesterday (12/22/10) and could not stop complimenting you. This is not a small compliment, Larry has seen Ethel Merman on Broadway, Barbra Streisand, and Judy Garland "live" three times. Larry knows theater and could not stop raving about the way you reworked the show and of course your amazing ability to improvise with the audience. Congratulations!
Michael Austin, http://www.michaelvincentaustin.com

We went to Richard Skipper's show today. We howled with laughter, sang along a little bit, watched with awe how masterfully he delights his audience. Oh yes, I almost forgot, he sings like a powerhouse! He is doing this preview again on Christmas Eve. Go!!
http://www.janestuartmusic.com

Richard's performance called to mind the words: Ardor, dedication, enthusiasm and integrity. I came to see his "Carol", as a friend and because I'd never seen it on stage before.
But I left with a greater sense of my own humanity and an even greater love of theatre, which is Richard's amazing gift to the world.
I think his powerful talent and respect for Carol Channing allows him to mesmerize the audience with not only her charm, but moreover his own. If I could I would carry a sandwich sign over my back to tell the theatre community..."NOT TO MISS HIS MAGICAL PERFORMANCE".
Don't you miss him either!
Paula (PJ) Riley


Hope you and/or your friends comments will be added tomorrow night!
With grateful XOXOXs for your support!
Richard Skipper 845-365-0720





. . . 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 HOLIDAY SEASON!


Richard Skipper, Richard@RichardSkipper.com

5 DAYS TILL CHRISTMAS, 2 DAYS TILL MY FIRST PREVIEW...LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS IDEAS!

Wow, what a week I have ahead! Starting previews of my show off-Broadway and celebrating Christmas. I thought that today I would offer three great musical ideas for last minute Christmas gifts. I think there is nothing better than the gift of music and since my show is about lifting up the human spirit, why not buy two tickets for your best friend and/or parents for Wednesday afternoon? If everyone who reads this did that, I would be off to a fantastic start. I'm not even thinking beyond Wednesday at this point. It's all about THAT day! Keep those good thoughts flowing!2 days till first preview!
Help me get started with a bang!
A special offer for you for Wednesday afternoon! (Also makes an excellent Christmas Gift!)
RICHARD SKIPPER AS “CAROL CHANNING” IN CONCERT
Off-Broadway Premiere Begins December 22nd

“Richard Skipper is a true musical comedy star! He is FABULOUS as me!”
-- Carol Channing


New York City is getting a very special Christmas “Carol” this year! Richard Skipper, brings his critically-acclaimed show RICHARD SKIPPER AS “CAROL CHANNING” IN CONCERT Off-Broadway, with performances set to begin December 22nd at St. Luke’s Theatre, 306 West 46th Street (between Eighth & Ninth Ave.) Opening night will be Wednesday January 12th.
The production will be directed by Mark Robert Gordon.
A portion of the proceeds from this Off-Broadway premiere will benefit The Dr. Carol Channing & Harry Kullijian Foundation for The Arts.

TODAY ONLY!
Buy your tickets today for Wednesday December 22nd (2PM show!) For discount codes you need to get tickets in one of 3 ways:

1) www.broadwayoffers.com (service fee)
2) call (212) 947-8844 (service fee); or
3) go to the box office at St. Luke's Theater: 308 W. 46th Street (between 8th & 9th Avenues) (no service fee)
http://www.telecharge.com/BehindTheCurtain.aspx?ProdID=8390
And get a discount! Use this code: CCSKIP40 $41.50
(additional shows are being added as ticket sales demand it!). Also, please pay it forward as best you can! Word of mouth is a powerful tool! IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES! With grateful XOXOXs for your support! Richard Skipper 845-365-0720

Check out our promo video created by Russ Weatherford:




http://nyack.patch.com/articles/performance-for-the-sake-of-flattery


http://www.richardskipper.com
Hope to see you and/or your friends Wednesday afternoon!

If you are looking for the perfect stocking stuffer? I'd like to recommend one of my favorite Christmas cds, Ann Hampton Callaway's THIS CHRISTMAS This is one of my favorite Christmas cds. I'm downloading this into my Ipod as I write this. Here is one of the on-line reviews from someone who purchased the CD through Amazon, "This is a lovely holiday album from perhaps the best singer around. In case you don't know Ms. Callaway yet, she's one of the brightest lights of the New York cabaret scene (and she wrote and sang the theme from "The Nanny"). There is a full range of musical styles here, each performed with grace and elegance. "Jingle Bells" swings, as you would expect, but so does "The Christmas Song," surprising and delighting the ear. "Carol of the Bells" has a driving jazz waltz lilt. At the opposite end of the spectrum are a tender "Silent Night"- "A Child Is Born" medley, classic renditions of the classics "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and the newer "A Christmas Love Song," and an exquisite "White Christmas" accompanied by string quartet. The duet with Kenny Rankin of "Baby It's Cold Outside" is one of the most sensuous I've ever heard of this oft-recorded number, and the dialogue between the two is both funny and sexy. As I mentioned, Ms. Callaway is also a songwriter, and three delightful samples of her work are included: "This Christmas," an achingly romantic ballad; "Manhattan in December," a jolly swing tune with clever lyrics by Lindy Robbins; and "God Bless My Family," a soaring duet with Ann's sister, Broadway singer Liz Callaway. All three new songs are gems, as is the entire album. Don't miss it."
Order it today on Amazon and get it in time for Christmas!
http://www.amazon.com/This-Christmas-Ann-Hampton-Callaway/dp/B00006HCV0

According to Ann's website, www.AnnHamptonCallaway.com, her next appearance is 1/21/2011 at Sanders Theatre @ Harvard in Cambridge, MA
The Callaway Sisters in BOOM! Starring Liz Callaway and Ann Hampton Callaway (617) 496-2222 www.celebrityseries.org
Commit to seeing Ann and/or Liz in 2011!

I don't know about you, but I get nostalgic this time every year. Not only are visions of sugar plums dancing in my head, but visions of those family members and friends that are no longer with us and remembrances of Christmas' past. I also start thinking of those great stars who lent their names and talent to great Christmas specials and songs. Can you imagine Christmas without "The Christmas Song" written by Mel Torme? Here is my favorite version of that song:


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

Richard,
You were just great interviewing Carol Channing Friday (7/23/10) at Barnes and Noble. You were the perfect foil for her and kept the proceedings lively and focused. Wonderful. Bravo! Jim Brochu




Dear Richard,
You were a perfect host for Carol Channing's event this evening. Jim and I brought two friends with us and they thought you were warm and respectful! You have a true skill and you're always thinking of others. For example, you moved your chair back so people on the side could see better and everyone was appreciative. Thank you also for introducing us to Harry. He was a joy to talk to as well as an inspiration. I'm so glad we were able to make it. And we are so glad to know you. YOU need your own talk show!!!
Sincerely,
Mary Lahti

Hi Richard....unfortunately, I'm down in Atlanta,but I've seen you a few times in FL (Jimmy Ferraro/Dee Etta's theatre, and the Palladium in St. Pete). You are AWESOMELY INCREDIBLE!! Anyone who hasn't seen you, NEEDS to go, because they'd be in for a wonderful treat! Maybe if you ever get down here to the Atlanta area, I'd definitely see your show again!
Ron Gross, Lovejoy, GA

I have been a journalist since the mid 1980s, columnist and radio host for Blakeradio/Blogtalk (6-7 years)and Soul Interviews in Sweden (1.5 years). I have interviewed entertainers, politicians, and people of note. I've howled with George Clinton, been pinched by Melvin van Peebles, giggled with Connie Francis and recited poetry to Oscar Brown, Jr., all in good fun. Talk to any radio host and they will tell you there is nothing more excruciating then having a monosyllabic guest. Richard Skipper is definitely not that. Radio folks love talkers and interesting ones at that. Mr. Skipper is charming, interesting and a guest who has a wealth of info to share. I will have him back again to share Judy Garland with my listeners next time. Interested parties can catch the "Topically Yours" show with Richard at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/blakeradio.
Thanks for the a peppy and lively show Richard. You were lots of fun.
Deardra Shuler

Your interview on July 20 was terrific! Your knowledge of the musical theater and the American Variety stage is "spot on" and your comment on the variety art form being one of the last entertainments to accommodate a diversity of audience was very astute.
Equally as wonderful was your genuine enthusiasm and energy. Your commitment to the performance arts is a valuable commodity.
I look forward to seeing you in concert soon.
JoAnn Yeoman (Tongret)

Richard makes a fine host and entertainer! I've taken part in the midweek evening at the Iguana Club a couple times now. it is always entertaining. great mix of music from lots of different performers. you're bound to hear something you weren't expecting and be exposed to something new that you will like.
Joshua Rona


SEE FOR YOURSELF THIS WEEK! DECEMBER 22nd at ST. LUKE'S THEATRE, 46th Street, NYC 2PM!



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