Showing posts with label STEVEN FALES. Show all posts
Showing posts with label STEVEN FALES. Show all posts

Sunday, August 15, 2010

STEVEN FALES, JIM BROCHU, WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE IGUANA...AND MORE!

I am reminded daily how lucky I am living in a city where LIVE THEATRE is available to me on a daily basis. And not just one or two shows, but a plethora. If I was to see three shows a day over the next 52 week, I still wouldn't see everything.
Today, I want to write about a show I saw last night, a show I saw this afternoon, and anticipation of things to come! Last night a group of friends: Dave Chontos, Eileen Fisher, Bobbie Horowitz, Dana Lorge, Chuck Mosseau (with two friends of his), Tym Moss, and myself met at the diner directly across the street at 5PM. Although it was conveniently located, I cannot recommend this diner (and I LOVE diners!). When we walked in, NO ONE was there. The food was mediocre at best, the service was ok, and the management was blah! When will these restaurants learn to love their customers? Especially in today's economic climate!
One of my favorite restaurants in NY is Chez Josephine. Jean Claude Baker (son of the grat Josephine Baker) is a classic example of the perfect host! He told me once that when he started in the restaurant business over 25 years ago he was allergic to food and knew nothing of the restaurant business! He said, "Richard, 25 years later, I'm still allergic to garlic and I still know nothing of the restaurant business. However, I know how I want to be treated when I walk into a restaurant." And I will tell you, he treats EVERY customer like the star they are! Go see for yourself. A few restaurants (including one I'm in every week) could take a lesson from this man!
But back to last night. We had a great time just enjoying each other's company before going to the show. I try to get a group together for every show I go to. It makes the evening more exciting and helps to expand the artist's that we're going to see fan base.
I've been following Steven Fales' career for years. I, of course, am very interested in working entertainers. That precious few who keep the momentum going even in a tough economy. Steven Fales is definitely in that category. And thanks to FACEBOOK, we have actually connected and are now working with each other. We bounce ideas off of each other and we are joining forces on September 20th for an all day workshop at DON'T TELL MAMA in NY: Sep 20
9am-4pm

DON'T TELL MAMA, 343 West 46th Street, NYC
FLYING SOLO: HOW TO CREATE AND PRODUCE YOUR OWN SOLO WORK

This dynamic one-day workshop on all things solo performance will give you everything you need to begin your journey creating and producing work that is viable and meaningful. Lead by veteran solo performers Steven Fales, CONFESSIONS OF A MORMON BOY, and Richard Skipper, CAROL CHANNING IN CONCERT STARRING RICHARD SKIPPER. The cost is $199. for the workshop. Paypal accepted at www.mormonboy.com. For more info. email info@mormonboy.com

Look at my track record. Look at his! This is definitely one workshop you will not want to miss! Sign up now! Seating is limited.

MISSIONARY POSITION, Steven's latest in a trilogy about his life as a gay Mormon is an incredible piece of theatre. I laughed and cried last night. Moving towards my own autobiographical piece, AS CAROL, it was a master class in story telling. I was thrilled to be part of that first night audience. I do feel that there needs to be minor trimming and that some parts need to be fleshed out more (no pun intended). But Bravo, Steven! I am proud to call you friend.
Steven's next show is Friday afternoon at 2PM. It is part of New York's Fringe Festival. Go see this show! It is at The Soho Playhouse 15 VanDam Street.

You can also catch Steven on September 2nd at The Iguana!

8pm

THE IGUANA, 240 W 54th St
MORMON AMERICAN PRINCESS Co Produced by Richard Skipper
Steven Fales, Actor / Writer of Off-Broadway hit CONFESSIONS OF A MORMON BOY coming to the Iquana with his cabaret confection, MORMON AMERICAN PRINCESS. Tickets are $25 (cash at the door) now food or drink minimums but the food is great. For reservations call (212) 765-5454 or visit their website to make an online reservation. Mormon American Princess is a revue combining original songs with standards and Broadway showtunes to explore “our self-absorbed society.” He’s still finding inspiration in the life journey that took him from married Latter-day Saint to out “latter-gay saint,” as the titles of his musical numbers—including “The Excommunication Polka,” “Cult Rap” and “Mormon Broadway Medley”—might suggest; the playlist also features “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and “Son of a Preacher Man.” Join Fales for this high-energy adventures in sin and fabulousness.
You can take Steven home with you! Confessions of a Mormon Boy: Behind the Scenes of the Off-Broadway Hit

To read more about Steven Fales, please visit his web site: http://www.mormonboy.com

"What a rare and skillful thing is Confessions of a Mormon Boy, Steven Fales' engrossing, funny and often quite harrowing tale. A fine writer and actor."- Chicago Sun-Times A hit at New York's Fringe Festival, Steven Fales' true-life story has become a smash across the country. Now playing off-Broadway, it continues to dazzle audiences with its honesty and wit as the author recounts his story of being excommunicated from the Mormon church for being gay, leaving his wife and children, and his subsequent descent into the dangers of sex and drugs.
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?cid=15572946051826582145&q=Steven%2BFales#











This afternoon, I saw the INCREDIBLE Jim Brochu's ZERO HOUR. Another that I have followed for years and a big fan of. I was lucky enough to attend The Drama Desk Awards this year. I was thrilled that he won and he brought the house down!
The following is from THEATREMANIA: Zero Hour
Reviewed By: Les Spindle · Jul 10, 2006 · New York

Jim Brochu in Zero Hour
(Photo © Michael Lamont)

In Jim Brochu's entertaining new solo play Zero Hour, the writer-performer gives us a flavorful glimpse at the remarkable life and career of the late, great actor-singer-painter Zero Mostel. Nearly two decades after his death, Mostel is remembered for his indelible accomplishments in such shows at Fiddler on the Roof and Rhinoceros but also for his infamous temper, his volatile behavior, and his tribulations at the hands of Senator Joseph McCarthy's ruthless communist investigation committee in the 1950s.


The show is meant as tribute, though it's scarcely a wart-free depiction of Mostel. The text consists of intriguing biographical and historical tidbits, peppered with Brochu's intermittently successful attempts to conjure up the essence of this larger-than-life clown with a dark side. Meanwhile, director Paul Kreppel's mounting feels like a solid workshop effort in which the characterization could be refined and the mix of anecdotes should be reconsidered. At times, Zero Hour, which runs about two hours, feels less like a play and more like a lecture.

The multi-talented Brochu (co-writer of the hit musicals The Last Session and The Big Voice: God or Merman?) knows whereof he speaks.
He often likes to relate an incident during the 1960s in which he asked Mostel for his autograph. According to Brochu, Mostel bellowed back "You're not worthy!" The kicker is that the men were more than casual acquaintances at that point; Brochu had been introduced to Mostel by his own mentor, actor David Burns.

The play begins in Mostel's Manhattan art studio in 1977, as he is preparing to play Shylock in a play called The Merchant. (Mostel died during an out-of-town tryout in Philadelphia.) The premise is that a New York Times reporter has come to interview Mostel; in exchange Mostel insists on painting a portrait of the newsman. (Mostel always called himself a painter who sometimes acts, not vice versa.) In a fully believable development -- based on what we know of Mostel -- the actor takes over the interview, and his bombastic mix of tirades, jokes, digressions, and laments becomes a crash course in his tumultuous life.

Most of the expected details are touched upon: His modest upbringing on New York's Lower East Side with his Orthodox Jewish parents; his miserable first marriage and happier second union; the devastating accident in which a bus ran over his leg, leaving him in excruciating pain for the rest of his life. Midway through the first act, the specter of McCarthyism rears its ugly head, when Mostel and many of his friends were called before the House Un-American Activities Committee. These anecdotes are fascinating and heart-wrenching, but so much time is spent on them that we don't get sufficient details on other parts of his life, such as his work in the Broadway shows and his disappointing efforts to forge a film career.

Brochu makes it clear that the bellowing Mostel had a bark worse than his bite, and that much of his aggressive, outlandish behavior derived from his innate nature as a born clown. Yet, when we get a fleeting admission from Mostel at the end about his life frustrations, we find ourselves wishing that more examples had been as well fleshed out as the blacklist business.

Wisely, Brochu avoids impersonating Mostel. There are physical resemblances between the two men, but Brochu realized a too-boisterous portrayal would likely be overbearing, for the same reason Hollywood producers worried that Mostel's persona would look too oversized onscreen. Nonetheless, Brochu captures the all-important wild-eyed look and the actor's idiosyncratic outbursts are fully credible.

There is still much work to be done before Zero Hour becomes the gem it could be. But even now, its mix of something for everyone -- comedy, tragedy, showbiz history, and nostalgia -- results in a fresh and inventive piece.

Jim Brochu, Charles Kimbrough, Andrea Marcovicci, Kristine Nielsen, et al. Set for York Musicals in Mufti Concerts
(SOURCE: Dan Bacalzo, THEATREMANIA.COM)


Preliminary casting has been announced for two of the York Theatre Company's Fall 2010 Musicals in Mufti concerts.

Andrea Marcovicci will play fashion designer Coco Chanel in Coco (September 10-12), joined by Jessica Grové as Noelle, Charles Kimbrough as Louis Greif, and Kristine Nielsen as Pignol. Mark Kaufmann will direct, with music direction by Michael Horsley.

Jim Brochu, Quentin Earl Darrington, and Josh Grisetti will play the roles of Sir, The Negro and Cocky, respectively, in The Roar of the Greasepaint - The Smell of the Crowd (October 1-3).
Marcia Milgrom Dodge will direct with Ethyl Will as music director.

The following is from Ken Davenport's wonderful blog, The Producer's Perspective, dated February 22nd, 2010 (BTW, Sign up for Ken's blog. It is one of the best blogs around!)Zero Hour Resumes Performances Tuesday
ZERO HOUR, Jim Brochu’s acclaimed play about the life of theatre legend Zero Mostel, will begin an open-ended Off-Broadway run at the DR2 Theatre (103 East 15th Street) beginning February 23rd, with opening night set for Sunday, March 7th. ZERO HOUR recently completed a limited 11-week limited engagement at Theatre at St. Clement’s, where it opened on November 22nd to rave reviews.

“In this solo bioplay directed by Hollywood veteran Piper Laurie, writer and performer Brochu is freakishly convincing as the blustery, brilliant Mostel. It’s more than just the ridiculous comb-over, the bug eyes and the Tevye beard. Brochu seems to have captured the soul of the bombastic clown who could wring laughs out of an audience with a bit of mime or a booming punch line…a funny tribute to a funny man.” – NY1

“Singularly captivating. Zero Hour is a success. Brochu is the spitting image of the bearish Mostel, down to the strands of hair barely covering his head. His wildly expressive gestures are particularly spot on. It brings Mostel back to life, just the way his fans want him.” - The New York Times

“Very funny. Brochu's living restoration has brought Mostel's larger-than-life personality back into the spotlight for a laugh-filled, much-welcomed presentation. - Associated Press

“It all flows and provides plenty of big laughs as well as hushed drama. After a while, you stop caring whether a particular line is Brochu’s or Mostel’s; all you know is that you’ve been privy to the work of a great comedian.” - The New Yorker

****(FOUR STARS/Critic’s Pick) “We owe Jim Brochu a debt of gratitude for Zero Hour, an extraordinary act of reincarnation that restores the outsize actor to us in all of his daunting dimensions. From the moment that Brochu spins around to face the audience, he is a Hirschfeld drawing come to pulsing life. You can’t help being swept up in the tornado of energy as Brochu’s star turn conjures forth a Zero larger than life and death.” - Time Out New York

“The rumors of Zero Mostel's death have apparently been greatly exaggerated. Jim Brochu recalls his subject so uncannily in looks, voice and anarchic spirit that one immediately wants to see him in revivals of Forum and Fiddler. Thirty-two years after Mostel's untimely death, it's a pleasure to have him back on the boards.” - New York Post

Three-time Academy Award nominee Piper Laurie directs ZERO HOUR, which was originally produced in Los Angeles, winning the Ovation Award for Best New Play. And just last month, ZERO HOUR received two Helen Hayes Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor and Outstanding Non-Resident Production.

Starring Jim Brochu as Zero Mostel, ZERO HOUR is set at Mostel’s West 28th Street painting studio where a naïve reporter attempts to interview the famously volatile actor, prompting an explosion of memory, humor, outrage, and juicy backstage lore. It is July 1977 and the actor is giving his final interview before leaving for the pre-Broadway tryout of The Merchant in Philadelphia. Mostel only played one performance as Shylock before his sudden death at the age of 62. ZERO HOUR traces Mostel's early days growing up on the Lower East Side as the son of Orthodox Jewish immigrant parents, through his rise as a stand-up comedian, from the Borscht Belt to Manhattan's most exclusive supper clubs, and from the devastation of the blacklist to his greatest Broadway triumphs, most notably as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof and working through his love-hate relationship with Jerome Robbins.

ZERO HOUR is produced Off-Broadway by Kurt Peterson and Edmund Gaynes in association with The Peccadillo Theater Company.

The playing schedule is Tuesday at 7PM, Wednesday at 2PM, Thursday & Friday at 8PM, Saturday at 2 & 8PM, and Sunday at 2PM. Tickets are $59.50 & $35.50 and are available through Telecharge.com 212-239-6200. For more information about ZERO HOUR, visit www.ZeroHourShow.com.

The Mufti season will also include I Remember Mama (October 8-10), directed by Michael Montel with Mark Hartman as music director, and I Love My Wife (October 22-24), directed by Carl Andress with music direction by Matt Castle.

Once again, WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE IGUANA!
WINNER FOR TWO 2010 MANHATTAN ASSOCIATION OF CABARETS AND CLUBS AWARDS (MAC) FOR OUTSTANDING VARIETY SHOW AND OUTSTANDING HOSTS! NOW IN ITS SECOND YEAR! RESERVE FOR WEDNESDAY NIGHT’S SHOW TODAY after 12 noon. You never know who you’ll see at the Iguana! Last Wednesday night, we were SRO! THE RAVES ARE IN! THE FOLLOWING ARE RECENT COMMENTS FROM
http://www.richardskipper.com/guestbook.html

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!!
DeOnzell Green

A big Thank you to Dana and Richard for such a joyous evening on Wednesday at the Iguana. They love what they do and the entire room loves them for what they do. The show was terrific on so many levels. They are gracious and welcoming to audience and performers, offstage and on - Richard and Dana are FABULOUS onstage. Hey Folks, see you there!! Judith A. Caporale, New York, NY

Thank you so much for hosting such a wonderful show at The Iguana, which I experienced for the first time last night. I've attended many cabaret shows, but never (yes, I mean never) before have I heard such a wonderful variety of music and such excellent vocalists with great performance abilities. God willing, I will definitely be back! I recommend this event to anyone looking for a great night out in NYC.Richard, I also want to express my appreciation for your generosity of spirit; you [and the very-funny Dana!] unselfishly promote all the performers' shows and CD's, not to mention the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs, a most admirable trait! Sophia Niarchos, Upper Brookville, NY

COME WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND THEN ADD YOUR OWN COMMENTS!
Aug 18
8pm
IGUANA VIP LOUNGE, 240 West 54th Street, NYC
WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE IGUANA
Barry Levitt on keyboard & Saadi Zain on bass.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT'S guests include:SARAH HAYES,

Lynda D'Amour: Lynda grew up listening to an eclectic assortment of music, virtually anything she could get her hands, or ears, on and it shows in her varied selection of material and her delivery of a song. In any given minute you might hear a hint of jazz, pop, rock, R&B, or show tune. Lynda began her professional career in music working as lead vocalist in various Top-40 bands throughout the Northeast and in Original Rock bands locally in the Boston area. In keeping with her eclectic musical nature she spent a few years performing exclusively in musical theater but returned to performing in clubs and enjoys redefining the ever growing Great American Songbook. “I’m drawn to a great lyric”



2010 BISTRO AWARD WINNER Loli Marquez-Sterling:Loli's has been involved in the performing arts business for the past 20 years, which has taken her down different venues of the theatre world. Her namesake her Tia Lolita, was a great opera singer from Havana, Cuba. Loli began to follow in her footsteps beginning her studies studying Voice/Opera at Peabody Conservatory of Music. Her first professional NYC job was in 1991 singing in Grammy winner Phillips Springer's Requiem for an Artist, where she was a featured soloist. Stage and musical theatre productions have dominated most of Loli’s career performing in productions and touring companies of Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita and Man of La Mancha, Annie, Sound of Music and a Chorus Line. The summer of 2002 Loli was involved in NYC's Fringe Festival, where she played Adolfina in Reynaldo Arenas play The Palace of the White Skunk. Loli also had the honor of sharing the stage with the late Irene Worth in a Library of Congress musical Production of Oscar Wildes, After the Ball and with Marnie Nixon in Verrisimo Opera Company’s A Christmas Carol.


ELLEN BULLINGER:
...and a few other surprises as well! $12.00 Music Charge/No food or drink minimum!
Reservations a must (212) 765-5454


Richard Skipper Brings CAROL CHANNING IN CONCERT To Cape Cod, 8/30-9/2


Richard Skipper, the 4-time MAC Award winning celebrity tribute artist, brings his critically-
acclaimed show "Carol Channing" IN CONCERT to Cape Cod for a 4-Night Only Special
Engagement prior to this Fall's Off-Broadway run. A portion of proceeds from each ticket will
benefit The Dr. Carol Channing & Harry Kullijian Foundation For The Arts. The performances
will occur Monday August 30th through Thursday September 2nd at The Madeira Room Vixen
located at The Pilgrim House in Provincetown.

"Carol Channing" IN CONCERT is a fully staged and researched musical montage celebrating
the career and persona of the unique theatrical legend. Blending Channing's standards with
original material and other familiar songs sung by Skipper in a spot-on Channing-on-Broadway
perfection, 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 is accompanied by a 3-piece
band. The show is directed by long-time NYC actor/director Mark Robert Gordon.

Making his return to Provincetown for the first time in 8 years, Skipper is fresh off a joint
appearance with Carol Channing preceding a 1-night standing room only engagement of
"Carol Channing" IN CONCERT in New York (a star-studded event with luminaries such as
Oscar-winner Celeste Holm, Betsy Palmer, Joe Franklin, original Broadway Hello, Dolly! cast
members, and Channing songwriter Ervin Drake in attendance). The buzz created by the
New York concert has prompted demand for a longer-term Off-Broadway production, which is
slated to open in New York City this Fall in conjunction with bookings worldwide. The Provincetown
and upcoming Off-Browadway productions of "Carol Channing" IN CONCERT are produced
by The Camelback Kid.

Richard Skipper is a 4-time recipient of the MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabaret) Award a
Back Stage Bistro Award, and a CLONEY AWARD in Las Vegas 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.

"Carol Channing" IN CONCERT runs 4-nights only from Monday August 30 through Thursday September 2 at 9:00pm at The Madeira Room Vixen located at The Pilgrim House, 336 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA.

Tickets: available in-person at The Madeira Room Vixen box office or at (508) 487-6424. Further information is available at www.thepilgrimhouse.com, www.ptownvixen.com, www.TheCamelbackKid.com, and www.RichardSkipper.com.

Tickets are $35.00 ($30.00 if advance purchased). A portion of proceeds from each ticket benefits The Dr. Carol Channing & Harry Kullijian Foundation For The Arts.

Running time is 1 hour 20 minutes (no intermission).

The show is suitable for all ages.


Carol Channing's Greater Cause, (SOURCE:Tommy Garrett, CANYON NEWS)

HOLLYWOOD—“Look at the old girl now, fellas!” There appears to be no stopping Carol Channing, who recently flew to New York City to not only promote her new CD, but to announce that she is currently embarking on a national campaign to restore the Arts back into the public school system through The Dr. Carol Channing and Harry Kullijian Foundation for the Arts. No sooner than leaving NYC, Miss Channing was performing in California again. Doing her best to promote YES and GVA, which you can learn more about by going to her website.




“We’re trying to make Stanislaus County a model county in the state of California for bringing arts back in the public schools and to help children structure their lives so they are better citizens,” said Harry Kullijian. “Art is the catalyst to learning and education and to being closer to one another and treating each other with more respect rather than dropping out of school and getting into all sorts of problems,” he added. “I hope that the example set in Stanislaus County will lead the way in not only the state, but that this call to action would be picked up across the nation.”

Carol and Harry continued their national tour on August 6. They will also co-host an event in L.A. on August 14 for Spirit of ‘45, which will honor US Veterans of WWII on the 65th anniversary of the end of the war. Carol said, “My dear husband, Harry, and many others like him went to war so that their children could have liberty to study math, philosophy, geography, science, architecture, commerce and agriculture in order that future generations could study painting, poetry, dance, and music that could then enhance the knowledge their fathers had previously gained. Armed with these tools, they can reach beyond even the dreams their grandfathers had for them. The veterans of WWII achieved the goal of protecting these rights for today's and future generations and should always be remembered for doing so.”




Carol recalls, “A general once addressed England’s Parliament, saying that they had to cut the Arts to support the war effort, and Winston Churchill said, ‘Then what are we fighting for?’” On July 27, the U.S. House of Representatives approved by voice vote H Con Res 275, which is a concurrent resolution expressing support for designation of the week as Arts in Education Week that will begin on the second Sunday of September. The resolution had 101 cosponsors and was authored by Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA), with encouragement and support of Broadway legends.

Portions of the proceeds from Ms. Channing’s recently released CD, “For Heaven’s Sake,” will benefit the foundation’s efforts. The CD includes many of the songs she came to know and love as a child with spirituals that she learned from her family. The CD features handpicked spirituals from Carol’s childhood, taught to her by her father as well as hymns and rousing classic gospel tunes that southern gospel fans and people of all ages will know and love. In September, Carol is proudly releasing a new Patriotic CD, tentatively titled “American Carol,” that features songs such as “Over There,” “Dear Old Glory,” “God Bless America,” “America” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” among others.

Ms. Channing recently produced a PSA for California featuring friends and colleagues Lily Tomlin, Alec Mapa, Florence Henderson, Kevin Sorbo, Donna Mills, Lesley Ann Warren, Stefanie Powers, Kate Linder, JoAnne Worley and Phill Lewis with plans to produce another for national distribution. The Link to the Foundation PSA is http://www.youtube.com/user/BHBPR#p/u/26/0d3Uf-QG3Zk

Is it any wonder why the nation's museum, The Smithsonian Institute, chose to induct Ms. Channing into the new and first permanent Entertainment History Exhibit as one of the Legendary Ladies of Stage and Screen?

To learn more about Ms. Channing’s national efforts visit ChanningArts.org.

Photographs of Hoda Kotb, Kathie Lee Gifford, Carol Channing and Harry Kullijian on the TODAY SHOW set and Carol Channing and Selena Gomez meet backstage at The View are Courtesy: Miss Channing and Harry Kullijian


Arts Center of Coastal Carolina in South Carolina (my home state) is doing HELLO, DOLLY! in December! I want to play Dolly Levi again! If you have seen my work and think that I should have this opportunity, PLEASE contact the theatre and tell them why you think it should happen!


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








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


Richard and Dana, thanks so much for inviting us to perform Wednesday evening (7/18/10). It was an especially smooth and enjoyable evening with wonderful fresh talent among the mix of wonderful familiar guests who are always entertaining. Richard, you were extra "on" this evening and had many of us in stitches. Dana, your song was great and you were gorgeous as usual. I spoke to two sets of new comers at intermission who said you both make people feel so warm and welcome and they plan to return. Kudos to you both. There is no stopping you, and nobody plans on it, so keep it up! We had a blast.
Jim & Mary Lahti


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




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


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

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

"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.

Advertisement

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
My Ping in TotalPing.com