HAPPY APRIL!
I am often overwhelmed by all that New York has to offer as far as entertainment in this city. Why, then, do so many people stay in? My own stimulus plan is for people to go out and see AT LEAST one LIVE show this week.
Monday night, we went to Birdland to see Jack Donahue. Great on the ears and eyes. Catch him next time he’s around. Jim Caruso sets the standard high at Birdland. And I, for one, am grateful. You know you will ALWAYS get quality there. Trust me, you’ll thank me.
Yesterday Mitzi Gaynor and the cast of the ORIGINAL “South Pacific” were at BARNES & NOBLE LINCOLN TRIANGLE. Great turn out. Thank you Bart for all you do there. It was fun to see Dick Barclay who was one of Mitzi’s dancers in Vegas in the 60s. It was obvious she was glad to see him. Wow! She looks amazing. Also, Iva Withers who was in the original SOUTH PACIFIC. What a thrill to meet Mitzi Gaynor. South Pacific is a 1949 musical with music byRichard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and book by Hammerstein and Joshua Logan. The story draws from James A, Michner's Pulitizer Prize-winning 1949 novel, Tales of the South Pacific, weaving together characters and elements from several of its stories into a single plotline. The musical won the Pulitizer Prize for Drama in 1950. The issue of racial prejudice was sensitively and candidly explored, particularly for the 1949 stage work.
Afterwards, I headed over to David Friedman’s class. What a nurturing environment for singers no matter what level. I don’t know what took me so long but I’m having a great time.
It's beginning to feel like Spring here in New York with temperatures in the low 50's. There are beautiful daffodils and hyacinths popping out of the ground. The weather is beautiful this week, but April in New York can bring much cooler weather as well, so I am enjoying each day as it comes and it is delightful!
I am thrilled to be performing as Carol Channing at the National Arts Club on Monday night. Here are the details.
Aprl 6th at 6:30pm
The National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South at 20th St., NYC
ERVIN DRAKE: ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 90TH BIRTHDAY
Ervin Drake will be receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award. Performances by Leslie Uggams, Anna Bergman, John Gabriel, Christine Lavin, Valerie Lemon, Daryl Sherman, myself, KT Sullivan. With Guest Speakers Tovah Feldshuh, Charles Grodin, Rex Reed. Musical Director John Weber. 6:30 pm cocktails, dinner at 7:30. $85 per person, including tax and service charge. RSVP a MUST and should be made by April 2nd. Members of the club may charge to member accounts, non-members may pay at the door by cash or check. Please call (212) 475-3424 for reservations and information.
Today is my final class at Primary Stages. Where did the past six weeks go? Andrew Leynse and fellow class mates, THANK YOU for an incredible journey!
Am going to a seminar at 8AM tomorrow morning on marketing for actors. And please remember, I am conducting my own class on April 30th. Seats Going Fast so RSVP ASAP. Contact me for details.
Am going back on Saturday to see HELLO, DOLLY! At The Weston High School in Connecticut. Go see this show. These kids are incredible. One of the most successful musicals that ever appeared on Broadway is taking Weston, Connecticut back to the 1890s.
The High School Fine Arts Department will present the show on Friday night at 8PM and Saturday at 3PM. Please join me Saturday afternoon.
These extensive productions are special said Damian Long, performing arts teacher. The band, drama and dance programs work together to put on a full musical.
I think most people seeing this show will really understand that this is a privilege.
Remember how important it is to keep ARTS IN EDUCATION! Please contribute to the Dr. Carol Channing Foundation today!
http://www.channingarts.org/
And that is the way it is!
With grateful XOXOXs! Richard Skipper
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