"WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE IGUANA" & "CAROL CHANNING" IN CONCERT STARRING RICHARD SKIPPER IN PROVINCETOWN!

What a great time at The Iguana this past Wednesday Night! I think it was one of the hottest nights we've had there. It was definitely the night of the DIVA! Dana Lorge kicked the evening off with TOO OLD TO DIE YOUNG and got the evening off on the right note!
Loli Marquez-Sterling (pictured) brought the house down with JUST A SUPER )a parody of Craig Carnelia's JUST A HOUSEWIFE from WORKING) about her work as a supernumerary with THE MET. Ellen Bullinger kicked off ACT TWO with YOU GO TO MY HEAD and AT LAST.

Lynda D'Amour from Boston won some new fans. She will be making her NY Cabaret Debut at DON'T TELL MAMA October 16th. DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW! I predict lots of awards for Lynda. Sarah Hayes was sensational with SWEET GEORGIA BROWN and MISS CELIE'S BLUES from THE COLOR PURPLE. Susan Winter was equally sensational with Save Your Love For Me and RING THEM BELLS. Hot off the presses..Susan is doing a CD release of Love Rolls On in Oct at the Met Room...Friday nights, Oct 15 and 22. PLEASE JOIN ME ON THE 15th at 9:30!
Susan is giving away the cd at the performance..It is the 2010 MAC award winner/ Nancy LaMott Recording of the Year.
And that just skims the surface. Thanks to ALL the entertainers who entertained.

Now looking ahead. I am looking forward to Wednesday Night's Show.We promise to end August on a high note. Joining us next week are a few of our family members. Those who have joined us on more than one occasion. Kicking off Wednesday Night's show will be Helena Grenot.
Helena is a frequent guest at The Iguana and a favorite. Here is a review of Helena's from CABARET SCENES MAGAZINE.
Helena Grenot

Damn'd If I Know
Don't Tell Mama
New York, NY

Being kind of a loose cannon is both a charming asset and danger for Helena Grenot. She can seem flibbertigibbetty and flustered or fly high with confidence. Being salty, self-deprecatingly glib with a “take me as I am” attitude: that’s gregarious Grenot.
The terrific custom-written opener, “Damn’d If I Know” captures good-sport shrugging acceptance of life’s unpredictable and uncontrollable events. Her director, Peter Napolitano, wrote the snappy lyrics with lively music by the show’s invaluable and versatile pianist/arranger Barry Levitt. After this, things hit some rough spots with slapdash performances crying out for more nuance—or seemed oversold with more unleashed libido than legato present. Subtlety was not the “thrust” with “Boom Boom” (Marcy Heisler/Zina Goldrich) as she moved in, winkingly flirting with the other musician, fine bassist Morie Louden. Being breezily blunt about bearing the brunt of bad luck with men (or bearing the truth or bearing grudges) will only take a game dame so far. However, towards the end, everything worked with convincing, controlled, mature renditions of the heartbreaking story-ballad “Through the Eyes of Grace” (Melissa Manchester) and the lullaby from Disney’s Dumbo, “Baby Mine.”

Self-interrupting Fiddler on the Roof’s “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” with tales of long tours with that musical and an affair with an unfaithful co-star found her at ease with dishing and perspective. At her best, she can be fun and flip and free. And there’s a big heart beneath the smartypantsdom and panting.

(SOURCE: Rob Lester)
Cabaret Scenes
May 21, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org

Come see for yourself Wednesday night. In addition to Helena, also part of The Iguana "family" is 2010 Bistro Award winner and MAC Nominee, Richard Eisenberg. (pictured here with Maureen Taylor, also appearing with us Wednesday night, and Kathleen France)

BARBARA PORTEUS also returns!

JILLIAN LAURAIN RETURNS! ILLIAN LAURAIN, concert artist, appeared first in New York City at Rick Newman’s “Catch A Rising Star”, and The Improv.
She later performed with the Eddie Chamblee Quartet at Sweet Basil’s and with the Hey Jackson Trio at Jimmy Weston’s. She produced her successful one woman shows at Danny’s Skylight Room which she later took on the road. Ms. Laurain went on to enjoy an international career performing at Ronny Scotts in London and La Scimmia in Milan. Her work in Musical Theatre began at the Gateway Playhouse in Bellport, Long Island, in productions of the Sound of Music, Most Happy Fella, and Gypsy. In other Summer stock productions, she starred as Maria in West Side Story, Babe in The Pajama Game, and Nellie Forbush in South Pacific. Two of her outstanding dramatic roles include Blanche Dubois in a A Streetcar Named Desire, and Martha in Who's Afraid of Virgina Wolf. She is best known for her stirring portrayal as Aldonza in an Off-Broadway production of Man of La Mancha.
She recently played the Queen of the Night in Hypatia at the Actors Studio. Prior to crossing-over onto the musical theater stage, Ms. Laurain enjoyed a successful career as an opera singer. She received her training from the Juilliard School of Music studying under Madame Marion Freshl. She later studied with Vincent LaSelva, founder of New York Grand Opera. She continued her studies in Modena, Italy where she was a favored pupil of Maestro Campogalliani, renowned teacher of Pavarotti and Tebaldi. In Italy, critics agreed, “Ms. Laurain gave a sultry and commanding performance as Carmen. Her rich mezzo sound was daring and seductive”. Recent performances in NYC have included, The Music Box Theatre at Broadway Baby cabaret club, The Gallery Room at the 92St Y, and the Iguana VIP Lounge. Jillian just finished her show at the Triad, NYC to a sold-out room. She will next be performing at the Metropolitan Room on May 11, 2010 and a return performance at the Triad this Fall 2010. Ms. Laurain maintains a vocal studio in NYC; where she teaches voice and performance technique for both classical and contemporary voices.

ALICIA LITTMAN will be returning! As a matter of fact, we will be celebrating her birthday!


MAUREEN TAYLOR RETURNS!Performing has been a fabulous JOURNEY for Maureen!
First stop: OPERA - Chicago,Philadelphia,West Palm Beach,Montreal,NewYork and a wonderful chapter in Italy with Carlo Bergonzi and Renata Tebaldi!

Next stop: SWITZERLAND - thrilled to perform Madame Giry in Phantom (in German),live on a purple bicycle for a year and receive my Reiki certification!

Next stop: LONDON - lots of singing: London Palladium,Drill Hall,Bridewell,Hever Castle,
Theatre Royale Brighton,Brighton Pavillion Dome, and a "New Age" recording,Incantations
with Tim Wheater in Bath. (There was a brief stint in a book store called Hocus Pocus)!

Returning stateside brought regional theatre,soaps,commercials,print work and Cabaret
(Cosmic,of course) - most recently at the Eugene O'Neill Cabaret Conference.
With joy and gratitude to all the "guardian angels" along the way....
the JOURNEY continues!!!!

JERRY WICHINSKY RETURNS!

FRAN LEONARDIS RETURNS!

ADAM SHAPIRO RETURNS TO NY AND MAKES HIS FIRST PUBLIC APPEARANCE AT THE IGUANA! He has been out at sea for 10 months! Come celebrate his return to NY!


SUE MATSUKI RETURNS!Sue Matsuki has joined John Hoglund as Co-producer for "Calling All Angels 2" for tonight, August 20th at 7:00 pm at THE METROPOLITAN ROOM (34 West 22nd Street, NYC - 212-206-0440 - ). This extraordinary evening is an emergency benefit for cabaret's own Gregory Kennell and offers some of today's most acclaimed and outstanding artists from cabaret and theater. Hosted by John Hoglund and Sue, with Barry Levitt as Musical Director, the lineup at press time includes:


Scot Albertson, Esther Beckman, Jill Cohen, Baby Jane Dexter, Maria Gentile, Rob Langeder, Sue Matsuki, Marieann Meringolo, Sidney Myer, Peter Napolitano, David Pellegrene, Miles Phillips, Julie Reyburn, Caress Ricardo, Steve Ross, Marcus Simeone, Julie Wilson and more TBA.



As with all live entertainment events, performers are subject to change without notice.

Proceeds from tonight goes directly into a fund to assist Greg's treatment and recovery process. His family and caretakers are trying to get him relocated to a state of the art advanced facility. Gregory Kennell remains partially paralyzed after emerging from a coma that lasted almost two months. Doctors feel more aggressive therapy is needed as well as many consultations, etc.
This is all at a crucial stage for Greg's recovery and that's what makes these evenings so very special.

Gregory Kennell is responsible for numerous graphic designs on some of cabaret and theater's most visible artists' albums, posters, fliers and ads in many publications including weekly ads in The New York Times for events at The Algonquin. Greg also served for several years as an active pro-member of the MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets) Board of Directors as well one of the cabaret community's most active champions of the artform.

For those unable to attend but wishing to help, checks may be made payable to GREGORY KENNELL c/o Sue Matsuki : 16 Clifford Place, Brooklyn, NY 11222.

There is a $20 cover plus a 2-drink minimum.

copyright 2010 - CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE Please keep checking into Sue's SCHEDULE page at http://www.suematsuki.com for upcoming gigs.

Sue has also received many great comments from the press and fans and, of course, she is thrilled to be able to share them with you on her REVIEWS page.

Stay awhile to have a look at her PHOTO Gallery, check out her Catalogue of Shows that she can bring to your town or venue on her BOOKINGS page or just send her a note to say “hello”!
You can now download tunes from her CDs on www.iTunes.com or, if you want to buy them, just go to her CD page. You may now also listen to her CDs on Facebook.

Sue has reinstated her AMAZING ADVENTURES PAGE so that you can all share the wonderful (sometimes terrifying) and most often, very challenging trips that her husband forces her to take with him. Her last posting was her trip to the jungles of Belize!
(Insert theme from Raiders of the Lost Arc here!) If you have kept up with her Adventures Page, this brand new posting is all about their recent trip to China. All of the other trips and amazing adventures are archived in case you want to browse around a bit.

Sue is now on the writing staff of www.cabaretexchange.com. She has a column on all aspects of cabaret called ASK MATSUKI.


SUE MATSUKI & GREGORY TOROIAN - MIDTOWN JAZZ AT MIDDAY
Wednesday, August 25 – 1:00 pm
St. Peter's Church Living Room - Lexington Avenue at 54th Street, NYC
Just a $7.00 Donation
This long-running series was created by Edmund Anderson and is now produced by Ronny Whyte.
To see the full line up of talent, please visit: http://www.saintpeters.org/jazz/midtownjazz.htm
SEPTEMBER

MATSUKI, SIMEONE & START – A Benefit for Gregory Kennell
THE LIVING ROOM
One Night ONLY - Saturday, September 11 – 7:00 pm

34 West 22nd Street (between 5 & 6 Avenues)
Reservations: 212-206-0440


This is just going to be three friends making music. Our dear friend Marcus Simeone AND the fabulous Tracy Stark on piano and Sue are going to do a concert and you’re invited! 100% of the proceeds will once again go to the health care issues for Gregory Kennell, Marcus’ long time partner.
EARL LEVIT RETURNS!

EVAN LAURENCE RETURNS!


JUDITH CAPORALE RETURNS!

JUDY STADT RETURNS!

CHECK OUT THE LUNCH AND JUDY SHOW! http://www.thelunchandjudyshow.com


JOAN JAFFE RETURNS!


KIM GROGG MAKES HER IGUANA DEBUT via Maureen Taylor!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Desqn_ve_M





AND DON'T FORGET!FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
“CAROL CHANNING” IN CONCERT…
Starring Richard Skipper (with Casey Sanderson on piano, Susan Goldberg on bass; Michael Gross on percussion )
Provincetown's Madeira Room Vixen to Host
4 Performance Limited Engagement
August 30-September 2nd @ 9pm
Prior to Off-Broadway Run
A Portion of All Tickets Sold to Benefit
The Dr. Carol Channing & Harry Kullijian Foundation For The Arts
“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
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.
THE CAMELBACK KID, LLC
Headquarters Production Offices
2 West Marshall Avenue Fort Lauderdale • Los Angeles
Phoenix, AZ 85013 New York City • Phoenix
(602) 595-4880 www.TheCamelbackKid.com
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-Broadway 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.

•"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…Richard Skipper is well on the way to international recognition and acclaim."—Backstage Magazine
•"Skipper is no zircon…He is a diamond worthy of Tiffany’s & Cartiers.”--Hartford Courant

•"Solid entertainment and laughter that sparkles."--Times Square Chronicles
"CAROL CHANNING" IN CONCERT runs 4-nights only from Monday August 30th
through Thursday September 2nd 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 thepilgrimhouse.com,
ptownvixen.com, TheCamelbackKid.com, and 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.
Please direct all press inquiries and communications to:
TCK@TheCamelbackKid.com
SKIPPER AND GORDON ARE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS.
PHOTOS AVAILABLE PER REQUEST.


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 END OF AUGUST!
With grateful XOXOXs for your support!
Richard Skipper, Richard@RichardSkipper.com