Rose Kingsley

April 08, 2019

Rose Kingsley

I'm gonna love you like nobody's loved you come rain or come shine.
― Johnny Mercer

Happy Monday, April 8th, 2019
It's been a while since I've sat down to write a blog. I've been busy! But I can't think of a better subject to write about.

One of the wonderful things about social media is that from time to time, people come into our lives with very little effort.
That is the case with Rose Kingsley who I'm writing about today. We had corresponded a few times online, even speaking once. When she heard I was going out to Palm Springs last month, even though she had never met me, graciously offered my husband and I a place to stay while we were out there. We had already made hotel rooms, but they provided the most incredible dinner at their home in Palm Desert the night after we arrived.
She was outside to greet us as we showed up and it was as if I was seeing a long lost friend.
We were introduced to her wonderful husband Norm, and their lovable Bassett, Sadie, who I immediately bonded with. We were also serenaded, somewhat, by her exotic birds Puccini and Larry. Her daughter named him after Richard Kline's character on Three's Company.
We had a delicious dinner and after dinner, her musical director, Bob Corwin and his beautiful wife, Samantha, arrived for dessert after playing a gig themselves.

Bob is the son-in-law, pianist, and collaborator of The Great Johnny Mercer. He has worked with just about everyone in the business and his stories had me in stitches. Remind me to tell you sometime about his experiences with Sid Caesar and Barbara Eden sometime.
His wife is the daughter of Jeri Sullivan who helped pen the lyrics to Rum and Coca Cola, along with Morey Amsterdam.
The evening would STILL be going on if Bob had not said that he was tired and needed to get home!
Rose and Norm arranged our last night to also be with them and we went out for a nice leisurely dinner. We got the red eye back to New York.
And, now, Rose and Norm are coming to New York!
Because of her collaboration with Bob, she has devoted a lot of her performing to the body of work of Johnny Mercer. It was a great opportunity to sing my favorite Mercer song, Moon River, with Rose and Bob.

Please join me on May 10th as I celebrate Rose Kingsley as she celebrates Johnny Mercer. She will be joined by Richard Shelton, who is widely regarded as the world's best interpreter of Frank Sinatra and nominated 'Best Actor in a Leading Role' for playing Sinatra. I was lucky enough to interview Richard a few years ago. Check it out HERE. They will be taking us on a journey of Sinatra with his music and stories, Rose is a newbie to the world of cabaret having had an amazing career as an opera diva. Now, Rose returns to Lincoln Center, with songs and stories of the Great Johnny Mercer.
I thought it would be fun to conduct a fun interview with Rose. I hope you will take the time to Google her and that you will also join us on the 10th of May.

Who have you met or talked to in the last 30 days you think I should meet?

Hmmmmmm I meet so many people .....probably ...... DAVID ZIMMERMAN.... Who is The Artistic Director for “ MEET THE BIZ” in Hollywood and PERFORMING ARTS STUDIO, WEST! His Studio is comprised of “ Special Needs' “ Artists , Who study Acting , Voice & Dance ...,,,, Most have been cast in major Motion Pictures , Plays and TV !!! I have done a Master Class and it was a Phenomenal Experience !!!!!

Seen any great documentaries I have to see?
I happen to Love Documentaries ...... Probably the movie “ FIRST MAN “ that depicts the “personal life” of Neil Armstrong, first Man to walk on the Moon !

with David Zimmerman

What's a hobby you always wanted to pick up but never did?
You know ......... my entire life has been 'comprised' around my Music , never REALLY having much time for hobbies ...... but if I had to pick one it would probably “ Flying “! I’ve always had a keen interest in the exploration of Space and was actually chosen to be “ the first Artist “ to fly in the Shuttle , at that time when they were choosing Civilians!!!!!

What has been the highlight of your day so far? (This was conducted yesterday, April 7, 2019)
Today it was attending “ PALM SPRINGS OPERA IN THE PARK ...a Beautiful Day , filled with Beautiful Music and Fabulous Singers! What could be better ?

Are you reading anything right now that you love?
I do love to read , but at the moment I’m really not involved in one specific book !

What are your plans for celebrating Johnny Mercer at The Bruno Walter Auditorium on May 10th?

Rehearsing, Rehearsing and more Rehearsing !!!!!!! 😆. Mercer is sooooooo Prolific and I absolutely love all of his music !!! It seems Mercer Songs and my Voice fit like “ a hand in Glove ! “ No matter how many songs I sing in my vast repertoire...,,, I always find my way back to Mercer !!!! With my Heart and Soul In MERCER .... and Richard Shelton ‘s Heart & Soul In SINATRA the Sinatra /Mercer Show is going to be nothing short of Brilliant!

What is the most fun thing you've done in the last quarter you think I should do. too?
We spent 4 Glorious Days in Beautiful San Diego , Ca !!! Spectacular Weather, Blue Ocean, Culture and Culinary Delights !!!!!! We had ground field seats at THE PADRE/ GIANT BASEBALL GAME and attended Opening Night Of Bizet’s “ CARMEN “ at The SAN DIEGO OPERA !!!!! Definitely a Must !!!!!!

When a show doesn’t work is there a way of knowing why?

Performing for David Zimmerman's class

Oh yes !!!! I believe you know it from the beginning ....you feel it , at least I do !..before the curtain even rises !!! If it’s not “ right” ..... the answer is usually very blatant!!!!!

What surprised you the most about the job/business you are in?
Being in this business since I was 4 .... nothing REALLY Surprises me .......What has surprised me, though , since performing on the Opera Stage for most of my life , now Performing Jazz, Blues and The GreatAmerican Songbook .....when you are hired in Opera , you are hired on your ability to SING !!!! I find that being hired in the Jazz/Blue Genre ....,you are hired on “ How Many Seats Can you FILL‼️” 😆

How does YOUR art get done?
Practice, Practice and MORE PRACTICE! As The a great Pianist Arthur Rubinstein once said .......” If I don’t practice for one day , I notice ........ if I don’t practice two days my family notices , but I don’t practice for 3 days .... THE WORLD NOTICES !!!! 👍

Rose and Norm

Who is someone you really admire?
My HUSBAND, MANAGER & AGENT !!!!
What a Great Man who’s work ethic never Tires or ends , Never to tired to go that EXTRA MILE and no “ stone “ is never too big to be overturned !!! .....,,, Along with his positive attitude and Smile... makes for ADORATION !!!!!

Name one person you would like to see profiled in this series
Gee ....... so many come to mind .....,,,,,,,, but maybe TONY BENNETT ....... at 92 is still going strong !!!!! (Rose, make it happen!)

What’s the advice you’d give a teenager or someone just starting out going into your line of work
IF YOU CAN DREAM IT ....... YOU CAN DO IT “! NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP !!!!!!!!

Order HERE

And Keep in Mind...

Jennifer Roberts: She Loves Sheldon! April 24th 2019 10:30 PM Don't Tell Mama

Order Tickets HERE Cash Only Reservations a MUST!

Now, go and do something nice for someone without expecting anything in return! Treat Them to Two Tix to Rose Kingsley and Richard Shelton!!

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Thank you all! Here's To a Great Spring!

Richard Skipper has assembled a great cast to Celebrate and honor for the first edition of Richard Skipper Celebrates in 2019 . . . RICHARD SKIPPER has become synonymous with "feel good entertainment of the highest quality". For decades Richard has entertained thousands and celebrated the careers of many of Theatre Row’s finest and most honored stars… The afternoon will prove to be an event where all will arrive and leave with smiles! This will be similar to the old-fashioned TV specials and series where we get to chat with and honor these cabaret icons.

Richard Skipper Celebrates May Flowers May 5th! Tickets Now on Sale

Russ Woolley Proudly Presents Richard Skipper Celebrates May Flowers on May 5th Laurie Beechman Theatre. This is the last show in this series...For Now featuring Dawn Derow, Ann Kittredge, Judi Mark, Sue Matsuki, Reggie Whitehead, and special guest stars Mark Nadler and KT Sullivan Drums: David Silliman Bass: Skip Ward Sax: Andrew Gutauska Drums: David Silliman AND Tracy Stark Tickets Now On Sale! Wear Blue, Green, or Purple for great photo ops! Click HERE to order Tickets
You never know who you might see there and what might happen! $30 Cover and $20 Minimum per person. The afternoons are also made possible by Wright Bros. Real Estate. Do yourself a favor and CELEBRATE!
A Few Audience Testimonials about Richard Skipper Celebrates Just watched Richard Skipper's interview with Tom Wopat and it was sensational! It was informative, interesting, and sprinkled with humor. I LOVE Richard's interviews and look forward to the next one! Please keep 'em coming, Richard Arlene Jacks, NYC
When Richard Skipper hosts the party is ON! He sparkles with a charm that is sincere, sophisticated and frequently HILARIOUS!! He asks excellent questions when he interviews guests that always lead naturally to fascinating answers and when he ad-libs with the audience he's amazingly quick-witted and endlessly entertaining. In my book, he's the Best of the Best - Always puts on a fabulous, happily satisfying show - I love him to bits!! Sheree Sano, NYC
Richard Skipper did a great job MCing the program the other night. I've worked with the best (incl. Jack Benny and Sid Caesar), and his stage presence and delivery are right up there. Rolf Barnes, NYC