We're In This Together: Part Three In A New Series...Today, Let's Celebrate Michael Musto!

“Fear grows in darkness; if you think there's a bogeyman around, turn on the light.”

― DOROTHY THOMPSON

Happy Friday, March 27th, 2020!

It is National Exchange Club Day. This day is celebrated today, on the anniversary of the founding of the first local Exchange Club, in Detroit, Michigan, in 1911. The second club was formed two years later in Toledo, Ohio. Two more clubs were formed—in Grand Rapids and Cleveland—and the National Exchange Club was then organized in 1917. It was formed by businessmen who wanted to exchange ideas and information on how to help and serve their communities. Women were not originally permitted, but were allowed starting in 1985.

March 27 is the 85th day of the year . 281 days remain until the end of the year.

• 221 Days till Election Day! November 3rd! VOTE!!!!!!! (God willing)
• 17th Day of #PhysicalDistancing
• Kenny Loggins’ Footloose hit the charts on this day in 1984
• British actor/singer Joseph E. Coyne born (1867)

Kenny Loggin

• Bob Fosse's Dancin' opened on Broadway (1978)
• William Finn's March of the Falsettoes opened Off-Broadway (1981)
• Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? opened on Broadway (1982)
• Rodgers and Hammerstein's State Fair opened on Broadway (1996)
• Urban Cowboy opened on Broadway (2003)

• Revival of Jacques Brel Is Alive opened Off-Broadway (2006)
• Gypsy revived (4th time) on Broadway starring Patti Lupone (2008)
• How to Succeed revived (3rd time) on Broadway (2011)
Today, I celebrate everyone's art. Today's social media engagement: Comment on something mentioned in this blog and let's keep the next 24 hours upbeat! Have something to promote? Email me at Richard@RichardSkipper.com 

Celebrate the gifts you have to offer the world! Did you do your Morning Pages? Have no clue what I am referring to? Today, celebrate your crazy ideas and surround yourself with those who will support those ideas! Make it a great weekend!

Recommended Reading
Fosse
By Sam Wasson

Now, Go to the 9th person in your friend’s list and do something for them without expecting anything in return and let me know what happens! Michael Musto!  Today I celebrate YOU! I am reaching out to say Hello, How are you, and I’m just a phone call away. Thanks for all you do to keep us entertained!

Richard Skipper Celebrates Michael Musto

Photo credit: Andrew Werner.

Michael Musto writes the weekly "Musto Unfiltered" column for NewNowNext.com. He is also known as a TV commentator and author and as the longtime "La Dolce Musto" columnist for the late, lamented Village Voice.

What are you looking forward to most about this Coronavirus being behind us?
A return to some form of normalcy, which involves in-person culture, socializing, and simply experiencing life. I didn't fully appreciate the fabulousness of my life before, but I will kiss the ground with gratitude if it all comes back.

Photo credit: Andrew Werner.

Name one thing you’ve learned about yourself during this time?
I've been reminded that, having grown up as a lonely only child, I can appreciate down time and entertain myself, though I've also been reaching out to friends and spending time on the phone and other ways to connect because none of us can get through this solo. Also, when a homeless man recently asked me for money and I actually gave it to him, I realized that perhaps I'm finally tapping a bit into my human side. I guess I've become Ebenezer Musto.

with Carol Channing

What song(s) are you currently listening to during this time?
My comfort music always consists of Diana Ross, Luther Vandross, Brian and Brenda Russell, CeCe Peniston, and even some white people

Do you believe our spirit lives on after we pass on?
No way. This is it, folks. Sorry, your soul doesn't fly off into space and land on some cloud as angels play a harp.

Michael and Bianca Del Rio at the Glam Awards

But if you want to believe that, go ahead.

What do you wish to be remembered for?
Having done things the hard way (like Bette Davis), having ignored the odds and made it as an openly gay writer who went after the big guns and celebrated the fringe characters, having made NYC, nightlife,

Michael and Dorothy Bishop

queers, and theater sound fascinating (which they are). When people tell me they came out, moved to New York, or saw a show because of me, I'm beyond tickled.

What did you think of when you Coronavirus began, and your thoughts today?
I thought it was scary but a tad inconvenient, and now I just think it's scary. I applaud all the efforts to

Michael, Robin Byrd, and John Wayne Bobbitt at the Tunnel club

contain it and I'm with all my creative brothers and sisters as we weather this while finding ways to express ourselves.

What do you like least?
The loss of life and the illnesses, naturally. It's hit every walk of life, practically all over the globe. 

Losing Nashom Wooden (drag star Mona Foot) and playwright extraordinaire Terrence McNally in a two day period was very rough.

Have you maintained your sense of humor through all this?
Yes, I have kept my humor intact. It has always been a shelter for me, a way to deflect dark happenings, and I would be lost without it.

Thank you, Michael Musto!, for the gifts you have given to the world and will continue to give.

Michael, Raven Oh and Joey Arias at the Glam Awards

Now, everyone, please go and and do something nice for someone without expecting anything in return! Go to the 9th friend in your friend's list and call them! We're ALL in this together! Till tomorrow...

Paula J. Riley

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Art critic Leonard Thiessen

Paula J. Riley

July 10th, 2018!
July 10 is the 191st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. There are 174 days remaining until the end of the year.
As I begin today's blog, I'm listening to Ed Ames sing Old Man River. Today is his birthday and what a fitting song as I embark on today's blog.
Drawing on the longstanding allure of rivers as existential metaphors, Bertrand Russell wrote:
Make your interests gradually wider and more impersonal, until bit by bit the walls of the ego recede, and your life becomes increasingly merged in the universal life. 
An individual human existence should be like a river — small at first, narrowly contained within its banks, and rushing passionately past rocks and over waterfalls. Gradually the river grows wider, the banks recede, the waters flow more quietly, and in the end,

without any visible break, they become merged in the sea, and painlessly lose their individual being.

He went on to say, The man who, in old age, can see his life in this way, will not suffer from the fear of death since the things he cares for will continue. And if, with the decay of vitality, weariness increases, the thought of rest will not be unwelcome. I should wish to die while still at work, knowing that others will carry on what I can no longer do and content in the thought that what was possible has been done. 

Writing my blog is pure pleasure. Sometimes, however, it is painful.
Those who know me know that I have said on more than one occasion that I have a heightened sense of how fragile our lives are.
I was reminded of that over the last two weeks, personally, on a major level.
'They' say that death comes in threes.

Broadway and film actress Liliane Montevecchi has also transitioned at the age of 85. RIP. 

That certainly proved true over the past seven days.
Three people that were part of my inner circle transitioned. One was not a TRUE friend but I did spend time with her and she seemed genuinely pleased to see me on those rare occasions when our paths crossed.
One was a Facebook 'friend', meaning that was the means by which we mostly communicated. One was a TRUE friend and I am going to miss the deep conversations we shared over the years.
I've been thinking a lot about friends lately and what that involves as far as meaning and purpose in my lives.
I'm there for my friends...or at least, I try to be. When that is not reciprocated, that hurts.
This is from my FRIEND, Angela Dirksen: On Sunday,  the theatre community lost a beautiful angel. I first met Paula over 10 years ago when I was asked to jump into a role for a show she was directing its through her that I met my dear friend, Richard Skipper. Many years later, I helped get her dream to a reality by becoming the Company Stage Manager for The Spiral Theatre Company. 

Her vision and dream were years in the making and I was honored to be a part of it. 

Certain people come into your life and you have no idea how, when, where you met them. That is not the case with Paula J. Riley.
I met her on August 8th, 2008. I have a vivid recall and I can run that day through my head like a movie.
I found Paula through Back Stage, the theatrical trade paper.
At the time, I had been performing for years as Carol Channing.
I was thinking, at the time, of putting all of that behind me and getting back to my roots as an actor.

I had a meeting earlier that day that I did not know at the time would change the trajectory of my life.

After that notorious meeting, I walked to 30 Park Avenue to meet Paula J. Riley, acting coach.

For a long time, I struggled away from my path, not knowing exactly what I wanted to do.

Both of these meetings on the hot, hazy, humid August day were to get me thinking about the next chapter of my life. Then, as now, I went through the motions, and what felt like every emotion, exhausting myself by taking a long way around while putting endless hard work into everyone else’s projects but my own.
Was I still an actor?
I was ready, willing, and able to let go of 'Carol Channing'.
Paula was very welcoming as we sat down to discuss where I was in my career, what I had done, and the future I envisioned. Paula had me sit on a comfortable sofa while she sat across from me in a small but comfortable room and made me feel very relaxed while she told me of her concept for a totally sustainable theatre that was to be called The Spiral Studio Theatre.

As ended up happening, I never did study with Paula but we became very good friends.
Over the years, we spent many holidays together. She was a frequent guest in our home and we were always there for each other dispensing advice as we both needed it.
Paula had a dream: a totally sustainable theatre in NYC. It was called The Spiral Theatre and these modules (pictured above in the flyer) could be rearranged to depict any scene or locale.

Over the past five years, I did several onstage interviews as benefits for The Spiral Theatre Studio. I interviewed Marge Champion, Lee Roy Reams, Penny Fuller, and Anita Gillette all to raise money for The Spiral Theatre. There was a richness to these interviews and celebrating their lives.
I would like to thank Steve Hill for providing the following through The Spiral Theatre Studio Website.

The truth was that Paula had everything she needed, even when perceiving lack. Paula died at 10:25 a.m. July 1, 2018 in New York City after a two year battle with lung cancer.
When she was first diagnosed she was given a life expectancy of six months to a year. About eight months ago she was submitted to hospice care with a diagnosis of weeks to a few months. Paula was a fighter and she loved life and was curious and passionate about every endeavor she undertook.
She was not going to abide by other peoples timetables.
Paula was eleven years old in 1954 and spending the summer at Esther’s Chicken Farm—a camp in

upstate New York—when she discovered her higher self. She often wondered away from the camp
activities and was walking down a winding dirt road. There was this great feeling about being surrounded by nature and listening to the wind in the trees, the sound of a babbling brook and the scraping of shoes on the dirt road. She was alone, but not alone. She felt a true sense of self and discovery. There was an awareness and a liking of you she was. This was the beginning of a feeling that would manifest throughout her acting and teaching career.
Miles of Smiles...and a few tears. 

A eulogy for Paula By Steve J. Hill

The Shadow of Your Smile
The first thing I noticed about Paula was her smile. 

It was wide and toothy. Her eyes would go into dark quarter moons and sparkle. 
She would also smile as she talked. I’m writing this opening from her bedside at her nursing facility. 

She doesn’t talk anymore. 
Which is especially cruel since she loved to talk…to anyone and everyone. The nurses and nurses-aids all love Paula and try to coax a smile out of her. 
On occasion, we will be on the receiving end of that smile. And when that happens, the room lights up. One of my nicknames for her was “P. J. Smiley”.

Wanderlust
Paula never attended college. She had itchy feet and wanted to leave Queens, get a job and experience life in the big city. After all, this was the same Paula that would sneak out

of her bunk at summer camp to watch a young Jerry Herman practice his songs on the recreation room piano.
She would skip school and go into Manhattan to watch tapings of Who Do You Trust? hosted by a relatively unknown Johnny Carson—her first crush. She ran away from home at 17 by boarding a bus heading for Florida. Her younger sister spilled the beans to her parents and Paula was apprehended by the Highway Patrol somewhere in Georgia.

So entering the city at age 19 she began a long list of roommates, apartments, boyfriends, restaurant and secretary jobs along with a stable of dogs and cats.
Her father was Larry Best, a well-known Borsht belt comic. Paula always wanted to follow in Larry’s footsteps and win his approval by also being an entertainer.

Larry liked to be on the road and kept Paula’s mother—who was once in his act—at home “barefoot and pregnant.” Paula’s absentee father left indelible marks and she was always in search of a father figure.

Street smarts
Even though Paula never attended higher education I never met anyone smarter or well read. She was inquisitive and highly intuitional. She was an old soul in a pixie body. After high school, she began a long process of self-education. As I look now at her bookshelf I see: The Collected Works of Shakespeare and Selected Plays by George Bernard Shaw; An Actor Prepares by Stanislavski; Man and his Symbols and
Synchronicity by Carl Jung; Creativity and the Unconscious by Sigmund Freud; also books by Jean-Paul
Sartre, Kierkegaard, and Joseph Campbell. I see books by Mailer, Mamet and Melville, as well as The Artists Way by Julia Cameron, and The Art Spirit by Robert Henri.
Paula also read self-help books.

She would like to give and receive astrology readings, as well as those from Tarot Cards, I Ching, and Rune Stones. Basically, she was interested in everything.

Home Sweet Home
Paula and I never married in front of God and country, but she was my wife and my best friend. We lived and worked together in the same small apartment for 19 years. She was enough for me and when we adopted our dog Trouper, we were a real family.
Paula heard about a government housing assistance program. HFA offers tax-exempt financing to multifamily rental developments in which at least 20% of the units are set-aside for low-income residents … the so-called “80/20” projects. If a potential tenant meets certain requirements they can be considered for this program. Paula put in applications to many of these buildings.
Since thousands of people apply for just a handful of apartments it is on par with winning a big state lotto drawing. I did not put much faith in Paula’s efforts.

But lo and behold, we won this lottery. We were approved for a new apartment in a luxury Madison Avenue high-rise. We moved into the unit in March 2016. Paula was only able to enjoy our new home for a little over a year before her illness forced her to reside in various hospitals and nursing facilities. For as long as I live in New York City I will have this affordable apartment.

I have Paula to thank for this. This is just one more gift she gave to me.

Theatre life
Paula introduced me to the word of theatre. I was rather a shy, inhibited person so Paula made me join some of her classes so I could get out of my own way.
I took some of her seminar courses … ones that ended in performance in front of guests and invited industry. There was one such event where I flubbed my lines and went into a complete meltdown on stage. Later that night I walked the cold streets alone feeling horrible about blowing the performance. I thought that my actions would reflect badly on Paula’s teaching abilities. But when I entered the apartment at four o’clock in the morning Paula was waiting for me with kind words and hot coffee.

She said it was all a process of growing…how it happens to every actor and so on.
I realized then and there that acting was not my calling. I much preferred to help Paula in her plays by being a set designer, stage manager and creating the marketing promotions. And this I did for all of her productions. It was a true creative collaboration and my life is richer because of it.
But theatre can be a cruel mistress. When it works and everything comes together, it is a beautiful thing. But often theatre takes more than it gives. Paula’s productions never made money, but it never deterred her from moving forward. She was a total optimist and ran headlong into situations with naïve enthusiasm.

I’m thankful that I was able to help channel her many interests into a more focused plan.

Here’s a tissue
Yes, I was a quiet white-bread guy from Ohio. Paula was a gregarious New York Jewish mother, 10 years my senior. They say opposites attract and in this case it was all too true. 
Living together in such small quarters took some adjustments on both sides. We could argue about the big-ticket items like most couples. But we got on surprisingly well despite being together 24/7, and despite me leaving cabinet doors open and despite her placing boxes of tissues every few feet.
Ironically I’ve been thinking quite a lot about tissues recently. Ever since Paula was diagnosed with cancer my emotions are close to the surface and anything can make the tears come. 
Breaking down in front of people is sometimes embarrassing…for them. All they can say is— “I’m sorry”, or “Stay strong”, or “Here’s a tissue.” 

And I remember the day when Paula’s oncologist said that he could do nothing further for her, that he was going to stop chemotherapy treatments and recommended going into hospice care. Paula took it all in stride and was resigned and stoic. I, of course, broke down and started to cry. The doctor made a great ceremony about finding and unwrapping a fresh box of tissues. When he handed them to me I wanted to say—in a fit of miss-placed anger —“You know where you can put this box of tissues…and sideways!” Instead, I accepted them and said, “Thank you.”

Sweetheart, darling or honey
Anyone who knew Paula would soon be addressed as sweetheart, darling or honey. This was not a mere affectation, she generally felt endeared to a lot of people.

Anyone who knew Paula over time would be someone she would love. She would always say goodbye or end a phone conversation with “I love you.” 
I always found that strange because I probably said, “I love you” to only a dozen people in my life. For Paula, this too was not a mere affectation; she genuinely loved a lot of people.
      In the last few months, I found myself picking up the mantle and addressing certain people as, sweetheart, darling or honey. Not mere affectation but feeling heartfelt towards people and expressing that in the same way Paula did. Maybe I’m channeling Paula after she stopped talking ... or shes' rubbed off on me over the years.

End song
In this journey with Paula, I’ve seen sadness and acts of true grace. I’ve witnessed wonderful caregivers,

bureaucratic pencil pushers learned doctors with no bedside manner and nurses aids that lifted my spirits with the attention they bestowed on Paula.
     What do I draw from all this dying stuff?  Who knows?  I guess I would like to speak with someone who’s in charge. But so far I’ve not found that person. I would like to have an audience with the master designer and tell him/her that their design is seriously flawed and needs work.
     Maybe my future outlook can be summed up in the last line from the book Bang the Drum Slowly, — “From here on in, I rag nobody.”

Post Script
A short time before Paula passed I was cleaning up her computer when I saw this document on the desktop. I clicked on it and this is what it said:

Dearest Steve,
If you are reading this, I am no longer physically here. First, know that I love you and always will.
I know you’re struggling at this time and I want to make it easier and natural to soften the blow.
Know that I will always be as close or far as you prefer me to be.
I wish you love— of all kinds. Love of people, love of life, but most importantly—love of yourself.
I dare you!
You’ll find some incredible and exciting newness you never knew existed if you just “jump without a net”… why not?
It’s cliché, but it’s only when you are truly faced with losing life, that you really appreciate it. I know this.
I’m a whisper away…
Paula

Yes the tears came, but then … I saw her smile.
 SJH

Thank you, Paula, for the gifts you gave to the world and will continue to give
Please visit www.thespiraltheatrestudio.com for more info. 

Now, go and do something nice for someone without expecting anything in return!

Thank you all for A Great Season!

Russ Woolley Proudly Presents
Richard Skipper Celebrates
Enjoy your Summer!

We Return September 9th for Our third Season!

1 PM Brunch Show Laurie Beechman Theater

We will be celebrating with Bob Diamond, Meg Flather, Doreen Montalvo, Zachary Stains, and Lisa Viggiano. All under the Musical Direction of Tracy Stark with Tom Hubbard on Bass!
Tickets Go on Sale August 9th! Let's Celebrate! 

RESERVATIONS A MUST!

With music, reminisces and an afternoon of fun and show business! 90 minutes of merriment and excitement. .As we Celebrate the Present, we Honor the Past! 

When and Where:
Sunday, September 9th - 1 PM, Doors open 12:15
THE LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATRE, 407 West 42nd Street (lower level of the WEST BANK CAFE) 

Producer: Russ Woolley 
$30 ticket plus $20 food/beverage minimum - exquisite and reasonably priced food and drink. 

Richard Skipper has assembled a great cast to Celebrate and honor . . . 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 this Entertainment Icon. 

RESERVATIONS A MUST!

A Few Audience Testimonials about Richard Skipper Celebrates

Dear Richard and Russ :-) 

I want you to know - really KNOW - what a wonderful gift you gave me in having me perform in your Pride show :-)  To sing in that beautiful setting (the Laurie Beechman) 

with that fabulous band (Matthew Martin Ward - piano, Rex Benincasa - percussion, Erik Lawrence - sax, 

Steve Doyle - bass) and that super-nice audience - so happy, upbeat and warm... This truly was a 

dream-come-true for me - like walking through a very cool movie :-) but it's real!! 

I thank you both from the absolute rock bottom of my heart and I'll always treasure 

the commemorative mug you made for the show :-)

I can't stop smiling and you are the culprits :-)

Sheree Sanoo

Loved your show! Looking forward to a new season!

-Bea Sonnenshein

Thank you for your wonderful shows, Richard! They truly are celebrations and bring much joy! Looking forward to September 9th when you return for Season 3!

-Kati Neiheisel

The show is also made possible by Wright Bros. Real Estate. 

With grateful XOXOXs,

 

CallonDolly.com

Please LIKE (if you do!) and SHARE!

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.  FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY!

Please do what YOU can to be more aware that words and actions DO HURT...but they can also heal and help!  
  Keeping America great through Art!     

Here's to an INCREDIBLE tomorrow for ALL...with NO challenges!

Please leave a comment and share on Twitter and Facebook
Keeping Entertainment LIVE!

TILL TOMORROW...HERE'S TO AN ARTS FILLED DAY

Richard Skipper, Richard@RichardSkipper.com 

Daneen Wilburn, Sophie Tucker, and MORE!

Daneen Wilburn

Failure is a greater teacher than success.

-Author Clarissa Pinkola Estés

Happy Thursday, April 12th, 2018!

April 12 is the 102nd day of the year. There are 263 days remaining until the end of the year. Happy National Cheese Day!

There is so much to celebrate today. Ann Miller was born on this day. So was Jane Withers. The contributions they both gave to cinema and beyond is immense.

I always look for what we can celebrate instead of the doom and gloom that is being presented to us at an alarming rate.  

Sophie Tucker

There is a new book coming out about Sophie Tucker. That is worth celebrating. I LOVE Sophie Tucker! I love the early films she did with Judy Garland and I love the stories that Carol Channing shared about Sophie:. I love Sharon McNight's tribute to Sophie Tucker: I loved the book that Susan and Lloyd Ecker wrote and their documentary and, of course, the Bette Midler jokes.  

Order Red Hot Mama: The Life of Sophie Tucker HERE. 

Enter to win the book HERE. 

Also worth celebrating is Daneen Wilburn! 

Daneen Wilburn has been taking fans on a musical journey of emotion and passion since she was a child. Her voice transitions from soul, to gospel, jazz, and ballads in effortless fashion. “She is an engaging performer and a true talent,” says Grammy Winner Clarence McDonald, producer of Nancy Wilson’s Music on My Mind album, and Bill Wither’s Lovely Day.
He continued, “If you ever have a chance to see her perform, do it.” Perhaps this is why her fans are eagerly awaiting her debut album, produced by two times Grammy winner, Kamau

Team Kenyatta (left) and Porter batting .500 in the Grammy awards game

Kenyatta.

Daneen’s parents were both gospel singers and made music an important part of her life. She was the lead singer of the family band by age 7, and by age 19, she would find herself singing at the legendary Hollywood Bowl, along with some of gospel music’s top names including Edwin Hawkins, Darryl Coley, and Ricky Grundy.

Edwin Hawkins

After a few years, she married and started a family. She decided to leave the music industry to be a full-time mother. Her dream of a music career would have to wait. Daneen returned to music twenty years later and her voice was as beautiful as ever. She quickly became one of San Diego’s most sought-after vocalist, selling out shows all over town, including a performance for the former first lady, Laura Bush. When US Women’s soccer star, Alex Morgan wed Servando Carrasco, she asked Daneen to sing as she made her way down the aisle.

In 2013 Robert Fowler, owner of the San Diego Padres, asked her to sing for the memorial service of Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn, at Petco Park before 25,000 fans. Daneen performed an acapella version of Amazing Grace, that silenced the crowd of 25,000 fans, and sports celebrities Reggie Jackson, Steve Garvey, Joe Torre, and Bob Costas, just to name a few. Her voice rang out through downtown and San Diego’s historic Gaslamp District. The city was so moved, that the headline of the San Diego Union-Tribune, simply read, “Amazing Grace.”

Daneen’s new album will be released in May 2018. “When Daneen sings, you will believe every

Add caption

word”.
~ Kamau Kenyatta.

Enjoy our interview...
Who blazed a trail for you?
Personally, both my parents were the trailblazers for me. They were both great gospel singers, and they introduced us to music at a young age. They always made sure we had music lessons and instruments no matter how tight money was. My siblings and I would practice all hours of the day and night, and they never complained about the noise. They believed in us, and that support made all the difference in the world.

Tell us about your upcoming gigs.
I have some really exciting gigs on the horizon. I do mostly private functions at this point in my career, but I still love the jazz club scene. On May 20th, I will be in concert at the Solana Beach Presbyterian Church for a fundraiser for The NCICC, which is an organization that provides financial assistance for undocumented immigrants, seeking US citizenship. Also, I’m most excited about my Album Release Concert on July 7th at the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad.

My album is produced by 2 time Grammy Award winner Kamau Kenyatta, and he will serve as my musical director for the evening.

What is the most interesting fact you’ve learned recently?
What a great question. I learned that my father was arrested when he was 21 years old and
lived in North Carolina. He was accused of a crime he did not commit, but as a black man in
the south, he was not afforded a fair trial and was found guilty. He was sentenced to 2 years, but somehow, he was released after 3 weeks. He was never able to find out why and believes it was a clerical error, but God is good. As soon as he was released, he and my mother moved to California with $2.00 in his pocket, and the rest is history.

Tell us a secret.

I don’t have a lot of secrets. I’m an open book. Any secrets I have shall remains secrets.

Who is your number one fan?
My daughters are tied for number one fan. They really believe in me. They sing background for me, and I’m always amazed by how involved they are with my career, especially since they have so much to do. They are alway encouraging me and giving tips on social media. Love them.

Who haven’t you worked with that you would like to?
I would love to work with Gregory Porter. Kamau produced Gregory, and I love his style.

Have you ever considered teaching?
I am considering teaching voice and performance. I’m asked all the time “do you give voice lessons”? I’ve been hesitant up until now, but I think it is time to pass it on.

What would you say is your current motivator?

A. My greatest motivator, at this moment, is the desire to complete the album. The album is something I’ve dreamed about for years, but beyond that, I know the completion is an example of what can happen if you follow your dreams. So many folks have told me how inspired they are that I’m doing this at my age. I don’t want to let them down.

How do you see proceeding with your career: do you have any upcoming projects in mind?
I see myself proceeding in my career with a tour around the world. I want to share my music with as many people possible.

Is doing what you do at all difficult?
Yes, is the simple answer. As an artist, you have to balance trying to make a living with taking your career to the next level. We all have bills to pay, but as an independent artist,
you are on your own. I’m learning the business on the fly. I’m making mistakes but learning from every one of them.

What’s the next step for you?
The next step for me is making a big splash with my album release. I’m putting together a careful presentation of my music. Marketing is so important. The first few days of a release can make or break a project. I’m working on getting my music on the radio.

Who is your favorite artist and why?
That really is a difficult question, but I guess I would say, favorite female vocalist; Oleta Adams.  I love the richness of her tone.  Favorite males vocalist; Marvin Gaye.  I love his vocal ability, but it was his placement and delivery that makes him the best in my eyes.

Name one person you would like to see profiled on my blog.
Whitney Shay

Anything else you wish included?

Just that I appreciate the opportunity, and be sure to use a really good pic of me...LOL

Richard Skipper Also Celebrates...
Fascism: A Warning Hardcover – April 10, 2018
by Madeleine Albright
A personal and urgent examination of Fascism in the twentieth century and how its legacy shapes today’s world, written by one of America’s most admired public servants, the first woman to serve as U.S. secretary of state. Order HERE.

Bob O'Hare: Unfinished Business - A Love Story this Sunday, April 15, 2018, at 3:30 P.M. at Don't Tell Mama. For reservations, please call (212) 757-0788 after 4:00 P.M. or log onto www.donttellmamanyc.com.

The final encore performance of Siren Song, Thursday, April 19, 7:30, at Don’t Tell Mama starring Deborah Stone.

Doris Dear April 20th at The Triad

Lee Roy Reams, Daniel Sherman, Richard Skipper, Linda Amiel Burns

From Linda Amiel Burns:

Only five weeks from today on Wednesday, May 16th, The Singing Experience, famed workshop, begins and you can be performing on the stage of The Triad Cabaret on June 13th!

Multi Award-winning Director, Linda Amiel Burns is only conducting two workshops this year due to other commitments, so if you always wanted to be in this renowned workshop, there are still a few places left and one is waiting for you! Join "Life Is A Song!" and make your dreams come true by learning the skills and techniques to be the "Star" you are both on the stage and in life.

Before The Voice and American Idol, there was The Singing Experience and since 1977 thousands of people of all ages and walks of life have changed their lives through music and song. Most graduates return over and over to these nurturing, supportive and fun classes. Visit: Youtube.com/SingingExperience to see hundreds of TSE Graduates performing!

Dates and Schedule for May/June Workshop #483

LIFE IS A SONG!
The 4 Rehearsals take place at Studio 353
(353 West 48th Street) from 6:30-9:30PM
Rehearsals:
1) May 16, 2) May 23, 3) May 30, 4) June 6
5) - Performance at The Triad at 7:30PM - June 13th
(Tech rehearsal prior to show from 5:30-7:00).
6) DVD Viewing Party - June 20th -
TSE Offices from 7-10pm.
(Tuition includes a 2-hour professional DVD by Jerry Handelman)

The workshops fill up quickly, so if you want to

join the cast, you can sign-up online by visiting the website: www.SingingExperience.com or phone Director Linda Amiel Burns at 212 315-3500 for more information.
Enrollment is strictly limited. Gift Certificates Available!
Visit: Youtube.com/SingingExperience to see hundreds of TSE Graduates performing!

"The best cabaret/musical theater performance workshop there is! Linda's coaching is amazing and she will bring out the best in you." Julie Wilson, Legendary Cabaret Star

"Everyone had enormous stage presence, and looked like they've been trouping since birth! You know you've got it in you and well, Linda Amiel Burns can get it out of you and help you gain confidence, discover your hidden talents and find your voice!" Patricia Volk, NY Newsday

Now, go and do something nice for someone without expecting anything in return!

May 20th, 2018

Russ Woolley Proudly Presents
Richard Skipper Celebrates
Peggy Lee, Liberace, and Friends

1 PM Brunch Show Laurie Beechman Theater 

As we Celebrate (Russ' Birthday!), we celebrate Leanne Borghesi, David Maiocco (as Liberace), David Sabella, Jim Speake*, Chuck Sweeney (as Peggy Lee), AND Those Girls* (Karen Mack, Eve Eaton, Rachel Hanser, Wendy Anne Russell) Tickets are now on sale! Reserve TODAY and Let's Celebrate! 

So — Order your tickets now online… RESERVATIONS A MUST!https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pe.c/10248067

Musical Direction Joe Goodrich with Don Kelly on Percussion, Matt Scharfglass on bass, and Erik Lawrence on Sax.
*Steven Ray Watkins will accompany Jim Speake and Those Girls

With music, reminisces and an afternoon of fun and show business! 90 minutes of merriment and excitement …Right on the heels of the 4/8 Richard Skipper Celebrates Life in the Theatre

When and Where:
Sunday, May 20th - 1 PM, Doors open 12:15

THE LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATRE, 407 West 42nd Street (lower level of the WEST BANK CAFE) Producer: Russ Woolley $30 ticket plus $20 food/beverage minimum - exquisite and reasonably priced food and drink

Richard Skipper has assembled a great cast to Celebrate and honor . . . 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 this Entertainment Icon.

So — Order your tickets now online…
RESERVATIONS A MUST!
https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pe.c/10248067

A Few Audience Testimonials

Richard with Sondra Lee and Lee Roy Reams

Wow! After interviewing Richard Skipper on our podcast Behind the Curtain: Broadway's Living Legends, I was on Cloud 9. Well, his show put me on Cloud 11! How he is able to create such magical events, time and time again astounds me. Richard Skipper is a national treasure and no one can really call themselves a New Yorker until they have seen a Richard Skipper show.

Robert W Schneider, robertwschneider.com

Richard Skipper Celebrated all over the Laurie Beechman stage December 3rd, 2017. Nothing could've been Christmas-ier. 

with Bob Diamond, Stacy Sullivan, Dawn Derow, David Sabella, Michael Valvo, and Sean Harkness

If you needed a little Christmas, this was the place to soak in it, being a tinseled treat of warmth and holiday cheer. It was wonderful to see Bobby Belfry, Ann Kittredge, Sidney Myer, and Deborah Stone all at the top of their respectively unique yuletide cabaret games

Marta Sanders, Stephanie Pope, Lauren Mufson, Russ Woolley, Annie Hughes, Lane Bradbury

under the musical direction of Tracy Stark and the band. The show opened with a charmingly nostalgic credit crawl designed by Michael Masci and a video sequence featuring the great variety TV stars of the past, concluding with Mr. Christmas himself Bing Crosby. The highlight of the show, or any Holiday show happening in 2017, would have to be Ms. Kathryn Crosby, Bing's widow,

Kathryn Crosby and Bing Crosby

singing first "Holly Jolly Christmas" and of course ending with "White Christmas." That's Christmas right there. Richard tied it all together with great showmanship. His Richard Skipper Celebrates series produces some of the livelier and most just-plain-fun events in Cabaret.

-Jeff Macauley

As someone relatively new to the world of cabaret, I absolutely loved your October show. Not only was the talent amazing and the venue and atmosphere delightfully engaging, but October 8th also happens to be my birthday so many, many thanks for making it a truly wonderful celebration of "my day" in music!

-Kimberly Player

The show is also made possible by Wright Bros. Real Estate. 

With grateful XOXOXs,

 

CallonDolly.com

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TILL TOMORROW...HERE'S TO AN ARTS FILLED DAY

Richard Skipper, Richard@RichardSkipper.com