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

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 

Barbara Kahn and More

Judy Garland never won a competitive Oscar or Tony

 There’s no way you can create a chemistry where none exists.
Journalist Michael Parkinson

Happy March 26th, 2018!
March 26 is the 85th day of the year. There are 280 days remaining until the end of the year.
Easter is on the horizon.
So are the MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs)Awards tomorrow night thus ending Cabaret Month and the 'competitive' part of the season and then before you know it, we will be in the midst of the Broadway Awards season. This time next year, people will not even remember who won the awards and then it starts all over again.
While everyone else is trying to put their leads into a funnel, and competing with one another…
What if there was no competition for you? The bottom line is there truly is no competition.

Melissa Manchester Is a Great Artist on her own merits. 

Let's celebrate each other as individuals and our unique bodies of 'worth'. Be relevant to our community. Illuminate your own niche in the community. Support each other.
The motivation for creating your art should be to give the world a great story and a memorable experience — no matter how you create it.  There’s no doubt about it: this is a tough business.
A patron (audience) wants to find a good show. Period. They don't care whether or not you have won awards on your path to your current show.
I wish MUCH SUCCESS to all of the MAC Nominees tomorrow night. While this may sound weird to you, after committing so much time and effort into creating your shows, the endgame is not to get an award. Celebrate each other tomorrow night and try not to let the wins and losses define who you are.

It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.
—Harry Truman

Happy Birthday to Diana Ross! Thank you for the musical gifts you have given to the world and will continue to give.

Today, I Celebrate Barbara Kahn!

Poster design by Virginia Asman

Barbara Kahn is a multi-award winning playwright, actor, and director. She started acting in Philadelphia while a teenager. She received a B.A. degree in Theatre Arts from ADELPHI UNIVERSITY in New York while continuing her professional career. She returned to Philadelphia in 1998 to appear in her own play "CO-OP" and in 1999 in "Cyma's Story." "Cyma's Story" was presented in Los Angeles by the Jewish Women's Theatre Project in January 2002at the NOHO (North Hollywood) Theatre Festival in Hollywood and the University of Gutenberg in Mainz, Germany, in 2003. She has directed plays in New York, Paris and at the National Theatre in London.

Barbara's plays have been produced in New York, California, Boston and Philadelphia and have won awards on both coasts. Theater for the New City has been the New York City home for her plays since 1994.  Unorthodox Behavior was presented by Moving Parts Theatre Group in Paris, France in January 2003.

Barbara was honored with the TORCH OF HOPE AWARD for "lifetime achievement," following past recipients Terrence McNally, John Guare, August Wilson, Horton Foote and A.R. Gurney. She received the JAMES R. QUIRK AWARD for the Performing Arts for her "memorable contributions to American theatre" and was awarded participation in The Field's Independent Artist Challenge Program.

Barbara's play "Whither Thou Goest" was published in the anthology, MAKING A SCENE: The Contemporary Drama of Jewish-American Women (ed. Sarah Blacher Cohen, Syracuse University Press. 1997) Her work was also published in More Monologues for Women by Women (Heinemann Press), Harrington Lesbian Fiction Quarterly (Haworth Press) and All In the Seasoning (Bywater Books). Memorabilia from her early productions are in the permanent collection of the Cultural History Collection at the New York State Museum in Albany. She co-authored the lyrics for the song "Actions Are the Music of the Free" for "Bringing Beijing Home" rally at NYU, later performed on request at the United Nations Memorial to Dame Nita Barrow. and at the 17th Annual Lower East Side Festival of the Arts.

Barbara has been a panelist at the OutWrite conference in Boston and a panel moderator at the

The Torch of Hope Award with Barbara's mother and Barbara Barondess.

International Conference of Gay and Lesbian Jewish Organizations.   She was the sole U.S. presenter at the Jewish Women’s Writing Conference in Mainz, Germany in 2003. She is a member of The Dramatists Guild, Sisters On Stage (co-founder), Actors Equity Association and Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA).

Barbara received the 2011 Robert Chesley Foundation/Helene Wurlitzer Foundation Award for achievement in Playwriting. She received the award for Best Short Play for "CO-OP" at the 2012 Downtown Urban Theatre Festival.
Barbara was the recipient of a 2017 Acker Award for her work in the Theater.

Enjoy our Interview...

How do you balance a personal and a professional life?

Poster design by Virginia Asman

My professional life prevents my having much of a personal life. I love what I do, so
that’s not really a sacrifice.

Tell us about Verzet Amsterdam [Resistance Amsterdam]?
Verzet Amsterdam [Resistance Amsterdam] is based on the true story of artists in World
War II occupied Amsterdam who risked their lives to save Dutch Jews from deportation
and death.

Who are your biggest artistic influences?

From left, Bob Sickinger, Dan Schoch and Charles E. Gerber collaborating in New York in 2009. Credit Stephen Schwartz

Bob Sickinger was an early acting teacher, who taught a teenager how to be a in the theater, both in acting skills and in conduct. My father was a child
refugee from war; my sister Phyllis is a human rights activist. Both of them inspired me
to write plays about injustice and oppression. Crystal Field has given me a home for my
plays in NYC since 1994, allowing me to create a body of work and see my artistic
vision come to life onstage.


Tell me about working with Robert Gonzalas Jr. as a director. What is he like to
work with?
Robert was first an actor and choreographer in a musical I wrote and directed. I found myself consulting him on directing issues and wanted to make it official. We have been co-directors on my productions in the decade-plus since. Our overall philosophy is the same, but we have different strong points—he actually enjoys scheduling rehearsals and blocking scenes, while I focus on character and relationship issues—and we often overlap. We rarely disagree in rehearsals. It’s been a joy having him as my theater partner.

Tell us a secret.
My life is an open book.

Which is the most memorable experience you’ve had in your writing career?

Receiving the Torch of Hope Award for my work in non-profit theater. It was presented
in a big gala at the Rainbow Room. My brother brought my mother who was already in
the middle stage of Alzheimer's. Although she quickly forgot it afterward, sharing the
moment with her in the audience meant a great deal to me.

How did you hear you’d booked your first big play?

The first production was canceled mid-rehearsals when co-author Ray Hagen and I had
a major disagreement with the director who was also producing it. Since we both had
been actors at La MaMa, Ellen Stewart stepped up and gave us a three-week run!

What’s the story behind your current project? 
Frieda Belinfante, a well-known Dutch cellist, and conductor, and Willem Arondeus, a painter, and poet formed a resistance group of artists against the fascist German occupiers in 1942-43 Amsterdam. When their first efforts to protect Dutch Jews from deportation and death were exposed, they embarked on a more dangerous and violent action.

How did this project come about?
I am always scouting for dramatic stories of historical figures, particularly LGBT, women, and minorities. I check certain websites and receive daily emails. When I encounter an amazing individual or situation I didn’t previously know about, I decided to share the story with others. Discovering the lesbian and gay man who formed an anti-Nazi resistance
group in World War II, I knew I had to write their story

What would you say is your current motivator? 

Barbara with Ellen Stewart of LaMama E.T.C.for the New City It hasn’t changed much. 

I strive to tell the stories of people whose lives have been
omitted or distorted in popular culture. My favorite compliment from an audience
member—“I come away from your plays feeling entertained and only later realize I’ve
been educated.”

How do you see proceeding with your writing career? Do you have an upcoming
project in mind? 
There are many stories waiting to be told. I haven’t yet landed on one.

Was writing Verzet Amsterdam [Resistance Amsterdam] at all difficult?  
I carefully research all my historical plays. There were some language difficulties, since I don’t know Dutch.  Fortunately, I was able to find enough sources in English, including post-war testimony by my main character.

Once this project has run its course, what’s the next step for you?

Artist: Seth Ruggles Hiler

My immediate next step is writing a short play—maximum 20 minutes—for the annual
Lower East Side Festival of the Arts at Theater for the New City, held on Memorial Day
Weekend.

Come Up with one question I did not ask you for next profile 

Who among colleagues you haven’t yet worked with would you want to collaborate with

on a theater project?

Name one person you would like to see profiled in my blog 
You already named him—my theater partner Robert Gonzales Jr. He is an opera-

photo by Joe Bly

a trained singer, a violinist, a dancer and choreographer, an actor and a director. (I’m sure I left out some of the many things he excels in doing.)

Anything else you wish included?
I write plays, not novels or poetry because I love the collaborative process of working in the theater. A play is the basis of a production, but it takes a team of artists to bring it to life onstage. Thank you, Richard, for this opportunity to share my thoughts with your readers.

There are two ways to be fooled: One is to believe what isn't so; the other is to refuse to believe what is so.
- Kierkegaard

Verzet Amsterdam [Resistance Amsterdam] dramatizes the true story of artists in World War IIband together to resist fascism and protect Jews from deportation and death. Written by Barbara Kahn. Directed by Robert Gonzales Jr. and Barbara Kahn. Set and light design by Mark Marcante. Costume design by Everett Clark. Sound design by Joy Linscheid. Vintage prop design by Lytza Colon. Featuring Steve Barkman, Benjamin Cardona, Robert Gonzales Jr., Carl Ellis Grant, Jared Johnston, Anya Krawcheck, Christopher Lowe, Paolo Solis, Steph Van Vlack. April 5-22, 2018. Theater for the New City 155 1st Ave (9th & 10th Sts.)

occupied Amsterdam who
Thus-Sat. @8pm, Sun @3pm. Reservations: 212-254-1109. Advance tkts: www.theaterforthenewcity.net.

Verzet Amsterdam, with its relevance to today’s global threats, presents the valiant Dutch artists who fought against fascism in occupied Amsterdam. They came from differing artistic careers, races, religions and sexual identities.

The cast of The Spring and Fall of Eve Adams.

When their first efforts faced exposure, they decided on a more drastic and decisive action. Cellist Frieda Belinfante, poet Willi Arondeus, composer Jan Van Gilse, sculptor Gerrit Van Der Veen and museum curator Willem Sandberg risked their lives to save their Jewish neighbors.

“I only wish that my life will have been a life worth living…” Frieda Belinfante
“People will know that homosexuals are not cowards.” Willem “Willi” Arondeus.

Partial funding for the production is provided by The Puffin Foundation and private donations.

Jackie S. Freeman and Karen Klebbe

Theater for the New City has been the primary New York City home for Barbara’s plays since 1994. Her plays have been produced in the U.S., France, and Germany. She has directed in New York, Paris, and at the National Theatre in London. Among her many awards: the Torch of Hope Award for lifetime achievement in non-profit theatre, following past recipients Terrence McNally, August Wilson, Horton Foote and A.R. Gurney; the joint Robert Chesley Playwriting Award/Wurlitzer Foundation Residency in Taos, NM; and a 2017 Acker Award. With Jackie S. Freeman, she co-authored the lyrics to “Actions are the Music of the Free,” music by Jennifer Giering, performed at the United Nations Tribute to Dame Nita Barrow. A “short list of prominent post-1970’s playwrights who identify as Jewish and who have written about Jews includes Jon Robin Baitz, Richard Greenburg, Alan Havis, Barbara Kahn, Tony Kushner, Barbara Lebow, Jennifer Maisel, Karen Malpede, David Mamet, Emily Mann, Donald Margulies, Elizabeth Swados, Jeffrey Sweet, Alfred Uhry, and Wendy Wasserstein.” (You Should See Yourself: Jewish Identity in Postmodern American Culture. Vincent Brook. Rutgers University Press.) Member: The Dramatists Guild, AEA and SAG/AFTRA. www.barbara-kahn.com

Marilyn Galfin, Barbara, Edie Windsor and Judith Kasen-Windsor

THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY (TNC) is a Pulitzer Prize-winning community cultural center that is known for its high artistic standards and widespread community service. One of New York’s most prolific theatrical organizations, TNC produces 20-30 premieres of new American plays per year, at least 10 of which are by emerging and young playwrights. Many influential theater artists of the last quarter century have found TNC’s Resident Theater Program instrumental to their careers, among them Sam Shepard, Moises Kaufman, Richard Foreman, Charles Busch, Maria Irene Fornes, Miguelwww.theaterforthenewcity.net

Sam Sheppard

Piñero and Academy Award Winners Tim Robbins and Adrien Brody. TNC also presents plays by multi-ethnic/multi-disciplinary theater companies who have no permanent home. Among the well-known companies that have been presented by TNC are Mabou Mines, the Living Theater, Bread and Puppet Theater, the San Francisco Mime Troupe and the Ma-Yi Theater Company, which won an OBIE Award for its 1996 TNC production, FLIPZOIDS. TNC also produced the Yangtze Repertory Company’s 1997 production of BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH, which was the only play ever produced in America by Gao Xingjian before he won the 2000 Nobel Prize for Literature. TNC seeks to develop theater audiences and inspire future theater artists from the often-overlooked low-income minority communities of New York City by producing minority writers from around the world and by bringing the community into theater and theater into the community through its many free Festivals. TNC productions have won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and over 40 OBIE Awards for excellence in every theatrical discipline. TNC is also the only Theatrical Organization to have won the Mayor's Stop the Violence Award.

To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson

Richard's Monday Picks

ATTENTION: SINGERS!!
Following MARILYN MAYE's upcoming six SOLD OUT shows at Feinstein's/54 Below (April 10 - 21)
Learn the “Art of Performance” with MARILYN MAYE at her acclaimed Master Class on SATURDAY, APRIL 28th, 10:00AM - 3:00PM
Gregory Toroian will provide accompaniment.
Location to be provided to attendees.
(Video-taping of your session is available upon request for a small fee.)
PARTICIPANT FEE - $150 / AUDITOR FEE - $60 AUDIENCE MEMBERS (AUDITORS) ALWAYS WELCOME!!! For RESERVATIONS, contact Kati Neiheis Kati.MarilynMaye@gmail.com
(646) 404-2714 (please leave a message)
PRIVATE COACHING SESSIONS ALSO AVAILABLE

Happy Birthday, Tennessee Williams!

On Tennessee Williams's birthday, it's important to remember that BOOM was his favorite film adaptation of one of his plays. 

Thank you, to ALL who are mentioned in this blog for gifts you have given to the world and will continue to give

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

April 8th, 2018 

Russ Woolley Proudly Presents
Richard Skipper Celebrates
Broadway and off-Broadway Firsts...and More!

1 PM Brunch Show Laurie Beechman Theater 

Lane Bradbury created the role of Dainty June in the original Broadway production of the classic show Gypsy starring Ethel Merman.
Annie Hughes off-Broadway Closer Than Ever
Lauren Mufson Broadway and National Touring companies of Mamma Mia!
Marta Sanders Best Little Whorehouse In Texas Original Company
AND A MYSTERY GUEST! 

Musical Direction Joe Goodrich with Rex Benincasa on Percussion, Steve Doyle on bass, and Erik Lawrence on Sax

With music, reminisces and an afternoon of fun and show business! 90 minutes of merriment and excitement …Right on the heels of the 2/11 Russ Woolley's CELEBRATES Richard Skipper's’ BIRTHDAY…SELL-OUT Extravaganza…

When and Where:
Sunday, April 8th - 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 entertain and honor Broadway and off-Broadway artists… 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… It is now our turn to honor artists and the roles they created and/or made their own… 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

There's nothing I love better than doing a lot of show tunes with a lot of superior performers – and that's what I got to do last week in the John Kander Birthday Tribute, thanks to Richard! It was such a pleasure to work with each other at long last, after knowing each other for 35 years! I have three words of advice, next time you hear of a Richard Skipper event with this level of talent: Don't Stay Home

-Fred Barton, NYC

I had the pleasure of being a part of Richard Skipper's Birthday celebration for John Kander. What I noticed immediately was the amount of passion Richard has for what he does! You are guaranteed a great time if you go to one of his shows. So go!

Donna Marie Asbury, Bloomfield, NJ

Richard Skipper and Russ Woolley, Tom and I were thrilled to see Richard Skipper Celebrates...John Kander 3/18/18- what an afternoon! My second one, Tom's first, and he is now a convert/addict too! Such talent, imagine all those wonderful performers doing a number together? The roof would blow off! Thank you for a terrific afternoon, and we can't wait for the next one! XOX

-John Oakley Higgins

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

If you have attended Richard Skipper Celebrates, and if you haven't already, Please add your thoughts in Richard Skipper's Guest Book at RichardSkipper.com
You never Know Who You Might See There and What Might Happen!

With grateful XOXOXs ,

 

CallonDolly.com

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

Richard Skipper, Richard@RichardSkipper.com