Sara Louise Lazarus

"The crisis you have to worry about most is the one you don't see coming."

-Mike Mansfield, American statesman (1903-2001)

with David and Sam Sedar

Happy Thursday!

The week is slowly winding down and the countdown begins to Monday night's 27th Bistro Awards here in New York. I have been involved with the Bistros for the last two years.
Sherry Eaker may be the captain of that ship, but Sara Louise Lazarus is the one who guides the ship into harbor. She was directing the year that I won mine, in 1997, and she is back to direct this year.
 When I told her on the occasion of her birthday last week that I wanted to do a blog feature on her in anticipation of the Bistros, she was flattered, but busier than ever and really didn't have the time to sit down for an interview. That is totally understandable. So today, this is a tribute to a wonderful director and woman told through the voices of colleagues and friends! Sara, we celebrate you!

with Kelly Varley and Jeanne Slater.

 Sara Louise Lazarus has directed shows in theatres and cabarets throughout New York City, including the Jewish Repertory Theatre and Avery Fischer Hall, Lincoln Center. She has been the recipient of MAC and Bistro Awards for Outstanding Cabaret Direction. Ms. Lazarus is the founder of the Sara Lazarus Studio for Musical Performance Studies where she teaches. She serves on the advisory board for Singers on Stage.

 It's audition time in New York, you're new here and you need help. What to sing? You fumble around in a stack of papers for a complete copy of the song you want to sing, only to discover the last page is missing. "Oh well, maybe the pianist can fake it," you say.
Not exactly. And you won't get very far in New York with that kind of disorganization. Enter Sara Louise Lazarus, extraordinary New York song interpretation coach. Ms. Lazarus spends her time helping singing actors of all levels get organized and prepared for the big audition. (Source: Theatrical Singer)

 

This is Sara's 11th Bistro Show. 

Sherry was doing her first Bistro Awards Show at the Supper Club.  She had chosen to move the show there from the Ballroom.  She called Sara, having seen some of her cabarets, and they wound up becoming fast friends in the process of working on the show.  Sara has taken a hiatus a few times over the years--the first when her son was a year old, and the second two years ago and last year when she had date conflicts with other shows she was directing.  She's thrilled to be back with Sherry, Roy and David, and has enjoyed meeting and working with Mark and Kevin.  Kimothy Cruse, our stage manager, and Sara have already done two shows together--The 1959 Broadway Songbook for Lyrics and Lyricists at the 92nd Street Y, and a huge benefit at Symphony Space.  He's great.

 

I would have to say that Sara is one of the handful of people who have most impacted my life, both professionally and personally. I owe her so much! So much of what I do as a coach and musical director can be traced to my having worked with her over the years, learning from her mastery of performance techniques. There is no one better at what she does, no one. In addition to her brilliance as a director and teacher, there is her enormous warmth, humor, wisdom, and capacity to make sense out of complications. I consider her a friend, colleague, and role model. And there are many people in this business who would not be where they are without her. I'm one of them. (And I'm not saying these things just because she is currently looking after my grand piano until I can afford a larger apartment).

-Alex Rybeck

 Well, I can just say that she's a very giving person. As you know she's worked with many wonderful performers. She's was an outstanding musical performance coach. I owe much of my success to what I learned from her when I was just starting out.

-Tres Hanley

The gifts I have leaned from Sara's classes have made me a better singer and person.
-Peggy Herman

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE            Contact: Beck Lee/MEDIA BLITZ, LLC (718) 403-0939   beckblitz@aol.com

MARVIN HAMLISCH, LIZ SMITH, GEORGE FAISON, and ANNIE ROSS TO PRESENT AWARDS TO SPECIAL HONOREES AT 27^TH ANNUAL BISTRO AWARDS ON MONDAY, APRIL 23

Columnist Liz Smith, composer and conductor Marvin Hamlisch, choreographer George Faison, and jazz artist Annie Ross are among the presenters appearing at the 27^th Annual Bistro Awards on Monday April 23 at 6:30pmat Gotham Comedy Club in New York, 208 West 23rd Street.

Liz Smith, the “Grande Dame of Dish,” presents the Bob Harrington Lifetime Achievement Award to Kaye Ballard. Best known for her gossip column (that was syndicated in nearly 70 newspapers), Liz is one of the owners of a new website for women, wowOwow.com.

Marvin Hamlisch, the composer of more than forty film scores ("The Way We Were," "Three Men and A Baby," "Ice Castles"), Broadway shows ("A Chorus Line," "They’re Playing Our Song," "The Goodbye Girl," "Sweet Smell of Success") and the principal pops conductor for a half-dozen symphony orchestras across the country, Hamlisch presents the Bistro Award for Outstanding Contributions to American Popular Music to Melissa Manchester.

The Tony Award-winning choreographer of more than 30 plays and musicals, and the co-founder of the Faison Firehouse Theater, George Faison presents the Bistro Award for Ongoing Artistry in Jazz to Dee Dee Bridgewater.

A founding member of the legendary jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross, Annie Ross was inducted into the ASCAP Wall of Fame in 2009.  She appears weekly at the Metropolitan Room with her band, which includes Warren Vaché to whom she presents the Bistro Award for Ongoing Excellence as a Jazz Instrumentalist.

The evening, under the direction of Sara Louise Lazarus, musical direction by Lenny Babbish, is hosted by comedian and actor Jim David, and will feature performances from most of this year’s Bistro-winning artists.  In all, a total of 26 awards will be given out during the course of the gala evening.  Sherry Eaker is the producer.

The evening's festivities include a Champagne reception for the Bistro recipients and Premium Ticket holders (5 pm), followed by the awards presentation and show (6:30 pm).

This year's Bistro Awards Committee comprises the journalists Elizabeth Ahlfors (Cabaret Scenes, CurtainUp.com, and BistroAwards.com); David Finkle (Village Voice, The Huffington Post); Kevin Scott Hall (Edge Media Network, BistroAwards.com); Rob Lester (Cabaret Scenes, NiteLifeExchange.com, TalkinBroadway.com); Erv Raible, executive/artistic director of the Cabaret Conference at Yale University; Roy Sander (BistroAwards.com, chairman of the Advisory Board of MAC), and Mark Dundas Wood (Simply-Showbiz.com, BistroAwards.com). Eaker, who heads up the Bistro Committee, is the former longtime editor-in-chief of Back Stage, and the producer of the event since its inception.

Melissa Manchester

The Bistro Awards are sponsored by ASCAP and BMI, with additional sponsorship from Branson B. Champagne, Banfi Wines, and the Loews Regency Hotel. General Admission tickets are $60; Premium Tickets are $95, which includes the pre-show Champagne reception, priority seating and After Bistros buffet. There is a two-drink minimum. A food menu is also available. To purchase show tickets, go to www.bistroawards.com. For additional information, please call 917-239-5467.

Thank you, Sara, for the gifts you have given and will continue to give to the world.

Sing Hallelujah! You are worth celebrating! And celebrate we will Monday night at the 27th Annual Bistro Awards!

Your devoted fan,

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

                    
Tomorrow's blog will be..Nancy Sinclair's Memories of Hello, Dolly!


Thank you, to all the mentioned in this blog!

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

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

Richard Skipper, Richard@RichardSkipper.com                            

This Blog is dedicated to Al Koenig! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!!


 

Too Marvelous! A Tribute To Maureen Taylor and other greats!

"Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old."
-Franz Kafka, author (1883-1924)

Happy Monday!
Let the above quote be your mantra for the week. You will begin to see the world through different eyes.
I would like to acknowledge a few birthdays today. The first is Dionne Warwick. She is 71 today. We presented her with a Bistro Award earlier this year. Contrary to the image we saw on The Apprentice, she was absolutely wonderful to deal with. The photo you see here was taken after she had received the award. Alex Rybeck, who played the most incredible arrangement of SOME of Dionne's greatest hits, Phil Ramone, who had produced most of those hits, myself, and Sherry Eaker, producer of the Bistros were outside the performing space sending Dionne off when her phone rang. Alex quipped that it was Donald Trump on the line just as someone snapped this picture.
I LOVE this picture!

Here is Dionne's reaction:

Lee Roy Reams who was also present that night, to introduce Tyne Daly, who also won a Bistro Award that night, and myself, accepting an award on behalf of Carol Channing for her continuing work for her Foundation bringing awareness to the importance of of Arts in Education (she was too ill to attend) told of an evening many years ago when he was in a show in Lake Tahoe. Dionne Warwick came to see the show and took the entire company out for dinner afterward. A class act all the way! 

(c) Ebet Roberts - Getty Images

Like Alex, I am a huge fan and I have been lucky enough to see her in concert.
I wasn't so lucky with Frank Sinatra, whose birthday is also today. I had tickets to see Sinatra ONCE in concert. It was 1992 and Frank Sinatra and Shirley MacLaine were appearing together in concert at Radio City Music Hall.  Danny and I got our tickets and could not wait. The morning of the concert, my heart stopped when I heard on the radio that the concert had been canceled due to Frank's bout with pneumonia. I don't think he fully recovered and I never saw him perform live. One of my biggest regrets.
Frank would have been 96 today!

Still hoping to see Shirley MacLaine perform live some day!

Today is also Connie Francis' birthday. I saw Connie once in concert at Resorts in Atlantic City. MAGIC! That woman has been dealt one bad deck of cards and yet she still makes beautiful music!

 Last evening, we went to The Metropolitan Room to see Maureen Taylor in "Too Marvelous! A Tribute To Lauren Bacall"  Maureen's next appearance is Tomorrow night. I had a great time and HIGHLY RECOMMEND this show! It was great to break bread with Maureen afterward and get a little background.

Maureen tells me that her biggest wish is hoping that each success opens the door for more! Maureen feels that she has discovered the most significant insight while doing research for this show- it made her feel like there's still time and still hope to achieve what she'd like to achieve by starting by making the most of every present moment.

With songwriter Bob Levy (right) and his partner, Les Gluck

Models and influences? It's pretty ecclectic: since she started out in the classical world-Frederica "Flicka" Von Stade,Julia Migenes,Montserrat Caballe, later-
Judy Kaye,Barbra Streisand,Jessica Molaskey,Tim Wheater,Moya Brennan and ALL of John Barry's soundtracks for films! Happy? Maureen truly feels like she's in "Adult Puberty' and can't wait til she moves through this phase! She would love to be Adam Guettel's muse and would give anything to play Margaret in Light In The Piazza! She feels like she's a "Work in Progress" and hopefully evolving grace and simply "going for the JOY"!  

Portia Nelson

Constance Towers

Maureen just loved Portia Nelson and had a wonderful experience with her!

Maureen's favorite quote:"Each of us is meant to have a character all our own;-to BE what no other can exactly BE and DO what no other can exactly DO."
1st live show: The Sound of Music at the Jones Beach Theater. It was magical -all the lights reflected off the water. 

Constance Towers was the Maria.The music was glorious and carried over the water.(Since Maureen's own mother was "Maria Von Trapp II ") -Seriously,she was in the convent from 17 -24, left,met Maureen's Dad and had 6 kids for the 6 years she was in the convent! 

And her stories,just made it all the more real! Especially since Maureen's mom was very musical,had a wonderful voice and could play the piano. She was one of nine-8 sisters and a brother and they were ALL very musical! It was a powerful experience!
They were definitely exposed to the arts and she encouraged all 6 of her children to play an instrument, be in the band or orchestra in school and sing in the school and church choir. Maureen's chosen instrument was the viola because she loved harmonies! 

She played the viola all thru college and participated in All State and All Eastern both viola and voice.

with Maureen and Joe Regan, Jr.

First adult professional job: Chicago Lyric Opera. Arts in Education? VITAL! To be solution oriented and think "outside the box"...-the arts are indispensable for the "creative thinking process".

Maureen adds that she is not sure what to add for Carol Channing, "Richard.YOU are an amazing advocate for Carol and her foundation and I think you've covered everything."

with Bryon Sommers, Debroah Probyn, and Carol Siwek

Maureen's parents always had music playing.They were wonderful dancers as well,so they all inherited the "ecclectic" bit of loving "small doses of everything"! Examples of what was always playing:
Rosemary Clooney, Sandler and Young, Eddy Arnold, Jo Stafford,anything swing AND....my Dad knows all the lyrics to The Grateful Dead (of all things)!

Maureen, I loved your Tribute to Lauren Bacall last night! You looked and sounded "Marvelous" and I'm sure if Betty was in the audience she would have been applauding you also.. I loved all the different types of songs you chose for your tribute and all the great stories were so entertaining. I could tell that you spent many hours researching this show and it was just "Too Marvelous for Words! " I'm so glad you are doing a few more shows so that other people can get to see it. I will spread the word for you. Congratulations and enjoy your holidays! Carol Siwek

Go see this show Tuesday night! You'll thank me!

NO COPY WRITE INFRINGEMENT INTENDED 

with Elaine St. George

HERE ARE AUDIENCE COMMENTS FROM RECENT RICHARD SKIPPER EVENTS AT

WWW.RICHARDSKIPPER.COM:


Once again, Richard Skipper (ref. his tribute to Jerry Herman at The Triad on November 28th, 2011) topped himself with yet another wonderful, beautifully staged and coordinated event; and on top of that, he also managed to fill it with some of the best talent NYC has to offer, too! I'd heard-in talking with some audience members, last night-that he is doing this type of tribute to other legendary Artists on a monthly basis. He can count on my being there to see each and every Show; as long as HE is hosting it! Keep up your great work Richard, and never stop bringing the kind of happiness, joy and magic that you give to all of us!
Ronald E. Giles
Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey 

I attended Richard Skipper's workshop at The Arts Council of Rockland on Tuesday night (11/15/11). I was prepared for an evening of scribbling down dry information which I would have promptly ignored when I got home. Instead I was treated to a fun and engaging evening. Richard provided many "ahh ha" moments. He made the information relevant, and instilled a sense of urgency to do it now! Most importantly for me, Richard gave me the permission I was not aware I needed to pursue an audience outside of my comfort zone. Thank you Richard Skipper!
Joanna Morton Gary
Spring Glen, NY

This past Saturday I attended Richard Skipper's tribute to Jerry Herman. It was just magnificent. Famous

with Joel Vig

entertainers who worked with and knew Jerry Herman on a personal level talked about his life, told great stories that I was not aware of and more than that sang some great songs. Even songs that were cut but were fantastic! It was a truly great show produced by Richard. We also saw some videos that were not seen before showing a young Jerry Herman singing.Everyone loved it! I can't wait till Richard's next project. By the way I am so thrilled that another Jerry Herman tribute will be done by Richard at the Triad in NYC on Nov. 28th with a fabulous cast. DO NOT miss it!!! You will thank me and especially Richard for attending!
Ed Stimler
Forest Hills, NY


Have your voice heard – You can make a difference!    
I have been fortunate enough to call among my friends several celebrities.
The one thing that I've gleaned from them beyond their bodies of work is their humanness.

Thank you to all of the artists mentioned in this blog for the gifts you ALL have given to the world!



Thank you for joining me on these musical journeys!
I've added a new aspect to my blog.. I am now answering a question on video that YOU send to me. You

with Maureen's director, Jay Rogers

can ask me ANYTHING and I will answer your question on video within my blog.
Send your questions to
Richard@RichardSkipper.com


"Richard, for supporting the ARTS and calling attention to the STARS of yesterday. You are a STAR in your own right!! With admiration and friendship"
Arlene Dahl

                

Thank you to all who have encouraged me! Thanks to all who have tried to stifle my art. I have learned from ALL of you!
Here's to an INCREDIBLE day for ALL!


GO SEE A LIVE SHOW TONIGHT!
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Tomorrow's blog will be MY INTERVIEW WITH CORTES ALEXANDER!
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TILL TOMORROW...HERE'S TO AN ARTS FILLED WEEK!

Richard Skipper, Richard@RichardSkipper.com

TODAY IN MUSICAL THEATRE HISTORY December 12, 1900 Sammy Davis, Sr, American dancer and member of the Will Mastin Trio (who appeared on Broadway in MR. WONDERFUL side by side with Davis’ son Sammy Davis, Jr.) is born. (Thank you, David Edwards!)

 

 

 

Revisiting The Hermans! Jerry and Peggy!

Happy Monday! As you know, IF you read my blog yesterday, I went to see Peggy Herman last night at The Metropolitan Room.
(pictured Peggy Herman, Peter Glebo, Alex Rybeck and myself)

Well, I'm here to tell you, the show is genius. Obviously, the talent and the technique are there, but Alex Rybeck's arrangements take Jerry Herman's music to a brand new realm.
Listen to what Ms. Warrick says about Alex's playing when she recently accepted The Bob Harrington Lifetime Achievement Award at last month's Bistro Awards: I also heard these incredible arrangements in BOOM starring The Callaway Sisters, Ann Hampton and Liz. It is no surprise that he won this year's MAC Award! Alex, I want to work with you!


Thanks to Alex's expertise and Peggy's respect for the lyrics, it's as if you are hearing some of these songs for the first time. Jerry, of course, has brought us some of Broadway's greatest women: Dolly Levi, Mame Dennis... even Zaza! But now, Peggy Herman brings us Jerry Herman!
I remember seeing an interview once where Jerry was asked how he felt about I AM WHAT I AM being turned into a Disco anthem!(George Hearn sings "I Am What I Am" from Jerry Herman's 1983 musical "La Cage Aux Folles."
This clip is an excerpt from the highly recommended DVD of the 1993 concert "Jerry Herman's Broadway at Holiday Bowl."
Additional clips are available at http://www.thebestarts.com/JerryHerman). He said it thrilled him to see how his songs could be elevated to another level. Here is an example of what I am talking about.
Gloria Gaynor - I am What I am, How can you not be dancing right now?

Alex and Peggy (along with Jered Eagen and Rex Bennicassa) achieve taking Jerry's music to the next realm that to perfection. This year (in July), Jerry will be celebrating his 80th birthday. There are several tributes celebrating this fact. I saw Joan Curto last month (also at The Metropolitan Room)in her wonderful tribute. Jason Graae just performed his tribute, Perfect Hermeny, this past weekend in Los Angeles. Jason Graae, the singing actor whose Broadway credits include A Grand Night for Singing, Falsettos and Stardust, turned his attention to the songs of Jerry Herman May 14 at The Colony Theatre in Burbank, CA.

Out of respect to them (and all others), take a page from Peggy Herman. Make these songs your own. Peggy started the evening mingling with the audience as people were coming into The Metropolitan Room. And it was packed! Another tell tell sign. I only recognized two audience members, Sandi Durell and Magda Katz (who were there to review). Sherry Eaker and Mark Keller joined us.
Mark, book Peggy at The Crest Theatre in Del Ray Beach! I can open for her! HINT!
It was appropriate that Peggy began the evening with the relaxed feel that she did because it was very much like going to Mame Dennis' Number Three Beekman Place apartment. It was a party! A celebration of Jerry's music. But this is not a biographical sketch of Jerry's career. As a matter of fact, I don't recall hearing any of Jerry's "story" coming into play.
No, it was all about Peggy, the former Mrs. Jerry Herman...the carpet salesman! (Peggy Herman, seen here with co-director Peter Glebo. Tommy Tune is Peggy's other director!)
Jerry's songs are about LIFE and LOVE in an upbeat way...never cynical. And it is appropriate that Peggy, who is returning to New York cabaret, after a six year absence is rejoining the human race. Peggy will be on tonight at 7PM and, again, on June 5th...Do not miss this show! It is an exercise in how to do it!
Jerry Herman has been the main through line in my career. I made my debut at the age of 13 in MAME (in the chorus)with The Theatre of The Republic in Conway, South Carolina, my hometown. I had two lines: "Sign here." and "Only thirteen?". But I was so excited that I got to walk on the stage of the Main Street Auditorium for 3 nights and say those lines! It was the beginning for me and I never looked back!

Noel Katz commented: "Mame, the first musical I saw on Broadway, is my favorite Herman musical. I'm inordinately proud of being called "Jerry Hermanish" by a major critic."

And, of course, performing Carol Channing for over 20 years, I sing Jerry's lyrics and music every time I walk on stage as Carol!
And Jerry was there the very first time I performed for Carol Channing!
Angela Lansbury, in JERRY HERMAN: THE LYRICS, A CELEBRATION by Ken Bloom and Jerry Herman says, " Some of the greatest moments of my life in the musical theatre were spent on stage at the Winter Garden Theatre singing the brilliant songs of Jerry Herman."
In 1966,she was offered the title role in what would become the enormously successful Mame,Jerry Herman's musical adaptation of the novel and subsequent film Auntie Mame,which had starred Rosalind Russell. Mame opened at the Winter Garden Theater in May 1966 and Lansbury received her first Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical.Additionally, Lansbury's recording of the play's song "We Need a Little Christmas" has become widely popular,and receives substantial airplay each Christmas. Lansbury won her second Tony Award for her performance in Dear World (1969), also Jerry Herman.
"Once Mary Martin had turned down the title role in Mame, some 40 other actresses had to be eliminated before the part went to Angela Lansbury - who quickly established herself as one of the reigning queens of Broadway." [Stanley Green]

In May 1973, the first revival of Gypsy opened in London's West End and played for 300 performances.
Lansbury played Rose,the infamous stage mother (originated on Broadway by Ethel Merman).In September 1974,the same production opened at Broadway's Winter Garden Theatre.Lansbury received her third Tony for her performance in Gypsy. In her acceptance speech, she thanked Ethel Merman for creating the role of Rose in the original 1959 production.Angela Lansbury giving one HELL of a performance as Mama Rose in the 1974 B'way revival of 'Gypsy.' This woman is SO amazing. Features "Some People," "Together Wherever We Go," and "Rose's Turn." Rex Robbins as Herbie, and Zan Charisse as Louise.

No copyright infringement intended. I didn't film this. For entertainment purposes, only.
Now there's talk that Barbra Streisand is going to do yet another movie adaptation! We'll see!!

Angela Brigid Lansbury is one of the most talented, versatile, best known and well-respected actresses of our time, has enjoyed a successful and enduring career lasting over six decades long. She is a triple threat, having demonstrated great talent in not just one area of acting, but three: the movies, theater, and television. She was born on October 16th, 1925, in London, England, the daughter of Irish actress Moyna MacGill and granddaughter of British politician George Lansbury.George Lansbury (21 February 1859, Halesworth, Suffolk – 7 May 1940) was a British politician, socialist, Christian pacifist and newspaper editor. He was a Member of Parliament (MP) from 1910 to 1912 and from 1922 to 1940, and leader of the Labour Party from 1932 to 1935.

Angela's early education at the Webber-Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art was interrupted in 1940 when Moyna moved the family, which included Angela and her twin brothers Bruce and Edgar, from England to the United States to escape World War II. She did not become an actualized American citizen until 1951.
After exiting a short-lived first marriage to Richard Cromwell, Ms. Lansbury married Peter Shaw in 1948. Their long-lasting marriage, a rarity in Hollywood, lasted until Peter’s death in 2003. They had two children, Anthony and Deirdre, as well as Peter’s son David Shaw from his previous marriage.
Jerry, you certainly did/do deserve The Kennedy Center Honor!
I haven't really thought about this till now, but perhaps I AM one of Jerry's Girls!
I think part of the long running appeal of the original run of "Dolly" was that each of these women brought their own stamp to the role. It is common knowledge, I think, that Jerry wrote "Hello, Dolly!" with Ethel Merman in mind. When she declined, Carol Channing came into the role making it her own and Jerry changed the timbre and sound of Dolly.
To learn more about Jerry Herman, please visit: http://www.jorgeplace.com/JerryHerman/people_JerryHerman.html
Take Jerry home with you!Available at Amazon: (I have this cd and I LOVE IT!)

All you have to do today is bask in the LOVE and talent that surrounds you!
Go see Peggy Herman tonight at The Metropolitan Room!
(Thanks to Wikipedia as my main source for information in this blog)

Tomorrow's blog will be YOU TELL ME...the first three suggestions I receive!

Please contribute to the DR. CAROL CHANNING & HARRY KULLIJIAN FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS: http://www.carolchanning.org/foundation.htm
TILL TOMORROW...HERE'S TO AN ARTS FILLED WEEK!
Richard Skipper, Richard@RichardSkipper.com

Musings on cabaret...

The ride: well it can be rough. Hang on tight, let go sometimes and make sure you choose the right people to take it with you.


Even before I knew Sherry Eaker, I knew of Sherry Eaker. It was because of BACK STAGE, the theatrical trade paper geared to the performing artist. When I first came to New York, I used to buy the paper religiously EVERY Thursday morning.
It would be the deciding factor on how the next weeks and possibly my life would unfold. That's where I got all my info for auditions and practically everything else to do with my profession. BACK STAGE was the brainchild of Ira Eaker, Sherry's father. Sherry eventually became the editor-at -large of the paper. A few years ago, the paper changed hands and I have not bought it since.

In the late eighties, I started dabbling in cabaret. When that happened, the first thing I would read when I got BACK STAGE was BISTRO BITS, the column by the late great Bob Harrington. Bob was an integral part of the cabaret world and largely responsible for its resurgence in the 1980s. Bob loved writing about cabaret, and cared so much about what and whom he was writing.

His reviews began appearing in March 1984 under the headline "Bistro Bits", although only on a per-show basis when space in the paper allowed.
Realizing the need for additional coverage of this burgeoning industry, Sherry Eaker created an entire column dedicated to cabaret, and the first "Bistro Bits" column appeared on November 2nd, 1984.
"Bistro Bits" got an immediate and positive response. Janice Hall, 2011 Bistro Award winner for Tribute Show
"Grand Illusions: The Music of Marlene Dietrich"
Metropolitan Room, Urban Stages (Video by Corinne Cohen)

I was 18 when I first arrived in New York. When I discovered DON'T TELL MAMA, I was in heaven! THAT was the world that I wanted to be part of. I lived on 47th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues. DON'T TELL MAMA was my neighborhood hangout.

One thing that I learned early on was IF I desired to make a success of what I am working on,I would need to enlist the aid of people whose knowledge is superior to my own. Bob Harrington was that person. You see, not only did he write about cabaret artists (as a reviewer), he wrote about the craft of being a cabaret ARTIST! Notice, I used the word "reviewer" instead of "critic". I believed Bob was INTERESTED in elevating the art form rather than tearing it down.
(Sean Harkness 2011 Bistro Award winner for Instrumentalist)
For me, it was always the work. I LOVE the creative process. I love when creative people come together for the common good of creating art. When you go to see a show, the audience should never see the blood, sweat, and tears that go into a show.
Yet there are so many people who make that happen to make that person in the spotlight shine! A cabaret act needs a technical team to create its sound, look, and flow.

"I've learned how special the audience is, the feeling you get from people being right in front of you, becoming part of your act.
They tell you if they are amused or moved by your interpretation and how they perceive you and your personality."
Julie Wilson, The Cabaret Artist's Handbook by Bob Harrington, Edited by Sherry Eaker


Someone wrote to me that Tuesday night's Bistro Awards gave him a wonderful opportunity to see the best of what was being offered in cabaret today and that can be attested to by anyone who was in attendance Tuesday night. The show ran like a well oiled machine.
The BISTRO AWARD was established by Bob Harrington in 1985 in his “Bistro Bits” column in the trade weekly Back Stage, then under the editorship of Sherry Eaker. For the first few years, the awards were merely listed in Harrington’s column as notable performances he had seen during the calendar year. The first formal presentation of the awards was held in 1990 at Eighty Eight’s, a popular cabaret venue in the West Village. From there, the show moved on to The Ballroom in Chelsea, and then relocated to the Supper Club in the Broadway District, where it remained for many years. This year marks the fourth year at Gotham Comedy Club.
When Bob Harrington was alive, he knew more about what some entertainers did than they did.

"Richard, everything was amazing. It was a gorgeous, tight show. The direction was so impressive! I laughed, I cried, I had goosebumps. It was an honor to be part of such a great night! PS The after show dinner was delicious. So are you. xox"
Faye Lane, 2011 Bistro Award winner for Musical Comedy
"Faye Lane's Beauty Shop Stories"
Soho Playhouse
Trying to put together a definition of what cabaret is for a column sometime ago, then Back Stage editor-at-large and frequent boitegoer Sherry Eaker interviewed a number of that year's Bistro Award winners. Their responses were anything but a consensus, which in an all-encompassing way begins to suggest a definition — a loose and perhaps not entirely satisfying one. Cabaret can be anything that takes place in a cabaret room or anything taking place in other, larger rooms where cabaret performers participate. And that's the burden of the reviews that reflect those shows.
One of the members of the Bistro committee is Erv Raible. NYC based director, coach, publicist and consultant. Executive Director / Artistic Director of the International Cabaret Conference at Yale University, and Executive Director of Erv Raible Cabaret & Concert Artists International.
Owned and booked the cabarets and piano bars: The Duplex (1978-84), Brandy’s (1980-85), Don’t Tell Mama (1982-89) and the legendary Eighty Eight’s (1988-99); and through these venues presented over 4000 performers to the public. Co-founded The Manhattan Association of Cabarets & clubs (president for 11 years, produced the first 9 MAC Award shows). Has written book and lyrics for Wallis & Edward: The Love Story of the Twentieth Century? and is co-lyricist for Ship of Fools: The Musical. Is directing and developing Hildegard of Bingen and the Living Light. Is developing a music documentary Silent Voices: Words and Music of the Holocaust, Hate, Hope and the Human Spirit for the Simon Wiesenthal Center.

Also on the committee is Roy Sander. Roy Sander has been covering cabaret and theatre for over twenty years. He's written cabaret and theatre reviews, features, and commentary for seven print publications, most notably Back Stage, and for CitySearch on the Internet. He covered cabaret monthly on "New York Theatre Review" on PBS TV, and cabaret and theatre weekly on WLIM-FM radio. He was twice a guest instructor at the London School of Musical Theatre. He is currently Chairman of the Advisory Board of MAC.

Elizabeth Ahlfors was born, raised and educated in New York (NYU). Her first love was always music, cabaret, and theatre – in the audience, not performing.
She writes for Cabaret Scenes, citycabaret.com, bBistroawards.com, totaltheater.com, and Curtain Up's "Cabaret Nights." She was previously Philadelphia correspondent for theatre.com and InTheatre Magazine and reviewed for the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia City News, and Spotlight Magazine. She is a member of the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle.

I would venture to say that most people reading this blog have probably experienced, in one way or another, the magic of cabaret, either as a member of the audience or as a performer singing in an intimate venue.(Lua Hadar, pictured)Lua Hadar with her band TWIST debuted their CD at New York's famed Iridium Jazz Club on Broadway, May 10, 2008. The song is George Gershwin's American Songbook classic, "Soon," in an arrangement inspired by Ella Fitzgerald. Jason Martineau, music director, at the piano, with the New York band.Cabaret is a distinctive art that requires a lot of soul-searching, risk-taking, creativity, and honesty.
I would like to help you reach your goals in cabaret. "It is never too late to be who you might have been" --anonymous

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(845) 365-0720
or
richard@richardskipper.com



Beyond the 3 "F"s
How to Build an Audience and Create a Following (The following is from my press release)

RICHARD SKIPPER, critically acclaimed, multi-award winning performer, director, co-producer of the 2010 & 2011 Bistro Awards, career consultant is bringing years of experience to this workshop. The cost of the workshop is $125 for three hours. Please call (845) 365-0720 for more information and to reserve your space Richard's shows continue to be wonderful successes around the country (he recently appeared off-Broadway in Richard Skipper as "Carol Channing" in Concert), and as he continues making his business great, he looks forward to sharing his experience with others.

This workshop will focus on how to get you the attention that you need. Richard's shows have been sell-outs. Other topics will include how to use the internet to your advantage in marketing; how to get your name "out there"; cold calling; creating a contract specific to your needs; how to create a press kit that shows you to your best possible advantage and more! Richard gets a sense of the various levels of each workshop and custom makes, on the spot, a class catering to the needs of the actual group in the room. He will ascertain YOUR agenda prior to the workshop beginning so that each participant will leave with all of their questions answered, so come prepared!

Richard is also available for one-on-one consultations which afford you the personal time with him catering specifically and only to your needs.

On board with Richard is graphic designer, GLEN CHARLOW, who brings over 15 years in the business to the participants of this class and who will discuss the concept of image; how to use the internet effectively and how your website "sells" you even before you pick up the phone. To read more on Glen Charlow please visit: www.gcdtp.com.
Whether your goal is to use cabaret as a launching pad for other artistic opportunities, or simply to experience the pleasures that are unique to cabaret, the information you will receive from these workshops will help you gain a better understanding of the art and the business of cabaret, and will ultimately allow you to arrive at your destination.

For general information on workshops or Career Coaching, please contact Richard Skipper directly at 845-365-0720 or Richard@RichardSkipper.com.

(THE CABARET ARTIST'S HANDBOOK by Bob Harrington, edited by Sherry Eaker was a MAJOR source of this blog)

Tomorrow's blog will be YOU TELL ME...the first three suggestions I receive!

Please contribute to the DR. CAROL CHANNING & HARRY KULLIJIAN FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS: http://www.carolchanning.org/foundation.htm

TILL TOMORROW...HERE'S TO AN ARTS FILLED WEEK!


Richard Skipper, Richard@RichardSkipper.com

Count Down to The Bistro Awards: 1 week from Tomorrow! The 26th Annual Bistro Awards are honoring MICHAEL FEINSTEIN, LIZ LARK BROWN, and NATE BUCCIERI

It's hard to believe that one week from tomorrow is the Bistro Awards!
I remember when they first began and, here we are 26 years later. The Bistros are my favorite award night because the recipients and the audience already know who the winners are. AND THEY EACH PERFORM ONE SONG!

The tension and anxiety are devoid from the evening except for Sherry Eaker who, of course,is anxious to make sure that everything stays on course and falls into place as planned. (I'm knocking on wood as I say this)...It always does. Thank God for Sherry carrying on the tradition of the Bistros and keeping this going.
Some of you may recall, it used to be called THE BACK STAGE BISTRO AWARD. At least that is what it was called when I won it in 1998. 13 years ago!The Bistros started when Bob Harrington, who until his untimely death, was the Bistro Bits columnist for BACK STAGE. For the first couple of years, his pics were just listed in his column. Then, he and Sherry decided to make it an actual awards ceremony. The Award winners are decided upon by a committee of critics who pick those they feel have created outstanding work within the past year and deserve recognition.
You also can only win once in a particular category. They also have a limit to the number of recipients...otherwise this would become at least a 5 hour event! The first couple of years, the recipients received a certificate, THEN it became an actual award, and has moved on to be a very beautiful award for those who receive it.
BACK STAGE changed hands several years ago. Sherry is no longer affiliated with the paper, but she carries on this tradition because of her love of the medium. She deserves a special award alone for this! Supporting this evening not only honors our winners but keeps this tradition going. Yesterday, I wrote about three of our recipients this year: Carol Channing, Tyne Daly, and Dionne Warwick.
Today, I'm focusing on three more of our recipients...MICHAEL FEINSTEIN, LIZ LARK BROWN, and NATE BUCCIERI.




A Special Award will be given to Michael Feinstein for his three-part documentary series “Michael Feinstein’s American Songbook,” (written, directed, and produced by Amber Edwards) shown on PBS and now available on DVD, which celebrates and explores the history of the Great American Songbook, and for the other work the Michael Feinstein Foundation does to promote and preserve our musical heritage. I am a HUGE fan of Michael's. I also am a huge fan of Amber Edwards' work! Kudos to you, as well, Amber!

Michael Jay Feinstein is a singer, a pianist, music revivalist, and an interpreter of, and anthropologist and archivist for, the repertoire known as the Great American Songbook. In 1988 he won a Drama Desk Special Award for celebrating American musical theatre songs.Feinstein was born in Columbus, Ohio, the son of Florence Mazie (née Cohen), an amateur tap dancer, and Edward Feinstein, a sales executive for the Sara Lee Corporation and a former amateur singer.
At the age of five, he studied piano for a couple of months until his teacher became angered that he wasn't reading the sheet music she gave him, since he was more comfortable playing by ear. As his mother saw no problem with her son's method, she took him out of lessons and allowed him to enjoy music his own way. The following is from THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER: Feinstein brings 'Songbook' to Kennedy Center


Emily Cary 04/16/11 8:05 PM
Special to The Washington Examiner
Michael Feinstein returns to Washington for a solo concert in the Kennedy Center celebrating the songs he recorded for the Sinatra Project and other favorites.

"The project was my way of thanking Frank Sinatra for his kindness to me at the start of my career," he said.
"His professionalism was a great influence on me and I've tried to emulate his ability to present a song."

Feinstein grew up in Columbus, Ohio, enamored by the popular music he began playing in local piano bars. He was only 20 when he made his way to L.A. and soon met pianist Oscar Levant who introduced him to Ira Gershwin. He accepted Gershwin's invitation to become his assistant and, for the next six years, archived the published and unpublished songs by Ira and George. Along the way, he met and became caretaker of music by other major composers. Today he serves on the Library of Congress' National Recording Preservation Board.



This past February, the Feinstein's work began making its way to the new Center for Performing Arts in Carmel, Ind., a multimillion-dollar complex holding a museum and library with interactive displays and online access around the world. The 1,600-seat Palladium Theater, opened in February, will host guest artists.
"The museum and library will be completed in about two years," Feinstein said. "It will grow incrementally as we transfer in the many orchestrations, original sheet music and artwork. In the meantime, I continue sifting through my collection and occasionally make important discoveries. Several years ago during my research I found a lost song by Cole Porter written for 'The Gay Divorcee.' Last year, I found an unknown Johnny Mercer song."


This year began with another success for Feinstein, a duo CD with Broadway legend Barbara Cook. Titled "Cheek To Cheek," it alternates their harmonious duets with solo interpretations of timeless pop standards like "Without A Song," "I've Got You Under My Skin" and "There'll Be Some Changes Made."

Never standing still, Feinstein has projects aplenty underway, including writing the score for "The Gold Room," a musical about the heiress Barbara Hutton set during the period of her life in the 1950s when she gave up her residence to the U.S. government.
He is also composing the score for a musical based on MGM's "The Thomas Crown Affair."

"I love composing, performing and sharing this wonderful music with my audiences," he said. "In looking back at all I've managed to accomplish and ahead to future opportunities, I feel very lucky."

Take Michael home with you: Michael Feinstein - Remember: Michael Feinstein Sings Irving Berlin (Available on Amazon.com)The first of Feinstein's theme albums, and one of the best. He captures the simple (and at times deceptively clever) sentiment of Berlin with an unadorned approach that brings out the sturdiness of the melodies as well. ~ William Ruhlmann, Rovi

Our next recipient is LIZ LARK BROWN for her outstanding debut, TARNISHED, at The Metropolitan Room.On Monday August 31,2009 Liz Lark Brown eked out a win in the exciting finale of the second annual "MetroStar Talent Challenge" at The Metropolitan Room, beating out Danielle Grabianowski (the first runner-up...who won a Bistro Award last year) and Carole Bufford...another Bistro Award winner this year!, who was chosen as the second runner-up. Brown, who, in a sweet twist of fate, was 2008's grand prize winner Anne Steele's back-up singer, combined both understated charm and a flair for the dramatic that earned consistently high marks during the eight-week jury and audience-voted singers' competition. The two other finalists, who went head to head against the three top ladies, were the competition's highest-achieving men, Cornelius Bates, and the late great David Gurland.
Liz has paid her dues and now it is time for her to shine in the spotlight! Liz is also nominated for a MAC Award (May 10th) for her debut show.

NATE BUCCIERI is receiving a Bistro Award as outstanding musical director this past year."A skilled sight-reader, not to mention a highly accomplished player and versatile, resonant singer, Buccieri wins over his Wednesday audience/ participants with a mixture of talent, wit and the sort of infectious good humor that makes you feel like you really can step up to the mike and turn that song." - Metroland Best of..., 2003 (Again, another recipient who has paid his dues!)

Go here to buy tickets: http://www.bistroawards.com/buy-tickets/ticket-information.html

Please click on the banner ads on our Bistro Award site and support our advertiser.

Tomorrow's blog will feature CAROLE J. BUFFORD, ANTHONY COCHRAN, and KEVIN DOZIER

Please contribute to the DR. CAROL CHANNING & HARRY KULLIJIAN FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS: http://www.carolchanning.org/foundation.htm

TILL TOMORROW...HERE'S TO AN ARTS FILLED WEEK!


Richard Skipper, Richard@RichardSkipper.com