Richard Skipper Celebrates Joshua Lance Dixon AND MORE!

It is the job that never started that takes longest to finish-J.R. R. Tolkien

Happy Saturday, January 5th, 2019!
January 5 is the fifth day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. There are 360 days remaining until the end of the year.
I'm kicking off this week's blogs with an artist I highly recommend and you can catch him live and in person tonight at The Beach Cafe in NYC.
Today, Richard Skipper Celebrates Joshua Lance Dixon!

Where did the idea for your upcoming show come from? 
Pack of One was simply born out of the idea that I wanted to do something different than before. FLY UP! - my debut cabaret show, was very personal in an autobiographical way especially in my patter - whereas Pack of One is more

biographical and still feels personal, but only in relating to the personal stories I learned about the guys and singing the music - and this show barely scratches the surface of their (The Rat Pack’s) work.

Who are some of the artists that you enjoy hanging out with?  
Oh my... what a question. All of them. I learn so much from every artist I have the opportunity to hang with. I am attracted to artists that take risks and find the  courage to share their vulnerability.

What was your favorite subject in school? 

Choir. Is that a subject? That’s not a really a subject. It was an activity. I can honestly say joining the choir was the best thing I ever did. And it was by mistake. I wanted to join the band but my parents couldn’t afford an instrument - I wanted to play the trumpet. But joining the choir let me use and discover my voice. I was a painfully shy kid. I could barely communicate - especially in big groups of kids - I was so afraid of people, being the subject of a lot of bullying up to that point.

Singing in a choir - a forum of a big group of people - I let my guard down, I learned to listen, to blend - I began to discover that not everyone was scary - I began to come out of my shell so to speak.

Tell us your thoughts on the cabaret community...
Saved my life. Music saved me when I was young. Helped me discover I had voice. But the cabaret community helped me realize I had something to say with my voice. I remember the first time I saw a “cabaret performance.” It was Natalie Douglas singing  “Get Here” mad popular by Oleta Adams, at Brandy’s. I was blown away. I mean I already loved that song, but she turned it inside out - simply by singing the lyric from her unique perspective. Charging the words of a song I’d played on repeat 100’s of times, with her experience... channeling love... but it was more than that even... to me, it felt like I was witnessing what it felt like to be free... My heart cracked open.
I was forever changed. I would not do my first cabaret for another 12 years.

If you weren’t a singer, what profession would you choose?  
Acting! I guess I sort of do that when I sing. So, let me pick something else. It would have to be something where I could put my people pleasing skills to good work.

Turning something that’s generally looked upon as an negative and turn it into a positive… So, something where what I engage in comes from a space of love and service. Or... something totally different - Maybe a nurse? Or a Bikram Yoga Teacher.

What is your favorite book and why?
Goodness, I have a few...

My favorite series of books is Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling is a genius. She nails the battle of light and dark.

True love and redemption. The magic of those books and her writing go way beyond potions, spells, which craft, and wizardry.

And staying in the magic theme... The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

My favorite self-help books are by Lynn Grabhorn. “Excuse Me, Your Life Is Waiting: The Astonishing Power of Feelings” - I need to pull that one off the shelf and re-read it.
and I also really love The Four Agreements - by Don Miguel Ruiz

 If our entire world could master the four agreements - we would find peace quickly.

What makes you want to support the cabaret community?
I suppose love of our community. There are so many people I admire. The NYC cabaret community is something very special. if I can give back even an iota of what’s so freely been given to me... I would in a heartbeat.

If you could meet any person throughout History, who would you want to meet most? 
Princess Diana

What are your biggest challenges?
My own mind and Fear

What was your favorite Halloween costume that you’ve ever worn?  
When I dressed up as Harry Potter!

What are the unglamorous aspects of your career that the average person doesn’t realize? 
It’s work. You have to be very good at multitasking (which I am not). You also need to be your own personal assistant in all things.

What would you say is the weirdest thing about your routine? 

I don’t think there is anything weird in my routine... question: do you mean routine as in the show? Or do you mean routine as in daily life routines.  I suppose I don’t have weird things in my daily routine either… But so I can say I answered this question... I think the weirdest thing about my routine is that I was able to pull it together and figure it all out in the short amount of time that we built the show – I am very lucky - I might be the weirdest thing in my routine… is me.

Name one person you would like to see profiled in this series 
Natalie Arneson. Natalie, if you see this, please call me and let's make it happen!

That sounds absolutely perfect! Anything else we should mention? 
I can’t think of anything... except to look out for future performances of Pack of One as i get it ready to perform out of town! And a potential spin-off series I’ve been dreaming up... A Pack of One Night Stands. One night with Frank. One Night with Dean. One night with Sammy. Each night will feature a guest, maybe two... essentially building our own pack - then bringing back the whole pack for One Night of all their Christmas arrangements . Each night will also be a one night stand for something... haven’t figure out the benefit part of it all yet. Still working it all out in my mind. I have also been dreaming up my debut album and a brand new solo show, not Rat Pack related...

You don't have to go out of town to see Joshua Lance Dixon in Pack of One! Call The Beach Cafe in NY and reserve for tonight! Let him know I sent you! Click HERE for tickets.

And Keep in Mind...

January 10
If you've been unable to free up a Saturday to check out Shake Rattle N Roll Pianos show in Times Sq. - they are having a RARE Thursday night show on 1/10 at 10pm (doors open at 9)
Rattle and Hum West
306 W. 39th St.
Click HERE for your FREE tickets! (while supplies last)

January 11th:
The Erik Lawrence Trio featuring vocalist Marya Lawrence
Erik Lawrence - Saxophones and Flute
Cameron Brown - Bass

Ben Perowski - Drums
Beautiful Live Jazz
Sets at 8:00 and 9:30

Reservations are highly recommended
Maureen's Jazz Cellar in Nyack

January 15th:
Encore by popular demand! Jill Eikenberry, Golden Globe award winner most known for her starring role on the NBC drama “L.A. Law” and Obie award winner for the Off-Broadway plays Lemon Sky and Life Under Water, returns to Feinstein’s/54 Below in Here I Go Again! Expect songs from her life and her career, including works by Kurt Weill, John Kander, Peggy Lee, Janis Ian, Ricky Ian Anderson, and Joni Mitchell, as well as some exciting new

Jill Eikenberry

composers.  Order Tickets HERE

January 27
Matthew Saldivar, J. Elaine Marcos, Alton Fitzgerald White, More Round Out Fox’s Rent: Live Cast
A handful of stage veterans—including some Rent alums—will make appearances in Fox’s upcoming live presentation of the rock musical.

Matthew Saldivar, J. Elaine Marcos, and Alton Fitzgerald White

Rounding out the company are Matthew Saldivar (Bernhardt/Hamlet), J. Elaine Marcos (Gettin’ the Band Back Together), Alton Fitzgerald White (The Lion King), Bryce Ryness (Hair), Emerson Collins (Bravo’s The People’s Couch), Jennifer Leigh Warren (Marie Christine), Debra Cardona (On Your Feet!), Darius Crenshaw (Hello, Dolly!), Khori Petinaud (Moulin Rouge!), Mia DeWeese (The Lucky Ones), Benjamin Rivera (Moulin Rouge!), Robert Roldan (So You Think You Can Dance), Morgan Marcell

(Hamilton), Fred Odgaard (Hamilton), Tilly Evans-Krueger (The Lucky Ones), and recent So You Think You Can Dance winner Hannahlei Cabanilla, as well as dancers Jessica Lee Keller, Lenin Fernandez Jr., Nick Lanzisera, Sasha Dominique Mallory, and Ty Wells. (Source:Playbill.com)

Tony Award nominee Denée Benton was hitting the red carpet at the 2017 ceremony for her celebrated Broadway debut in Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 when a mic-wielding celebrity interviewer asked how she chose her sparkly green-and-white leaf-embossed Oscar de la Renta gown.

Denée Benton and Josh Groban starred in Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, for which both earned Tony nominations. CHAD BATKA

The Central Florida native, who made it to Broadway as leading lady Natasha in record-breaking follow-your-heart fashion, flashed her dazzling smile, performed a tasteful half-twirl and shared, “It was a journey, but this one just kind of spoke to us. It’s full of life. It’s green. I’m green. It’s time, you know?” Read MORE

Now, go and do something nice for someone without expecting anything in return! Treat Them to Two Tix to Joshua Lance Dixon!!


********

Thank you all! Here's To a Great 2019! 

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

Richard Skipper Celebrates Love Aquarian Style February 10th! Tickets Go On Sale January 10th!

I am excited about working with Kacey Fassett for the first time! 

SAVE THE DATE! Richard Skipper Celebrates Sunday, February 10, 2018 at 1:00PM The Laurie Beechman Theatre 407 West 42nd Street Downstairs at the West Bank Cafe New York, NY 10036  There is also a $20 food/beverage minimum per person. Russ Woolley Proudly Presents Richard Skipper Celebrates...Love Aquarian Style featuring Meg Flather, Lina Koutrokas, Rosemary Loar, Karen Mack, Stacy Sullivan, All under the Musical Direction of Christine Talbott with Kacey Fassett on sax, Adi Myerson on bass !  (ALL Aquarians!) You never know who you might see there and what might happen!  $30 Cover and $20 Minimum per person.  The afternoons are also made possible by Wright Bros. Real Estate. Do yourself a favor and CELEBRATE! 
A Few Audience Testimonials about Richard Skipper Celebrates

Sheree Sano

When Richard Skipper hosts the party is ON! He sparkles with a charm that is sincere, sophisticated and frequently HILARIOUS!! He asks excellent questions when he interviews guests that always lead naturally to fascinating answers and when he ad-libs with the audience he's amazingly quick-witted and endlessly entertaining. In my book, he's the Best of the Best - Always puts on a fabulous, happily satisfying show - I love him to bits!! Sheree Sano, NYC
Love Richard Skipper Celebrates. Looking forward to a new season.

Bea Sonnenshein, Sparkill, New York
No one can deliver a show like Richard Skipper.  His passion and enthusiasm along with his singing and a brilliant roster of performers ......knocked it out of the park! Thanks for being you, Richard Skipper! Judy Stewart, American Popular Song Society PS... Richard is The American Popular Song's good luck charm and I am looking forward to what he produces for us next June as well.
This Show Is Also Made Possible by  Wright Bros. Real Estate, Nyack New York

With grateful XOXOXs,

CallonDolly.com

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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
This Blog is Dedicated to the Memory of Christine McGuire

 
 

THE PUMP ROOM, LIZA MINNELLI JOINS UGLY BETTY CAST, and WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE IGUANA!

Pump Room to change forever at end of the month

Chicago's cultural jewel out of time



BY DAVE HOEKSTRA Sun-Times Columnist

The doors of time are closing on the Pump Room. The legendary restaurant has eliminated its dinner menu in a downsizing prompted by a pending sale of the restaurant and its Ambassador East hotel to New York-based Ian Schrager Co. And, after cabaret singer Nan Mason's final song on Jan. 30, the restaurant will no longer have live music.

The Pump Room is the cultural jewel of the Ambassador East hotel, 1301 N. State Pkwy. Schrager is eyeing a renovation that could bring the hotel into the 21st century. He was co-founder of the Studio 54 dance club before becoming a pioneer of the boutique hotel concept.


Sources say the deal could close as early as late February.

The Ambassador East lobby entrance to the Pump Room was desolate during a mid-afternoon visit on Wednesday. Smooth jazz played in forgiving tones. An antique grandfather clock was stuck at 7:40. A steel gate barricaded the Pump Room. Breakfast is served until 11 a.m., and the room reopens at 5 p.m.

The Pump Room's classic photos were still on the wall. Talk-show host Tom Snyder is yukking it up with Papa Bear George Halas near the gate.
Cary Grant is around the corner, eyeing the future through thick black glasses.
A young Hugh Hefner is in a snow white suit with a tanned woman in a white dress. They are all actors on a forgotten stage.

Mason said business has been up since Jan. 4, when the Sun-Times first reported the changes in the Pump Room. "People are coming in to say goodbye," the singer said Wednesday. "The bar -- not the restaurant -- has done extremely well compared to past years."
The Pump Room opened on Oct. 1, 1938. It thrived on a celebrity culture that has vanished like Marshall Field's and Magikist lips.
Original owner Ernie Byfield recruited stars to sparkle in its dimly lit elegance. He saw the Pump Room as a spinoff of the 18th century spa of the same name in Bath, England.
That pump room was where London aristocrats mingled with local showfolk, absorbing the cure of the waters by day and the roguish social scene at night.
It was "Swimming with the Stars."
Chicago's Pump Room was a hit from the jump. Stars traveled to the city by train. More recent celebrities stayed over for a day or two instead of rushing to a private jet.


The "Great Signature Book" of the Pump Room includes signings from Marlene Dietrich, Cole Porter and members of Led Zeppelin. Legend has it that actor John Barrymoore urinated on the book after being overserved on champagne.

The restaurant's lore is priceless. John Belushi ate caviar with his fingers. Sammy Davis Jr. sang for his supper -- for the help in the Pump Room kitchen. After pop star Phil Collins was refused entry to the Pump Room because of its dress code, he titled his next album "No Jacket Required."
The dress code hasn't existed since the late 1990s.

The restaurant was a place where those dreams came true. Anyone could be like Bogie and Bacall.

They stopped at the Pump Room en route to Hollywood the day after getting married in May 1945.


"Ernie [Byfield] invited [my wife] Essee and me to join the Bogarts at table No. 1," the late Daily News and Sun-Times columnist Irv Kupcinet recalled in his 1988 memoir Kup (A Man, An Era, A City). "What I remember best was the lovelight in the eyes of both Bogie and Baby."

The Pump Room could do that to you.


"The Pump Room put Chicago up in a level not quite like New York City," said Peter Alter, curator at the Chicago History Museum. "That is significant. Every city wants a piece of stardom.
The Pump Room was a place people could get that. It put Chicago on the map in terms of celebrity, the way the Bulls did during the Michael Jordan years."
Kup worked from Booth One in the Pump Room. The original booth is now in storage at the History Museum.
"We don't have any immediate plans for Booth One," Alter said. "Booth One is a very large object. We don't have a lot of space in the gallery where Booth One would go."


The Ambassador East was built in 1926 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. The hotel's ornate lobby was featured in Alfred Hitchcock's "North By Northwest."




Iconic Pump Room maitre d' Arturo Petterino lived next door to Caray for 15 years. In a 1996 interview Petterino recalled his late 1950s glory nights at the Pump Room -- only after mentioning he owned 50 tuxedos.


"When I worked at the Pump Room, it was ultra-sophisticated," he said at Mondelli's Lounge off of Rush Street. "A 17-piece orchestra. The tables had to be four feet apart. A bellhop in a nice jacket would put your name on a French chalkboard and come by with a little bell [to notify a guest of a phone call.]
That's all gone now. Today, they just scream over the crowd."
And this was before the ring-a-ding-dong of the cell phone.

Several of the hotel's 55 suites are named in honor of the celebrities who stayed in them: Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra for starters. The Rat Pack's 1988 reunion tour ended in the Ambassador East after a concert at the Chicago Theatre.
Sinatra wanted to hit the town and Martin preferred staying in his suite to watch Westerns. (Martin was replaced by Liza Minnelli for the rest of the tour.)

The Rat Packers are included in the 725 celebrity photos that adorn the walls of the Pump Room. "Those are all the original pictures," Paul Lauritsen, general manager of the Ambassador East, said earlier this month. "Most people don't know that. That's foremost on my mind. I'm not sure if they will incorporate them into the new space."


Liza Minnelli is officially joining the cast of "Ugly Betty" this season.


The Broadway and Hollywood icon begins work next week and will be appearing in multiple episodes later this season. Our set insiders tell us Liza will be playing Lena Korvinka, a high school drama teacher at Justin's (played by Mark Indelicato) school.

Liza has an intense filming schedule that begins in Brooklyn on January 28th and runs until February 12th.

"There were massive rumors last year, then again in early January that Liza was being courted for the show, but Liza originally hadn't planned to do the show. 'Ugly Betty' producers presented her with a great offer and a hilarious story and they kept coming back to her," said our source.
"She's going to be playing an outrageous drama teacher and it is going to be fun!
Liza is excited to be playing another off-the-wall character like Lucille 2 on 'Arrested Development'."

Liza was going to have knee replacement surgery at the end of January, but due to the 'Ugly Betty' schedule, it looks like she's put that on hold. "She's a professional and everyone is excited for her first day!" our insider said.

"Ugly Betty" went from a weak Friday time slot to a stronger place on ABC's Wednesday night comedy schedule at 10PM this fall. So producers, including show star America Ferrera and Executive Producer Salma Hayek, are doing their best to bring in big names.

"Salma has her eye on the what's happening at all times, and she's an involved woman in the production process. I wouldn't rule out a chance that she will be back on the show as well," said our insider. "The cast, crew and writers of the show are working hard to regain their following after the Friday night graveyard time slot."


Support THE ARTS! LIVE THEATRE! Go see a show this week! Send me your reviews and suggestions and I will put them in my next blog coming out next Tuesday! Here's to an ARTS-filled week! Don't forget to contribute to the DR. CAROL CHANNING & HARRY KULLIJIAN FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS: http://www.carolchanning.org/Foundation.htm

With grateful XOXOXs for your support!

Richard Skipper

Follow me on Twitter @RichardSkipper



HERE IS WHAT AUDIENCES ARE SAYING ABOUT MY WORK:
Richard and Dana,
Just wanted to say what a wonderful evening you 2 have created on Wed nites at the Iguana.
Sold out house to such a great audience full of talent. A night of true entertainment.
You and Dana are the perfect hosts. Looking forward to next Wed nite.... All my love,
Tym Moss
Artists Exposed with Tym Moss





This show is so peppy it's almost like it's been plugged into an electric socket! We had a jolly good time, and so will you!
Alix, Elias, http://www.myspace.com/foodoflovesongs


We the members of Bending Threads, fresh back from the Holidays & New Year, wanted to tell you BOTH how much we enjoyed performing for you at Iguana's on 12/18/09!! You too are a fantastic duo of personalities and hilarious duets! We enjoyed the personable family environment at Iguana's and the DIVERSE range of performers you had there. We were honored that you like to push the publicity side of things for the performers performing and encourage the audience to catch our outside shows & acts. All in all what a great network to be apart!!! Hope to see you on March 17th, 2010...contact us and let us know!!!!
BENDING THREADS, http://www.facebook.com/BendingThreads





FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NYC Now a night out in NY to see a show at a VERY AFFORDABLE price! Dana Lorge and I have put our OWN spin on the variety show format and are now hosting every Wednesday night in NYC at The Iguana VIP Lounge (http://www.iguananyc.com) in the heart of NYC (240 West 54th Street 8-11PM/with an intermission).
WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE IGUANA!


Cover: $12 - no food or drink minimums – but remember – the food is great!
This is a nice night
out with the family! A "throw back" to the variety shows we grew up with.

For more info, please call 845-365-0720 or visit _www.RichardSkipper.com_

RESERVATIONS A MUST!!!!!!!!
212-765-5454. No one admitted before
7:30.









Jan 27
8pm
IGUANA VIP LOUNGE, 240 West 54th Street, NYC
WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE IGUANA
Barry Levitt on keyboard & Saadi Zain on bass.
Tonight's guests include: Michelle Collier, Enid, Anette Hunt, Joan Jaffee, Diane & Frank Marino, David Vernon ...
...and a few other surprises as well! $12.00 Music Charge/No food or drink minimum!
Reservations a must (212) 765-5454

Feb 3 : Michael Austin, Christopher Gerrard, Lucia Mozzola, Jane Schechter, George Stella, Jane Stuart

February 10th: MY BIRTHDAY SHOW! Glen Charlow, Jenna Esposito, Helene Feldman (who shares a birthday with Richard), Jeanne MacDonald, Stearns Matthews, Jim Speake, Maureen Taylor ...
...and a few other surprises as well!

February 17th : James Alexander, Sally Swallow

March 10th: David Alpher & Jenny Litt, Louise Quick (pictured), Nicholas Tamagna, Pam Tate, Maureen Taylor

March 17th: Bending Threads and Cindy Marchionda returns!

March 24th, Jackie Draper and Julie Reyburn returns!


March 31st: Frank Basile returns


April 7th: Sina Lewis and RJ Shaw


April 28th: Kecia Craig and Frank Stern!
Keep checking http://www.richardskipper.com/schedule.html for upcoming entertainers and shows!

TILL NEXT TIME...