Showing posts with label Wendy Scherl. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wendy Scherl. Show all posts

Saturday, August 26, 2017

MAC Roving Open Mic,Randi Levine Miller, A New Play about Emmett Kelly ...and So Much More!

with Diane J. Findlay and Rochelle Wolo at one of our FACEBOOK LIVE Roundtables
I met Richard Skipper at a cocktail party given by KT Sullivan and
Steve Downy last week. We had a brief conversation on the terrace as I was taking photos of the view from the 34th floor of the city at night.  Richard was the brightest light, as we made friends and decided to keep in touch. His charisma and charm was over the top.
Interviewing Sondra Lee and Lee Roy Reams in RSC...The 53rd Anniversary of Hello, Dolly!
What a memorable moment in
my life. Thanks Richard !!!

Frances J. Frawley, NYC 

Happy Saturday, August 26th, 2017!
I'm having an awesome day! How is yours? 
August 26 is the 238th day of the year. There are 127 days remaining until the end of the year.
Today in 1965 Sonny and Cher hit no. 1 on the UK singles I Got You Babe

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Keke Palmer, 24; Macaulay Culkin, 37; Chris Pine, 37; Melissa McCarthy, 47.

Welcome to Richard Skipper Celebrates...celebrating the best that the world of entertainment has to offer. 
 I live my life with 'yes' in my head, on my lips, and in my heart more often than 'no'. When I receive an invitation, I open my calendar to see my availability and it is very simple. 

The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex, overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one. — Mark Twain

I commit or I'm not available. 
I do realize that life events that take us off course, but why is this so hard?
I'm not asking anyone to do anything that I don't already do myself.
Just try it and see how it will transform your lives. Commitment and interaction are something I take very seriously.  
Just today, I had someone say, "It will have to be last minute, I don't plan that far in advance.
How do people plan weddings, shows, parties, vacations, etc. COMMIT TO YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY, LOVED ONES! 
Once in a while, it might be reciprocated.
I love to chat about everything under the Sun, but sometimes some of the talk comes across a little like a sermon delivered by a very high-powered preacher.

I'm trying to move with the moment, and just let the discussion flow. Remember that your voice is just as important as mine or the next person's.
As I'm writing these words, I just saw this post on Facebook:
 Interesting how one chapter ends and a new one begins. 2 years ago a new chapter began, Music has been my full time career . Excited to discuss my work leading potential opportunity.
Whatever the outcome, I would not have spoken with this person if I took NO for an answer.
Never take NO for an answer!
Interesting that I'm not the only one on this page today! 

I had someone tell me a while ago that because of illness, he can only commit to an event day of!
If I accepted every invitation, I would never be home! 
I'm not talking just about invitations to dinners, lunches, brunches, and an occasional party.
 I'm also talking about invitations to shows and special events. Trust me, I want to go to so much
With Warren Schein
more.
It’s 'back-to-school' season. Shows are competing for audiences...and I, too, am part of that competition. 
However, finances are an issue, time is an issue, and my husband, Danny, is an issue. It would not be fair to do this to him every night. There is another factor, logistics. I live in Rockland County.
I don't drive, and the buses stop running at 10PM. That being said, I will continue to be there cheering as many artists as I can feasibly fit into my schedule. 
As I sat down to begin today's blog, I was listening to the 50s channel on Sirius XM Radio, more specifically, Buzz Clifford's Babysitting BoogieMy Horoscope tells me that some facts that I may need for certain projects might prove elusive today.
That's OK with me. It's a Saturday, Mercury is in retrograde, and I really go into full throttle when the retrograde ends on the 6th.
No matter what website or periodical I consult, I come across some interesting stuff but not exactly what I'm looking for. 
Sometimes I spend too much time looking for the impossible.
I feel very full of the magic of life.
You have the possibility of having a good day, but if you say that you are going to take your dearest to Paris for lunch, then mean it - otherwise there could be problems.

Your most practical ideas are the ones that will win you the most points. Earn favor with others by letting your best side of you shine through.
This is a day when I have good reason to be satisfied with the results of my efforts.
On the other hand, I'm also looking at my whole approach to my physical health and saying "Yuck!" and "C'mon, step it up!"
One small step that is important for me to take, is a serious look at posture - especially when I am at my desk.

Find out who you are and be that person. That's what your soul was put on this Earth to be. Find that truth, live that truth and everything else will come.
 —Ellen DeGeneres

What a Loved ones may think that you're ill, upset, or even angry. time. Everybody just hang in there.
-Facebook Post



This has already been a busy productive day.  
I'm very excited about the next season.  It is not just about me on the boards. Check out these other great artists and events. Please go see them. Tell them I sent you!
 
Sally Struthers as Dolly Levi in the 50th Anniversary Tour of Hello, Dolly!
Hi Ho, Hi Ho it's just about time to go to the first of the NEW SEASON of MAC Roving Open Mic.
Award winning Bob Diamond
That's right on Tuesday Aug 29th we start another wonderful season of the MAC Roving Open Mic. WHERE: The Laurie Beechman Theater on 42nd and 9th. 

And to add to the excitement we have as the Musical Director for the evening the wonderful Matthew Martin Ward guiding you through your song. And it is the first time Matthew has been able to be with us. Bob Diamond will be your host for the evening. Singing starts at 7pm, but sign up starts at 6:30. 
There is no cover charge for MAC members and only MAC member can sing. The charge for non-members is $10. All involved should help to fulfill the house minimum of $20 in food and/or drink.

I mentioned in an earlier blog this week that I am appearing in Randi Levine-Miller's“Showstopper Divas” and “Divos” concert on September 18th. Here is another reminder and I hope you will attend. I am in really great company!

Celebrated for their mix of humor and high-octane singing, Levine-Miller’s “Showstopper Divas” and “Divos” concerts have been a staple of the New York charity nightclub scene for years.  “Usually I like to do male or female versions of these concerts,” says Levine-Miller, a former national publicity executive who overcame paralyzing stage fright to become a singer herself. “But it’s the most fun when I do a balancing act with my favorite stars and scene stealers of both sexes,” says Levine-Miller, who, in addition to hosting and producing the Showstopper concerts and the Tomatoes Got Talent singing competition, is the host of the monthly Randie’s Roundtable Showfolks Luncheons at Sardi’s. 

Emmett Kelly
Spotlight Communications, Inc. presents Tony and Drama Desk Award Nominee Brad Oscar in WILLIE AND ME: THE EMMETT KELLY STORY, a theatrical play on the life and times of Emmett Kelly, Senior, America's iconic, sad-faced clown who swept up the spotlight, on Monday, September 18th. This invitation only World Premiere reading will be held in New York City before a select group of theatrical investors and producers. (Read MORE)

Back in June, Wendy Scherl was picked as a Bistro Bits Pic. I would not be surprised to see a Bistro Award...or two...in her future.
She returns to Don't Tell Mama October 1st at 4PM. That is our wedding anniversary (Danny and me, not Wendy and me!) Join us please and let's celebrate! I may have something else to promote for later that night...involving me! Stay tuned!

Actor Jerry Adler as Howard Lyma in “The Good Wife.” Photo: CBS
You could say Jerry Adler is “in transition,” preparing for yet another chapter of a rich and varied theatrical life.

It’s one that has seen him as a stage manager (including the original “My Fair Lady”), Broadway director and commercial producer. Finally, at the age when many retire, he began an acting career that resulted with such memorable continuing roles as the Jewish mobster Hesh in “The Sopranos,” as Mr. Wicker, the building super, in ”Mad About You,” and most recently, as Howard Lyman, the politically incorrect law partner in “The Good Wife.”  (Read MORE)

 15 Days till Showtime. Richard Skipper Celebrates September 10th! Check out The Promo: https://youtu.be/T_1RIlzrr2w 

Today, CallonDolly.com celebrates Monica Wemitt!
Make A Dream Come True! Become a part of the Call On Dolly Project by contributing to Our Go Fund Me Page https://www.gofundme.com/CallonDolly-FromCaroltoBetteandBeyond (Every person who makes a donation gets an acknowledgment in the book AND entered in a drawing for Channing and Dolly items!)

Social media is an increasing part of every business, including the theater business. There is some debate about what it means for ticket sales, but it is clear that it can mean a lot to increase actors' profiles. Actors who would have only been truly known by a select group of theater insiders have thousands of followers on Twitter and Instagram. Some report being asked about those numbers, and Facebook fan page likes, by casting directors and directors. But it's not necessarily easy for actors to share on social media. There are some impediments. READ MORE

Tomorrow is the birthday of Marilynn Wick. If you ever find yourself in Boca, I hope that you will attend The Wick Theater which houses the largest collection of vintage Broadway costumes ever. Like Debbie Reynolds, this is a labor of love for Marilynn. Click HERE to see a blog interview I did with Marilynn FIVE years ago!

The secret of change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old but on building the new. - Socrates

I'm throwing back the curtain and showing my followers the little man behind the Wizard who is always trying to put forth a positive image of a man. 

Let's Be Friends! I promise you a great experience!


You have the power to change anything, because you are the one who chooses your thoughts and feels your feelings.


Here are a Few Testimonials for Richard Skipper Celebrates: Next One September 10th 1PM Laurie Beechman Theater: Reserve HERE:
w/Ann Dawson, Emily McNamara, Ben Rimalower... AND a Beloved Cabaret Mystery Guest
Ben Rimalower joins Richard Skipper Celebrates September 10th
What a wonderful afternoon at "Richard Skipper Celebrates" at the Laurie Beechman Theatre on June 18th.
Do you remember Johnny Carson and the Tonight Show or WNEW AM from years ago.This show brought me back to those days. Besides being a wonderful entertainer, Richard is an fascinating interviewer. His guests in this show included Sarah Rice and Mark Watson, David Sabella, Warren Schein and special guest Sharon McNight.
It's been such a long time since I have seen such a wonderful show.
Richard has this event as a Sunday Brunch
Emily McNamara joins Richard Skipper Celebrates September 10th
once a month. 
He is taking the summer off but will return with a blockbuster show on Sunday September 10th. If you are in the New York area please join me to witness talent that is rare seen any more. (September 10th, brunch at the Laurie Beechman Theater on West 42nd Street)
Elaine Marlowe Mitchell, NYC
I was recently lucky enough to attend *Richard Skipper Celebrates the Songs of World War II,* held on Armed Forces Day in May. Richard is in his element as the perfect host – welcoming, relaxed, knowledgeable, and funny. Joining Richard’s party were Diane J Findlay, Sue Matsuki, and KT Sullivan, plus mystery guests Carole Demas and Ruby Rakos.
Ben Rimalower to Return to New York City With Patti Issues and Bad With Money!
They were first-rate, and sang the heck out of their vintage selections, including some expected classics, and some less well-known songs. Richard Skipper Celebrates is clearly inspired by the old TV variety shows, and by Richard’s intense love for music, performers, and entertainment history. The brunch show at the Laurie Beechman Theatre left me happy, informed, and wanting to celebrate with Richard Skipper again and again.
My mission is to celebrate YOU!
Most of all, I was reminded of exactly what it was that I loved about Cabaret as a genre: at its best, there is an intimacy about it that leads to an intense bond between performer and audience that I have seldom seen elsewhere.

Maya Amis, Jackson Heights, NY

Richard Skipper Celebrates... at the Laurie Beechman Theatre is a delight of a show. You are always guaranteed stellar performances, wonderful stories, and a lot of belly laughs. I walk away from every show having received an education - finding new appreciation for the music featured that month.
A most exceptional entertainer presents an incredibly satisfying series. I always look forward to the next one.
Abby Judd, Lights and Sound at The Laurie Beechman Theater

Sit Back! A New News Cycle Is About to Begin!


Thank you, to ALL who are mentioned in this blog for showing me that it is up to ME to lead by example!

With grateful XOXOXs ,


 




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








Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Lauren Stanford: More Than You Know!


Lauren Stanford
You cannot be lonely if you like the person you're alone with.
Wayne Dyer

HappyTuesday, May 10th, 2016!
I hope that all that you and looking forward to a productive and music filled week. What a glorious weekend I just had. I saw Wendy Scherl, Betty Buckley, Ed Murray this weekend. They were all at the top of their game and once again infused me with why I love this business so much.
Looking ahead, I will be seeing Sally Darling, Tom Toce's Tribute to Yale Singers and Songwriters for American Popular Song Society, and She Loves Me on Broadway.

Throw into that mix the element of being with friends and CELEBRATING. That's what it is all
about for me!
There's lots to celebrate today. 
I'll start with Lauren Stanford! I am thrilled that she is celebrating a mostly forgotten torch singer that I happen to be a big fan of.
She was the 2013 Metrostar Winner and named by Nitelife Exchange as one of the 25 people in cabaret to watch in 2015. She was nominated for a 2015 MAC award for her debut cabaret show at The Metropolitan Room.
She has toured North America in the musical Grease with Frankie Avalon, A Christmas Carol, and Laura Ingalls Wilder. Lauren played "Bess" in the world premier musical Houdini.
Lauren is going to be appearing at The Triad on May 22nd and June 5th in More Than You Know: A Helen Morgan Cabaret. I wanted to give my readers a chance to learn a LITTLE bit more about Lauren. I hope you enjoy this brief glimpse into this rising star.

What does this time in your life mean to you?
At the moment I'm remounting More Than You Know which a dramatic recreation of Helen Morgan's nightclub act.  Why Helen Morgan you ask?  Or maybe more likely, who is Helen Morgan?
I was taking a Musical Theatre History class in college, and the professor was teaching us a section on the history of Showboat.  At one point he showed a clip from the 1936 movie and said, "this was Helen Morgan.  She had a beautiful soprano voice and was a tragic alcoholic." The clip he showed was when she sings Bill in the movie.  I was mesmerized.  I wanted to learn more about her.  This little seed of fascination germinated for years.
In a period of creative stagnation a few years ago, I decided to create my own show about her. 

It turned out to be quite challenging to learn much information about Ms. Morgan (beyond what one reads in an encyclopedia entry.)  She had no known children or siblings.  I bought and read one used out-of-print biography (written by a self-professed fan) and watched two movies (one mostly fictitious) of her life.  Thankfully some of her performances were preserved through film roles and audio recordings from her heyday.
I also found various interviews with people who knew her, loved her and worked with her.

Even with such sparse details, Helen Morgan "the person" started to emerge for me.  Piecing together the events of her life, and imaging what those situations must have meant to her, I started to understand my version of her. 

Early on, I found myself asking the same anxious questions "Would this story interest anyone?  Would modern audiences hate hearing old fashioned music?  What do I want to say with this piece?  Why Helen Morgan?  Why am I drawn to her?"
Those questions subsided as the piece emerged and took shape. 

This show has opened a new world for me.  While I was writing it, I entered The Metropolitan Room's MetroStar Contest, as an outlet to practice singing in a cabaret setting.  After six weeks of eliminations, I ended up winning the competition.  The prize was a fully produced major engagement at the club.  I debuted there with a different cabaret show called I'm a Stranger Here Myself which was nominated for a MAC Award, and it introduced me to this wonderful cabaret community.
Helen Morgan
After six weeks of eliminations, I ended up winning the competition.  The prize was a fully produced major engagement at the club.  I debuted there with a different cabaret show called


Now I'm back to More Than You Know and Ms. Morgan, and so happy to be working on this piece again.  I'm still learning new information about her, and about myself--so the show has evolved since it's first incarnation 2 years ago.  I'm feeling inspired and happy these days.

What Tuesday Wisdom would you like to impart today?*

Spend more time with the people you love this week.

Can you tell me about a time when you had to deal with your ideas from opposing parties?

This question makes me think of growing up in Stilwell, Kansas (a little town about a half hour away from Kansas
City) where the vast majority of my peers came from conservative Christian families.
My parents are more of the "hippy" ilk and longtime Buddhists.  As a kid growing up in those surrounding, I often felt alone in my background and ideas.  Being a somewhat shy, ultra sensitive, awkward, 12-year-old vegetarian was often challenging and isolating.  But I found fellowship in art and theatre at school and in the community.  And though I don't identify as a Buddhist myself, I've learned a tremendous amount from those teachings and appreciate everything I've experienced from my exposure to that religion.

Irene Ryan in Pippin
Finish this sentence, I feel Old When...

Maybe when I hear Marilyn Maye and realize that she has more energy than I do. But really, there is no "feeling old" in cabaret! (Because there is always someone older than you in the room.) I LOVE that cabaret is an all-ages art form.  It makes me think of that song from Pippin: "I believe if I refuse to grow old, I can stay young till I die."

Book or Kindle? What are you currently reading or what was the last book you read? 

I just recently got my first kindle but I've resisted getting one all this time because I love the tactile experience of reading a book and turning the pages.  My favorite books stay on the shelf as little badges of honor.  They're a visual reminder not only of a book I loved, but of the time in my life that I read it.  The last book I read was my friend Keith Varney's first novel called The Dead Circle. I also recently listened to the Sherlock Holmes books on a road trip.  Great fun! 

What disappointment ended up teaching you an essential lesson?

Auditioning as an actor is filled with disappointments.  They add up, and none in particular truly stand out for me.  Maybe there was an embarrassing story here--or a heartbreaking close call there, but it was the collective disappointment that taught me an essential lesson.  That lesson was to create my own work.  I decided to finally start working on my Helen Morgan show, but I didn't know how to begin.  So I took a class at HB Studios with George Bartenieff on how to write your own solo show, and simultaneously took Eric Michael Gillett's class on Cabaret Essentials. It's really changed the trajectory of my career and reinvigorated my passion about theatre and performing arts. 

If you could choose another profession, what would it be?

A surgeon!  I would love to heal people and have always had a fascination with anatomy.  I was that weird vegetarian who always was the most enthusiastic to dissect things in science class.  

How did you get started in the entertainment industry? 

My father is a retired professional magician.  His stage name was "Mr. Fabulous."  So I'm sure it's in my blood.  I begged him to take me to my first musical audition when I was 7 years old.
Three Rising Cabaret Stars: Lauren, Jamie Salzano and Marissa Mulder.
It was a community theatre production of Here's Love (the musical version of Miracle on 34th Street.   I was cast as Henrika, a little Dutch orphan.  My dad ended up doing the show too, and played the judge.  It's a very happy memory for me, and I was hooked. 

In elementary school, we'd go on field trips to see shows at a local theatre called Theatre for Young America.
It's a place that's very dear to my heart.  At the time, they were doing shows in an old movie house, so there wasn't much of a backstage. When the lights went down before the show, the actors would run down the aisles to get in place.  It was thrilling and a little scary to sit there in the dark, feeling the actors run by--knowing the show was about to start.  I loved it and always looked forward to their shows.  Later I took classes at TYA and did shows there.  Even though I might have been an outcast at school, TYA accepted me with open arms
and it was my haven. (I even got to be one of the actors running down the aisle!)

What do you think it is that makes you who you are?

My parents.  They've always given me the freedom to be whatever I wanted to be and supported me with love.  I'm so very lucky.

Who was the most influential person on your work

There is no way to say someone has been the most influential.  Eric Michael Gillett has been my voice teacher/director/friend the last few years, and has helped me tremendously in technique, but also finding my "voice."
My friends, Kathleen Stuart and Tom Picasso, are great sounding boards and witnessing their
talents is always inspirational.
In college, John Staniunas was a particularly brilliant and vivacious professor who gave me a lot of opportunities and unending support.  Mr. Bill Davis was my high school drama teacher, debate coach and sage.  I credit him with teaching me how to act--he is also one of the best theatre directors I've ever known. 

If a million dollars was given to you out of the blue, would you still do what you do artistically?

Yes.

If you could do or accomplish ANYTHING and money wasn’t an object, what would that be?

Anything, huh?  I'd make sure everyone had "enough." So there was nothing to fight for, and no need for anyone to suffer.
Lauren Stanford portrays Helen Morgan in More Than You Know on May 22nd and June 5th, 2016 at
Helen Morgan
7:00pm at The Triad, 158 W 72nd Street.

A very special show: an intimate portrait of a star. ~Cabaret Scenes

Late nights in Prohibition-era NYC you could find singer Helen Morgan iconically perched on the piano at her club, relying too much on brandy and ‘torching’ until even the most hardened gangster wept into his beer.  A star that has mostly faded from the modern public's consciousness, during the 1920's and 30's she was arguably the most famous singer in New York City.  Morgan rose to fame in 1927 from her portrayal of "Julie" in the original Broadway production of Showboat and subsequent 1936 film, and was also well known for her nightclub acts. 

More Than You Know is a dramatic recreation of Helen
Photo by Jason Russo (HeyMrJason Photography)
Astoria, NY
12/20/15
Morgan’s final night in residency at New York City’s Simplon Club in 1932.  Written and performed by Lauren Stanford, the play contains songs the chanteuse made famous, including Jerome Kern’s “Bill” and “Why Was I Born. 

Directed by MAC award winning director, Eric Michael Gillett.  Music Direction by Jonathan Larson Award winner, Mike Pettry.

Lauren Stanford in “More Than You Know” plays The Triad at 158 W 72nd Street on May 22nd and June 5th, 2016 at 7:00pm. Tickets are $15 ($10 for MAC members) with a 2 drink minimum. Tickets and information are available at www.triadnyc.com.

Thank you, to all of the artists mentioned in this blog for the gifts you have given to the world and continue to give!


With grateful XOXOXs ,
 





Check out my site celebrating the legacy of Dolly Gallagher Levi!

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!   
        

American Popular Song Society Presents Annual Songwriter's Showcase Hosted by Award Winning Songwriter Tom Toce





Here's to an INCREDIBLE tomorrow for ALL...with NO challenges!
Please leave a comment and share on Twitter and Facebook


Tomorrow Night in NYC! Please Join US!

Keeping Entertainment LIVE!
 
TILL TOMORROW...HERE'S TO AN ARTS FILLED DAY

Richard Skipper, Richard@RichardSkipper.com