Showing posts with label www.RichardSkipper.com. Show all posts
Showing posts with label www.RichardSkipper.com. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

A Quiet Thing

Begin somewhere, you cannot build a reputation on what you intend to do."
-James Russell Lowell, American essayist (1819-1891)

Happy Wednesday!
I hope this finds you ALL doing well and enjoying goals you've reached or acting towards those goals today. My blog is a little late today. I spent the morning having a colonoscopy! Everything is PERFECT! I hope that all who read this will do that for themselves. The day before with the prep is the worst part of it. I hate that liquid! But it's done and God-willing, I don't do it again until I'm 56!

Wonderful things are happening in the world right now!
GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, praises thirteen U.S. Senators for committing to making the world safer and more equitable for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) youth in a historic new video uploaded today to the It Gets Better Project on youtube.com.

The video highlights Senators’ experiences with bullying and difference and declares their dedication to passing policies that will improve life for LGBT youth. “We are working every day to make sure it gets better,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) in the video. Other Senators featured in the clip include Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Mark Udall (D-Colo.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).




(Penny Fuller with future resident of the Habitat project)


My friend Norman Lasiter is coming to town! Go see his show! Smooth and sexy wrapped into one!You'll thank me!







Exciting news from Mitch Kahn:
This past week's relaunch of their weekly Thursday Night Soirée at La Mediterranée was so strong and reservations for upcoming Thursdays are filling in so quickly that Mitch has reconsidered his position on adding a second night. Ernesto wanted him to take on Saturday nights long before December's kitchen fire as had many of his friends and fans who live outside Manhattan who can't get into the city on weekdays. Well, It's finally time to give it a shot!

Starting July 9th, in addition to Thursdays, Mitch Kahn will be appearing every Saturday from 8 PM - 11 PM. Harold Jon will cover the early Saturday seating (5:30 PM - 8 PM).

As on Thursdays, Mitch is planning for surprise guest appearances by many of his uber-talented friends in the industry. You never know who might pop in and do a guest spot.

Reservations are a must since the capacity of this wonderful French bistro is limited and there may be occasional nights Mitch takes off for concerts or private bookings. Early seatings on Thursdays are from 5:30-6 PM, with the main seating between 8-8:30 PM. Main seating on Saturday is from 8-8:30 PM.
Whether you go for dinner in the dining room or just drinks at the bar there is never a cover.

La Mediterranée
947 Second Avenue (between 50th & 51st Streets)
Reservations: (212) 755-4155
http://www.mitchkahncelebrates.com/La_Med.html

Throughout the summer Mitch has a number of shows booked in the Berkshires and Poconos. A current schedule of all upcoming performances can be found on his website:

http://mitchkahncelebrates.com


Broadway Meows 3Monday, July 18 · 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Location
Don't Tell Mama NYC
Created By
Seth Bisen-Hersh

The THIRD Annual BROADWAY MEOWS

a Concert for the HUMANE SOCIETY OF NEW YORK


The THIRD Annual BROADWAY MEOWS

a Concert for the HUMANE SOCIETY OF NEW YORK

Featuring the songs of SETH BISEN-HERSH

starring:

SETH BISEN-HERSH
LANENE CHARTERS (Mamma Mia)
BRIAN CHILDERS (Danny and Sylvia)
CRYSTAL DAVIDSON (Love Quirks)
SEAN PATRICK DOYLE (La Cage aux Folles)
RUSSELL FISCHER (Jersey Boys)
NATHAN FREEMAN (Love Quirks)
KIMBERLY FAYE GREENBERG (One Night with Fanny Brice)
LARA JANINE (Rock of Ages)
STEPHANIE KLEMONS (Bring It On)
RYAN LINK (Wonderland)
GARRETT LONG (South Pacific)
RORI NOGEE (Love Quirks)
OLIVIA OGUMA (Les Miserables)
BRIAN CHARLES ROONEY (The Threepenny Opera)
BRIAN SHAW (Love Quirks)
MACKENZIE THOMAS (Mamma Mia)
KRISTEN BETH WILLIAMS (Promises, Promises)
ELISA WINTER (Sweeney Todd)

MONDAY, JULY 18TH AT 7PM

$20 Cover/ 2 Drink Minimum (cash only)
Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St.
Call for reservations after 4: 212-757-0788 or online at donttellmamanyc.com

Produced by Dennis Fowler
Directed by Laura Pestronk
Stage Manager: Rich Abrams
Production Coordinator: Emma Peele

For more info, please visit: http://www.sethbh.com/broadwaymeows

As always, thanks for your support and here's to many musical moments together in the coming months.

To my acting friends, I'd like to recommend

Awakening the Actor Within Workbook by C. Stephen Foster
Order it HERE
"Awakening The Actor Within" is a 12-week workbook for recovering and discovering an actor's talent. It has resulted from over 15 years of acting, writing and teaching. It is like "The Artist's Way" aimed exclusively at actors. It focuses on the subject of healing from acting "blocks" and getting the courage to act again after being discouraged or disappointed. It aims to free an actors creativity and build a healthy foundation. Stephen wrote the book based on his own blocks and those of his students (both publicly and privately.)

Stephen Foster is an actor/writer originally from Ft. Worth, Texas currently living in Hollywood . His two-man show (with Scott Wilkerson), Divanalysis: the Mechanics of Camp, played as part of the summer series at the renowned Highway’s Performance Art Space. Foster penned and starred in the comedy Legends and Bridge which was extended three times at the Group Repertory Theater. Legends received rave reviews including Critic’s Pick in The Valley Scene, Spotlight in Backstage West, and was “Recommended” by the LA Weekly. It garnered three ADA Award nominations including Best Comedy and Best Play. Foster’s (and Pelletier’s) screenplay Rainbow Sticker was a finalist in several major contests, including the Hollywood Gateway Screenplay Contest, the Find the Funny Screenplay Contest, and the Page International Screenplay contest. As a stand-up comedian he’s played the Comedy Store, Improv and Laugh Factory. Stephen co-wrote the book to the hit musical The Green Room: the College Musical. He has appeared in commercials and some of his favorite parts are Joanne in Come Back to the 5 and Dime, Bomber in Picnic, Cupid in Reindeer Monologues, and Bette Davis in Legends and Bridge. He is the lead in the in the independent movie Off Hollywood and working on a TV pilot called Exposed.

Acting and writing have been C. Stephen Foster’s life. The lessons in life come from his moving between the page and the performance. These two art forms have forged him, molded him, and sometimes deflated him, but have also brought great joy and rewards. That is why he writes and shares this book. Awakening the Actor Within is for those hopeful, eager actors who want to try their talents and put them into the world. He hopes the advice he pens down here is clear, specific, and helpful.

“The workbook is not a "learn to book commercials," "get an A-list agent" or a "break into Hollywood in 5 easy steps" type of book. It's a workbook that deals with the challenges and hazards of the acting profession. I have witnessed many hurt, discouraged actors heal by using these tools.” shares the author.

This 12-week workbook aims at helping actors recover and discover their highest goals and ambitions. It resulted from over 15 years of acting, writing and teaching. It focuses on the subject of healing from acting "blocks" and getting the courage to act again after being discouraged or disappointed. It aims to free an actor’s creativity and build a healthy foundation. A spiritual workbook that initiates creative expansion and growth for actors, it teaches a simple, friendly, non-critical approach called “Acting Practice”. It teaches actors to form healthy acting habits and rebuild confidence, and guides actors through a series of weekly exercises that empowers them with practical tools to overcome their "blocks" (fear, anger, self-loathing, jealousy, sabotage, and money).

For more information on this book, interested parties may log on to:
https://www2.xlibris.com/bookstore/bookdisplay.aspx?bookid=98359.

About the Author
C. Stephen Foster is an actor/writer currently living in Hollywood. He has performed in theater, TV and film. He is the lead in the independent movie "Off Hollywood" and working on a TV pilot called "Exposed." As a stand-up comedian, he’s played the Comedy Store, Improve and Laugh Factory. He wrote and starred in "Legends and Bridge," "Attitudes and the Dance," and "Divanalysis" which earned rave reviews and award nominations. Foster’s screenplay "Rainbow Sticker" was a finalist in the Hollywood Gateway Screenplay Contest, the Find the Funny Screenplay Contest, and the Page International Screenplay contest. Foster co-wrote the book to the hit musical "The Green Room". He has taught the workshop of this course for over a decade.

"Let Stephen Foster 'Awaken Your Actor Within'. He will give you clarity and dexterity to master the external factors and the internal feelings. When you step on the stage you'll bring your whole self with you." Viki King - best-selling author of "How To Write a Movie in 21 Days - The Inner Movie Method"

"C. Stephen Foster's 'Awakening the Actor Within' is both a revelation of the actor's art and a celebration of the artistic life. This is not merely a book of procedures but, rather, a serious, informed, and delightfully engaging exploration of the inner geography that shapes every awakened actor." Scott Wilkerson, professor of creative writing at Columbus State University

To request a complimentary paperback review copy, contact the publisher at (888) 795-4274 x. 7879. To purchase copies of the book for resale, please fax Xlibris at (610) 915-0294 or call (888) 795-4274 x. 7879.

For more information, contact Xlibris at (888) 795-4274 or on the web at www.Xlibris.com.


A Must-See New Production- IT'S BOYS NIGHT EVERY NIGHT!

UNNATURAL ACTS: Harvard's Secret Court Of 1920
- A New Play Inspired by True Events
LIMITED ENGAGEMENT THRU JULY 10 ONLY!

Created by Members of the PLASTIC THEATRE Conceived & Directed by TONY SPECIALE

UNNATURAL ACTS is inspired by events that occurred at Harvard University in the spring of 1920, when a student's suicide sparked a campus-wide investigation by a secret court of administrators aimed at purging the university of a group of homosexual students. Classic Stage Company is proud to share the untold stories of these promising young men. Both intimate and epic, UNNATURAL ACTS explores themes of fear and societal intolerance that are as relevant today as they were 91 years ago. UNNATURAL ACTS features a talented ensemble including Jess Burkle, Joe Curnutte,
Frank De Julio,(pictured)
Roe Hartrampf,
Roderick Hill, Max Jenkins,
(pictured)Brad Koed, Jerry Marsini, Devin Norik,(pictured)
Will Rogers, and Nick Westrate.Stephen Holt talks to Nick Westrate nominated for Best Featured Actor in a Play at the Drama Desk Nominee Cocktail Party 2010.
Editing- Jerome Raim

DISCOUNT OFFER:
$37.50 (reg. $60-$65) - all performances

HOW TO ORDER:
1. Click Here and use code HHC37
2. Call 212-352-3101 or 866-811-4111 and use code HHC37
3. Visit the CSC Box Office at 136 East 13th Street (Mon-Fri 12-6pm).
*Restrictions Apply.
(Source: Hugh Hysell and TheMenEvent [hugh@309.ccsend.com]

And there you have it! OPTIONS!


I own nothing, no copyright infringement on anything included in this blog intended.

Thanks for being a loyal reader of my blog!

GO SEE A LIVE SHOW TONIGHT!
Become A Facebook friend of mine!
Follow me on Twitter
If you've seen one of my appearances/shows, add your thoughts to my guestbook at www.RichardSkipper.com



Tomorrow's blog will be about You tell me...I'm open to suggestions!


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 SUMMER!
Richard Skipper, Richard@RichardSkipper.com

Friday, July 30, 2010

CAROL CHANNING IN CONCERT...STARRING RICHARD SKIPPER! IS A HIT


"CAROL" made a comeback this week!Wow, what a week this has been. I did my show, CAROL CHANNING IN CONCERT...STARRING RICHARD SKIPPER! on Tuesday night, July 27th, at ST. LUKE'S.
This far exceeded my expectations on SO MANY LEVELS! Thanks to EVERYONE Who contributed. I was ABOUT to give up on this show. Here are a sampling of the audience comments followed by Sandy Durrell's review. Hope you enjoy this as much as I am right now! (PHOTOS BY Devin Delano)
CAROL CHANNING IN CONCERT…STARRING RICHARD SKIPPER IS A HIT!
Tuesday night in NY, a special performance of CCiC was presented at St. Luke’s Theatre to a star-studded SRO crowd! Bring this exciting show to your audiences! A definite crowd pleaser!
COMMENTS FROM TUESDAY NIGHT’S SHOW TAKEN FROM www.RichardSkipper.com!


"Richard, I want to congratulate you on your stunning performance last night ... you were so well researched , that you could adlib with aplomb! I felt like I was seeing Carol the whole time. You were very funny ... a natural born showman...or woman, for that matter! Thanks for the treat."


"Richard! I am awestruck. You are an enormous talent. Your show was so exciting and wonderful. You are so warm, funny, a marvelous singer, a brilliant actor and a master ad libber, you looked the livin' end and you have a true grace. You are so quick and clever and all the time the love within you comes through to us. I love you."


Bravo, Richard! Your show was everything we have come to expect from "your" Carol - warm, witty, worldly, funny, and above all, sublimely entertaining. And that new dress!!
When the lights hit it, you sparkled like the 4th of July! (Editor's note: Gown designed by Steve Epstein)
"Wow, RIchard...a magnificent, polished, effervescent, and commanding performance, and a inspiration & joy to watch your love for the stage. Bravo!! XO"

You and your show were awesome! Caroline Ferenczi, Bayside, NY
I just came back from the Carol Channing Show - or was that the Richard Skipper show - no, wait, it was the Carol Channing Show. Or was that Richard Skipper doing Carol Channing. Well, as far as I am concerned and I think everyone else in the packed- house theatre at St. Luke's, it was Carol Channing.
The dresses, the nuances, the voice, the song, the stories. This was a class act show and Richard Skipper was superb.
I loved every minute of it. A much deserved standing ovation ended a most enjoyable evening. Thank you Richard. It is probably the closest I am ever going to get to seeing Ms. Channing in person.
Wow - what a treat tonight was. Thank you!”

Fantastic performance at ST.Luke's last night.
Richard, you were awesome..
Love, Dana Lorge Sunnyside, Queens

Congratulations to Richard Skipper!! What a smooth, entertaining, elegant performance portraying Carol Channing @ St. Luke's last night.
You had a warm & engaging connection to the audience that was fun & flawless. And you have some pipes!!! This is a show that deserves a long run!!!
Tony Middleton

"You were ABSOLUTELY marvelous last night, Richard!! Brilliant! It was truly a joy and pleasure to see you share your many, wonderful talents!! Thank you & congratulations! XOXO!"



What a WONDERFUL show last night at the St. James, ooooops, I mean St. Luke's Theatre!!! (LOL) You are so talented, well-researched, and you are dynamic with your audience interaction. This was the 2nd time I have seen you perform live, and I will keep coming back!! What a treat!! Thank you Richard.
Fondly,
Mead Margulies, A Fan !!

"What a fun time I had last night, Richard!! The whole show was great.! I love your Carol Channing show, and your singing is grand, and so are your quick responses to questions, and by the way, you looked gorgeous!”


Richard, the show was a complete delight. You were a witty, warm and entirely wonderful Carol, and the new dress made you sparkle like the 4th of July. I especially enjoyed "Widow's Weeds", "Bye, Bye Baby" (only a true vaudevillian like yourself could get so much out of a classic "stooge"), and "Before the Parade Passes By". Brava Carol, and Bravo Richard!! Roy Marcus NY

What a wonderful, wonderful evening! Richard Skipper and the stage are certainly a match made in heaven - even Dolly Levi couldn't have come up with anything better. Thank you!! Jim Lahti,
Riverdale, New York

It was my first time seeing Richard Skipper perform as Carol Channing and it was wonderful. I think he does important work reminding us of the talents and value of stars like Carol Channing who we don't see as often in the public eye as we once did. As Carol, Richard was charming and amusing. I especially liked the cell phone bit. Thanks, Richard. You made the evening a delight.
Deardra Shuler, NY

Debbi and I drove 6 1/2 hours to be at the show last night and WE'RE GLAD WE DID! Congratulations, Richard!
David Schaefer, New York, NY


What a wonderful show, Richard! I had a blast! Your enthusiasm for Carol's life and career was totally infectious! Thank you!! XOXOXOXO
"What a WONDERFUL show last night!! You are so talented, well-researched, and dynamic with your audience interaction.
I absolutely LOVED being in the front row!!
What a treat!!!!
xo
Mead"
"Bravo, bravissimo -- an evening filled to the brim with love, joy, and brilliant badinage."
I had a BLAST last night! Your love and respect for Carol and her work was clear from the moment you stepped onto the stage. On the subway this morning, I was listening to the cast recordings of "Lorelei," "Hello, Dolly!" and "Jerry's Girls," but what I really wanted to listen to was a recording of the show you performed last night! Can't wait till the next time!

What a great night. I can't thank you enough for inviting Ruth and I. We saw Carol Channing, not Richard Skipper. You are truly marvelous. It would have been better for her if she had your voice. When things settle down, I'd like to talk to you.
Thanks again for a delightful time.


Richard Skipper is an entertainer extraordinaire that oozes talent, wit and charm to the delight of us all!! He sparkles and SHINES! As Carol Channing or himself he is marvelous and quite simply, sublime! A MUST SEE!!! Brilliant! THANK YOU, Richard!!!

Richard, dahling, you were FABulous last night! We had the best, best time! I always knew you were funny, but last night you showed us all your many talents! Impeccable singing, spot-on comic timing, high-larious audience improv, engaging story-telling - the whole shebang! It was a great night of theatre! Bravo or should I say, Brava Carol!

Richard: Just wanted to say that David Star and I thought your performance at St. Luke's last night was just PHENOMENAL! What a joy it was to watch you. Richard, you are just great! Plus it was so wonderful to see your packed house! To quote a performer friend of mine: You are impeccable!
Frank Torren, New York, NY

7/28 Last night's show was absolutely fabulous..Carol
would have loved it and we certainly did too..one of
the very best shows we've seen in a long,long
time..and martina vidmar was a perfect opening act..
the two of you worked so well together.
BARB & ED KIRK, Donna,TX & Chicago, IL


"Richard!
YOU ARE JUST AMAZING! YOU ARE A DYNAMITE ENTERTAINER!!!
I was honored to sing with you last night....
I truly can''t remember when I've had so much FUN!
THANK YOU!
MarTina "


Dear Richard,
I was so blown away by your performance tonight. Your acting was superb. I knew you were funny and could sing but you made me cry too.
Your talent is HUGE and I'm so glad to have experienced tonights magic. LOVE YOU MADLY!!

What a show! Toward the end, I started to wish you would do the "Ephram" speech, and you DID! It made me cry once again. It gets me EVERY TIME. So moving. I love you.





I was one of the lucky ones to attend Richard's magical performance at St.Lukes on Tuesday evening. It was my very first taste of his glorious talent and one I will never forget. What moved me so, what stirs my heart even as I write this now...was the confluence of two souls meeting in this one character. It is not only that Richard is bringing "Carol" to life...but we are also experiencing the beauty and fine-ness of Richard's equally generous and transcended spirit as well. It is a mystical and perfectly symbiotic portrayal of Carol Channing that I am positive is UNMATCHED anywhere in the world. Because it is not built on artifice and props...but is "channeled" through a depth of character and heart and soul that gives true meaning to the term"it takes one to know one".The evening was unforgettable!


Richard,
Congratulations on your great success Tuesday night. Your performance was a lovely example of true showmanship - funny, warm and completely Carol!
Best,
Peter Napolitano

DEAR RICHARD
JUST WANTED TO TELL YOU HOW MUCH WE ENJOYED YOUR SHOW
IT WAS TOPS IN ENTERTAINMENT
LOVED YOUR HUMOR LOVED YOUR STORIES
ENJOYED YOUR PATHOS MANY KUDOS TO YOU
HAD A WONDERFUL EVENING
I WANTED TO MENTION THAT FRANCESCA BLUMENTHAL WAS
ALSO IN THE AUDIENCE
LOVE EDIE STOKES

Dear Richard, Your performance Tuesday night,7/27, was captivating. The show flowed so beautifully from the spoken word to singing and it was a rhythm that was perfect all the way through. This is a show that should be brought to many other audiences. I loved it!!!
Nina Grand, Massapequa Park, N.Y.

I can not think of the last time I smiled so much. Richard held us in his hands and in his heart, while teaching and entertaining us the old fashioned way. Carol Channing is so blessed to have this artist pay tribute to her incredible life with such care and integrity. This is a show that should be seen by the world. So many life lessons and good energy to be shared. Thank you, dear Richard. Love, Meg Flather, NYC

Richard or rather Carol. The show was awesome. You ARE
Carol Channing. And that hottie Martina Vidmar, "wow wow fellas..." You both belong on Broadway!
Arthur Goldstein, NYC, NY

Richard: Just wanted to say that David Star and I thought your performance at St. Luke's last night was just PHENOMENAL! What a joy it was to watch you. Richard, you are just great! Plus it was so wonderful to see your packed house! To quote a performer friend of mine: You are impeccable!
Frank Torren, New York, NY

7/28 Last night's show was absolutely fabulous..Carol
would have loved it and we certainly did too..one of
the very best shows we've seen in a long,long
time..and Martina Vidmar was a perfect opening act..
the two of you worked so well together.
BARB & ED KIRK, Donna,TX & Chicago, IL

Richard, dahling, you were FABulous last night! We had the best, best time! I always knew you were funny, but last night you showed us all your many talents! Impeccable singing, spot-on comic timing, high-larious audience improv, engaging story-telling - the whole shebang! It was a great night of theatre! Bravo or should I say, Brava Carol!
Billie Brouse, New York, NY

Richard Skipper is an entertainer extraordinaire that oozes talent, wit and charm to the delight of us all!! He sparkles and SHINES! As Carol Channing or himself he is marvelous and quite simply, sublime! A MUST SEE!!! Brilliant! THANK YOU, Richard!!!
Lisa Raze, Brooklyn, NY

Richard, the show was a complete delight. You were a witty, warm and entirely wonderful Carol, and the new dress made you sparkle like the 4th of July. I especially enjoyed "Widow's Weeds", "Bye, Bye Baby" (only a true vaudevillian like yourself could get so much out of a classic "stooge"), and "Before the Parade Passes By". Brava Carol, and Bravo Richard!! Roy Marcus NY

What a wonderful, wonderful evening! Richard Skipper and the stage are certainly a match made in heaven - even Dolly Levi couldn't have come up with anything better. Thank you!! Jim Lahti,
Riverdale, New York

Carol Channing in Concert - Starring Richard Skipper
Thursday, July 29, 2010 By Sandi Durell

In a one-night only musical montage at off-Broadway’s St. Luke’s Theatre on Restaurant Row, lovable and talented Richard Skipper (www.richardskipper.com) celebrated the life and times of Carol Channing. (www.CarolChanning.org).
Skipper has been performing as such for a number of years singing not only the familiar Channing standards, but incorporating his distinctive clever ad-libs, along with other material.

As a precursor to the evening, yours truly was at Joe Allen’s restaurant (www.joeallenrestaurant.com) with some friends.
In one of the ladies’ rooms there hung a show poster of the inimitable Ms. Channing as “Lorelei.” I took this as a sign of something special.

The theatre at St. Luke’s was sold out. The audience held its fair share of celebrities present including Celeste Holm, Betsy Palmer, Joe Franklin and songwriter Ervin Drake (www.songwritershalloffame.org/exhibits/C8)with former showgirl wife, Edith. He’s 91, she’s 88.
In a tribute to Mr. Drake, Skipper included one of Drake’s 1967 ditties written for and recorded by Carol Channing, “Widow’s Weeds,” a long story about a lady who’s looking real pretty in her Jefferson City Widow’s Weeds each time another husband bites the dust. There was a buzz and excitement in the air as the evening was being filmed as part of an upcoming documentary based on the life and career of Tony Award winner Carol Channing.
Ms. Channing and Richard had already made a joint appearance at Barnes & Noble at Lincoln Centre in NYC (http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/store/2628)to a packed house a few days prior.

The evening opened with Martina Vidmar, who looks a lot like Bernadette Peters, singing ‘The Best of Times” followed by two additional songs. She’s a bit of a screamer and, I must admit, after one song I was anxious to see Carol take the stage. Finally, the elegantly dressed Skipper, in wig, white sparkly brocade and bejeweled gown, large multi-colored rings on every finger, appeared. Skipper captures the essence of the grand lady of theatre in a way that not only embodies her sound, but spirit. Channing has always remarked how thrilled she is to be shown with such love, respect and polish.

Skipper is good on his feet, as they say, with that ability to ad-lib at a moment’s notice, especially so when he’s engaging audience members in what is always a hilarious interchange. Along the way he provides a running history of Carol Channing from growing up in Seattle, Washington, attending Bennington College, weaving in and through her life personally and in theatre. Many of Channing’s best and well-known songs are sung in her incomparably stylized tradition with on-going dialogue of behind the scenes stories.

The highlights included “Elegance,” “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” (as those sparkly rings on Skipper’s hands disappeared to eager audience members), “Jazz Baby,”
and a medley of songs from “Hello Dolly.”

I did wonder about the inclusion of songs not related to Channing in this presentation and the length, without intermission, is nearly 2 hours. However, the show is solid entertainment and laughter that sparkles in more ways than one. There is talk about a potential off-Broadway run. Skipper was ably accompanied by John Fischer on piano, Jeff Carney, bass and Steve Bartosik, percussion.

Richard,
What an outstanding performance.. Your portrayal of Carol Channing was remarkable. Flawless..
Your quick witted and playful remarks with the audience could only be matched by Carol Channing herself.. You worked the room, which was filled by Broadway and Cabaret's finest, with effortless ease...
Thank you, Richard. I feel as though I finally got to see Carol Channing live in concert!!
Tym Moss, Artists Exposed (THANK YOU, Devin Delano, for all these photos!)

Support THE ARTS! LIVE THEATRE! Go see a LIVE show this week!


Send me your reviews and suggestions and I will put them in my next blog coming out August 5th (celebrating my 31st year in NY!)
Here's to an ARTS-filled August! 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'S WHAT AUDIENCES ARE SAYING ABOUT MY WORK (TAKEN FROM MY GUESTBOOK AT WWW.RICHARDSKIPPER.COM


Great evening last night at BARNES & NOBLE LINCOLN SQUARE (7/23/10)with you, Carol Channing and Harry Kullijian. You did a marvelous job as moderator and kept the questions flowing and allowed Harry to talk about his and Carol's work to promote the arts in schools.It was a very enjoyable evening and enjoyed your work at the event. Paul, NY

Dear Richard,
You were a perfect host for Carol Channing's event this evening. Jim and I brought two friends with us and they thought you were warm and respectful! You have a true skill and you're always thinking of others. For example, you moved your chair back so people on the side could see better and everyone was appreciative. Thank you also for introducing us to Harry. He was a joy to talk to as well as an inspiration. I'm so glad we were able to make it. And we are so glad to know you. YOU need your own talk show!!!
Sincerely,
Mary Lahti, NY

Hi Richard....unfortunately, I'm down in Atlanta,but I've seen you a few times in FL (Jimmy Ferraro/Dee Etta's theatre, and the Palladium in St. Pete). You are AWESOMELY INCREDIBLE!! Anyone who hasn't seen you, NEEDS to go, because they'd be in for a wonderful treat! Maybe if you ever get down here to the Atlanta area, I'd definitely see your show again!
Ron Gross, Lovejoy, GA

If you've seen my work, please add your own comments.




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NYC THE AWARD WINNING WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE IGUANA STARRING DANA LORGE, RICHARD SKIPPER, AND FRIENDS!
Dana Lorge and I have put our OWN spin on the variety show format and are now going into our second year 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).
Cover: $12 - no food or drink minimums – but remember – the food is great!
WINNER OF TWO 2010 MANHATTAN ASSOCIATION OF CABARETS AND CLUBS AWARDS (MAC) FOR OUTSTANDING VARIETY SHOW AND OUTSTANDING HOSTS!
or more info, please call 845-365-0720 or visit _www.RichardSkipper.com_
212-765-5454.


Aug 4
8pm

IGUANA VIP LOUNGE, 240 West 54th Street, NYC
WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE IGUANA
Barry Levitt on keyboard & Saadi Zain on bass.
CELEBRATING RICHARDS 31st YEAR IN NY - Wednesday Night's guests include: Paul and Rochelle Chamlin, Theresa Fischer, Eli Fordyce, Robert Gino, Warren Schein, Andrew Sotomayer ...
...and a few other surprises as well! $12.00 Music Charge/No food or drink minimum!
Reservations a must (212) 765-5454

TILL NEXT WEEK...HERE'S TO A MUSICAL AUGUST!
With grateful XOXOXs for your support!
Richard Skipper, Richard@RichardSkipper.com