Wednesday, March 25, 2020

We're In This Together: Part One In A New Series...Today, Let's Celebrate Patricia Fitzpatrick

The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it.”

― Flannery O'Connor

Happy Wednesday, March 22nd

Most of the time, we’re thinking and living from the surface, instead of living from the spirit.
I read those words this AM as I was doing my Morning Pages (Thank you, Julia Cameron, The Artist's Way). 

Today marks my 15th day in Social Distancing. Anyone who knows me KNOWS this is hard for me.  I do believe this is a lesson from the Universe to teach us to no longer take our friends and those things that matter to us for granted. We ALL are in this together and to get me through this. I have chosen to get out of my own mindset and into that of those I love,
AD for Cougars  2012
respect, and admire. Close friends may know some of the people I write about. Some you may not know. Whether you are straight, gay, lesbian, white, black, Asian, or any other religion, Blue, red, indifferent. 

We are ALL in this together. I want to introduce you to my
friends and maybe I will make some new friends as we progress.
To kick off this series, I reached out to my friend Patricia Fitzpatrick.  

Richard Skipper Celebrates Patricia Fitzpatrick 
Born in Brooklyn NY 1941 – do the math! Fitzpatrick always knew she wanted to entertain an audience. 
She and her sisters would produce live stage events, Sundays after Mass, at their childhood home in Malvern, Long Island.
At the age of 17, Fitzpatrick was ‘discovered’ by Celeste Holmes singing in a night club on Cape Cod. Holmes gave her a business card for a talent manager at MGM Records
in New York City. Under the stage name ‘Sandy Beach’, Fitzpatrick cut a demo record, at the Brill Building for MGM.
Instead of the career she had hoped for, Fitzpatrick attended the University of Detroit, met and married her husband and traveled the country as a Navy Officer’s wife. During this period Fitzpatrick appeared in local community theater, was the featured ‘girl singer’ at the Detroit Playboy Club and raised her family of five children.
Thirty - five years, five children and a career in hotel sales management for Holiday Inn’s later... she went back to performing. She appeared at Don’t Tell Mama in her debut show
Patricia Fitzpatrick
“It’s About Time!” with Musical Director Bobby Wetherbee. Stu Hamstra,

cabaret reviewer, called Fitzpatrick “Fitzpatrick is a breath of fresh air. “The real deal.”
“One of the best storytellers in cabaret today!”
Since her first debut at Don’t Tell Mama in NYC she has been nominated twice for a MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs) Award, [ “I’m Single Again, and this Time It’s Not My Fault!” and “Cougars on the Prowl” with Musical Director Barry Levitt and guest stars Dana Lorge and
Helena Grenot]. She recorded two CD’s “ A Dream or Two” and “ Basically Blue?” now on Amazon and CD Baby, appeared as a featured performer with the Jay Phelps Trio at the famed Ronnie Scott’s in London, England , two seasons at the Five Diamond, The
Sugar Club in Antiqua with Bobby Wetherbee , Little Onion, Denver, Colorado, Top of the Pru and Club CafĂ©, Boston and Germano’s in Baltimore. To date Fitzpatrick has appeared at NYC, The Metropolitan Room, The Iguana with Richard Skipper and Dana Lorge, The Duplex, and over 28 shows at Don’t Tell Mama.
Dana Lorge


The retired Director of Tourism for the Town of Provincetown (1998- 2005), Fitzpatrick
first saw cabaret performed at a festival begun by producer John O’Neil. In 2014, her
production company Ambassador Productions picked up the discarded festival and returned it to Provincetown. 
Last year, the CabaretFest 2019 was the largest gathering
of cabaret performers in New England. 
This year is the 20th Anniversary of the cabaret
festival and Fitzpatrick is praying that the festival can be held under decision until April
CabaretFest

27, due to the COVID 19 pandemic) .
Festival dates May 127 – May 31 2020 feature
Master Classes, education, solo shows, Variety Show, Open Mic and guest star John
Davidson.
“Music heals our souls. Performers come together to create a space for nurturing and peace. We need a festival to bring us together once again. I pray we'll all be safe and be able to celebrate live music and music education again this year.”, said Fitzpatrick

Antigua"  the Sugar Club:  December 2013
Give me 7 facts about you most people don’t know 
1. I am the oldest of five children and I am the mother of five children
2. Born in Brooklyn New York
3. My father wrote TV commercials for Milton Berle Show, Ed Sullivan Show and Eddie Fisher Show. Worked for
Home 2020 Quarantined.
biggest advertising companies on Madison Avenue for 25 years. Won Clio Advertising Awards.4. I am a great cook. Love to create wonderful family style meals, bake and entertain in my home.
5. Once owned a Victorian Bed and Breakfast in the Finger Lakes area, Auburn, New
Love Trumps Hate “2016 Metropolitan

York “The Irish Rose B and B” 1990 – 1997.
6. Basically, I am a shy person. When not on stage, prefer to be with a small group
of family or friends.
7. I am claustrophobic! Can’t stand to be in small, confining spaces.


What cancellations have you endured due to the Coronavirus?  
I am also a step on tour guide for New England. Many of the tours for the spring have cancelled. I have not had to cancel any singing engagements – yet!

Do you have a structured routine during this time? 
Yes. I make my bed, get dressed, have my coffee, turn on the computer and begin my day by 9 AM. I try to step outside at least once a day to breath the fresh air!

Name one thing you’ve learned about yourself during this time.
CabaretFest Finale 2018

I enjoy my own company. I always find some project to begin and will not go to bed until it is finished! I can not be still for long periods of time.

What song(s) are you currently listening to during this time? 
Always have Alexa playing Broadway show tunes or Sinatra station. 

It even plays songs by Patricia Fitzpatrick, when asked. LOL Always! My life has a musical score in the background – like a movie! (It's true! I'm listening as I type these words! Hope you readers will do the same!)

Do you believe our spirit lives on after we pass on?  
Absolutely! I have
always thought I was here before. I meet people and realize we knew each other in
another life! 
White Wind Inn with Brian Patton, Vivienne LaBabera and Patricia” USO Radio Show” Ptown   Show 2018


Our bodies disappear. Our spirit is energy and as such, never dies!

What has been a challenge you have faced during this time
Not being able to see, touch or hug those I love, my children, family and friends. Touch is so very important.

Lighting round! Describe each of the following in one word: Who you are, what you value the most, and what you’d be if you were a food item. 
1. Who Am I? - Mother
2. What I value the most? Memories
3. What food item would I be? Peach


What do you like least? 
People who lie to my face. It is an insult. Also, can’t stand filthy
language. We have so many wonderful words. Find one that explains how you are feeling.  Stop using swear words as language substitutes.

What do you want MOST for the current POTUS to accomplish? 
The one thing I want the current POTUS to accomplish is his complete retirement from government as soon as possible.

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

Now, everyone, please go and and do something nice for someone without expecting anything in return! Go to the 7th friend in your friend's list and call them! We're ALL in this together! Till tomorrow...




Friday, February 21, 2020

Erik Lawrence, Bob Simonello, Bernadette Peters...and MORE!

Jawaharlal Nehru
There is nothing more horrifying than stupidity in action.

― Jawaharlal Nehru


Happy Card Reading Day!
Day! On Card Reading Day, celebrants read and enjoy greeting cards they have been sent over the years, which they have kept for sentimental reasons. Sometimes they give greeting cards on the day as well and thus may receive some cards from others that they can read. Some online holiday sites speculate this holiday may be about tarot cards, but the overwhelming majority of sites relate this holiday to greeting cards.
February 21 is the 52nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. 314 left in the year.
It is a Leap Year!

• French lyricist/librettist Henri Meilhac born (1831)
Henri Meilhac
• British actress/singer Gertie Millar born (1879)
• Actress Tyne Daly born (1946)
• Actress/singer Christine Ebersole born (1953)
• Legendary flop Portofino opened on Broadway (1958)
• Elaine Stritch: At Liberty opened on Broadway (2002)
Sunday in the Park with George revived (1st time) on Broadway (2008)

Today, I celebrate everyone's art. Today's social media engagement: Comment on something mentioned in this blog and let's keep the next 24 hours upbeat! Have something to promote? Email me! Now, go out and so something nice for someone without expecting anything in return! Celebrate the gifts you have to offer the world! Did you do your Morning Pages? Have no clue what I am referring to? Today, celebrate your crazy ideas and surround yourself with those who will support those ideas! Make it a great week! Recommended Reading:
Famous Wisconsin Film Stars
By Kristin Gilpatrick

Now, Go to the 3rd person in your friend’s list on your favorite Social Media Platform and do something for them without expecting anything in return and let me know what happens!

10 People, Places, Events I Recommend!
1. Erik Lawrence
Saxophonist and Flutist: 2 Grammys as founding member of the Levon Helm Band, multi-platinum record with the Spin Doctors, has appeared on most major stages and festivals, tv shows, hundreds of recordings, thousands of appearances, millions of miles traveled)
Sound and Vibrational Healer: Utilizing traditional and original techniques including toning, tuning forks, Tibetan bowls and especially the deep vibrational tones of his personal sound on saxophones and flutes.
Tomorrow Night at 8PM, Erik will be appearing at the Nyack Center in New York celebrating Mardi Gras. I am going to try and be there. Please celebrate with us!
Click HERE for more info.

2.Bob Simonello's ROLLIN' a 7 / Saturday, Feb 29 / MAGNOLIA ROOM, Norwalk, Connecticut

Tickets and Information (online only): www.BJRyansMagnoliaRoom.com

Bistro Award Review
Kristine Zbornik, Director
Jeff Harris, Musical Director/Pianist

ROLLIN’A 7 is a musical coming-of-age adventure, a
funny, touching, off-beat look at one man’s journey on a road less traveled: from a shy, Judy Garland-loving, parochial school-hating kid to outspoken, unpredictable, audacious, Judy Garland-loving man-child with a burning need to know what lies beneath the surface of things.

Featuring songs of Delbert McClinton, Craig Carnelia, Marilyn and
Delbert McClinton
Alan Bergman, Michel Legrand, Joe Sample, Gordon Jenkins, Joe Raposo, Rupert Holmes, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty and more.

Jeff Harris, Pianist Scott Thornton, Base
Reservations guarantee seating.

Tickets and Information (online only):

$20 cover (online), $30 at the door
$20 food or drink minimum
www.BJRyansMagnoliaRoom.com

Bistro Award Review



3.Bernadette Peters, Sierra Boggess and More Join BROADWAY BELTS FOR PFF!; Complete Casting AnnouncedThe 10th Annual BROADWAY BELTS FOR PFF! will take place on Monday, February 24 at the Edison Ballroom. Hosted by Broadway's Julie Halston (Tootsie, You Can't Take it With You, Sex and the City) and directed by Carl Andress (The Confession of Lily Dare), this year's
gala event will honor multi-award winning Broadway producer Daryl Roth. Tickets can be purchased at BroadwayBeltsforPFF.org Read More HERE

4. TUESDAY, MARCH 3rd @ 9:30 pm
SUSIE MOSHER’s THE LINE UP @ BIRDLAND THEATER
315 West 44 Street, NY
$25.00 Cover Charge / $10.00 food/drink minimum (cash or credit)
Reservations: 212-581-3080 or click HERE

If you have not attended The Line Up…where have you been? This
Brad Simmons
is one of the most sought-after gigs in the city due to the incredible “Line Up” (hence the name) of talent from the Broadway, Cabaret and Jazz worlds hosted by the insanely talented and funny, Susie Mosher and featuring Musical Director, Brad Simmons.


5. MONDAY, MARCH 9th @ 6:00 PM
The 35TH ANNUAL BISTRO
AWARDS
GOTHAM COMEDY CLUB - 208 West 23rd Street, NYC
Reservations: Click HERE
Maltby and Hire

This year honoring: Maltby and Shire (Bob Harrington Lifetime Achievement Award) – Charles Busch (Creative Artistry) – Lorna Dallas (Cabaret Artistry) – Jack Bartholet (Ira Eaker Award) – Michele Brourman (Singer, Songwriter, Musical Director) – Spencer Day (Singer, Songwriter, Recording Artist) – Aisha de Haas (Jazz Vocalist) – Joanne Halev (Debut) – Sean Harkness, Lina Koutrakos  and Marcus Simeone (Musical Group)
Sue Matsuki and Gregory Toroian (Outstanding Collaboration) – Elizabeth Ward Land (Tribute Show) – Nancy McGraw (Interpretive Artistry) – Gretchen Reinhagen (Recording) – Gabrielle Stravelli (Recording) and Stephanie Trudeau (Tribute Show).


6. On Stage: Hello Dolly! at Kimmel Center this week
It seems that everybody is familiar with “Hello Dolly!” in one form or another – especially the Academy Award-winning film and the hit Broadway musical.
It’s hard not to be familiar with the song, “Hello Dolly!”– at least
with the tune’s opening lines… “Hello, Dolly; Well, hello, Dolly; It’s so nice to have you back where you belong.”
For the next week-and-a-half, there is an opportunity to get more familiar with the musical version of “Hello Dolly!”
The Kimmel Center is presenting “Hello Dolly!” now
through March 1 at the Academy of Music (240 South Broad Street, Philadelphia) as part of its Broadway Philadelphia series.
The cast of the National Tour features Carolee Carmello as Dolly Gallagher Levi, John

Bolton (not that John Bolton) as Horace Vandergelder, Daniel Beeman as Cornelius Hackl,Analisa Leaming as Irene Molloy and Sean Burns as Barnaby Tucker.
Burns is familiar with his role having played it on the 2018-2019 and current editions of the National Tour.
This production is a crowd-pleaser, and then some. Read MORE 
(I saw it last night and absolutely loved it!)

7. This Is Your Life: MACK SENNETT [VIDEO OF TV SHOW]
Quite an amazing video, particularly in light of Encores!’s MACK and MABEL. Fascinating the see the real Mack Sennett in the early 1950s. It’s about 25 minutes long.
See it HERE
Thank you, Josh Ellis for this!

8. Mack and Mabel’ Review: Lights! Camera! Passion!
Jerry Herman’s buoyant score is the highlight of this Encores! production about a troubled silent-movie-era romance. 

9. Birdland is excited to welcome Leanne Borghesi and Marta Sanders in Show Broads!
The critically acclaimed SHOWBROADS starring Leanne Borghesi and Marta Sanders returns to BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB Sunday MARCH 8th
Photo credit: Stephen Mosher
at 5:30pm after playing a sold out engagement.
SHOWBROADS is a comedic, musical nightclub act starring Marta Sanders (Broadway's Best Little Whorehouse in Texas) and Leanne Borghesi. Borghesi and Sanders, both powerhouse cabaret singers, are uniting to bring audiences a "a one-two knockout punch" (Cabaret HotSpot).

Marta Sanders
Tickets: $30 + $10 food/drink min
When: SUNDAY MARCH 8th, 5:30pm
Location: BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB 315 W 44th St Suite 5402, New York, NY 10036

10. Ewan McGregor transforms into American party animal fashion designer for Netflix series
Ewan McGregor is set to star in a new Netflix series based on the life of iconic US fashion designer Halston

Halston – real name Roy Halston Frowick – was a huge deal in the fashion world back in the 1970s and was pals with the likes of Liza Minnelli, Elizabeth Taylor, Bianca Jagger, and artist Andy Warhol.
Read more HERE


Now, go and do something nice for someone without expecting anything in return! Treat them to a LIVE Show! 

Thank you all! Here's To a Great End of the week/And an Even Greater Next Week

A Few Audience Testimonials about Richard Skipper Celebrates
I had Richard Skipper on my Dare to be Authentic Radio show 2/6/20 and he was absolutely fabulous! He was so encouraging and inspiring! I got off the air feeling uplifted and ready to conquer the world. Richard is a gem and I'm so blessed and honored to have met him. Check out his interview HERE
Mari Mitchell,San Bernardino, CA

I had the pleasure of seeing Richard Skipper host the holiday
luncheon at the Dutch Treat club at The Players Club and wow! What a wonderful and perfect host! Richard brings so much energy and light to a stage and he shares it all with us. Thank you!
Robin Westle, http://www.robinwestle.com


I feel so fortunate to have attended Richard Skipper's show “The Magic of Believing” at Urban Stages Theater. It was a beautifully crafted nostalgic tapestry of vivid storytelling, spot on musical numbers, and perfectly timed photographic images and videos. I loved the thought that a little boy with boundless energy and dreams performing on the front porch “stage” of his family home could take an audience full of adults on a hilarious and heartfelt journey to discovering the magic of believing. I’m still smiling. Thank you! Bob Armstrong, NYC


With grateful XOXOXs,



Check out CallonDolly.com


Please LIKE (if you do!) and SHARE!



NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED. FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY!


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


Keeping America great through Art!


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

Please leave a comment and share on Twitter and Facebook

Keeping Entertainment LIVE!


TILL TOMORROW...HERE'S TO AN ARTS FILLED DAY
Richard Skipper, Richard@RichardSkipper.com