We're In This Together: Part Four In A New Series...Today, Let's Celebrate Angela Bacari!

“A ship in harbor is safe — but that is not what ships are built for.” — John A. Shedd

Happy Sunday, March 29th, 2020!

It is National Vietnam War Veterans Day. The Vietnam War led to over 58,000 American military deaths, and a total of over two and a half million Americans served in the war.  In the early 1960s, military advisors were sent to the country, and by 1963 there were about 16,000 Americans in Vietnam. After the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution in 1964, the conflict expanded, and by 1968

there were 500,000 troops in the country. After about a decade of war, the last American troops came home on March 29, 1973.

March 29 is the 87th day of the year . 279 days remain until the end of the year.
Today is Harlan Boll’s Birthday. He is truly one of the best publicists in the business and the gauge from which I operate. Happy Birthday, Harlan!
Beethoven made his piano debut day on this day in 1795.

• 219 Days till Election Day! November 3rd! VOTE!!!!!!! (God

willing)
• 19th Day of Physical Distancing
• Theatre manager Marc Klaw born (1848)
• Actor/singer Joseph Cawthorn born (1867)
• Songwriter Albert Von Tilzer born (1878)
• Playwright/actor Howard Lindsay born (1888)
• Actor Warner Baxter born (1889)
• Singer/actress Pearl Bailey born (1918)
•

Rodgers and Hammerstein's The King and I opened on Broadway (1951)
It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Superman opened on Broadway (1966)
• Look to the Lilies starring Shirley Booth opened on Broadway (1970)
• Kander and Ebb's Woman of the Year opened on Broadway (1981)

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 Richard@RichardSkipper.com! 

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

Broadway: An Encyclopedia of Theater and American Culture [2 volumes]
By Thomas A. Greenfield
Now, Go to the 2nd person in your friend’s list and do something for them without expecting anything in return and let me know what happens! Angela Bacari, Today I celebrate YOU! Thanks for all you. 

Richard Skipper Celebrates Angela

Bacari

What is it about cabaret that distinguishes itself from other forms of live musical entertainment?
I always felt this art form fit me the best. It gives you the chance to become a character and draw people in.

Do you have a structured routine during this pandemic
It's definitely limited what we can do, but I try to do what I can, stay in touch with friends, exercise, answer whatever work emails I can, as I

Billy Gilman

manage Billy Gilman’s career, and just stay healthy!

Name one thing you’ve learned about yourself during this time?
Staying idle is not good for me. I have to stay active. I’ve realized I could never retire from this business.

What song(s) are you currently listening to during this time?

Billy Stritch and Liza Minnelli

I’ve been watching a lot of YouTube videos, anything with Billy Stritch and Liza Minnelli, and listening to new tracks my grandson, Nicolas King, is recording for his forthcoming album.

What do you wish to be remembered for?
Passing on to other singers what I’ve learned in my almost 60 years

Angela with Nicolas and Liza 

in this business. It’s brought me so much joy to see such great results in upcoming singers as my local vocal students, as well as helping established performers like Liza Minnelli, Deana Martin and many others. I absolutely love doing master classes, and I hope I can continue to teach and inspire other performers.

What did you think of cabaret

when you first began, and why did you continue to support it in the years that followed?
It was ME! Believe me, I sang it all- disco, pop, you name it. 
But with material by these genius writers, I never connected more to an art form than I did to this music.

What do you like least?
Being on a diet!

If everything gets back on track, Angela will be doing a Vocal Master Class at this year's Provincetown Cabaret Festival And performing at the final show at the end of the week.

Now, go and do something nice for someone without expecting anything in return!

Call The 2nd Person on your Friends list on your Favorite Social Media Platform and see How They Are

March 20th 5PM EST

Richard Skipper Celebrates Anita Gillette

Click HERE for MORE INFO

A Few Audience Testimonials about Richard Skipper Celebrates

with David Sabella

Richard Skipper,
So glad I listened to your interview with Marilyn Maye today.  I was with her on her closing night in St. Louis when she learned that Palm Springs was going to be postponed.  Glad I got to hear her with you today and to see she is still in high spirits.  The joy she brings to everyone what id going to get us all through this!  Thank you!, Shane Hartke Carmel, Indiana

with Jay Rogers

Richard Skipper has enriched my world and so many others, as well. His kind heart and zest for life is infectious. During this surreal time we all are currently experiencing, Richard's Facebook Live broadcasts bring much-needed joy and connection at a time when many are surrendering to sadness and anxiety. And as if this isn't more than enough, Richard's great talent is a gift he lovingly shares with the world. I'm privileged to know Richard. He has secured a very special place in my heart. BRAVO, Richard Skipper!
Jan Vincent, NYC

Hi again, Richard Skipper!
I wanted to thank you again for such a fabulous interview with Lesley Ann Warren.  I've been a huge fan ever since she played Cinderella back in 1965 and hearing her speak live was truly a thrill.  You're a wonderful host (something that I've known for many years now) and I look forward to more of these podcasts.  I wouldn't mind hearing an interview with Hugh Jackman! How about it, Richard?
Thanks,
Arlene Jacks, NYC

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CallonDolly.com

Our Dolly of The Day is Pearl Bailey on Her Birthday! 

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This Blog is Dedicated to All The Lives That We Have Lost During This CoronaVirus Pandemic 







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



Richard Skipper, Richard@RichardSkipper.com

We're In This Together: Part Three In A New Series...Today, Let's Celebrate Michael Musto!

“Fear grows in darkness; if you think there's a bogeyman around, turn on the light.”

― DOROTHY THOMPSON

Happy Friday, March 27th, 2020!

It is National Exchange Club Day. This day is celebrated today, on the anniversary of the founding of the first local Exchange Club, in Detroit, Michigan, in 1911. The second club was formed two years later in Toledo, Ohio. Two more clubs were formed—in Grand Rapids and Cleveland—and the National Exchange Club was then organized in 1917. It was formed by businessmen who wanted to exchange ideas and information on how to help and serve their communities. Women were not originally permitted, but were allowed starting in 1985.

March 27 is the 85th day of the year . 281 days remain until the end of the year.

• 221 Days till Election Day! November 3rd! VOTE!!!!!!! (God willing)
• 17th Day of #PhysicalDistancing
• Kenny Loggins’ Footloose hit the charts on this day in 1984
• British actor/singer Joseph E. Coyne born (1867)

Kenny Loggin

• Bob Fosse's Dancin' opened on Broadway (1978)
• William Finn's March of the Falsettoes opened Off-Broadway (1981)
• Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? opened on Broadway (1982)
• Rodgers and Hammerstein's State Fair opened on Broadway (1996)
• Urban Cowboy opened on Broadway (2003)

• Revival of Jacques Brel Is Alive opened Off-Broadway (2006)
• Gypsy revived (4th time) on Broadway starring Patti Lupone (2008)
• How to Succeed revived (3rd time) on Broadway (2011)
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 at Richard@RichardSkipper.com 

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 weekend!

Recommended Reading
Fosse
By Sam Wasson

Now, Go to the 9th person in your friend’s list and do something for them without expecting anything in return and let me know what happens! Michael Musto!  Today I celebrate YOU! I am reaching out to say Hello, How are you, and I’m just a phone call away. Thanks for all you do to keep us entertained!

Richard Skipper Celebrates Michael Musto

Photo credit: Andrew Werner.

Michael Musto writes the weekly "Musto Unfiltered" column for NewNowNext.com. He is also known as a TV commentator and author and as the longtime "La Dolce Musto" columnist for the late, lamented Village Voice.

What are you looking forward to most about this Coronavirus being behind us?
A return to some form of normalcy, which involves in-person culture, socializing, and simply experiencing life. I didn't fully appreciate the fabulousness of my life before, but I will kiss the ground with gratitude if it all comes back.

Photo credit: Andrew Werner.

Name one thing you’ve learned about yourself during this time?
I've been reminded that, having grown up as a lonely only child, I can appreciate down time and entertain myself, though I've also been reaching out to friends and spending time on the phone and other ways to connect because none of us can get through this solo. Also, when a homeless man recently asked me for money and I actually gave it to him, I realized that perhaps I'm finally tapping a bit into my human side. I guess I've become Ebenezer Musto.

with Carol Channing

What song(s) are you currently listening to during this time?
My comfort music always consists of Diana Ross, Luther Vandross, Brian and Brenda Russell, CeCe Peniston, and even some white people

Do you believe our spirit lives on after we pass on?
No way. This is it, folks. Sorry, your soul doesn't fly off into space and land on some cloud as angels play a harp.

Michael and Bianca Del Rio at the Glam Awards

But if you want to believe that, go ahead.

What do you wish to be remembered for?
Having done things the hard way (like Bette Davis), having ignored the odds and made it as an openly gay writer who went after the big guns and celebrated the fringe characters, having made NYC, nightlife,

Michael and Dorothy Bishop

queers, and theater sound fascinating (which they are). When people tell me they came out, moved to New York, or saw a show because of me, I'm beyond tickled.

What did you think of when you Coronavirus began, and your thoughts today?
I thought it was scary but a tad inconvenient, and now I just think it's scary. I applaud all the efforts to

Michael, Robin Byrd, and John Wayne Bobbitt at the Tunnel club

contain it and I'm with all my creative brothers and sisters as we weather this while finding ways to express ourselves.

What do you like least?
The loss of life and the illnesses, naturally. It's hit every walk of life, practically all over the globe. 

Losing Nashom Wooden (drag star Mona Foot) and playwright extraordinaire Terrence McNally in a two day period was very rough.

Have you maintained your sense of humor through all this?
Yes, I have kept my humor intact. It has always been a shelter for me, a way to deflect dark happenings, and I would be lost without it.

Thank you, Michael Musto!, for the gifts you have given to the world and will continue to give.

Michael, Raven Oh and Joey Arias at the Glam Awards

Now, everyone, please go and and do something nice for someone without expecting anything in return! Go to the 9th friend in your friend's list and call them! We're ALL in this together! Till tomorrow...

We're In This Together: Part Two In A New Series...Today, Let's Celebrate Warren Schein!

Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Life's like a play: it's not the length, but the excellence of the acting that matters.
Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Happy Wednesday, March 26th, 2020!
Today is Legal Assistants Day. It recognizes the many contributions made to the legal profession by legal assistants. Legal assistants do work to support lawyers in areas such as

Happy 80th Birthdayto Nancy Pelosi today

corporate law, criminal law, immigration, and litigation. Their duties may vary depending on the type and size of the law firm they work at, but their contributions are vast. 

March 26 is the 84th day of the year . 282 days remain until the end

of the year.

• 222 Days till Election Day! November 3rd! VOTE!!!!!!! (God willing)
• 16th of #SelfIsolation!
• Singer/actor Al Jolson born (1886?)
• Actor/singer Martin Short born (1950)
• Funny Girl starring Barbra Streisand opened on Broadway (1964)
• Minnie's Boys opened on Broadway (1970)
• Annie revived (1st time) on Broadway (1997)
A 20th anniversary Broadway revival, which played at the Martin Beck Theatre (now called the Al Hirschfeld

Theatre) in 1997, entitled Annie, the 20th Anniversary, starred Nell Carter as Miss Hannigan, but controversy surrounded the casting of the titular character. The original actress cast in the role, Joanna Pacitti, was fired and replaced by her fellow orphan, Brittny Kissinger (who usually played orphan July) just two weeks before her Broadway debut, while battling bronchitis in Boston. 
The Pre-Broadway Tour was playing the Colonial Theatre. 'Annie' Understudy and Swing Orphan Alexandra Keisman performed the role the first

Alexandra Keisman

night Pacitti was absent. The producers then gave Kissinger the next performance. The show then moved on to the Oakdale in Connecticut where an insert was placed in the Playbill claiming "The Role of Annie is now being played by Brittny Kissinger". 
Public sentiment seemed to side with Pacitti as she was the winner of a highly publicized contest to find a new Annie sponsored by the department store Macy's. 

Joanna Pacitti as a young woman

This incident, coupled with the mixed reviews the new staging garnered, doomed it to a short run, although it was followed by a successful national tour. Kissinger, then 8, became the youngest actress to ever play Annie on Broadway. 
More controversy surrounding the show involved Nell Carter. Carter reportedly was very upset when commercials promoting the show used a different actress, Marcia Lewis, a white actress, as Miss Hannigan. The producers claimed that the commercials, which were made during an earlier production, were too costly to reshoot. 

Marcia Lewis

Carter felt that racism played a part in the decision. "Maybe they do not want audiences to know Nell Carter is black", she told the New York Post. However, the ads did mention that Carter was in the show. "It hurts a lot", Carter told the Post, "I've asked them nicely to stop it — it's insulting to me as a black woman." 
Her statement, released by the Associated Press, read: " 'Yes, it is true that I and my

representatives have gone to management on more than one occasion about the commercial and were told that there was nothing they could do about it,' Carter said in a statement Thursday. 
'Therefore, I have resigned myself to the fact that this is the way it

Miss Hannigan-Annie Dorothy Loudon, Nell Carter, Katie Finneran

is.' 
The statement also addressed the alleged charges of racism, first published in the New York Post. Carter is black. 'I, Nell Carter, never, ever, ever accused my producers or anyone in the show of racism,' she said. Producers have said it is too expensive to film a new commercial."

Carter was later replaced by another white actress, Sally Struthers. The revival closed on October 19, 1997 after 14 previews and 239 performances.
Joanna Pacitti has become more famous for not playing Annie

than for playing her. 
Although pint-sized Kissinger went on to open the show on Broadway, America rallied around Pacitti, whose family sued the show's producers and settled out of court. Barbara Walters did a special about the scandal, and Pacitti made

Joanna Pacitti

appearances on "Good Morning America," "The Rosie O'Donnell Show" and "Sally Jessy Raphael." (Sources: Playbill.com and Wikipedia)

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 at Richard@RichardSkipper.com! 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
Hello, Gorgeous: Becoming Barbra Streisand
By William J. Mann

Now, Go to the 8th person in your friend’s list and do something for them without expecting anything in return and let me know what happens! 
Warren Schein, Today I celebrate YOU! 
The world has changed. I find myself reminding people that we’re

experiencing a once-in-a-century pandemic event. Right now, a little kindness and a little humanity, goes a long way. That’s why I’m writing you an email, personally.


Richard Skipper Celebrates Warren Schein! 
“the voice is true and beautiful, the phrasing elegant and he never crosses that fine line between emulation and imitation.”

WARREN SCHEIN, has been entertaining audiences on stages throughout the US and Europe. He has played leading roles Off-Bdwy, Regional Theater and in Summer stock productions which include Mickey in Sugar Babies, Max Bialystock in The Producers and Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls, just to mention a few. He has been performing his one-man shows, Remembering Mel: A Musical Tribute To Mel Torme and Spend An Evening With Mr. Saturday Night, a medley of timeless music and comedy to sold out audiences throughout the country. 

with Marty Allen

Warren also garnered glowing reviews from his show “From the Borscht Belt to Broadway which included a tribute to the entertainer extraordinaire, Al Jolson (whose birthday we celebrate today). 

For many years Mr. Schein has been participating as one of the major headliners performing in the famous Provincetown Cabaret Fest in Massachusetts. 

Warren has been the voice of the Pillsbury Doughboy, the Rice Krispy MandMs, and the leprechaun for Lucky Charms. TV appearances include ads for The History Channel, A and E and Nick at Night . He appeared on Saturday Night Live, Boardwalk Empire, Law and Order and in the films, The Stepford Wives, Dark Room and Spector. 

as part of Richard Skipper Celebrates

Warren and his musicians enjoyed a jazzy evening, Rhythm, Reeds and Brass, a nineteen-piece big band that offered selections from the Great American Songbook. The impressive list of performers he has opened for and performed with includes: Marty Allen and Steve Rossi, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara,  Milton Berle, Red Buttons, Totie Fields, Buddy Hackett, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, Danny Kaye, and Tony Martin.

Steve and Eydie

 
Warren is especially known for his classic jokes from the Golden Era of Comedy and of today’s lifestyles. Warrens interaction with his audience makes him one of the foremost improvisational comedic performers in the business. Mr. Schein has played in every NY City premiere night club such as the Metropolitan Room, and The Copa. 
Warren is currently in rehearsals with his Music Director, Tom LaMark, for his up-coming debut performance of “Dream Along

Perry Como

With Me”: A Tribute To Perry Como.

Do you recall your first stage appearance? What did you do?
I was in the sixth grade at P.S.18. They had a talent show and I got up and sang a song from "Guys And Dolls".
I wasn't even nervous, I just got up on stage and wowed them.
The principal came over to me after the show and asked why I picked such a song. 

with Jeff Harnar and Patricia Fitzpatrick

I told him all I've ever wanted to do is to perform on stage so I thought a Broadway tune would be the thing to do. (By the way, I won the contest.)

Do you have a structured routine during this time (of the Coronavirus Pandemic)?
I'm not good at having too much time on my hands. I like to keep busy. I'm up early, have my coffee, read the paper and usually look at what needs to be done for the day.

with Dana Lorge

How do you prepare for a performance?
Over the years I've learned that I need to prepare each performance differently. And, of course this depends what venue I'm playing at. If I'm booked to perform my Mel Torme` Show and it's all music, I ease up on the comedy and keep it very structured. I keep to the script of the show almost line by line, word for word, song by song.

If I'm doing "standup and music" now that's a different story. I improvise and "work" the audience throughout the show. Obviously, my band members are aware of this and they know I'm going to go off "script" and I'm going to ad-lib. However, I still keep to my structured show for that performance but, stay in tune so to speak

so as to keep focused.
When I'm only booked for comedy, I keep it very structured except when I'm working an audience member.
I perform at many condo's, assisted living facilities, libraries, civic centers etc, it's important to bring the audience into your show. 

They need to like you, love you. And that's true of any performance. Dana Lorge taught me that you've only got the first ten minutes of your show to get into the hearts of your audience. If you can do that, you"ll kill. She was right, and I think of her as I walk on stage to this day. Whatever little bit of success I've had is because what Dana taught me. She was a "present" that was given to me and will always remain in my heart. Both Richard and I had a real privilege to share her friendship and love. And performing on stage with her, was a dream come true.

Name one thing you’ve learned about yourself during this

pandemic?
This is a tough question. I'm a free spirit. I spend many hours working and rehearsing all the time. But I always didn't think that way. I need to be rehearsed, especially musically. I've learned that you can't feel comfortable on stage in front of an audience it you're not prepared. 

I've found very honestly, that as you get older it takes a little more time to prepare. 
So, I've learned that now I need to start rehearsing and planning well in advance of all of my material so that I'm ready to give every audience all that I've got. It's on thing to "wing" it when you have to but remember, you need the "chutzpah" to make it work. (I learned that from both Marty Allen and Totie Fields).

What song(s) are you currently listening to during this time?
I'm always in tune with Broadway melodies and looking for songs I've never sung that will now fit my voice and age. My favorite songs now of course are those sung by Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Matt Monro, Steve Lawrence, Perry Como to name a few. Especially the "Vegas Sound".
They make me feel good and when I perform them, I get this wonderful feeling throughout my body and I realize how happy I am on stage.

Do you believe our spirit lives on after we pass on?

Absolutely. I only hope that when my time comes to leave this precious world, (and I hope it doesn't happen for a very long time) that I come back somehow and be able to watch whomever is lucky to have a little of me in them so I watch them perform. 

Dana and I used to talk about that happening together. We would come back and take over their show and do them and they'd never even know. But no question that I do believe that our spirits live on, or at least I hope so.

What do you wish to be remembered for?

That I made people happy. Not only my audiences, but my friends and family. For example, whenever I've had the good fortune of be in some of your  shows. I'd always give it all that I've I got. And why not, when you produce such terrific shows along with Russ Woolley, you and your audience deserve that. 

And of course all of the many other Variety Shows that I've been in, I want them to know how much I've appreciated my stage time. Working with Patricia Fitzpatrick is a pleasure. Especially writing material for her shows. And of course after a show, especially in Florida, when it's over you've got to do the "meet and greet". Some performers complain about it, I love it. Thanking your audience is so important. I want them to know how much I appreciate them. I truly do. 

Without them, what would we do? To this day, and I've been performing for over four decades, whenever I'm in the audience I always say to myself "I wish I was up stage". I guess it all comes down to this. I try to be humble and when I perform, I hope the audience says, "he really made me forget all the problems of the world, my aches and pains and I'd just love him". I have a huge ego, but I'm really very nice and humble...

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.
Who are you-Friend
What I value the most- Family
Food item-Jelly Donut, alright it's two words

What do you like least? Leg of lamb. Hate the taste and the aroma destroys me. Besides, how

could eat "Bambi".

What do you wish to be remembered for? A loyal friend and someone you can depend on. Always willing to do something nice for someone else!

How do you create a strategy to continue the drive and ambition

to continue to perform?
Because it's what we are made of.
Some people are meant to be doctors, teachers, train engineers and some are born to entertain. It's in our DNA.
Some people can try to be funny but, no matter how hard they try they can't because they just don't have it in them. That goes for singing as well.
My strategy is my inner drive that keeps me going to want more. It's this constant feeling that I have deep in my soul that powers my ambition to keep on working at what I love to

do the most, perform. It doesn't stop and never goes away.
What would happen today if all the scientists who are trying to come up with a medication to stop this virus stopped working because they didn't have the drive and ambition to continue to do what they've been trained to do all their life?
So, as long as I have a breath in my soul, my strategy is to always keep my motor running and put it into drive, which will allow me the privilege to continue to perform.

Thank you, Warren Schein!, 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 8th friend in your friend's list and call them! We're ALL in this together! Till tomorrow...