CYNTHIA CRANE, THE TONICS, HOLE-AMATIC...AND MORE!

CYNTHIA CRANE, a cabaret singer and Greenwich Village fixture of sorts, has a show scheduled for next month titled “John Denver, Bernie Madoff and Me.”


What she and John Denver, or more literally Mr. Denver’s estate, have in common is that they were both fleeced by Mr. Madoff.
As a result, Ms. Crane and her husband, Ted Story, a playwright, have had to put their five-story town house on West 11th Street, near Greenwich Avenue, up for sale.
“It’s like cutting off my arm to save my life,” the 73-year-old chanteuse said. The couple have lived in the 1855 house for 40 years.
They rent out four market-rate apartments on the top two floors. Their home, a quirky space, has a spectacular living room with double-height ceilings and a wall of glass that looks out onto a landscaped garden with a rocky waterfall and an aviary.
They’re selling because they can no longer afford a $2 million mortgage they took out on the house as a means of helping one of their two daughters build her home in the East Village.
They’ve already sold an apartment they owned in Paris to help pay their bills.
“We were with Madoff for over 30 years and we never got such returns that were ridiculous,” Ms. Crane said, “and the day he was arrested, we were all struck down.
The only thing that comforts me is we were not alone.”

Every nook and cranny inside the house has been filled with a life memory: an Al Hirschfeld drawing of Ms. Crane; a two-story flag from the Impossible Ragtime Theater, which the couple ran together in the 1970s; and artwork collected from around the world.
“Our tastes are eclectic,” Ms. Crane said. “We like oddball stuff.”

The uniqueness of the space has most likely made it a tougher sell. They first put the town house on the market last February for $8.995 million, and have now relisted it with Anne J. Marseille and Barbara Godson, agents at Halstead Property, for $7.995 million. “No one wants to be a landlord and everybody wants to renovate,” Ms. Crane said.
“But I believe we will sell this to the right person.”

E-mail: bigdeal@nytimes.com (SOURCE: NY TIMES)

THE TONICS are back!

After 15 years, The Tonics return to NYC for two shows only

THIS SUNDAY (Feb 28) and March 8* 7:00 pm each night
$25 cover + 2 drink min.


Join Cortes, Gene, Michael and (newbie) Kathie as they return to their
"home".
From Sondheim..to Stevie Wonder- better than evah!!!!

Tickets at www.joespub.com or 212 967-7555 for tickets.
For a table reservation, call 212 539-8778

*benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids
Hello valentine survivors! And happy Year of the Tiger (...happy thrill of
the fight...)

A few quick news items & then you're back to your day:
1. GH: HOLE-O-MATIC 2010 returns to The Duplex this SATURDAY 2/27 AT 7:30PM.
New medleys, old trivia, cool prizes, strong drinks, and nice reliable heat
so don't fear coming out of the house. More deets and reservation link
below - come play with us.

Their big ticket giveaway was pretty popular with repeat offenders and newbies
alike last run, so they're gonna do it again this time around! (I won two tickets to A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC!)



The lucky winner gets 2 tickets to either Hair, Jersey Boys, Rock of Ages,
or A Little Night Music on Broadway - winners choice - seriously, they get
to pick!

And if you win and don't happen to live in or around NYC, no sweat
- we'll find a way to send you to something cool where you do live, so it's
still a helluva good prize. So there.
3. They completely appreciate all that go to their shows, and they back that up
from their hearts to your wallets - for shows this run, use code GHTIGER when
reserving or when you check in at the door, and everyone in your party saves
$5 off their cover charge.
Stay warm & well - really hope to see you at a show!

http://www.holeomatic.com

http://www.theduplex.com/webcalendar/month.php


HOLE-O-MATIC 2010
..the "you pick 'em" random pop show!

SATURDAYS at 7:30pm
FEBRUARY 27TH THRU APRIL 3RD
Upstairs at The Duplex
Christopher St. & 7th Ave. NYC
Doors open 7pm - dress casual - credit cards welcome
Reservations strongly suggested:

http://www.theduplex.com/webcalendar/month.php

- One guy
- One girl
- One guitar
- And one big set where you pick the hits from the Œ70s/Œ80s, their own
songs, mash-ups & medleys, and beyond!

³Ferociously talented & completely irreverent ­ AN ABSOLUTE MUST SEE!"
- Next Magazine



Vox Femina of Los Angeles
presents
Sister, My Sister
ONE NIGHT ONLY! www.voxfeminala.org/season.htm

WHEN: Saturday, March 20th, 2010 at 8:00pm
WHERE: Zipper Concert Hall, Colburn School of Music
200 S. Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA



TICKETS: $25 in advance ($30 at the door) by calling
310-922-0025 or at www.voxfeminala.org
or via E.mail at vfla@voxfeminala.org
Vox celebrates the depth, beauty and strength of our community of women in
a concert. The history of women, always in sisterhood, through many struggles and
joys, is reflected in music. Sister, My Sister explores women's history and music by
linking our audience to the generations of women who've gone triumphantly before us.
Starting as far back as the middle ages with Hildegard von Bingen, and moving
through the centuries, we'll hear from Clara Shuman, Sojournor Truth, Maya Angelou
and Cris Williamson.
The highlight of the concert will be a newly commissioned work
entitled “Healy Madrigals” by Roger Bourland featuring the poignant musings of Los
Angeles based poet Eloise Klein Healy.
Repertoire will also include the music of
Faustina Hasse Hodges, Beethoven, Coco's Lunch, Ysaye Barnwell, Rosephanye Powell
and others. The audience will feel the strength of the women's community and Vox
will truly “give women voice.”



Vox Femina Los Angeles, is a women's choral ensemble dedicated to the
performance of quality choral literature with an emphasis on music by women
composers.
Choral singing is one of the oldest performance arts in existence, but
Vox is excited to perform new works and accept new challenges for themselves and for
the audience. Dr. Iris S. Levine founded Vox in 1997. In the past 12 years, Vox
has established itself as one of the preeminent women's choruses in the United
States with a demonstrated ability to perform highly eclectic repertoire, some of
which can be heard on several recordings.
It has actively fulfilled its goals
through an exciting schedule of performances, touring and educational outreach. Vox
Los Angeles is funded through grants and private donations.

For your enjoyment, Michael Walters!




Award winning Writer, Hilliard Guess, proves he is equally as talented as a Director
and Executive Producer with the debute of the theatrical short film "Troublesome" at
the Renberg Theatre on Wednesday, February 17th, 2010.

"With the destruction of
jobs after the WGA strike, I took an active position in my life," recalls Guess.

"I'd proven myself as a writer and developed "Troublesome" as a project for me to
produce and direct."

The Hilldog Productions film starring stage and screen veteran Gordon Thomson as Dr.
Ross and Kareem Grimes as Rap super star Kritikal were very well received by
audience members which included Alison Arngrim (Little House on the Prairie),
Channing Chase (Mad Men), Romi Dames (Hanna Montana), and Kate Linder (The Young &
the Restless) among others.
The storyline takes its characters and patrons on a rather fast paced emotional ride
considering it takes place on board a stranded subway car with no promise of rescue.
"There's a reason I chose a subway as our one and only location," says Guess. "It's
contained, confining and worst of all ... Dark!" With Oxygen fading and tensions
rising, confrontations lead to confessions and ultimately discovery in this well
written and performed tribute to what can be accomplished with a low budget, when
you have both talent and dedication to produce excellence. The cast is complimented
by the work of director of photography, John Savedra and a remarkable musical score
that included "My Life's Kritikal," produced by Mike Greene with Lyrics by Dert
Julian and performed by Kareem Grimes. "Troublesome" should be submitted for
consideration as a Best Short Film Live Action for the 2011 Academy Awards.

Check out www.hilldogproductions.com/troublesome.htm for more information.

Meet Sappho, Michelangelo, Oscar Wilde, Gertrude Stein, Sylvia Rivera and
Ellen DeGeneres. One day, they decided to make history.
"Part history lesson, part musical, part politics and ALL ENTERTAINMENT!"
SAN DIEGO DAILY TRANSCRIPT


GetJaded.com and The Rose Theatre Company are proud to present:


ICONS
The Lesbian and Gay History of the World, Vol. 1
Written and performed by JADE ESTEBAN ESTRADA

As seen on Comedy Central and Bravo TV
Directed by Jeff Wills
Additional musical arrangements by Tracy Stark
Costumes by Aliza Washabaugh

IN CELEBRATION OF BRITISH LGBT HISTORY MONTH 2010
8:00 P.M.
Thursday
March 4, 2010
$15
The Rose Theatre Company
11838 Wurzbach Road @ Lockhill-Selma
San Antonio, TEXAS
78230
210-360-0004
_http://www.therosetheatreco.com_ (http://www.therosetheatreco.com/)

Show duration is 70 minutes without intermission
Appropriate for ages 13 and up
Wheelchair accessible


For more information visit:
_www.getjaded.com _ (http://www.chilatcenter.wsu.edu/semana/calendar.html)
_www.facebook.com/jadeestebanestrada_
(http://www.facebook.com/jadeestebanestrada)
www.twitter.com/getjaded_ (http://www.twitter.com/getjaded)
Comedy Central star Jade Esteban Estrada will present his solo musical
ICONS: The Lesbian and Gay History of the World, Vol. 1 at The Rose Theatre
February 25, 2010. Photo by CHRISTINE CAIN-WEIDNER


"Jade Esteban Estrada is a brilliant young writer and performer. It was an
honor to experience the ministry of this modern pioneer of the gay
movement."
Rev. Troy Perry
Founder of the Worldwide Metropolitan Community Church
About ICONS:
Beauty. Art. Flamboyance. Love. Struggle. Fame. Meet Sappho, Michelangelo,
Oscar Wilde, Gertrude Stein, Sylvia Rivera and Ellen DeGeneres. One day,
they decided to make history. ICONS: The Lesbian and Gay History of the
World, Vol. 1 is a “hilarious” solo musical written and performed by Jade
Esteban Estrada. The show debuted at the 2002 Columbus National Gay and Lesbian
Theatre Festival.

About Jade Esteban Estrada:
Formally choreographer to Latin diva Charo and a scratch vocalist to the
Back Street Boys, Jade Esteban Estrada is a graduate of the American Musical
and Dramatic Academy and has been called "the first gay Latin star" by The
Advocate. The actor, singer, choreographer, composer and writer has
appeared on PBS, FX, Comedy Central and hosted the 19th Annual South Florida
GLAAD Media Awards on Bravo TV.
His thirteen
solo theatre shows include: "ICONS: The Lesbian and Gay History of the World,
Vol. 1-4," "TransWorld! The Transgender History of the World," "Gay
Christian, Gay Muslim, Gay Jew," "Tortilla Heaven," and "Pico de Gallo." In
October 2006, Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher awarded him the title of "Kentucky
Colonel" for his work promoting goodwill and fellowship around the world.

Other colonels include Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan, Johnny Depp, Mae
West, Joan Crawford and Pope John Paul II. He also lent his golden voice to
the "Being Out Rocks" CD compilation for the Human Rights Campaign. For
more information visit _www.getjaded.com_ (http://www.getjaded.com/) .
"Funny and irreverent...a feel-good session for gay people."
DALLAS MORNING NEWS

"Long before Estrada wraps himself with a rainbow-colored flag at the
show's end, he's proven that he's a master entertainer with a message to
convey."
RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH

"Without a doubt, the best entertainment dollars I spent this year went to
ICONS: The Lesbian and Gay History of the World, Vol. 1 with Jade Esteban
Estrada."
TAMPA BAY GAZETTE

"Catch ICONS as soon as you can, or you will surely live to regret it."
CURVE MAGAZINE


"Estrada is a drama queen with a lesson plan."
KNOXVILLE METRO PULSE

"Estrada's bug-eyed portrayal of Gertrude Stein is brilliant."
STYLE WEEKLY
Pick up the ANGEL CD today!
_http://www.cdbaby.com/jadeestrada_ (http://www.cdbaby.com/jadeestrada)


The Magic Castle®
and
Cabaret at the Castle™
Proudly Presents
Shelly Goldstein
In
ONE FINE DAY:
The Groovy Girls of the 60's

Musical Direction by Scott Harlan


WHAT: The “Kitten With a Quip” Shelly Goldstein's ONE FINE DAY: THE GROOVY GIRLS OF THE 60s is a celebration of the extraordinary women whose style, music and lyrics
revolutionized an era.
The show features the songs of such 60s icons as Dusty
Springfield, Carole King, Laura Nyro, Mama Cass Elliot, Carly Simon, Lesley Gore,
Nancy Sinatra, Lulu mixed with a dash of 60s Broadway as well as some of Shelly's
own inimitable comic lyrics, including her youtube hit: “The Middle Age of
Aquarius”. Go-go
boots and love beads welcome!

WHEN: Sunday, April 18th 2010 - Doors 7pm - Show 8pm
WHERE: The Inner Circle at the Magic Castle, 7001 Franklin Ave., Hollywood, CA 90028
TICKETS: $20 for non-members, Call 323-851-3313 x434

Shelly Goldstein is a Hollywood screenwriter and producer who is also a
gifted comic as well as one of the most sought after and popular cabaret singers
from London to Los Angeles. Her theme is London in the swinging sixties and she
delivers a very funny depiction on how she imagines it was at the time, meeting The
Beatles and Yoko Ono, The Who etc. Although she was never there in sixties London,
she considers it her spiritual home.
Shelly also pays tribute to the songs of Carol King, Tony Hatch and Jackie Trent,
Tom Springfield et al, singers such as Mama Cass, Petula Clark, Lesley Gore and
Dusty Springfield, and songs including These Boots Are Made for Walking, One Fine
Day, Georgy Girl, Downtown, I Know a Place, Don't Sleep in the Subway, It's My
Party and Something Tells Me I'm Into Something Good. She also wittily rewrites
her favorite songs to suit her own views and something tells me that she has made
a very welcome return to the cabaret scene.
Ms. Goldstein is one of the busiest writers of awards shows in Hollywood, New York and the UK.
She frequently works punching up screenplays and writing special
material, comedy and song lyrics for performers. Shelly has doctored scripts or
written special material for such artists as Steve Martin, Sharon Stone, Cybill
Shepherd, Liza Minnelli to Donald Trump, James Earl Jones, Eva Longoria, Whoopi
Goldberg as well as Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Norman Lear and even Princess
Caroline of Monaco and Yoko Ono.
The Magic Castle is the world's most famous club for magicians and magic
enthusiasts and home to The Academy of Magical Arts, Inc. The Magic Castle is the
showplace for some of the greatest magicians from around the globe. The
magnificent Hollywood landmark known today as the Magic Castle recently celebrated
in centennial.


The Magic Castle® and Cabaret at the Castle™
Proudly Presents
An Evening with
Lee Roy Reams

“The Producers” “Beauty and the Beast”
“La Cage aux Folles” “Applause”
Tony-nominated performance in
“42nd Street”


The Magic Castle offers yet another great Broadway star to the stage of
Cabaret at the Castle with Lee Roy Reams. The man who columnist Liz Smith called
"Broadway's Darling" and the New York Times hailed as "Broadway's song and dance man
nonpareil" is scheduled to appear for one night only. A portion of the proceeds
will benefit the Sealed With A Wish Foundation, Inc. www.sealedwithawish.org

Tuesday, April 13th 2010 - Doors 7pm - Show 8pm

WHERE: The Inner Circle at the Magic Castle, 7001 Franklin Ave., Hollywood, CA 90028

$35 for reserved tables $30 for non-members, Call 323-851-3313 x434

With one of the greatest pedigrees in Broadway history, Lee Roy Reams won
critical acclaim as Roger DeBris in the First National Tour of Mel Brooks' musical
hit, The Producers as well as Lumiere in Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Albin/ZaZa
in La Cage Aux Folles, Cornelius Hackl in Hello Dolly! & Henry Spofford in Lorelei
(both starring Carol Channing), Duane Fox in Applause starring Lauren Bacall, Will
Parker in Richard Rodgers' revival of Oklahoma! Bob Fosse's Sweet Charity starring
Gwen Verdon, and An Evening With Jerry Herman. His regional theatre roles include
Captain Hook in Peter Pan, Toddy in Victor/Victoria, Alfred P. Doolittle in My Fair
Lady, and Phil Davis in White Christmas.__On Broadway, he directed Hello, Dolly!
(Tony Nomination/Best Revival) and An Evening With Jerry Herman. He also directed
Anything Goes starring Chita Rivera and productions of Hello, Dolly! starring
Madeline Kahn, JoAnne Worley, Michelle Lee, and Nicole Crosille in Paris. He is also
the resident director of Theatre Guild's Theatre at Sea whose stars include Patricia
Neal, Gena Rowlands, Rosemary Harris, Zoe Caldwell, Ed Asner, Cliff Robertson, Eli
Wallach, and Anne Jackson among others._ His television credits include: Jerry
Herman at the Hollywood Bowl (PBS and Bravo), Showboat (PBS), In Performance at the
White House (PBS), three Tony Award Shows, Night of 100 Stars II, and The Tonight
Show._Concerts and Cabaret have taken him to the White House and around the world:
Venice's Teatro La Fenice, Brazil's Manaus Opera House, The Istanbul Hilton, New
York's Carnegie Hall (New York Pops and Cincinnati Pops), New York's Town Hall,
Tennessee Williams Fine Arts Center, London's Palladium, Manhattan's Firebird Cafe,
and Rockefeller Center's Rainbow & Stars. He's had the honor of performing for four
U.S. Presidents: Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H. Bush and Bill Clinton.__
The Magic Castle is the world's most famous club for magicians and magic
enthusiasts and home to The Academy of Magical Arts, Inc. The Magic Castle is the
showplace for some of the greatest magicians from around the globe. The
magnificent Hollywood landmark known today as the Magic Castle recently celebrated
in centennial.
(Thank you Harlan Boll for info on Shelly Goldstein, Vox Femina, and Lee Roy Reams)


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

With grateful XOXOXs for your support!

Richard Skipper

Follow me on Twitter @RichardSkipper


HERE IS WHAT AUDIENCES ARE SAYING ABOUT MY WORK:
Last month at The Iguana was a total blast! So much talent there. For me it was a great mix of things. Singing and working with Barry Levitt and Saadi Zain, Rick De Kovessey (of course) was really delicious. (love playing with such good musicians). The audiance is so appreciative and all of us are having a ball all night. Richard and Dana are wonderfully gracious hosts, stunning to look at and incredibly talented. They are great singers and FUNNY!
Besides having a fabulous musical experience, I also had a reunion with my former roomate and good friend Jane Scheckter who sang fantastically. I found out that Jerry Wichinski and I went to tap school together waaaaay back when and we went thru a whole roster of friends. Jerry sang beautifully too. This is a very cool party, really lots of fun. Thanks Richard!
Jane Stuart:http://www.janestuartmusic.com


Thank you for another wonderful night, Richard! I think it was the best night so far. You an Dana were wonderful and charming as always.
Arianna, http://www.AriannaUSA.com



What a fantastic birthday/Valentine celebration of entertainment at The Iguana last night. Richard, you were true to form when Richie Eisenberg sang the song for you, "Sparkle" because you certainly do sparkle and lighten the room. Nice touches with the RED color theme and for sharing the birthday cake. Thanks again to you and Dana for being such fabulous hosts. You're very gracious to your performers and of course, the audience. I'm hooked and will return as often as I'm able.
Mary Lahti







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



Cover: $12 - no food or drink minimums – but remember – the food is great!
This is a nice night
out with the family!

For more info, please call 845-365-0720 or visit _www.RichardSkipper.com_
RESERVATIONS A MUST!!!!!!!!
212-765-5454. No one admitted before
7:30.











Feb 28
7-10:30pm
ETCETERA, ETCETERA, 352 West 44th St. NYC 10036
THE SALON HOSTED BY MARK JANAS
Richard Skipper will be Co-Hosting our "Pre-Oscar Party" Salon on February 28th with Dana Lorge as the Special Guest!

The Salon is an ongoing open entertainment event in which singers, writers and musicians share their talent with each other and audience members. We are currently enjoying our new venue, Etcetera, Etcetera where there is a $10 COVER (cash) AND a $10 FOOD/BEVERAGE MINIMUM (cash or credit). You may sign up to perform starting at 6:30 by seeing one the evening's 'Etceterettes' to fill out a card with your name, the name of your song, whether it's a ballad or an up tempo, (up tempos and comic songs are greatly encouraged!) and any upcoming events you'd like the co-host to announce. Please remember that we do not present performers in order of sign-up and, due to our time restraints and other variables, filling out a card does not guarantee you will perform, but we do our very best to get you up! It is usually a good idea to bring a few different song choices to avoid duplication. All types of material including spoken word are welcome at the Salon but please limit your selections to three or four minutes in length and please bring clear, complete charts for Mark to read. If you would like to add a (or remove your) name from our list, e-mail me at tanyamoberly@juno.com.


Mar 2
7pm
LAURIE BEECHMAN THEATRE, 407 W. 42nd St., New York, NY
MARCH IS CABARET MONTH GALA
Richard Skipper hosts Cabaret Hotline's THIRD ANNUAL MARCH IS CABARET MONTH GALA. With the support of performers, venues and cabaret organizations around the world, Cabaret Hotline is leading the charge to make the public more "cabaret aware" during the month of March. The New York Gala is the premiere event of the annual celebration promoting the art and the artists of cabaret. This year's Gala will pay special tribute to today's composers writing the music we love to hear in the world of cabaret. Tickets are just $25 and will be available on-line only through the Cabaret Hotline website at http://www.svhamstra.com/index.shtml.Several new performers have been added to the show: Brian Lane Green (The Life, Starmites, Big River); Jenny Powers (Grease, Little Women, Follies, Happiness); Becca Johnson Southworth (The After Party); Raisa Katona Bennett (Phanton Of The Opera); Liz Callaway (Baby, Cats, Miss Saigon, The Three Musketeers, The Look Of Love, Merrily We Roll Along, The Spitfire Grill); and Faith Prince (Guys And Dolls, A Catered Affair, Bells Are Ringing, Little Me, The King And I, Little Mermaid). This is in addition to the fantastic and talented songwriters will take part in the show, including David Friedman, John Bucchino, Amanda McBroom and Alex Rybeck (Alex will also be serving as musical director for the event).


Mar 3
8pm
IGUANA VIP LOUNGE, 240 West 54th Street, NYC
WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT THE IGUANA

Bill Zeffiro on keyboard & Saadi Zain on bass.
Tonight's guests include: Vickie Burns, Elli: The King of Broadway, Food of Love (featuring Alex Elias, Richard Marshall, and Woody Regan), Danielle Grabianowski, Gregory Nalbone, Rich Siegel ...
...and a few other surprises as well! $12.00 Music Charge/No food or drink minimum!
Reservations a must (212) 765-5454


March 3rd: Danielle Grabianowski

March 10th: David Alpher & Jenny Litt, Louise Quick (pictured), Nicholas Tamagna, Pam Tate, Maureen Taylor.
And I'm doing a duet with the incredible David Vernon!

March 17th: Bending Threads and Cindy Marchionda returns along with Sally Swallow!

March 24th, Jackie Draper Julie Reyburn, and Diana Templeton returns!


March 31st: Frank Basile returns


April 7th: Esther Beckman Group, Sina Lewis, RJ Shaw, Susan Winter


April 14th: George Stella returns!


April 21st: Henry Dee, Rita Ellis Hammer, Susan Eichhorn Young

April 28th: Kecia Craig and Frank Stern!



May 5th: Anton Van Der Merwe


May 19th: Michelle Collier, Barbara Gurskey

TILL NEXT MONTH...HERE'S TO A MUSICAL MARCH!