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City, State: Durham, North Carolina Comments: As a member of the cast and a stage manager of the original production of "Hello, Dolly!" in 1964, I had the pleasure of working with Carol Channing for two years. Under these circumstances one gets to know a person quite well, personally and professionally. Recently, moderating a panel of dancers and choreographers who worked with Gower Champion, I had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Richard Skipper who does a tribute to Carol Channing. His "Carol" is nothing short of amazing... accurate, respectful and loving of Carol...whom, I understand, has given Richard her endorsement of his characterization of her. Richard's show as Carol is a delight...warm, fun and a must-see. David Hartman
City, State: New York, NY Website: dancersover40.org Comments: Richard, Thank you so much for making our Dancers Over 40 event honoring the Dancers and Creative Talents of Gower Champion such a success on March 31st, 2008. You were phenominal, and of course, you fit in so well with the dancers, and knew every crevice of information on the Gower shows in which our dancers performed. Your camaraderie with host David Hartman was precious, your ad libs and bon mots right on. And you gave our dancers an opportunity to shine behind (and in front of) you in "Before the Parade Passes By." They had a ball. The audience went crazy. It simply wouldn't have been the same event without you! You're a "real" gem (not just like those phony zirconias you hand out!). You are welcome at all our events -- and thanks again for posting our DO40 information on your site. Your audience is certainly copacetic with ours! Sincerely, John Sefakis President, Dancers Over 40
City, State: New York, NY Comments: Richard Skipper is a WOW! He was kind enough to come to a meeting of the Dutch Treat Club -- a century-old luncheon organization -- as our April Fool's Day gift to our members. We didn't let on, at first, that our guest was NOT Carol Channing, and his entrance, in full regalia, had our members' laughing and their eyes popping. His singing, his on-the-spot delightful, kind comedy, and his table-hopping and mingling with the members -- all gave us a most entertaining and warm-hearted luncheon. What's more, behind-the-scenes, his thorough professionalism and attention to detail were most appreciated by me, as Entertainment Chairman of the club, and to all who had the pleasure of working with him. Warmest thanks for being with us. We want him back soon again -- no matter what dress he wears! Peter Haas
City, State: Stamford, CT. Comments: My friend gave herself a 60th birthday party at no less than the Stamford Center for the Arts...and Richard was the headliner performer at this event. So, what does he do... He does the most incredible (and only performer who is personally authorized by Miss Channing to do so) cabaret act as Carol Channing. It is not a spoof, it is not an act that in any way trashes Carol, it is just Carol. His makeup, affectations, the voice are Carol. At a late point in the act.....Carol says...."Now, we are going to become a little patriotic....and sing the national anthem...."...and then she breaks into a full blown singing of...."Diamonds are A Girl's Best Friend." The "house" went wild! He is witty and tells the story of Carol's life and everyone (and I watched the faces of this multi aged audience carefully) just ate it up and loved every minute! She sends some of her glistening glittery rings into the audience. I caught two and when I spoke with him a few months later about the possibility of appearing somewhere...I told him I caught two of Carol's rings....and he promptly cautioned..."well, don't bother to get them appraised." But, Richard is a gifted singer, has won many awards, is very community oriented and of course, it is the most terrific performance. When it is over--every member of the audience was joyful.The act is a knockout! Claire Nathan
City, State: NYC Comments: I just so enjoyed being on stage with Richard Skipper for the DANCERS OVER 40 TRIBUTE TO GOWER CHAMPION. He was so natural, warm, funny and so spontaneous and so into Carol's humour. I rather missed him the next day. Richard is not a caricature, which is great. What a terrific addition to our Gower show. Hope to see him soon again Love, Nicole Barth (original cast of HELLO, DOLLY!) |
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