July 30, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cast Announced for ReVision Theatre’s Production of
HAIR
The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical
At the CAROUSEL on the Boardwalk in Asbury Park
Andy Goldberg (The Bomb-itty of Errors) Directs
Scoop Slone (Lead singer of rock band Maslow) stars
Asbury Park, New Jersey -- Scoop Slone, the lead singer of the rock band Maslow, will perform the role of Berger in ReVision Theatre’s upcoming production of Hair, The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical at the Carousel on the Boardwalk in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The show will run August 15th to the 31st (Thursdays and Fridays at 8 pm, Saturdays at 7 pm & 10:30 pm, and Sundays at 7pm) with additional late night performances on Saturday evenings at 10:30 pm.
Directed by Andy Goldberg (The Bomb-itty of Errors, Nerds, and West End’s Daddy Cool), the performance features choreography by Elisabetta Spuria and musical direction by Andy Hertz.
The cast includes Casey Gensler (Claude), Ephie Aardema (Sheila), Julia Arazi (Jeanie), Mike Russo (Woof), Marah Meese (Crissy), and Kyle Taylor Parker (Hud). The production also features tribe members Keith Antone, Joy Caldwell, Steven Charles, Martin Gould Cummings, Spiro Galiatsatos, Deidra Grace, Iliana Inocencio, Britt Johnson, Hannah Shankman, and Anita Welch.
The design team comprises Russel Schramm (set designer), Dawn von Suskil (associate set designer), George Hansel (lighting designer), Simon Ghezzi (sound designer), and Steven Epstein (costume designer).
The newly restored historic Carousel on the Boardwalk is located at 700 Ocean Avenue in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Tickets, priced $35, are available by visiting www.ReVisionTheatre.org or by calling (732) 455-3059. The show will contain nudity and strong language.
Hair, The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical is a rock musical with book and lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragni and music by Galt MacDermot. A product of the hippie counter-culture and sexual revolution of the 1960s, several of its songs became anthems of the anti-Vietnam War peace movement which include: “Aquarius,” the title song “Hair,” “Easy To Be Hard,” “Good Morning Starshine,” and “Let The Sunshine In”. The musical's profanity, its depiction of the use of illegal drugs, its treatment of sexuality, its irreverence for the American flag, and its nude scene caused much comment and controversy. The musical broke new ground in musical theatre by defining the genre of the "rock musical", utilizing a racially-integrated cast and inviting the audience onstage for a "Be-in" finale.
Hair tells the story of the "tribe", a group of politically active, long-haired "Hippies of the Age of Aquarius" fighting against conscription to the Vietnam War and living a bohemian life together in New York City. They struggle to balance their young lives, loves and the sexual revolution with their pacifist rebellion against the war and the conservative impulses of their parents and society.
After an Off-Broadway debut in October 1967 at Joseph Papp's Public Theater and another run in a midtown discothèque space, the show opened on Broadway in April 1968 and ran for 1,750 performances, followed by a successful London production, which ran for 1,997 performances. Numerous productions have been staged around the world since then, and numerous recordings of the musical have been released. Several of the songs from its score became Top 40 hits, and a successful movie adaptation was released in 1979.
ReVision Theatre is a non-profit 501(c)3 professional regional theatre company dedicated to producing invigorating theatre with a fresh new perspective reaching the diverse community of Asbury Park and Monmouth County. ReVision Theatre produces reinventions of previously produced classics, overlooked or forgotten work in a new way, and new work with a fresh voice. The company serves as a home for local artists and writers. ReVision Theatre also believes in the importance of theatre education and teaches children and adult theatre classes. ReVision Theatre produces readings, workshops, cabarets, concerts, and mainstage productions.
Visit www.RevisionTheatre.org or call 732-455-3059 for tickets or for more information.
CONTACT: Stephen Bishop Seely
Stephen@ReVisionTheatre.org
732-455-3059
Fast Facts:
Who: ReVision Theatre
David E. Leidholdt, Thomas Morrissey, and Stephen Bishop Seely
Producing Artistic Directors
PO BOX 973, Asbury Park, New Jersey 07712
What: HAIR, The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical
Book and Lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragni
Music by Galt MacDermot.
Directed by Andy Goldberg
Choreographed by Elisabetta Spuria
Scenic Design by Russel Schramm
Associate Scenic Design by Dawn von Suskil
Lighting Design by George Hansel
Sound Design by Simon Ghezzi
Cast includes Scoop Slone (Berger), Casey Gensler (Claude), Ephie Aardema (Sheila),
Julia Arazi (Jeanie), Mike Russo (Woof), Marah Meese (Crissy), Kyle Taylor Parker (Hud).
Keith Antone, Joy Caldwell, Steven Charles, Martin Gould Cummings, Spiro Galiatsatos,
Deidra Grace, Iliana Inocencio, Britt Johnson, Hannah Shankman, and Anita Welch.
Where: The Carousel on the Boardwalk in Asbury Park, New Jersey
700 Ocean Avenue at Asbury Avenue
Asbury Park, New Jersey 07712
When: Opens Friday, August 15 thru Sunday, August 31
Performances Thursdays & Fridays at 8pm
Saturdays at 7 & 10:30pm
Sundays at 7pm
How: All tickets are $35.
Buy tickets online at www.ReVisionTheatre.org
Or call 732-455-3059.
Limited seating is available.
Contains Nudity & Strong Language
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
PRESS RELEASE HAIR opens August 15th at the Carousel on the Boardwalk in Asbury Park, NJ
July 16, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tickets on Sale Now!
HAIR
The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical
At the CAROUSEL on the Boardwalk in Asbury Park
Andy Goldberg (The Bomb-itty of Errors) Directs
Asbury Park, NJ – The newly restored historic Carousel House on the Boardwalk in Asbury Park comes alive again with the American Tribal Love-Rock Musical, HAIR. David Leidholdt, one of the producing artistic directors reminds us “The ReVision Theatre is known for its ‘not-what you-expect’ productions and our HAIR will do the same. While at the same time it promises to retain all the vibrancy, excitement, and immediacy that made the original Broadway production a hit. This will be the first time that the Carousel Building will be utilized since its restoration and we will use its unique characteristics to the fullest. Our plans include creating a very unconventional performance space that will envelop the audience.” The cast will include professionals from both New York and the local area. “This will be an event not to be missed,” adds Mr. Leidholdt.
Tickets on sale now! Performances begin Friday, August 15 and runs through August 31 (Thursdays (8:00 pm), Fridays (8:00 pm), 2 show Saturdays (7:00 pm & 10:30 pm), and Sunday (7:00 pm)). Tickets are available online now at www.ReVisionTheatre.org or by calling 732-455-3059. All tickets are $35.00. Seating is limited.
Hair, The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical is a rock musical with book and lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragni and music by Galt MacDermot. A product of the hippie counter-culture and sexual revolution of the 1960s, several of its songs became anthems of the anti-Vietnam War peace movement which include: “Aquarius,” the title song “Hair,” “Easy To Be Hard,” “Good Morning Starshine,” and “Let The Sunshine In”. The musical's profanity, its depiction of the use of illegal drugs, its treatment of sexuality, its irreverence for the American flag, and its nude scene caused much comment and controversy. The musical broke new ground in musical theatre by defining the genre of the "rock musical", utilizing a racially-integrated cast and inviting the audience onstage for a "Be-in" finale.
Hair tells the story of the "tribe", a group of politically active, long-haired "Hippies of the Age of Aquarius" fighting against conscription to the Vietnam War and living a bohemian life together in New York City. They struggle to balance their young lives, loves and the sexual revolution with their pacifist rebellion against the war and the conservative impulses of their parents and society.
After an Off-Broadway debut in October 1967 at Joseph Papp's Public Theater and another run in a midtown discothèque space, the show opened on Broadway in April 1968 and ran for 1,750 performances, followed by a successful London production, which ran for 1,997 performances. Numerous productions have been staged around the world since then, and numerous recordings of the musical have been released. Several of the songs from its score became Top 40 hits, and a successful movie adaptation was released in 1979.
The Revision Theatre’s production will be directed by Andy Goldberg. Mr. Goldberg’s credits include the critically acclaimed The Bomb-itty of Errors (Off-Broadway), Love Sucks (NYMF), Nerds (NYMF), and Romeo and Juliet (American Stage). Russ Schramm (Scenic Designer), Dawn von Suskil (Associate Scenic Designer), and George Hansel (Lighting Designer) round out the creative team.
ReVision Theatre is a non-profit 501(c)3 professional regional theatre company dedicated to producing invigorating theatre with a fresh new perspective reaching the diverse community of Asbury Park and Monmouth County. ReVision Theatre produces reinventions of previously produced classics, overlooked or forgotten work in a new way, and new work with a fresh voice. The company serves as a home for local artists and writers. ReVision Theatre also believes in the importance of theatre education and teaches children and adult theatre classes. ReVision Theatre produces readings, workshops, cabarets, concerts, and mainstage productions.
Visit www.RevisionTheatre.org or call 732-455-3059 for tickets or for more information.
CONTACT: Stephen Bishop Seely
Stephen@ReVisionTheatre.org 732-455-3059
Fast Facts:
Who:
ReVision Theatre
David E. Leidholdt, Thomas Morrissey, and Stephen Bishop Seely
Producing Artistic Directors
PO BOX 973
Asbury Park, New Jersey 07712
What:
HAIR, The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical
Book and Lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragni
Music by Galt MacDermot.
Directed by Andy Goldberg
Scenic Design by Russ Schramm
Associate Scenic Design by Dawn von Suskil
Lighting Design by George Hansel
Where:
The Carousel on the Boardwalk in Asbury Park, NJ
700 Ocean Avenue at Asbury Avenue
Asbury Park, New Jersey 07712
When:
Opens Friday, August 15
Thru Sunday, August 31
Performances Thursdays & Fridays at 8 pm
Saturdays at 7 & 10:30pm
Sundays at 7 pm
How:
All tickets are $35.
Buy tickets online at www.ReVisionTheatre.org
Or call 732-455-3059.
Limited seating is available.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tickets on Sale Now!
HAIR
The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical
At the CAROUSEL on the Boardwalk in Asbury Park
Andy Goldberg (The Bomb-itty of Errors) Directs
Asbury Park, NJ – The newly restored historic Carousel House on the Boardwalk in Asbury Park comes alive again with the American Tribal Love-Rock Musical, HAIR. David Leidholdt, one of the producing artistic directors reminds us “The ReVision Theatre is known for its ‘not-what you-expect’ productions and our HAIR will do the same. While at the same time it promises to retain all the vibrancy, excitement, and immediacy that made the original Broadway production a hit. This will be the first time that the Carousel Building will be utilized since its restoration and we will use its unique characteristics to the fullest. Our plans include creating a very unconventional performance space that will envelop the audience.” The cast will include professionals from both New York and the local area. “This will be an event not to be missed,” adds Mr. Leidholdt.
Tickets on sale now! Performances begin Friday, August 15 and runs through August 31 (Thursdays (8:00 pm), Fridays (8:00 pm), 2 show Saturdays (7:00 pm & 10:30 pm), and Sunday (7:00 pm)). Tickets are available online now at www.ReVisionTheatre.org or by calling 732-455-3059. All tickets are $35.00. Seating is limited.
Hair, The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical is a rock musical with book and lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragni and music by Galt MacDermot. A product of the hippie counter-culture and sexual revolution of the 1960s, several of its songs became anthems of the anti-Vietnam War peace movement which include: “Aquarius,” the title song “Hair,” “Easy To Be Hard,” “Good Morning Starshine,” and “Let The Sunshine In”. The musical's profanity, its depiction of the use of illegal drugs, its treatment of sexuality, its irreverence for the American flag, and its nude scene caused much comment and controversy. The musical broke new ground in musical theatre by defining the genre of the "rock musical", utilizing a racially-integrated cast and inviting the audience onstage for a "Be-in" finale.
Hair tells the story of the "tribe", a group of politically active, long-haired "Hippies of the Age of Aquarius" fighting against conscription to the Vietnam War and living a bohemian life together in New York City. They struggle to balance their young lives, loves and the sexual revolution with their pacifist rebellion against the war and the conservative impulses of their parents and society.
After an Off-Broadway debut in October 1967 at Joseph Papp's Public Theater and another run in a midtown discothèque space, the show opened on Broadway in April 1968 and ran for 1,750 performances, followed by a successful London production, which ran for 1,997 performances. Numerous productions have been staged around the world since then, and numerous recordings of the musical have been released. Several of the songs from its score became Top 40 hits, and a successful movie adaptation was released in 1979.
The Revision Theatre’s production will be directed by Andy Goldberg. Mr. Goldberg’s credits include the critically acclaimed The Bomb-itty of Errors (Off-Broadway), Love Sucks (NYMF), Nerds (NYMF), and Romeo and Juliet (American Stage). Russ Schramm (Scenic Designer), Dawn von Suskil (Associate Scenic Designer), and George Hansel (Lighting Designer) round out the creative team.
ReVision Theatre is a non-profit 501(c)3 professional regional theatre company dedicated to producing invigorating theatre with a fresh new perspective reaching the diverse community of Asbury Park and Monmouth County. ReVision Theatre produces reinventions of previously produced classics, overlooked or forgotten work in a new way, and new work with a fresh voice. The company serves as a home for local artists and writers. ReVision Theatre also believes in the importance of theatre education and teaches children and adult theatre classes. ReVision Theatre produces readings, workshops, cabarets, concerts, and mainstage productions.
Visit www.RevisionTheatre.org or call 732-455-3059 for tickets or for more information.
CONTACT: Stephen Bishop Seely
Stephen@ReVisionTheatre.org 732-455-3059
Fast Facts:
Who:
ReVision Theatre
David E. Leidholdt, Thomas Morrissey, and Stephen Bishop Seely
Producing Artistic Directors
PO BOX 973
Asbury Park, New Jersey 07712
What:
HAIR, The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical
Book and Lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragni
Music by Galt MacDermot.
Directed by Andy Goldberg
Scenic Design by Russ Schramm
Associate Scenic Design by Dawn von Suskil
Lighting Design by George Hansel
Where:
The Carousel on the Boardwalk in Asbury Park, NJ
700 Ocean Avenue at Asbury Avenue
Asbury Park, New Jersey 07712
When:
Opens Friday, August 15
Thru Sunday, August 31
Performances Thursdays & Fridays at 8 pm
Saturdays at 7 & 10:30pm
Sundays at 7 pm
How:
All tickets are $35.
Buy tickets online at www.ReVisionTheatre.org
Or call 732-455-3059.
Limited seating is available.
Friday, June 13, 2008
This 'Dolly' isn't a clone, he's an admirer
Friday, June 13, 2008
BY PETER FILICHIA Star-Ledger Staff
NEW JERSEY STAGE
In a manner of speaking, Carol Channing is doing "Hello, Dolly!" one more time.
Only Richard Skipper will be standing in -- and singing and performing -- for her. Skipper is by trade a Carol Channing impersonator.
"Not a female impersonator," he emphasizes. "Not a drag queen," he insists. "I'm an actor who's not just playing Carol Channing, but Carol Channing as that meddlesome matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi in Jerry Herman's famous musical."
This one-night concert of "Hello, Dolly!" is a benefit for the ReVision Theatre of Asbury Park, a new professional company "dedicated to producing invigorating theater with a fresh new perspective." Having a man perform as Channing certainly supports the mission statement.
Skipper says that on Saturday night, he'll be "off-book" -- meaning he'll have memorized his lines and songs -- and so will his co-star, Charles Karel, who plays Horace Vandergelder (the object of Dolly's affection). Those portraying the other characters will carry their scripts on stage, where an orchestra will sit as well. Lest it all sound too Spartan, Skipper says "a generous choir and chorus of 125 voices" will back up the proceedings.
Though he lives in Sparkill, N.Y., Skipper grew up on a tobacco farm in Conway, N.C., to a father who was one of 10 children, and a mother who was the oldest of 16.
"And nobody in the whole family had a bit of interest in show business. I learned it all from watching variety shows on TV in the era when those were on," says the 47-year-old.
While he was in middle school, a local acting teacher gave him voice lessons in exchange for lawn work. At 13, Skipper made a vow that he'd move to New York in five years, and indeed did, on the fifth anniversary of the oath. Some stock jobs followed, though his friends constantly told him he should do something with his ability to mimic stars' voices.
"Bette Davis, Judy Garland, Lucille Ball and Phyllis Diller, among others," he says. "The one everyone seemed to like best, though, was Carol Channing. They liked that I wasn't making fun of her, but really wanted to sound like her."
So, reluctantly, Skipper acquired a wardrobe worthy of Channing, did meticulous research on her life, and forged an act.
When Channing was announced to perform at Carnegie Hall in 1994, a pianist friend of Skipper's said he was playing the after-party, and that Skipper should come dressed as Channing and meet his inspiration.
"I agonized on whether or not I should chance it," he says. "Then I finally decided I would. I figured, if she doesn't like what I'm doing, I'll never do it again."
He went to the party, approached her, and she asked balefully, "How long have you been impersonating me?" Says Skipper, "And when I said, 'Well, who says you're not impersonating me?' she screamed with delight. I knew at that moment I had her."
When Channing asked him about himself, Skipper stayed in character, and instead gave Channing's own biographical details, down to the name of a classmate she had in fourth grade. "That's when she said, 'Let me see you do your act,' and my pianist friend and I were ready."
Channing gave her blessing. "She told me that others she'd seen impersonate her had been nasty, mean and vicious. 'This,' she said, 'is a valentine.' And that's kept me going ever since."
Peter Filichia may be reached at pfilichia@starledger.com or (973) 392-5995.
BY PETER FILICHIA Star-Ledger Staff
NEW JERSEY STAGE
In a manner of speaking, Carol Channing is doing "Hello, Dolly!" one more time.
Only Richard Skipper will be standing in -- and singing and performing -- for her. Skipper is by trade a Carol Channing impersonator.
"Not a female impersonator," he emphasizes. "Not a drag queen," he insists. "I'm an actor who's not just playing Carol Channing, but Carol Channing as that meddlesome matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi in Jerry Herman's famous musical."
This one-night concert of "Hello, Dolly!" is a benefit for the ReVision Theatre of Asbury Park, a new professional company "dedicated to producing invigorating theater with a fresh new perspective." Having a man perform as Channing certainly supports the mission statement.
Skipper says that on Saturday night, he'll be "off-book" -- meaning he'll have memorized his lines and songs -- and so will his co-star, Charles Karel, who plays Horace Vandergelder (the object of Dolly's affection). Those portraying the other characters will carry their scripts on stage, where an orchestra will sit as well. Lest it all sound too Spartan, Skipper says "a generous choir and chorus of 125 voices" will back up the proceedings.
Though he lives in Sparkill, N.Y., Skipper grew up on a tobacco farm in Conway, N.C., to a father who was one of 10 children, and a mother who was the oldest of 16.
"And nobody in the whole family had a bit of interest in show business. I learned it all from watching variety shows on TV in the era when those were on," says the 47-year-old.
While he was in middle school, a local acting teacher gave him voice lessons in exchange for lawn work. At 13, Skipper made a vow that he'd move to New York in five years, and indeed did, on the fifth anniversary of the oath. Some stock jobs followed, though his friends constantly told him he should do something with his ability to mimic stars' voices.
"Bette Davis, Judy Garland, Lucille Ball and Phyllis Diller, among others," he says. "The one everyone seemed to like best, though, was Carol Channing. They liked that I wasn't making fun of her, but really wanted to sound like her."
So, reluctantly, Skipper acquired a wardrobe worthy of Channing, did meticulous research on her life, and forged an act.
When Channing was announced to perform at Carnegie Hall in 1994, a pianist friend of Skipper's said he was playing the after-party, and that Skipper should come dressed as Channing and meet his inspiration.
"I agonized on whether or not I should chance it," he says. "Then I finally decided I would. I figured, if she doesn't like what I'm doing, I'll never do it again."
He went to the party, approached her, and she asked balefully, "How long have you been impersonating me?" Says Skipper, "And when I said, 'Well, who says you're not impersonating me?' she screamed with delight. I knew at that moment I had her."
When Channing asked him about himself, Skipper stayed in character, and instead gave Channing's own biographical details, down to the name of a classmate she had in fourth grade. "That's when she said, 'Let me see you do your act,' and my pianist friend and I were ready."
Channing gave her blessing. "She told me that others she'd seen impersonate her had been nasty, mean and vicious. 'This,' she said, 'is a valentine.' And that's kept me going ever since."
Peter Filichia may be reached at pfilichia@starledger.com or (973) 392-5995.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
PLAYBILL ONLINE: Skipper, Karel, Cates, Weitzer and More to Star in Hello, Dolly! Benefit
Famed Carol Channing "tribute artist" Richard Skipper will star in a one-night-only benefit performance of Hello, Dolly! at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park, NJ.
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/118325.html
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/118325.html
Hello, Dolly! Benefit Cast Announced with Broadway Stars
June 3, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Broadway Stars among the Full Cast of
Richard Skipper as CAROL CHANNING IN
HELLO, DOLLY! Benefit
Saturday, June 14th at 8:00 PM
A Special One Night Benefit Performance at the Paramount Theatre
Asbury Park, NJ – The full cast and crew has been announced for ReVision Theatre’s one night only benefit production of Richard Skipper as Carol Channing in Hello, Dolly! at the Paramount Theatre on the evening of Saturday, June 14th at 8 pm. The production will be directed by Thomas Morrissey, choreographed by Connor Gallagher, and musical directed by John Fischer.
Richard Skipper, a tribute artist, will play Carol Channing in the title role of Dolly Levi Gallagher. This is the first time in the United States a man will be playing the lead role. Charles Karel (Milk and Honey, Dear World, & Zorba), who was in the original Broadway cast of Hello, Dolly!, will be playing Horace Vandergelder. Kristy Cates (Wicked, Jerry Springer) will be playing Irene Malloy. Jim Weitzer (Little Women, Phantom) and Chris Gunn (Little Women, Jerry Springer) will be taking on the roles of Cornelius Hackl and Barnaby Tucker, respectively. Minnie Fay will be played by Jenna Coker-Jones (Evil Dead The Musical). Anne Kissel (Ernestina), Jack Hallett (Rudolph), Hernando Umana (Ambrose), Brooke Wallace (Ermengarde), and Gary Mottola (Judge) round out the supporting roles.
The show will feature ten professional dancers and a singing ensemble of twenty-two. Hello, Dolly! will also feature a chorus of local talent from the Arcadian Chorale under the direction of Marina Alexander.
The production designers include Dawn von Suskil (Set Designer), George Hansel (Lighting Designer), and Linda Delaney (Costume Coordinator).
Tickets are available online now at http://www.revisiontheatre.org/ or by calling 732-455-3059. Tickets for Premium Seats are priced at $50.00. $25.00 and $15.00 seats are also available.
With music and lyrics by Jerry Herman and book by Michael Stewart, Hello Dolly! is one of the most popular musicals of all time. This touching musical is based on Thorton Wilder’s The Matchmaker and is about Dolly Levi who puts herself up as a candidate for marriage when she falls in love with a wealthy businessman, Horace Vandergelder. With unforgettable songs (Before the Parade Passes By, Put on Your Sunday Clothes, and Hello, Dolly!) and unforgettable dancing, this musical will be fun for the entire family. It ran on Broadway for 2,844 performances at the St. James Theatre with Carol Channing in the title role. Carol Channing went on to perform Dolly Levi for the next 30 years becoming a staple in American Musical Theatre.
Richard Skipper for more than a decade he has been paying tribute to Ms. Channing in a host of original shows which have been performed in New York and all over the world. Richard Skipper is a two-time winner of the MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabaret and Clubs) Award, a winner of the Back Stage Bistro Award for Outstanding Achievement in Impersonation, and the 2006 recipient of The IGCITA (International Guild of Celebrity and Tribute Artists) Clony Award for Outstanding Tribute to a Legend in Las Vegas. Other career highlights have included appearances at Carnegie Hall, long running engagements at Trump's Taj Mahal and The Hilton Hotel in Atlantic City, engagements at Casino Windsor and The Windsor Hilton Hotel in Windsor, Ontario, The Friars Club, the Russian Tea Room, Tavern on the Green, Le Cirque, and an appearance on Late Night with Conan O'Brien. Richard Skipper's work has been endorsed and supported by Carol Channing herself. Carol Channing wrote, “. . . the first time ever I have been shown with so much love, respect, and polish. Richard Skipper is a true musical comedy star! He is fabulous as me!”
This performance will benefit ReVision Theatre’s summer mainstage musical (which will be announced at the event).
ReVision Theatre is a non-profit 501(c)3 professional regional theatre company dedicated to producing invigorating theatre with a fresh new perspective reaching the diverse community of Asbury Park and Monmouth County. ReVision Theatre produces reinventions of previously produced classics, overlooked or forgotten work in a new way, and new work with a fresh voice. The company serves as a home for local artists and writers. ReVision Theatre also believes in the importance of theatre education and teaches children and adult theatre classes. ReVision Theatre produces readings, workshops, cabarets, concerts, and mainstage productions.
Visit http://www.revisiontheatre.org/ or http://www.richardskipper.com/ for tickets or for more information.
CONTACT: Stephen Bishop Seely
Stephen@ReVisionTheatre.org
732-455-3059
Fast Facts:
Who: ReVision Theatre
David E. Leidholdt, Thomas Morrissey, and Stephen Bishop Seely
Producing Artistic Directors
PO BOX 973
Asbury Park, New Jersey 07712
What: A One Night Only Benefit Performance of
Richard Skipper as
Carol Channing in
Hello, Dolly!
Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman
Book by Michael Stewart
Directed by Thomas Morrissey
Choreographed by Connor Gallagher
Cast to includes Charles Karel, Kristy Cates, Jim Weitzer, Chris Gunn, Jenna Coker-Jones, Anne Kissel, Brooke Wallace, Hernando Umana, Jack Hallett, and Gary Mottola
Where: The Paramount Theatre on the Boardwalk in Asbury Park
1300 Ocean Avenue
Asbury Park, New Jersey 07712
When: Saturday, June 14, 2008 at 8:00 PM
How: Buy tickets ($50, $25, and $15) online at http://www.revisiontheatre.org/
Or call 732-455-3059
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Broadway Stars among the Full Cast of
Richard Skipper as CAROL CHANNING IN
HELLO, DOLLY! Benefit
Saturday, June 14th at 8:00 PM
A Special One Night Benefit Performance at the Paramount Theatre
Asbury Park, NJ – The full cast and crew has been announced for ReVision Theatre’s one night only benefit production of Richard Skipper as Carol Channing in Hello, Dolly! at the Paramount Theatre on the evening of Saturday, June 14th at 8 pm. The production will be directed by Thomas Morrissey, choreographed by Connor Gallagher, and musical directed by John Fischer.
Richard Skipper, a tribute artist, will play Carol Channing in the title role of Dolly Levi Gallagher. This is the first time in the United States a man will be playing the lead role. Charles Karel (Milk and Honey, Dear World, & Zorba), who was in the original Broadway cast of Hello, Dolly!, will be playing Horace Vandergelder. Kristy Cates (Wicked, Jerry Springer) will be playing Irene Malloy. Jim Weitzer (Little Women, Phantom) and Chris Gunn (Little Women, Jerry Springer) will be taking on the roles of Cornelius Hackl and Barnaby Tucker, respectively. Minnie Fay will be played by Jenna Coker-Jones (Evil Dead The Musical). Anne Kissel (Ernestina), Jack Hallett (Rudolph), Hernando Umana (Ambrose), Brooke Wallace (Ermengarde), and Gary Mottola (Judge) round out the supporting roles.
The show will feature ten professional dancers and a singing ensemble of twenty-two. Hello, Dolly! will also feature a chorus of local talent from the Arcadian Chorale under the direction of Marina Alexander.
The production designers include Dawn von Suskil (Set Designer), George Hansel (Lighting Designer), and Linda Delaney (Costume Coordinator).
Tickets are available online now at http://www.revisiontheatre.org/ or by calling 732-455-3059. Tickets for Premium Seats are priced at $50.00. $25.00 and $15.00 seats are also available.
With music and lyrics by Jerry Herman and book by Michael Stewart, Hello Dolly! is one of the most popular musicals of all time. This touching musical is based on Thorton Wilder’s The Matchmaker and is about Dolly Levi who puts herself up as a candidate for marriage when she falls in love with a wealthy businessman, Horace Vandergelder. With unforgettable songs (Before the Parade Passes By, Put on Your Sunday Clothes, and Hello, Dolly!) and unforgettable dancing, this musical will be fun for the entire family. It ran on Broadway for 2,844 performances at the St. James Theatre with Carol Channing in the title role. Carol Channing went on to perform Dolly Levi for the next 30 years becoming a staple in American Musical Theatre.
Richard Skipper for more than a decade he has been paying tribute to Ms. Channing in a host of original shows which have been performed in New York and all over the world. Richard Skipper is a two-time winner of the MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabaret and Clubs) Award, a winner of the Back Stage Bistro Award for Outstanding Achievement in Impersonation, and the 2006 recipient of The IGCITA (International Guild of Celebrity and Tribute Artists) Clony Award for Outstanding Tribute to a Legend in Las Vegas. Other career highlights have included appearances at Carnegie Hall, long running engagements at Trump's Taj Mahal and The Hilton Hotel in Atlantic City, engagements at Casino Windsor and The Windsor Hilton Hotel in Windsor, Ontario, The Friars Club, the Russian Tea Room, Tavern on the Green, Le Cirque, and an appearance on Late Night with Conan O'Brien. Richard Skipper's work has been endorsed and supported by Carol Channing herself. Carol Channing wrote, “. . . the first time ever I have been shown with so much love, respect, and polish. Richard Skipper is a true musical comedy star! He is fabulous as me!”
This performance will benefit ReVision Theatre’s summer mainstage musical (which will be announced at the event).
ReVision Theatre is a non-profit 501(c)3 professional regional theatre company dedicated to producing invigorating theatre with a fresh new perspective reaching the diverse community of Asbury Park and Monmouth County. ReVision Theatre produces reinventions of previously produced classics, overlooked or forgotten work in a new way, and new work with a fresh voice. The company serves as a home for local artists and writers. ReVision Theatre also believes in the importance of theatre education and teaches children and adult theatre classes. ReVision Theatre produces readings, workshops, cabarets, concerts, and mainstage productions.
Visit http://www.revisiontheatre.org/ or http://www.richardskipper.com/ for tickets or for more information.
CONTACT: Stephen Bishop Seely
Stephen@ReVisionTheatre.org
732-455-3059
Fast Facts:
Who: ReVision Theatre
David E. Leidholdt, Thomas Morrissey, and Stephen Bishop Seely
Producing Artistic Directors
PO BOX 973
Asbury Park, New Jersey 07712
What: A One Night Only Benefit Performance of
Richard Skipper as
Carol Channing in
Hello, Dolly!
Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman
Book by Michael Stewart
Directed by Thomas Morrissey
Choreographed by Connor Gallagher
Cast to includes Charles Karel, Kristy Cates, Jim Weitzer, Chris Gunn, Jenna Coker-Jones, Anne Kissel, Brooke Wallace, Hernando Umana, Jack Hallett, and Gary Mottola
Where: The Paramount Theatre on the Boardwalk in Asbury Park
1300 Ocean Avenue
Asbury Park, New Jersey 07712
When: Saturday, June 14, 2008 at 8:00 PM
How: Buy tickets ($50, $25, and $15) online at http://www.revisiontheatre.org/
Or call 732-455-3059
Monday, June 2, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
STAGE TROUPE FINDS A HOME IN ASBURY PARK
By TOM CHESEK • Correspondent • May 30, 2008 • Asbury Park Press
It's a classic Asbury Park story. A team of dedicated artists, boasting an impeccable set of credentials, leave the big city to seek their fortune on a new and unfamiliar frontier — and find a home here in the fabled city by the sea. Taken under their wing by a supportive local arts community, they make friends, forge connections and work to establish Asbury Park's place as the true heart and soul of the Shore artscape.
Sounds inspiring, for sure — a pity it almost didn't happen in Asbury.
When Thomas Morrissey returned to Genesius Theatre Guild, the Manhattan-based stage company he founded in 1995, he and his fellow Genesius directors David Leidholdt and Stephen Bishop Seely made the rather daring decision to relocate the acclaimed troupe to a different city — one that could conceivably support the guild's innovative range of offerings, while offering in turn a more reasonable cost of doing business. The producing partners visited several locations on the West Coast, and researched dozens of others — including Paducah, Kentucky, a city that has lured a new generation of artists and entrepreneurs by renting vacant lofts for the price of one dollar a month.
"People kept mentioning Asbury Park to us," says Leidholdt, adding that "we had been here a couple of years ago and thought it wasn't quite ready yet."
Still, with an influx of artists and creative professionals finding friendly harbor here in recent years — people like Marjorie Conn, who relocated her Provincetown Fringe Festival lock-stock-and-name to Asbury Park — the prospect of setting up in such a manageably sized, conveniently located, artistically attuned place was ultimately too much to resist. Following Morrissey to town, Leidholdt and Seely rented a house and began to take a good look at their company's mission in this new locale.
With Tom, David and Stephen sharing the title of Producing Artistic Director, the principals took on Shore-based, Tony-nominated actor Lou Liberatore (who had worked with Morrissey at Circle Repertory Company) as their Literary Director — and, in what was perhaps their boldest move to date, decided to retire the Genesius name in favor of a new identity.
"We thought of things like Three Guys in a Theater, Three's Company," says Seely, a prolific actor and director who worked on the musicals "Tarzan" and "On the Record" during his tenure at Disney Theatrical Productions.
According to Leidholdt, a veteran freelance director and co-founder of the New York Musical Theatre Festival, "We settled upon ReVision, since this was going to be sort of a re-visioning of what we'd done before."
The partners officially opened for business late last year, moved to join such organizations as the Monmouth County Arts Council, ARTSCAP, and the local Chamber of Commerce, and applied for New Jersey non-profit status. They even set up temporary headquarters at Asbury Park's VFW building; where they've conducted workshops, classes and auditions. All that's been missing is a performance space to call their own.
Enter Mattison Park, the downtown martini lounge and restaurant whose owners "asked if we could recommend or supply an act," recalls Leidholdt. Taking the request and running with it, ReVision assembled what's slated to be the first East Coast staging of a buzzworthy new musical bio on one of the most iconic ladies of the silver screen — just in time for the gay pride celebration.
Presented for a single performance this Sunday, "Daydreaming: Channeling Doris Day" presents Broadway actress Kathy Morath (who co-scripted with director Dennis Bailey) as a successful but troubled businesswoman who "finds she has to channel Doris Day to get through the day."
It's a "musical journey" framework for a score of songs made famous by the wholesome golden goddess of Hollywood, including "Que Sera, Sera," "Secret Love" and the title tune.
Actor-accompanist Christopher Stephens co-stars in the 5 p.m. program, for which tickets are available at $10 each, and seating can be reserved by calling (732) 455-3059 or visiting www.ReVisionTheatre.org.
It's a classic Asbury Park story. A team of dedicated artists, boasting an impeccable set of credentials, leave the big city to seek their fortune on a new and unfamiliar frontier — and find a home here in the fabled city by the sea. Taken under their wing by a supportive local arts community, they make friends, forge connections and work to establish Asbury Park's place as the true heart and soul of the Shore artscape.
Sounds inspiring, for sure — a pity it almost didn't happen in Asbury.
When Thomas Morrissey returned to Genesius Theatre Guild, the Manhattan-based stage company he founded in 1995, he and his fellow Genesius directors David Leidholdt and Stephen Bishop Seely made the rather daring decision to relocate the acclaimed troupe to a different city — one that could conceivably support the guild's innovative range of offerings, while offering in turn a more reasonable cost of doing business. The producing partners visited several locations on the West Coast, and researched dozens of others — including Paducah, Kentucky, a city that has lured a new generation of artists and entrepreneurs by renting vacant lofts for the price of one dollar a month.
"People kept mentioning Asbury Park to us," says Leidholdt, adding that "we had been here a couple of years ago and thought it wasn't quite ready yet."
Still, with an influx of artists and creative professionals finding friendly harbor here in recent years — people like Marjorie Conn, who relocated her Provincetown Fringe Festival lock-stock-and-name to Asbury Park — the prospect of setting up in such a manageably sized, conveniently located, artistically attuned place was ultimately too much to resist. Following Morrissey to town, Leidholdt and Seely rented a house and began to take a good look at their company's mission in this new locale.
With Tom, David and Stephen sharing the title of Producing Artistic Director, the principals took on Shore-based, Tony-nominated actor Lou Liberatore (who had worked with Morrissey at Circle Repertory Company) as their Literary Director — and, in what was perhaps their boldest move to date, decided to retire the Genesius name in favor of a new identity.
"We thought of things like Three Guys in a Theater, Three's Company," says Seely, a prolific actor and director who worked on the musicals "Tarzan" and "On the Record" during his tenure at Disney Theatrical Productions.
According to Leidholdt, a veteran freelance director and co-founder of the New York Musical Theatre Festival, "We settled upon ReVision, since this was going to be sort of a re-visioning of what we'd done before."
The partners officially opened for business late last year, moved to join such organizations as the Monmouth County Arts Council, ARTSCAP, and the local Chamber of Commerce, and applied for New Jersey non-profit status. They even set up temporary headquarters at Asbury Park's VFW building; where they've conducted workshops, classes and auditions. All that's been missing is a performance space to call their own.
Enter Mattison Park, the downtown martini lounge and restaurant whose owners "asked if we could recommend or supply an act," recalls Leidholdt. Taking the request and running with it, ReVision assembled what's slated to be the first East Coast staging of a buzzworthy new musical bio on one of the most iconic ladies of the silver screen — just in time for the gay pride celebration.
Presented for a single performance this Sunday, "Daydreaming: Channeling Doris Day" presents Broadway actress Kathy Morath (who co-scripted with director Dennis Bailey) as a successful but troubled businesswoman who "finds she has to channel Doris Day to get through the day."
It's a "musical journey" framework for a score of songs made famous by the wholesome golden goddess of Hollywood, including "Que Sera, Sera," "Secret Love" and the title tune.
Actor-accompanist Christopher Stephens co-stars in the 5 p.m. program, for which tickets are available at $10 each, and seating can be reserved by calling (732) 455-3059 or visiting www.ReVisionTheatre.org.
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