Cabaret at Odette's - New Hope, PA
June 2, 2000There is an ever growing number of actors impersonating famous women in cabaret these days. Other female impersonators could learn a valuable lesson from Skipper, who inhabits his character instead of giving an over the top performance that can mask a less that perfect impersonation. Richard Skipper recently brought his characterization of Carol Channing to life at Odette's. It was easy to see why Skipper was the recipient of the 2000 MAC Award for Female Impersonation. His new show, "Carol Channing's Broadway," is a polished gem, not unlike the diamond that is a girl's best friend. With a on target impersonation, Skipper treated the audience to all the highlights of Miss Channing's career. His vocalization and mannerisms were perfect, occasionally singing songs not in Miss Channing's repertoire but sung as if she had always performed them. Mr. Skipper had command of the audience and easily involved them in the show.
By soliciting questions before the show began, Channing wandered through the audience, showing great facility in drawing out the most reticent (and, on the night I attended his performance, some rather difficult) audience members. The show went by much too quickly, as I found myself humming "Hello Dolly" as I left the club.
(Richard Edgcomb hosts Curtain Up,
WDVR FM 89.7 and 91.9 New Jersey Public Radio)