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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Richard@RichardSkipper.com

The World Premiere of "CAROL CHANNING IN CONCERT STARRING RICHARD SKIPPER"; a LOVING musical-comedy tribute to Carol Channing will be performed at the Hideaway Room at Helen's NYC for four performances , June 15th (PRESS OPENING) 9:30PM. June 20th 9:30PM, June 30th 10PM, and July 5th 9:30PM and at THE OCTAVIA LOUNGE in SAN FRANCISCO June 23rd at 7:30 (with Barry Lloyd on Piano). Starring as Channing is 2 time MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs) Award winner Richard Skipper. Musical arrangements and direction by Paul Stephan. Additional charts by Seth Weinstein. The Paul Stephan Group featuring Edward Carignan, Kristopher Monroe and Adam Enright singing back-up vocals will be joining Skipper along with Marc Daine on banjo/guitar, Claire Daly on saxophone, Brian Fishler on drums, and Ritt Henn on Bass!

This fast moving production is filled with singing, dancing, chorus boys and comedy that will take you back to yesteryear! Miss Channing made her official nightclub debut July 8, 1957 at the fabulous Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas. Variety, the bible of show business, headlined, Carol proves customers are a girl's best friend". In 1961, this one woman entertainment billed as "SHOW GIRL" was brought to Broadway, and again the critics tossed their adjectives in the air.

Conceived, written, and produced by Richard Skipper. Skipper's show marks a return to NYC after a three year hiatus, having performed AN EVENING WITH CAROL CHANNING very successfully all over the country and Canada! RICHARD SKIPPER is a two-time winner of the MAC (MANHATTAN ASSOCIATION OF CABARET AND CLUBS) Award... three time nominee... and the Backstage Bistro Award for Outstanding Achievement in Impersonation, a nominee of an IRNE (Independent Reviewers of New England), and in addition to serving on the board of MAC also serves on the board of IGCITA (The International Guild For Celebrity and Tribute Artists), The show is being produced by Elegant Diamond Productions.

"There is only one Carol Channing, and there is only one performer who does her justice. In fact, Richard Skipper's impersonation of the legendary diva is the only one sanctioned by Channing herself, and one need only attend a performance of An Evening with Carol Channing Starring Richard Skipper to find out why." Doug Devita, OOBR REVIEW

PLEASE NOTE SHOW TIMES! The Hideaway Room at Helen's is located at 169 Eighth Avenue, between 18th and 19th Streets, NYC. Cover is $25 with a $15 food/drink minimum. If having dinner, reservations MUST BE 1 hour before showtime. Helen's, located at 169 Eighth Avenue, NYC. Phone reservations can be made by calling 212-206-0609, or go to www.TheaterMania.com

June 23rd 7:30PM
OCTAVIA LOUNGE, 1772 Market Street, San Francisco - $20 cover charge, no drink or food minimum. Reserve online at www.octavialounge.com or call the Octavia Lounge reservation hotline (415) 863-3516.

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WHAT THE CRITICS ARE SAYING:

"Skipper sparkles with the glow of Channing's charisma, but the extra shine you see on stage is a product of a diamond-like brilliance that is his alone. [A]n unqualified musical comedy gem...[it] could easily transfer from its cabaret setting to an Off-Broadway stage. And it should."
Barbara & Scott Siegel, Back Stage

"There is no doubt in my mind that Richard Skipper is well on the way to international recognition and acclaim."
Dr. Thomas Robert Stevens/Applause, Applause

"Skipper is so good that he re-invents the idea of impersonation and, gives it new energy. The secret is that he has the utmost respect for Channing. He doesn't make fun of her... He does a dead-on impersonation, and, at times, makes you forget he is a) not a woman and b) not Channing."
Chad Jones, Oakland Tribune

"[D]on't miss Richard Skipper as Carol Channing...absolutely the best impersonator I've ever seen."
Peter Friedman/SF Radio

"There is no one in this town, or any other, who is so convincing as Richard doing Channing. His shows are always gems - diamonds to be exact."
Stu Hamstra, Cabaret Hotline

"There is only one Carol Channing, and there is only one performer who does her justice. In fact, Richard Skipper's impersonation of the legendary diva is the only one sanctioned by Channing herself, and one need only attend a performance of An Evening with Carol Channing Starring Richard Skipper to find out why."
Doug DeVita, OOBR Review

"Skipper... has a voice that undoubtably left many people in the audience disbelieving it was a live show."
Richard Mancino, At The Shore

"His interaction with the audience is also impressive, the characterization never slips, is always funny, and rejoices in excellent timing."
Maya Amis, New York Theatre Wise

"Richard Skipper's impersonation of Channing is one of the wonders of the modern world: every gesture, attitude and ad lib is hilariously right."
New York City Search

WHAT THE AUDIENCES ARE SAYING:

I saw the opening night of your show 'Carol Channing in Concert' last Monday and loved your performance as Carol Channing, your 3 male singers and your orchestra. My two favorites out of many, were the entire "Hello Dolly" sequence and "Homesick Blues" where you acknowledged an actress in the audience who was part of that song in "Lorelei" in the 1970s--Dody Goodman! Richard with your polish and voice, everyone says that you should be a star on the Broadway stage--I agree!

I hadn't seen a full Richard Skipper show in years. Forgot how much FUN they are and how dead on Richard's Carol Channing is...His love of her is apparent...Don't let this show get away from you!!!!!!!!!!

Richard: I don't mean to seem denigrating you, but how could we have anticipated so brilliant a production as yours that begins with the lovely sequence of film and progresses seamlessly to your appearance? After all, Edith and I have never seen any of your work prior to this. It is a true coup d'art. Congratulations! If I ever have the opportunity to shout it up with a good theatrical producer, know that I shall. Your "Widow's Weeds" is fab! Ervin Drake

Bravo Richard!! Last night my Mom and I had the pleasure of seeing you in your new show at Helen's. We had such fun. What a band and backup singers. Wow!!! Also, my dear Richard you never looked more beautiful and your singing was lovely. I know why Carol Channing says you are her favorite. You become Carol at her very best. Love, Leslie Orofino

Richard, thank you for your superb new show as Carol Channing. Next stop, Off-B'way! everyone performing and watching was so enthusiastic and in love with the material. Kudos for all you did to make this event possible. Love, Liz & Stu Hodes

Tonight was such a joy. The time flew by & I remember thinking "I thought this was supposed to be 90 minutes!!!". Your thinking on your feet is faaaabulous, and we are entranced as you appear to pull memories out of yourself, Carol. The highlight for me was your whole Ephraim thing. It really moved me. It was you doing Carol well, but more it was you being Carol being brilliant in the moment. I loved it. You are a treasure xxxxxxxxxx Cynthia Crane

hey Richard....er, i mean carol, everyone calls you Carol. Great show, Congrats on packing 'em in. Ritt Henn

You are truly amazing! I really do have to remind myself that I'm not watching Carol. It is a wonderful new show and I hope you will go very far with it. I really loved it! You are an inspiration. I haven't had such an enjoyable evening in ages! Richard Skipper's new show is glorious - new amazing, fabulous costumes, a 5 piece band (in a cabaret room!) and 3 luscious back-up singers (who support Carol with beautiful voices and harmonies). Not to mention the spectacular Carol herself - I cannot tell you how many times I had to remind myself I wasn't watching Miss Channing herself - the illusion is so complete. Richard is magnificent! His next show is June 15th. Do yourselves a favor - GO! Stephanie Cheek

RICHARD SKIPPER ON CAROL

    While physical mimicry, facial expressions, costume and make-up as well as matching the unique singing and speaking voices of this legend is essential to my impression, I believe the genuine respect and affection I have for my subject is the most important element in my performance.
    I make each and every show unique for the audience with the spontaneity and interaction that are a featured part of each act. My illusion continues with the house lights up as "Carol" brings patrons onstage or engages in improvised banter.
    And, while no "Carol" show could overlook "Hello, Dolly" or "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," my shows are not limited to her greatest hits' song lists. I feature original material and arrangements of numbers never performed or recorded by Miss Channing.