
Happy Monday!
On May 23rd, 2012 a Tsunami is going to hit Feinsteins.
Her name is Jennifer Sheehan!
I am a child of the 60s. I was born in 1961 in Conway, South Carolina. Al though it was my formative years, I still remember the music, the clothes, the feel of the era.
Today, I'm writing about a young woman that wasn't even alive when I moved to New York in 1979! She happens, however, to also have an affinity for the 60s and will be doing her own celebration at Feinsteins starting on May 23rd and taking us straight through June 2nd.
Jennifer tells me she is excited because her musicians and she are getting a chance to do ALL kinds of music...from Bacharach and theBeatles to the Bossa Nova, Broadway, Barbra and Bebop--and that’s just the B’s! It’s the kind of show that will appeal to people who lived during the‘60s AND younger people who are fascinated by the era. And judging by commentsI’ve read under YouTube videos from the ‘60s, a LOT of teens and young adultsDIG those FAR-OUT HITS of the LOVE GENERATION! ;-)

I did a little research on May 23rd, 1960.
On May 23, 1960, a Monday, a tsunami destroyed much of downtownHilo. Tsunami, or seismic sea waves, are generated in several ways, includingby large submarine explosive eruptions, by landslides where rock slides into orbeneath the sea surface, and by large earthquakes that displace rocks belowsea level.
The waves generated spread outward in all directions and travelacross the oceans at speeds between 425 and 500 miles per hour.
Most tsunamithat cause widespread damage are produced by large earthquakes that cause faultmovements of the sea floor, including the one in 1960. These giant waves wreaktheir havoc first near to, and then far from, the site of the originalearthquake.

And taking us through to June 2nd, 1969 (Jennifer's show closes on June 2nd), A fierce firefight where 8 American solders were killed during an assault on an enemy bunker complex in Vietnam.
The #1 song on June 2, 1969 was Get Back by The Beatles.
Australian aircraft carrier "Melbourne" slices US destroyer "Frank E Evans" in half, killing 74 (South Vietnam).
The music of the 60s reflected the mood of the world. I believe more than any other time including during World War II. I can't think of a better person to rise up to the task than Jennifer.

I asked Jennifer who the most iconic person was she ever met and if that person lived hup to her expectations. Severalyears ago, Jennifer was performing in Los Angeles and her mom and she had one day to seethe sights of the city.
![]() |
Earth, Wind, and Fire |
At breakfast, her mom asked her what she most wanted to see.The first thing that came out of her mouth was: I’d love to see the guys inEarth, Wind and Fire. (Jennifer's mom has many of their albums and Jennifer became a big fan,growing up.) Her mom got a kick out of her answer, but suggested they look at atourist map and make some realistic choices! So, they headed out for all of thetraditional tourist destinations and eventually wound up early that eveninghaving a Mexican dinner at a restaurant across town. As they climbed the steps ofa nearby parking garage to leave, they noticed a couple walking upstairs ahead of them. Although Jennifer could only see their backs, she instantly knew who the man was. Itwas Verdine White, the amazing bass player for Earth, Wind and Fire! (Heactually is Jennifer's favorite band member because of his big smile and exuberance onstage— that, and his trademark funky dancing to the beat, enhanced with lots offringe!) As they all walked on the roof of the garage, he turned to get into hiscar and Jennifer's mom saw that, yep, Jennifer was right! It was Verdine, with his wife. Theycouldn’t let the opportunity pass, so they approached to introduce themselves andthank him for the music they love so much.
![]() |
Verdine White |
What have you learnedabout making your relationships in the industry more solid and resourceful? People are much more supportive and willing to offeradvice than you might think.

As for my interest in popular American music, I wouldlove to see more young people exposed to the brilliant standards of the GreatAmerican Songbook. School music programs should teach not only classical music,but classics from the golden age of Broadway, Hollywood musicals, Tin PanAlley... our musical heritage. You might be surprised how many youngpeople (even at Julliard!) can tell you all about Mozart, Beethoven and evenabstract classical composers, but would struggle to name songs by Irving Berlinor Jerome Kern or Cole Porter. I was lucky to have had parents who played allkinds of music, watched movie musicals with me, and took me to shows andconcerts.
And they provided me with lessons inpiano, dance and singing. Arts programs in schools can help fill in the gap foryoung people who don’t have those opportunities. By the way, I recently

What one role would you like to play thatyou would never be cast in and why?Billy Bigelow in"Carousel," only so I could sing "Bill's Soliloquy"-- oneof the best theater moments of all time, in my opinion. I think I'm more likelyto play "Louise" at this point, but Mama Rose in "Gypsy" wouldbe amazing-- "Rose's Turn" being the other best theater moment of alltime. ;) I don't think I'm likely to be cast as Cassie in "A ChorusLine".. but I would love to do it, if only for the "Music and theMirror" song and dance sequence! Love that number! What life lessons didyou learn from your parents? From my dad-- Treat absolutelyeveryone with dignity and kindness. Learn from history and appreciate nature.And always recycle!!!

How do you choseyour material? Usually I start with a theme thatI'm attracted to for a show.. for instance, my previous show celebrated 100 yearsof the Great American Songbook and spotlighted various composers through thedecades who have added to that wonderful body of work. My new show will be about music fromthe ‘60s—a decade that exploded with innovation, creativity and variety! As a 20-something,I’ll bring a different perspective to the music—that of someone who’s beenintrigued by the era and now has more insights and appreciation, thanks tovideos and other research opportunities on the internet!
After choosing a theme, I pick songsthat really speak to me, that illuminate an aspect of the theme, or that,perhaps, present a dichotomy. It all has to fit into a theatrical storyline,too. Sometimes it feels like trying to put together a jig-saw puzzle! What do you consider your biggestsuccess in Show Business thus far? I've had some very exciting andencouraging moments in my career... including performing at Carnegie Hall as aguest of Michael Feinstein and at Radio City Music Hall as one of six vocalistsin "The Christmas Spectacular." I had a magical time at theMetropolitan Room last year, performing my previous show. My musicians and Iwere grateful for the amazing turnout and the lovely reviews. It reallywas a ball. Other highlights include winning some very encouraging performanceawards!TheJohnny Mercer Foundation's first-ever Margaret Whiting AwardTheDorothy Loudon Award for ExcellenceTheNoël Coward Foundation's First Competition AwardTheJulie Wilson Award
What one change wouldyou like to see in today’s industry? I would like to see a shift in focus from brash,in-your-face, over-sexualized, formulaic entertainment to songs andperformances that are more meaningful, creative, personal and honest.

![]() |
The Oak Room at the Algonquin |
Itwas such a disappointment...not just for me, of course, but for all who lovecabaret and the room’s rich history. The news came at a time when cabaret’sgreat champion, the late Donald Smith, was in failing health; so, the room’sclosing was especially devastating news. (I would like to mention that theMabel Mercer Foundation will present a star-studded tribute to Donald Smith onMay 22 at Town Hall.)Gettingback to your question...yes, I am grateful for where I am right now. I wasespecially delighted when Feinstein’s offered me the opportunity to debut mynew show in that exciting venue! (I can’t wait!) Meanwhile,I’d love to find more opportunities to work in theater. I love being part of anensemble that creates memorable moments on a big stage, too! What makes you unhappy?

Also, happily, there arepublications like Time Out New York and Cabaret Scenes and web sites likeBroadwayWorld and blogs like yours to help promote upcoming shows!
A genie pops out of the lamp, hegrants you three wishes. What are those wishes?World peace, good health, and love,beauty and joy for all. If that’s too tall of an order for the genie, I’dsettle for sleep, more sleep, and just a little more sleep! ;-)

I will be see Jennifer's opening night on May 23rd! Let's make a party of it! If you would like to join our party, please send an email to Richard@RichardSkipper.com.
Thank you Jennifer for the gifts you have given and continue to give to the world!

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED. FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY!

7:30pm
CHICO'S HOUSE OF JAZZ, 631 Lake Ave., Asbury Park, NJ 07712 RICHARD SKIPPER: AT LASTReVision Theatre and the City of Asbury Park couldn't have a better summer kickoff! After introducing ReVision Theatre to the great City of Asbury Park 5 years ago, Richard Skipper returns in "Richard Skipper: At Last". Richard is the perfect start to the musical summer of 2012 in Asbury Park.For more information visit www.revisiontheatre.org or call us at 732-455-3059. To purchase $15.00 General Admission tickets please visit http://revisiontheatre.tix.com.
This show is not to be missed! Musical Direction by: Rich Siegel
Please do what YOU can to be more aware that words and actions DO HURT...but they can also heal and help!
Tomorrow's blog will be..Francie Mendenhall's Memories of The Pearl Bailey REVIVAL of Hello, Dolly!
Thank you, to all the mentioned in this blog!

Here's to an INCREDIBLE tomorrow for ALL...with NO challenges!
Please contribute to the DR. CAROL CHANNING and HARRY KULLIJIAN FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS

Sign The Petition!
TILL TOMORROW...HERE'S TO AN ARTS FILLED DAYRichard Skipper, Richard@RichardSkipper.com
This Blog is dedicated to Harlan Boll and Al Koenig! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!
|
Hiç yorum yok:
Yorum Gönder