I’ll Be Back in P-Town This Summer… And Here’s What It Means to Me April 19, 2025

There’s something about Provincetown that defies description—but I’ll try.

Maybe it’s the light, the way it reflects off the water and onto every artist’s soul. Maybe it’s the stories, both whispered and shouted, that live in the walls of every gallery, every stage, every quiet porch swing on Commercial Street. Or maybe it’s the deep sense of belonging that somehow meets you the moment your feet hit the sand.

The first time I went to P-Town was 1988. I got off the bus in the middle of Carnival and it was one of the most magical experiences of my life. I had never taken a real vacation before. I stepped off the bus in the center of town and walked over to Commercial Street. It was bustling. It was almost sundown and it was incredible. Natalie Cole’s Unforgettable CD had just come out and you could hear that music everywhere.

That first time, I stayed at the Crown and Anchor. Café Blasé (now The Patio) had the largest Japanese lanterns I had ever seen. I went to shows every night—Jimmy James as Marilyn Monroe, Randy Allen in PS (Post Stroke), Bette Davis, Big Ed, Gertie. All I knew was that I had to be part of that scene.

Over the years, I performed at various venues throughout town, but for years, I dreamed of performing at The Art House. That dream went unanswered for a long time. But last year, thanks to CeeJay Russell, I finally made my Art House debut—and this August, I’m returning, thanks to the generous support of Richy Pugh and Rainbow Entertainment.

I’ll be performing two special shows:

Monday, August 4th
Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Richard Skipper
(*But Were Afraid to Ask)

Tuesday , August 5th (46 years to the day that I arrived in NY!)
Richard Skipper Celebrates Hello, Dolly!

These are more than performances—they are conversations. They’re about honoring legacy and lifting stories from the past into the light of now. They’re about connection. And for me, Provincetown is the perfect place for that.

It’s where creativity doesn’t shout; it welcomes. Where audiences don’t just watch; they join in. And where the ghosts of legends past—Bette, Elaine, Charles, and yes, Carol—still linger in the air like sea mist and laughter.

So I hope you’ll join me this August. Let’s celebrate this beautiful town and create new memories together.

With gratitude,
Richard Skipper

www.RichardSkipper.com
www.CallonDolly.com

Get your Tickets HERE

My First New York Gig (and the Smell of Cat Pee) April 17, 2025

Fun fact: My first New York City gig was a melodrama called No, No, A Million Times No — and yes, that title turned out to be oddly prophetic.

Just three weeks after arriving in the city in August of 1979, I auditioned and was cast as Iffy Cann. (Let’s take a moment to acknowledge that name.) We rehearsed for seven weeks at the Harlequin Rehearsal Studios on West 46th Street — a name some of you may remember with both nostalgia and a wrinkled nose. It was arguably one of the dirtiest rehearsal spaces in Manhattan. It reeked of cat pee and stale desperation… and I absolutely loved it.

The cast was wonderful — hungry, hopeful, newly arrived in New York like me. We bonded quickly. We’d grab lunch at the Burger King around the block on Broadway. It was what we could afford. We didn’t ask a lot of questions in those days — we just said “yes” and kept moving forward.

Until, of course, we realized none of us had any idea where we were performing the play.

Five weeks into rehearsal, the director breezed in and announced that he’d secured a venue: a school auditorium in Garden City, Long Island. Oh, and we’d be staying with “friends” of his for the weekend. You can imagine the chorus of raised eyebrows.

When we arrived, we discovered a surprise chorus of local kids had been rehearsing as part of the ensemble. None of us had been told. We were furious. But we were there — and determined to make the best of it. We did the three performances that weekend and promptly parted ways with the production. That charlatan of a director had taught us all a powerful first lesson in New York show business.

But the best part?

That Thanksgiving — my very first away from home — our leading lady, the fabulous Duane Duval Prince, invited us all to her tiny studio apartment. We crowded in, laughed about what we’d just survived, shared food, stories, dreams. And we felt, for the first time, like a community.

It was a small start — a humble, chaotic, unforgettable one. And I still smile when I think about it.

It was how I dipped my big toe into New York show business — and 46 years later, I’m still dancing.

If you’d like to hear more stories like this (and maybe ask your own questions), join me for my next performance:

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Richard Skipper (*But Were Afraid to Ask)
Friday, May 30 at 7 PM
The Laurie Beechman Theatre, NYC
Reserve your seat here: https://www.thebeechman.com/events/lbt25-rskipper-250530

You never know what stories will surface… or what might happen.

Warmly,
Richard
RichardSkipper.com

The Bookmobile That Carried My Dreams April 16, 2025

Today is National Bookmobile Day — and for me, it’s more than just a charming memory. It’s a tribute to the fuel that launched my journey.

Growing up in the South Carolina countryside, Wednesday afternoons were sacred. That’s when the Bookmobile would park within walking distance of our house. For a kid with a big imagination and a hunger for stories, it was a mobile magic portal — filled with adventure, knowledge, and possibility.

I still remember Miss Epps, my mentor, who introduced me to the lives of great artists, entertainers, and pioneers. She taught me that if I wanted to step into their world, I had to read about them first. And I did. I devoured every biography, every memoir, every history book I could carry.

Of course, not everything I read was purely educational. I’ll never forget checking out Valley of the Dolls when I was in sixth grade — and hiding it under my pillow like a secret treasure. Even then, I was drawn to stories that pulsed with drama, glamour, and the ache of ambition.

That bookmobile helped shape me — not only as a reader, but as an entertainer. It taught me to revere the artists who came before me and to build my own path with curiosity, creativity, and grit.

And now, 46 years into my life in show business, I’m still telling stories — still honoring those who inspired me, and still looking ahead with wide-eyed wonder.

On May 30, I’ll be doing just that at the Laurie Beechman Theatre in a special one-night-only performance:
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Richard Skipper (*But Were Afraid to Ask)
A joyful, audience-driven evening of song, storytelling, and reflection.

I’d love to see you there. You never know what stories may come off the shelf.

Reserve your seat here:
https://www.thebeechman.com/events/lbt25-rskipper-250530

And today — celebrate the power of a good book, a great teacher, and a Wednesday afternoon bookmobile.

With gratitude,
Richard

Have You Subscribed Yet?

Let me ask you something: Have you subscribed to Richard Skipper Celebrates on YouTube?

If not — you’re missing out on a vibrant, ever-growing library of interviews, celebrations, and joyful moments from the worlds of live entertainment, cabaret, Broadway history, and beyond.

Here’s what you’ll find:

• In-depth interviews with some of the most fascinating artists working today — and the legends who paved the way.

• Candid conversations that go beyond the stage to the stories that shaped each performer’s journey.

• Special themed episodes celebrating holidays, national days, and cultural moments (yes, we’ve even celebrated National Picture Book Day!).

• Clips and conversations from my live appearances — including everything from The Art House in Provincetown to The Laurie Beechman Theatre in NYC.

• My signature warmth, curiosity, and genuine love for this community — because I don’t do surface. I do soul.

The beauty of Richard Skipper Celebrates is that it isn’t just about nostalgia or star-power. It’s about people. It’s about stories. It’s about shining a light on what we’re creating — and who we’re becoming — through the lens of live performance.

So if you haven’t yet… come on in. Subscribe. Binge a few conversations. Leave a comment. Join the celebration.

RichardSkipperCelebrates.com — click the bell, and I’ll see you there.

And hey — if you’ve already subscribed: THANK YOU. Your presence means more than you know.

Why I Left Meta — And What the Antitrust Trial Confirms About My Decision April 14 2025

Today marks the beginning of a landmark antitrust trial against Meta — the parent company of Facebook and Instagram — as federal regulators argue that the company has long monopolized the personal social networking space by systematically acquiring (and neutralizing) competitors. If successful, the suit could force Meta to divest from Instagram and WhatsApp — two of its most powerful acquisitions.

As someone who recently made the decision to leave Meta entirely, this trial doesn’t come as a surprise. It confirms something many of us have felt in our bones for years: Meta doesn’t just offer us platforms — it claims ownership of our attention, our relationships, and ultimately, our digital presence.

I had been on Facebook since its early days. It was where I shared news of my shows, celebrated my community, and honored the legacies of artists I admire. But over time, the sense of connection gave way to a growing discomfort. My digital footprint — the very archive of my career and creativity — was no longer mine. I was operating on borrowed land, governed by algorithms, and increasingly out of sync with the values I hold dear: authenticity, agency, and human-first connection.

The most chilling part? I realized that I was building my professional life on a platform that didn’t belong to me. Meta owned the stage, the microphone, and the audience.

When I stepped away from Meta at the end of February 2025, many people asked, “But won’t you lose your audience?” The truth is, I didn’t lose my audience. I reclaimed it. I brought my stories, my interviews, and my shows to spaces I own — my website, my newsletter, and live performances. It’s been more work, yes. But it’s also been more rewarding. Every subscriber, every attendee, every reply is a conscious, two-way engagement — not a scroll or swipe engineered for clicks.

This trial against Meta may very well reshape the tech landscape. But regardless of the outcome, it affirms what so many creatives, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders have suspected: it’s time to rethink our digital dependencies. It’s time to own our platforms, our stories, and our reach.

If you’ve been feeling the same pull — toward something more intentional, more grounded, more yours — I hope you’ll follow along, subscribe to my newsletter, and come see me live.

Let’s build something together — not on borrowed space, but on shared purpose.

—
To stay in touch, subscribe to my newsletter at RichardSkipper.com/newsletter
Upcoming Show: May 30 at The Laurie Beechman Theatre
Tickets: https://www.thebeechman.com/events/lbt25-rskipper-250530

April 13, 2025 A Favorite Cabaret Memory: The Moment, the Room, the Connection

There are many moments I could choose from — decades of stories, songs, and stages — but one cabaret memory rises to the top not for its scale, but for its intimacy. The first time I sang in front of an audience in a 'cabaret' setting in New York. It was 1980, The Piano Bar in New York. Houston Alred at the piano. It was an open mic setting.

I found this listing on line: Piano Bar, Broadway and 69th Street, in Beefsteak Charlie's (787-2501). Piano by Houston Allred, Wednesday through Sunday, around 9:30 P.M., interspersed with showcase comedy acts. Minimum, $5.50 a person. Thursday nights was their Broadway night. It was a low stage. Warm lights. The kind of venue where the front row can see your eyes and feel every note. That night I got up to sing,I sang Broadway Baby, the audience was close-knit (many became good friends), and the atmosphere electric!

I remember starting to sing and feeling the entire room lean in. Physically and energetically. It was as if for those few minutes, every distraction in the world had fallen away. We were connected — not through spectacle, but through presence. That, to me, is the magic of cabaret. I still feel it today when I'm in front of an intimate audience.

It’s not about the number of seats or the size of the stage. It’s about that shared breath between artist and audience. The unspoken agreement to listen, to be moved, to be fully there together.

That night reminded me why I do what I do — and why I keep showing up. Cabaret is not a style. It’s a spirit. And when it works, it’s unforgettable.

April 12, 2025 Why I Left Meta — and What I’ve Gained Since

Stepping off Facebook and Instagram wasn’t easy. When you’ve spent years building community, promoting shows, and sharing milestones through those platforms, walking away feels like a professional risk — and, let’s be honest, a personal one too.

But I did it. On February 29, 2025, I signed off for good. No dramatic farewell, no rage against the algorithm — just a quiet, intentional exit.

Why?

Because somewhere along the way, I realized I was spending more time feeding the platform than feeding my creativity.

I wasn’t engaging — I was performing. And not the kind of performing that lights me up. I was chasing visibility instead of intimacy. Metrics instead of meaning.

So I stepped away.

And here’s what happened.

I started writing more. Longer, deeper, truer. Not for likes — but for connection.

I started reaching out directly — through my newsletter, through handwritten thank-you notes, through personal invitations. Not to cast a wide net, but to truly reach the people who care.

I started performing differently. I designed shows that weren’t filtered through trends, but shaped by the questions and curiosity of the audience sitting right in front of me.

And most of all: I rediscovered the joy of storytelling on my own terms.

Leaving Meta didn’t end my career. It refined it.

Now, I’m preparing for my May 30th show at The Laurie Beechman Theatre — Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Richard Skipper (*But Were Afraid to Ask). A show built not on a script or feed, but on real-time interaction, spontaneous stories, and the kind of magic that only happens live.

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to show up — fully — without a filter, without a scroll, without an algorithm steering the ship… I can tell you:

It’s terrifying.
And it’s absolutely worth it.

Warmly,
Richard

P.S. Want to join me on May 30?
Reserve your seat now: https://www.thebeechman.com/events/lbt25-rskipper-250530
Use code RSC2025! for discounted tickets — you never know who might be there and what might happen.

April 10, 2025 Did You Know? A Dolly Moment Worth Celebrating

Every so often, a date jumps out at me from my research and says, “Tell this story today.”

April 10 is one of those days.

Did you know that on April 10, 1964 — just three months after it opened — Hello, Dolly! broke the record for the highest weekly gross in Broadway history at the time? Over $100,000 in ticket sales. In 1964. That’s how quickly Dolly Levi marched her way into the hearts of theatregoers and Broadway history.

The momentum was unstoppable. Freddy Wittop's costumes. The wit. Gower Champion's direction and choreography. But above all — the spirit. Carol Channing didn’t just play Dolly — she embodied joy. And that joy created a ripple effect that still touches audiences (and me!) to this day.

I’ve spent over 25 years celebrating Hello, Dolly! through interviews, performances, and loving research. My project CallonDolly.com has archived over 1,000 firsthand accounts from the cast and creatives who’ve kept Dolly’s parasol twirling across stages around the world.

And now, I get to share that celebration live again.

On August 5, I’ll be bringing Richard Skipper Celebrates Hello, Dolly! to The Art House in Provincetown.
It’s an evening of song, stories, history, and audience interaction — all in honor of one of Broadway’s brightest lights and the show that changed my life.

If you love theatre, legacy, and joy — this one’s for you.

And if you’re curious about what made Hello, Dolly! such a sensation in 1964 (and every year since), come see for yourself.

Tickets coming soon — stay tuned at RichardSkipper.com for details.

With love and light (and a tip of the hat to Jerry Herman),
Richard

April 9, 2025: Generosity & Talent — A Director, A Musical Director, and a Grateful Entertainer

One of the greatest joys in this 46-year journey of mine is getting to collaborate with artists who don’t just bring talent to the table — they bring heart.

As I prepare for my upcoming show at The Laurie Beechman Theatre on May 30th, I’ve found myself feeling especially grateful for two incredible collaborators: director James Beaman and musical director Dan Pardo.

Working with James is a gift. He brings a clear eye, impeccable instincts, and a deep love for storytelling — but even more than that, he brings generosity. He listens. He lifts. He shapes. And he does it all with a spirit of respect that allows a performer like me to take risks, trust, and grow.

And Dan Pardo? His musicality is matched only by his kindness. Whether we’re exploring phrasing, discovering new emotional beats in a familiar lyric, or laughing between takes, Dan creates a space that feels safe, supportive, and creatively rich.

Together, they remind me of something I’ve learned again and again: true greatness in this business isn’t just about what you can do — it’s about how you make others feel while doing it.

So today, I celebrate these two collaborators. I thank them. And I invite you to come witness what we’re creating together — live, in the room, one night only.

Friday, May 30 @ 7PM
 The Laurie Beechman Theatre
Tickets: https://www.thebeechman.com/events/lbt25-rskipper-250530
Use code RSC2025! for discounted admission

With deep appreciation,
Richard
RichardSkipper.com

Why I Do This

People often ask me: “Why did you start entertaining?” And more importantly: “Why do you still do it?”

The short answer? I was born with it in my bones. But the deeper answer has evolved over time.

I started entertaining because I craved connection. Growing up in Conway, South Carolina, I found magic in the sparkle of old movies, the laughter of an audience, and the transformative power of theatre. I have often said that I'm a product of 1960s and 70s television. That was the world of television spectaculars and variety shows, which was actually an offshoot of vaudeville which was evolving thirty years before I cam along. I didn’t just want to watch it — I wanted to live inside it. Entertaining gave me a voice. A place to be seen. A way to express the joy, the pain, the curiosity of being human.

But why do I keep showing up — 46 years later?

Because I still believe in the power of live entertainment.
Because every time I walk into a room and see a face light up — I’m reminded that what we do matters.
Because we need joy, reflection, and storytelling more than ever.
Because it’s not just about me on a stage — it’s about us, in community.

That’s why my upcoming May 30th show means so much to me. Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Richard Skipper (*But Were Afraid to Ask) isn’t just a performance — it’s a conversation. It’s a celebration of all the questions, stories, and unexpected moments that have shaped this wild, wonderful journey.

And I hope you’ll be there.

🎟️ Friday, May 30 @ 7PM
📍 The Laurie Beechman Theatre
🎟 Reserve now: https://www.thebeechman.com/events/lbt25-rskipper-250530
🎁 Use code RSC2025! for discounted tickets (while they last)

Thank you for being part of my “why.”
With gratitude,
Richard
RichardSkipper.com

46 Years In — What Would You Ask?

Today, I’m turning the spotlight around — onto you.

After 46 years in show business, I’ve been asked a lot of questions: How did it start? What was your biggest “pinch me” moment? What keeps you going?

But now, as I prepare for my upcoming show Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Richard Skipper (*But Were Afraid to Ask), I want to know…

What’s one question YOU would ask someone who’s been in this business for 46 years?

This show is being shaped entirely by questions submitted by the audience — and that’s what excites me most. It’s not about delivering a perfectly rehearsed monologue. It’s about creating something spontaneous, meaningful, and filled with heart. Just like this career has been.

So ask away.

The funny questions. The heartfelt ones. The surprising ones I might not see coming.

And then join me on May 30 at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, where we’ll answer them — live, together, and with a lot of joy.

Reserve your seat: https://www.thebeechman.com/events/lbt25-rskipper-250530
Use code RSC2025! for a discounted ticket while they last

With gratitude, curiosity, and a whole lot of stories,
Richard
RichardSkipper.com

P.S. If you have a question in mind, send me a note — I’d love to hear it.

The Magic of Unscripted Moments

There’s something powerful about not knowing what comes next.

For someone who has spent 46 years in entertainment — often preparing, rehearsing, fine-tuning every line and lyric — there’s a beautiful freedom in letting go of the script. That’s exactly why my next show, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Richard Skipper (*But Were Afraid to Ask), is shaped entirely by audience questions.

I won’t see them ahead of time. I won’t know what’s coming. And that’s the point.

Because in those spontaneous moments — when a surprising question is asked, or a forgotten story comes rushing back to the surface — that’s where real connection happens. That’s when the room leans in, the laughter is unrehearsed, and the memories come alive in a way that even I can’t plan for.

It’s why I still love live performance. And it’s why I want you there.

Friday, May 30 at 7PM
The Laurie Beechman Theatre, NYC
Tickets: https://www.thebeechman.com/events/lbt25-rskipper-250530
Use code RSC2025! for a discounted seat — while they last

Bring your questions. Bring your curiosity. And let’s create something magical — together.

With appreciation,
Richard
RichardSkipper.com

Building the Stage — Brick by Brick

There’s something deeply satisfying about building.

Not just building shows or sets, but building something lasting: trust, reputation, community. That’s what I’ve spent 46 years doing in this business — one performance, one conversation, one spotlight at a time.

And as I prepare for my upcoming May 30th show, Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Richard Skipper* (*But Were Afraid To Ask), I’m reminded that it’s those quiet, consistent steps that make the celebration possible.

It’s not about reinvention. It’s about revealing.

This show is a culmination — not of just the big wins, but of all the little “yeses” that came before. From the first time I stepped on stage to every story I’ve shared on Richard Skipper Celebrates, I’ve been building toward this moment.

And I want you there.

Because this isn’t just my show. It’s a reflection of all the people who helped build the stage with me. It’s your questions. Your applause. Your presence.

 Friday, May 30 @ 7PM
The Laurie Beechman Theatre, NYC
Tickets: https://www.thebeechman.com/events/lbt25-rskipper-250530
Use code RSC2025! for a limited-time discounted ticket

Thank you for being part of the journey — whether this is your first blog post or your hundredth. Let’s celebrate what we’ve built. And let’s keep building, together.

With gratitude,
Richard
RichardSkipper.com

46 Years In — Still Asking the Questions

Today, I’m reflecting on how it all began.

Not with a stage. Not with a spotlight. But with a question.

“What would happen if I said yes?”

That question — small as it seems — opened the door to a 46-year adventure in show business. And as I prepare for my upcoming one-night-only show at the Laurie Beechman Theatre on May 30, I find myself back in that same mindset: saying yes to curiosity, connection, and community.

Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Richard Skipper*
(*But Were Afraid To Ask) isn’t your average show. There’s no script. No fixed structure. It’s shaped entirely by the audience. People submit their questions before the curtain rises — and I won’t see them until I’m live on stage.

It’s thrilling. It’s vulnerable. And it’s exactly why I keep saying yes to live performance after all these years.

Because the questions matter.

The ones that surprise you.
The ones that challenge you.
The ones that remind you why you started.

If you’ve ever asked me a question after a show, watched one of my interviews, subscribed to my newsletter, or simply wondered about this joyful, winding road of mine… I hope you’ll join me.

Friday, May 30 at 7PM
Laurie Beechman Theatre, NYC
 Reserve your seat: https://www.thebeechman.com/events/lbt25-rskipper-250530

Let’s spend an evening together. Let’s ask the questions.

And more importantly — let’s keep celebrating the magic of live entertainment.

With gratitude,
Richard
RichardSkipper.com

Celebrating the Questions

There’s something magical about a question.

A good question doesn’t just seek an answer — it opens a door. It invites reflection, connection, and sometimes… revelation.

That’s why I’ve built my upcoming show — Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Richard Skipper* (*But Were Afraid To Ask) — entirely around audience questions.

After 46 years in this industry, I could fill the night with stories. But I want to know what YOU want to hear. What have you always wondered? What behind-the-scenes moments are you curious about? What lessons, laughs, or surprises do you want to draw out?

On Friday, May 30 at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, the audience leads the way. I won’t see the questions until I’m live on stage — and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

This format keeps me honest. It keeps me present. And most importantly, it keeps the evening fresh and alive — like great live performance always should be.

If you’ve ever shared a laugh with me, seen a show, watched a YouTube conversation, or read one of my newsletters… this is your invitation.

One night only — Friday, May 30 at 7PM
The Laurie Beechman Theatre, NYC
 Reserve your seat: https://www.thebeechman.com/events/lbt25-rskipper-250530

Come celebrate with me. Come shape the night.

And bring your best question.

With appreciation,
Richard
RichardSkipper.com

Let the Questions Begin

There’s something electric about stepping into the unknown — especially when you trust the people on the journey with you.

That’s exactly what I’m embracing with my upcoming show at The Laurie Beechman Theatre on Friday, May 30. It’s not just a celebration of 46 years in New York and in this business (though yes, that alone is worth a toast!). It’s also a leap into something beautifully unscripted — because this show will be driven by the audience.

That’s right. No set script. No pre-packaged anecdotes. Just your questions, asked anonymously before the show, and answered live on stage.

Why? Because after nearly five decades of performing, I’ve found the most meaningful moments don’t come from perfect lines. They come from connection, vulnerability, and the joy of genuine exchange.

If you’ve followed my journey, shared a show with me, or simply believe in the power of live storytelling — I hope you’ll join me.

Friday, May 30 at 7PM
 The Laurie Beechman Theatre, NYC
Reserve Your Seat: https://www.thebeechman.com/events/lbt25-rskipper-250530

And while we’re on the subject of questions… here’s one for you:
What’s something you’ve always wanted to ask me?

Send it my way. Who knows — it may just end up shaping the evening.

With gratitude and excitement,
Richard
RichardSkipper.com

There’s something extraordinary about a creative rhythm — that momentum that builds not through rushing, but by showing up, step by step, with joy and purpose.

In the past few weeks, I’ve been blessed with moments that reminded me of the power of presence. From the laughter and color of our Children’s Picture Book Day celebration, to the dazzling brilliance of Julie Halston and Melissa Errico at the Dutch Treat Club, I’ve been steeped in stories, connection, and genuine inspiration.

These aren’t just events — they’re moments that feed the soul and reaffirm why I stepped into the spotlight 46 years ago. And they’re fueling something very special I’m preparing for:

🗓 Friday, May 30 at 7PM — An Evening with Richard Skipper at The Laurie Beechman Theatre.
🎟 Tickets: https://www.thebeechman.com/events/lbt25-rskipper-250530

This isn’t just a performance. It’s a joyful return to the stage, a celebration of a journey still in motion, and an invitation to everyone who’s been part of it — whether for four decades or four days.

Thank you for being here. Thank you for reading, listening, watching, showing up.

And if you’re feeling the spark of momentum in your own life today, nurture it. Even the smallest step forward has the power to light up your path.

With gratitude,
Richard Skipper

A Seat at the Table
Posted: 3/31/25

This week, I found myself thinking about the idea of legacy—not just the kind written in Playbills or remembered in glowing reviews, but the kind we shape every time we show up with sincerity, generosity, and joy.

Whether I'm hosting Richard Skipper Celebrates or preparing for another community gathering, I’ve come to realize that what truly matters is not the size of the spotlight, but who we invite into it. When we make space for someone to tell their story, to share a song, or to reflect on a moment that shaped them—that’s where the magic lives.

In preparing for this Friday’s show, I’m especially moved by the incredible guests joining us. Each of them brings a unique voice, a journey, and a spark. And together, we create something larger than ourselves: a moment of shared celebration and connection. These conversations remind me that live performance is not just about applause—it’s about inclusion, empathy, and showing up for each other.

So here’s to everyone who takes a seat at the table—on stage, backstage, or in the audience. Your presence matters. Your story matters. And if no one has told you lately, you belong here.

With gratitude,
Richard Skipper
RichardSkipper.com

 

 

The Power of Showing Up

March 30 2025

Today I’m reflecting on something simple, but incredibly powerful: showing up.

Whether it’s stepping into the spotlight, attending a friend’s performance, signing on for a livestream, or even reading a newsletter — showing up matters. In an age of endless distractions and digital noise, our presence has become one of the most generous gifts we can offer each other.

This past week reminded me of that in so many ways. Hosting a sold-out celebration for Melissa Errico and Julie Halston at The Dutch Treat Club… welcoming guests to “What’s On Your Mind” for Children’s Picture Book Day… and receiving heartfelt messages from people who’ve followed my work for years — each moment was a quiet reminder that connection is built not by perfection, but by presence.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by what we “should” be doing to build an audience, grow a brand, or make an impact. But maybe, the real secret is just to keep showing up: to keep creating, to keep listening, to keep honoring the stories and people that light us up.

So here’s to the next conversation. The next show. The next moment that brings us together — even briefly — to remember that live performance isn’t just about applause. It’s about community.

If you’re reading this, thank you for showing up. You keep this circle alive.

With gratitude,
Richard Skipper

 

 

Let the Spotlight Find You
March 27, 2025

In the past few weeks, I’ve been reminded of something simple but powerful: when you stop chasing algorithms and start trusting authentic connection, the right opportunities rise up to meet you.

This past Monday night, I had the honor of celebrating two remarkable women—Melissa Errico and Julie Halston—for the Dutch Treat Club. The room was filled with laughter, heart, and yes… magic. The kind of magic that can’t be scheduled, posted, or manufactured. It has to be shared, live and in the moment.

That’s why I continue to offer shows like Richard Skipper Celebrates Hello, Dolly!, host conversations on What’s On YOUR Mind?, and launch workshops like Self-Promotion Without Social Media. Not because I want to be everywhere, but because I believe in creating experiences that remind people they’re part of something bigger—something joyful, artful, and deeply human.

Today is about following that same spark.
Not chasing the spotlight—but showing up, shining honestly, and letting the light find you.

So here’s what I’m asking:
What’s one thing you can do today to honor your voice, your work, or your story—without needing it to go viral?

I’d love to hear from you.
You can reply here, join me on Bluesky or LinkedIn, or better yet—come see me at a live event soon.

Keep showing up. Keep celebrating. And trust that your people will find you.

Warmly,
Richard Skipper

As Young As You Feel: The Magic of Staying Playful Through Performance

Happy As Young As You Feel Day!

Every time I step onto a stage—whether it’s in a cabaret room, a theater, or a conversation series—I’m reminded that joy, curiosity, and connection have no expiration date. It’s not about the number of candles on a cake, but the vibrancy you bring to the moment.

This Tuesday night, I have the honor of hosting another uplifting evening filled with stories, music, and a room full of people who prove, time and again, that the arts keep us young at heart. It’s the laughter, the shared memories, and the ability to see the world through fresh eyes—whether you’re 18 or 80—that fuels the magic of live performance.

So today, I invite you to reflect:
What makes you feel as young as you feel?

Maybe it’s a song that takes you back, an unexpected conversation, or showing up for an event where you’re surrounded by people who celebrate life fully.

If you’re ready to reconnect with that spark, I’d love to have you join us Tuesday night. Let’s celebrate together—because staying young has everything to do with how you feel and who you share it with.

 Reserve your seat and join the fun: [Richard Skipper Celebrates Melissa Errico and Julie Halston]

Until then, keep celebrating, stay curious, and never underestimate the power of a good tune to make you feel brand new.

—
Richard Skipper

Who/What Are You Celebrating Today?

The Power of Live Entertainment: Why It Still Matters

In a world filled with endless scrolling, algorithm-driven feeds, and digital distractions, one question has been on my mind lately:

Why does live entertainment still hold such a powerful place in our hearts?

As someone who has spent my career celebrating cabaret, Broadway, and artists of all kinds, I’ve seen firsthand how stepping into a theater or cabaret room transforms both the audience and the entertainer. It’s not just about the show—it's about human connection, shared experience, and the beautiful unpredictability of being in the moment.

This year, I made a conscious decision to leave Meta platforms behind. It was a bold move, but one that reminded me how crucial real-time, real-space connections are—not just for me, but for all of us. Social media might reach wide, but nothing reaches deep like live performance.

So today, I invite you to reflect:
When was the last time you experienced something live that stirred your soul, made you laugh, or connected you to a community?

Let’s keep celebrating and supporting the venues, artists, and storytellers who remind us why live entertainment will always matter.

If you want to stay connected and hear more stories, check out my upcoming events, join my newsletter, or follow me on my current platforms. I’d love to see you—live or virtually—soon.

Until then, keep celebrating!

—
Richard Skipper