Six Questions Celebrates Richard Skipper and “An Evening with Richard Skipper: From Conway to Broadway” Playing on Monday, August 5th

On Monday, August 5th, the multi-talented Richard Skipper will mark 40 years in the Big Apple to the day with his An Evening with Richard Skipper: From Conway to Broadway at St. Luke’s Theater. The show SOLD OUT quickly as fans rushed to get tickets—but Conway-ites will get to see their native son perform at The Theatre of The Republic (celebrating their 50th) on September 28th. And Skipper also hopes to reprise the show (produced by Russ Woolley, directed by Jay Rogers, and with musical direction by Bryon Sommers, lighting design by Maarten Cornelis, sound design by Sharon L. Boggs, set design by Daniel Sherman, and stage management by Lisa Dascoli) in NYC on October 5th.

Known as Ricky to his family and friends in SC, Skipper, born in Conway in 1961, was destined for the stage.  In 1974, he made his debut with a walk on in Mame at hometown The Theatre of The Republic. Ricky also made up his mind on August 5th of 1974 that he was going to go to New York five years from that day to be in show business! And he did! On August 5th, 1979, at the age of 18 and right out of high school, Skipper flew one way to New York with $500.00 in his pocket—although he’d never flown before and didn’t know anyone in NY, let  alone been outside of Conway!

The rest is history, as the saying goes, and through Conway to Broadway, audiences will find out how Ricky/Richard came to be known throughout New York’s theatrical community as theatre row’s “Mr. Entertainment” with a background in acting, singing, celebrity interviews, and producing. Plus, Skipper will debut a song by Michael Colby and Alex Rybeck just for this occasion.

NiteLife Exchange celebrates Richard Skipper with Six Questions.

NiteLife Exchange (NLE): In your 40 years in New York City, what is your highlight/spotlight/favorite moment to date and why?

Richard Skipper (RS): The first day here! Actually, there are so many, I don’t know where to begin! Appearing on the main stage of Carnegie Hall and getting a standing ovation is a major one. The first time I performed as Carol Channing. Becoming friends with her. Staying at her home in Palm Springs. Throwing a 50th anniversary party for Hello, Dolly! at Sardis with so many cast members from the original production and various productions and revivals over the years. Getting a call from Jerry Herman the night before thanking me. Dancing with Marge Champion at my 50th Birthday party!  Co-producing Carole Cook (with Russ Woolley) at Feinstein’s/54 Below. Meeting Danny! Marrying him! The numerous times Carol was in the audience of my shows. Interviewing Carol Channing, Lesley Ann Warren and so many of the people that I have idolized. The friends I’ve made along the way. The artists I have worked with. Collaborating with Russ Woolley, Bryon Sommers, and Jay Rogers are the latest highlights right now! I’ve been truly blessed and now looking forward to the next 40 years!

NLE: You wear many hats: performer/producer/advocate/writer/host-emcee. Which is your favorite and why?

RS: I love what I’m doing when I’m doing it! They all challenge me to be better and better. Entertaining is always at the top of my list. I love the interchange between me and an audience. I love the journey audiences take me on.

NLE: To what do you attribute your success?

RS: Thank you for considering me a success! I have always marched to my own drum (heart) beat. I try (not always successfully) to work with blinders on. Anytime I start thinking about what my other artists are doing—or accomplishing—that I’m not, I realize that my eye is off the prize. I do my Morning Pages every morning (Thank you The Artists’ Way by Julia Cameron). I’m always striving to do better and always moving in that direction. I also keep up to date with everything that is going on in our business. I try to support as many artists as possible. No one is alone in this business. I have an insatiable desire to keep striving to be better!

NLE: What made you decide to write a book on the history of Hello Dolly? What do you hope to most achieve with its publication?

RS: I’ve always loved this musical. Circumstances occurred in my life in the winter of 2011 which forced me to change course and think about what the next chapter in my life would be. I was in Palm Springs visiting Carol Channing for my 50th birthday. Believe it or not, having a conversation with Carol, she suggested I write a book about the musical. A book celebrating the history of the show has never been written although it has been covered by theatre historians as part of other books.

I posted on Facebook that I was thinking of writing this book when someone suggested I get in touch with Roberta Olden; she was Ginger Rogers’ personal assistant and secretary for the later years of Miss Rogers’ life. (Ginger Rogers replaced Carol in Hello, Dolly!) They put me in touch with her and she agreed to meet with me on neutral territory, but was guarded at first. She realized that I was on the up and up and she opened her home to me and shared private letters, journals, etc. with me. That was the first of over 700 interviews! This project has taken on a life of its own culminating with CallonDolly.com which is the most comprehensive ‘catchall’ for all things Dolly. It is giving a voice to all of the players I have been lucky enough to interview. I want to celebrate THEIR stories! It is a labor of love although finding an interested publisher has been difficult. I would love for this to be a coffee table book. There are productions opening around the world on any given day! It’s the project that keeps on giving! Perhaps a publication date in 2024 to celebrate the 60th anniversary! I told you I plan ahead!

NLE: What’s YOUR interview technique and the most important aspect of engaging your subject?

RS: I’m very inquisitive. I had a mentor early in life who instilled in me the importance of what has gone before. I want to know what makes a person tick? How did they get from Point A to Point B and Beyond? What motivates them? What inspires them? Once we sit down for an interview, I let go of any agenda. I allow THEM to tell THEIR story without editorializing. I essential let go and let them…

NLE: What would you like your legacy to be––the thing that people remember most about you?

RS: That I cared about others. That I always strived to be the best ‘Richard Skipper’ that I possibly could be. AND that I was there for them. I am an advocate for others. If I was in a better position financially, I would also be a philanthropist. I LOVE ARTISTS!