Groovy Guy/Gal: Richard Skipper as Carol Channing on July 5

Carol Channing, one of Broadway's greatest treasures, obviously still plays herself quite well, and I've been fortunate enough to have seen her in Hello, Dolly! twice. However, the next best thing to the real Carol is Richard Skipper, who has been paying tribute to Channing for more than 15 years in his own original shows. And he will be continuing his intimate evenings as the legendary diva this Sunday (July 5) at 8 pm in Carol Channing: A Celebration! at Tim McLoone's Supper Club in Asbury Park, New Jersey.

Skipper has taken his loving tribute to Channing all over the country, and the fabulous lady herself has personally endorsed his performance, saying: "This is the first time ever I have been shown with such love, respect and polish. Richard Skipper is a true musical comedy star! He is fabulous as me!" What Skipper recreates on stage are Channing's memorable shows in Vegas and on Broadway, in which she proved that she could do a whole lot more than just diamond-happy Lorelei Lee--but, of course, he does include in his own show a few tunes from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes as well as Hello, Dolly! For more information about Richard Skipper, check out his website, www.RichardSkipper.com.

For reservations to Carol Channing: A Celebration!, call (732) 774-1155. There is a $20 cover, and dinner seating begins at 6 pm. Tim McLoone's Supper Club is located at 1200 Ocean Avenue in Asbury Park.

Richard Skipper will also be appearing as Channing with Steven Brinberg (as Barbra Streisand) and Tommy Femia (as Judy Garland) in Legendary Ladies at Tim McLoone's on Thursday, July 16, and at the Beaux Arts Ball in Louisville, Kentucky, on Saturday, October 10. For tickets to the latter, call (502) 435-4676 or purchase online at www.beauxartsball.