He's been known variously as the first mime in America, America's foremost mime, and now the world's oldest active mime.
Richmond Shepard, who continues to juggle a boatload of activities - from critic and writer, to teacher, performer and bon vivant - is pushing the envelope once again. His category-defying new show, "You Want to Be a What?!?" premieres at Don't Tell Mama for a run of eight Tuesdays from September 9 to October 28. All shows at 9:15pm.
A mime-cabaret might come closest to describing it. Supported by Nicholas Wolfson on guitar and with two back-up mimes by his side -- Carol Tandava Henning and
Marcus Watson -- Shepard does stand-up mime, and recounts strange stories about his colorful career! With nods to
Jean-Louis Barrault and Lord Buckley, Shepard has concocted a mime show like nothing you've seen before.
Written, directed and performed by Shepard, "You Want to Be a What?!?" (subtitled "A Memoir in Mime") combines vintage and modern mime idioms, adding music and back-up mimes and tossing in a lighted match!
Throughout the years Shepard has continued to teach and perform mime all over the world, including, in the last few years, in Shanghai, Istanbul, Berlin, Jakarta, Sydney and England. Still making noise at 85, Shepard is self-proclaimed The World's Oldest Active Mime. His book "Mime: The Technique of Silence" is still widely taught in colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and the U.K. His reviews of the theatre and cabaret are seen on Performing Arts Insider and
lively-arts.com.
"You Want to Be a What?!?" performs eight Tuesdays from September 9 to October 28 at New York's beloved honky tonk Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street. Shows are Tuesdays September 9, 16, 23, 30, October 7, 14, 21 and 28. The cover charge is $20. No credit cards. For reservations call
212/757-0788, or to order online visit
www.donttellmamanyc.com
