2017 MAC Award Winner, Rick Skye, Brings Bazaaz! A Sequined Variety, to NYC's Don't Tell Mama!

The talented and vivacious, Rick Skye, has drummed up tremendous praise and accolades -- most recently, the 2017 Manhattan Association of Cabarets (MAC) Award -- from his performances both in the United States and abroad. Performing as the iconic Liza Minelli, Skye has starred in many hit shows, such as Barbra and Liza LIVE!; A Slice O' Minnelli; as well as toured with Liza LIVE! throughout England. He has also written and performed in the Flip Side of Neil Sedaka, which earned him a Bistro Award. His most recent success was Judy and Liza Together Again which closed after an incredible seven-year run at Don't Tell Mama and earned him two MAC Awards.

This December, Skye hosts Don't Tell Mama's new monthly variety show, Bazaaz! A Sequined Variety, which features his legendary impersonation as Liza, singing in his own voice, and showcases award-winning impersonations and guest performers.

BroadwayWorld had the amazing opportunity to chat with Skye before his December performances about how Liza has inspired his journey; how he maintains his own voice through his impersonations; and his successful career that has taken him all over the world.

Where did your admiration for Liza first come from? How do you incorporate her qualities/style into your impersonations while still maintaining your own voice?

My admiration for "LIZA" goes back as far as I can remember. I was a big fan of MGM Musicals and, of course, fell in love with Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz" at a young age. But, "Dorothy" had already passed away and the old Hollywood musicals weren't being made anymore. Then I saw "Cabaret" quickly followed by "Liza with a Z" and I recognized that the lady in both of those had that electric, emotional 'thing' that I had admired so much in Judy Garland and the razzmatazz and artistry of the old musicals, BUT - she was sleek and modern and carried on the old show biz traditions that I loved into a new age. I think the reason that I enjoy impersonating her is that the way that she basically is, is basically the way that I am. I want to perform in a high voltage way and really give the audience and hour of "POW!". What I ADD to that, is my writing ability. Many of the songs that I sing are parodies of the types of songs that she sings. I don't just stand around and sing "Liza with a Z". I have a whole point of view with an eye for loving detail.

Why do you feel that Liza is such a timeless icon and what lessons can new generations learn from her life and career?

Talent is talent is talent is what makes her timeless. Her performances are so full of modern energy and so fierce that anyone can identify with them. She gave over 50 years of hard work to entertain people around the world, so she is a symbol of all that is great about the "Great White Way". New generations can learn a lot because she did it the hard way - down in one, all voice, all heart, all singing, all dancing. If you can keep people riveted for 2 hours with your personality and talent, that work ethic is a lesson in how to approach everything that you do.

Can you talk about the process of putting together your variety show "Bazazz! A Sequined Variety" and the added element of your guest performers?

I am enjoying very much, after having performed solo for so many years, the numbers that I am doing with the choreographer Kyle Rostan and the boys. We are getting to perform as a unit and sing harmony and dance till we drop. Each show is different due to the different guest stars. It's kind of scary as we have no budget and I depend on the kindness of my friends who are used to, by now, my saying "Welllll, we could do that old thing we used to do, but what if we learned....?" I know I'm kind of a pain, but the show is always better off for my having nudged everyone to bring their "A" game.

You've also worked, performed, and received accolades overseas. What's your favorite part about bringing your art to other cities and how do those experiences differ from being in New York?

People told me for years that people in the United Kingdom would love what I do, but I didn't understand why it would be so different. In London, people really love to go out to hear music, to go to the theater, to see comedy and they really appreciate the manipulation of language. So, for instance, in one song I rhyme "Australia' with "Genitalia" and, whether they know anything about Liza at all, they appreciate the word play. PLUS, they have the ability to totally love their stars but also know what is funny about them and have a good laugh at their public foibles. In the U.S. things are not always taken with a grain of salt, but they REALLY love Liza, as do I, and they can really have a chuckle at what they think is adorably funny about her. I love it.

If audiences could take away one theme or message from your variety show, what would it be?

Get going! Have a laugh! Enjoy yourself! SIng out, Louise! Life is short! Stop whining and get a little "Bazazz" into your step!!

Can you spill on any upcoming shows you are planning or any dream impersonations you've also wanted to bring to life?

Yes, I can!! I am working right now on a show that draws on my experiences working at The Carlyle Hotel and having watched all the great Cabaret stars play there. I want to use their original arrangements and tell all the stories of the stars I met and how they impacted my life. I can do a few impersonations in that, I'm sure, but mostly I want to tell a story that only I can tell in a very theatrical way. Look for it at a theater near you!

Upcoming shows are below:

Friday, December 29 - 7PM - guest stars Rick Crom and Karen Wyman

Sunday, December 31 - 9:30PM - guest stars Billy Lykken and Nancy Witter

Reservations can be made at www.donttellmamanyc.com

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