"When I was a little boy, one of my major goals
in life
was to someday see my hero, Red Skelton perform
live on stage.
I had no idea I would someday meet him and eventually
become his friend." - Tom Mullica
"Tom Mullica, master showman, is the
best in his field. He is real theater." -
Red Skelton
"From the day we met in the early 80's, Red and I shared moments of
both happiness and sadness together. Red was kind to everyone he met,
he was a touchable person who shared his life with those around him.
He lived every day as if it was Christmas. He gave me permission to
use his material, gave me W.C. Field's twisted pool cue and
most importantly, he trusted in me. It's possible that he saw a bit
of his son Richard in me, we were both born in 1948. Red loved the
general public and did not avoid being part of the crowd. He kept his
eye on the pulse of the world and was always topical. Sometimes I think Red
knew he had to put up with the adults just to get through to the children,
the ones he really liked being around and playing with. His pantomime skills
were without equal and everyone loved watching the world through his
eyes. For example, he learned how to mimic a drunk by watching little
babies learning to walk. Throughout his life, Red Skelton studied the
people around him because he knew they were his main source of material.
I once told him,"Red, I don't feel as though I'm contributing anything to
life, and what I'm doing doesn't mean anything to anyone except me." He
said, "Tom, don't talk like that and never forget that laughter, and
being able to evoke it, is a gift of the Gods!" - Tom
Mullica
RED SKELTON:
A Performance Tribute by Tom Mullica
What audiences are saying...
Tom Mullica's one-man show is a living, breathing, giggling reification
of Red Skelton and a dedicated, loving work-in-progress that keeps getting
better with every performance. I saw early renditions of this marvelous show
and now, after hundreds of performances, Tom has eerily and happily integrated
Skelton's persona with his own. He faithfully captures the gentleness, sweetness,
and improvisational aspects of Red Skelton, effortlessly becoming the Red-That-Was
while simultaneously inventing a Red- That-Would-Have-Been. He kibitzes.
He riffs. He touches hearts. Bravo, Tom and Stephen.
Jon Racherbaumer
Aug 2001 Metarie, LA.
Dear Tom,
I just want to tell you that your tribute to Red is meaningful more
than you know. The scope of our actions are never fully realized by ourselves,
at least not while on the earth. Here is chance for me to let you know how
your decision to do this show affected my life. I took my mother to see your
show at the Midway Theater in Rockford, Illinois. Now bear in mind that my
mother at the time had two canvas and two porcelain Red Skelton signed paintings
hanging in her house at the time, as well as a couple signed books, sheet
music, and about five videos of Red's. She had been to Red's birthday 80th
party in Reno, NV. She had been invited becauseof the artwork she had purchased.
Oh, she also had a collection of about 300 clown figures, pictures, etc....,
around the house. We had seen Red Live at the Rockford Metro Centre a few
years back. The night we saw your show my mother was undergoing chemotherapy
for cancer and it was rare at that point for her to go out at all. I can
tell you that it was truly wonderful for both my Mother and myself to see
"Red" again, up close and personal. To see my mother laugh and smile, that
warm loving smile that comes from that special place in ones heart, is a
memory I'll never forget. My Mother passed away on January 28 (my birthday).
The other day I found the ticket stub from your show and all I could see was
my mother sitting there watching "Red" and the look on her face as it brought
back so many memories for her. For a short time she did'nt have cancer, and
she wasn't tired and she didn't hurt. Thank you. For doing what most people
don't do. Taking your dreams and making them real. To do it in such a perfect
way that is honorable and respectful. To continue a legacy of such an incredible
Man. I think Red would say "Not bad for an imposter, maybe you should have
seen a few more of my shows!" I just want to tell you that your tribute
to Red is more meaningful than you know.
.
With Sincere Thanks,
Scott Campbell
valsing7@yahoo.com
I can remember watching Red Skelton with my mom
on television as a child. It was the funniest programming on television
and I always wanted to meet Mr. Skelton in person. He was my inspiration
for getting into comedy. By the time I was an adult, I was never to
have that opportunity. Seeing Tom Mullica perform his tribute toMr. Skelton
certainly re-inspired me.Mr. Skelton was a master at his craft, and no one
could more accurately keep his vision alive than Tom.
Lee Cox - Atlanta, GA
I heard about Tom's Red Skelton Tribute and was dying to see it. I
kept missing it by a week or so- until finally, as if by fate- I was
booked at the same event "with" Tom. I was blown away. (Danny Gans should
beshaking in his red socks about now). This is no "impersonation"- thisis
an Emmy Award waiting to happen.
Christopher Tracy - Hiram, GA
Although I was unable to attend the entire weekend of the Carnival
of Magic convention in Gatlinburg TN, I went specifically to see Tom
Mullica's Tribute to Red Skelton. Although Tom does not know me personally,
I have seen him perform magic at Atlanta's Tom-Foolery, where he often
mentioned Red. To see him again, and to present such an incredibly
warm, informative, and funny tribute to Red was well worth the trip!
Bill Packard - Woodstock, GA
I only have brief memories of Red Skelton. Seeing Tom Mullica perform
his tribute allowed me to see what Red was really like. I knew enough
of Mr. Skelton to know that Tom was right on the mark and I am glad
tohave the opportunity to see this incredible performance. For 120 minutes,I
laughed out loud.
Rick Silver - Sugar Hill, GA
I grew up watching Red on TV... How I long for good, clean family shows
again! I was fortunate enough to see a tribute show to Red done by
aTom Mullica. I was glad that my kids got to see and enjoy some of Red'smaterial.
Lynn Fox -Marietta, GA
I had the pleasure to see Red Skelton perform in St. Petersburg, Fla.,
in 1977. Recently I had the pleasure to see Tom Mullica perform his
tribute show to Red Skelton. I'm still speechless. For about 80 minutes,
TomMullica was Red Skelton. What made the show so special was I could
closemy eyes and "see" Red Skelton performing once again. Another special
partof Mullica's tribute show was it came to my hometown and the birthplaceof
Red Skelton, Vincennes, Indiana. As long as Tom Mullica keeps performinghis
show,the life's humor work of Red Skelton will live on. I only wishfolks
hadthe chance to see Tom Mullica and then go home and see rerunsof the
RedSkelton show on television. May God Bless!
Doug Carroll - Vincennes , IN
We presented the TOM MULLICA TRIBUTE TO RED SKELTON in our theatre
in March, 1999 and it was so well received that we brought him back
in October for a two week run. Over 4,200 people of all ages saw Mr.
Mullica. Iwas amazed at how many people commented about how they thought
it was thereal Red Skelton on stage. Mr. Mullica does an outstanding
job. His looks,voice and mannerisms are "right on". His performance is
indeed a tributeto Mr. Skelton and deserves to be seen by people everywhere.
Leonard Anderson - Sullivan, IL
I have seen Tom Mullica do his wonderful show and I have caught myself
forgetting it was Tom and not Red himself. Tom's tribute to Red is
something I think Red would have been proud of. I wish Tom much success
in keeping the memory of Red alive. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK TOM!!!
James Martorano - Pville, NY
Red is my all time favorite entertainer. I would like to see his legacy
of laughter continue through a brilliant performer, Tom Mullica.
I've seen his impersonation of the legend and it's just like watching
Red himself. I would love to see him tour. . . it would be a shame
to let his extraordinary portrayal performance go unnoticed.
Jeff Hobson - Reno, NV
Saw the grand old man hold forth for two hours before a packed coliseum.
Then, here in Southern Pines, saw Tom Mullica bring him back to lifein
his live tribute to Red. What a joy! Wish Red's TV shows and movieswere
more available, and that everybody could see the hilarious, yet vastlyrespectful
way Mullica recreates him theatrically.
John Chappell - Carthage, NC
It warms my heart to know that Tom, who was one of Red's biggest fans,
has truly made it possible for Red to live again. I know there is
noone more passionate, or has more love and respect for Red. It truly
showsin his "Tribute to Red Skelton". The personal conviction that Tom
has madeto accurately portray Red is incredible . The ability to allow
Red to share a little history, insight, and love, to his old and new
found friends, is so enchanting. Goodnight and May God Bless, Tom.
Monte Johnson - Douglasville, GA
I had the good fortune to meet and talk to Red twice. both times itwasRed
myself and one other person, two of the best times in my life . Likemostof
the people of my age grew up with Red. We saw Tom Mullica doing Red,itwas
like seeing him again in person. There were young people that had notseen
or heard of him, but they laughed and had a good time . I am glad tosee
that the legacy going on.
J.C.Doty - Lithia Springs, Ga
I never missed the Red Skelton Show. The whole family was together
for this time and my children [now grown] still remember those days.
I have seen Tom Mullica do his wonderful show on three occasions and
I have caught myself forgetting it was Tom and not Red himself. Tom's
tribute to Red is something I think Red would have been proud of. I wish
Tom much success in keeping the memory of Red alive.
Bill Tadlock - Elizabeth City, NC
Tom, I am an armature professional magician and lifetime fan of oneoflive's
funniest men. I was also crushed when I heard of his death for Ialsohad
the dream that I could meet him. Even though I was never able tomeethim
in person I do feel that I've known him all my life. I must confessthatI've
seen your show and a few tapes over the years and always felt thatyoureminded
me of Red. Congratulations Tom, I am very grateful to find thatyouhave
decidedto tribute the master clown. On the other hand I am verysadthat
I will notbe able to see this tribute for I am living in Taiwan.WhenI
read that Redhad died, it was while I was over here. I cursed the decisionto
move here.I would request that if you ever have the opportunityto cometo
Asia and ortape the show, Please Inform me. Red influenced mycomic styleand
you haveinfluenced my magic style, so I would cherish thechance toexperience
a greatMagician portraying a great Clown. Well I couldwritepages about
how Red influenced me, but Im a man of few words usually.Thankyou for
keeping the memory ofRed alive and well. A big fan,
Michael A. Emrys
Are you Tom Mullica who appeared at ECSU in Elizabeth city, North Carolina
on Thursday the 3rd of August? I was privileged to have been at thatshow
and was amazed at the skill and performance you gave...I shook yourhand
on the way out and told you, you did Red justice..and you did...Ilaughed
from the moment the show started until the end.. I grew up duringRed'sTV
career, I was born in 1949, so I have seen every show that I couldremember..he
was the only comedian who actually got me into trouble inschool...I
imitated him, doing gertrude and heathcliff, klem kaddiddlehopperin
class, made all the kids laugh, I got sent to the principles officedaily...exceptsat.
and sundays, and that's because there was no schoolon those two days..Even
today at 51 I am still the class clown, only differenceis, im a clown with
no class to go to..I joked my way through life, whichwas a rough one, and
it kept me from going crazy, as a child the jokingwasfunny, but later onin
life it made people think I was nuts and no onewouldtake me seriously
because they never knew if I was serious or makingajoke...It was devastating
to me when Red died... there will never, everbe another comedian likehim
again...God only made room for 1 red skelton,and we had the honor ofhaving
him withus when we did... You have no picturesI can buy, but Iwould very
much likean autographed picture of you asFreddiethe Freeloader, He was
my favorite...God gave you to us to carryon Red'slegacy, and you fill
his shoes very nicely...for the sake of thechildrenand young teens who
never got to see Red except on video, keepup the goodwork in bring his
history and laughter to those you meet everywhere...he'sgone now, but yet
he still lives through you..so, as Red would say, "Goodnight,and may God
Bless".
Ron Oliver - Elizabeth city, NC
I'm a magician and saw Tom Mullica's Tribute to Red Skelton at a recent
magic convention. I am now ashamed to admit that I had never heard
of Mr. Skelton until I saw Mr. Mullica's show, and thought it was simplydelightful.
I'm 20 years old and so have not had the opportunity to seeRed Skeltonin
his prime, but I have become quite interested in his performancesandhave
rented several wonderful movies of his. Mr. Skelton was a giftedperformer,
and if any of you out there would like to see his show liveagain, I
highly recommend Tom Mullica's Tribute show. He brings the spiritof
Red Backto life.
Ben Caesar - Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Our "Family Association" with Red goes back to WWII, when my Mother,
Edith Dickson, worked at the White House in Washington during the
Roosevelt and Truman days. She would often tell us personal stories
of how Redused to come to Washington to entertain the President and
the soldierswhogathered at the Washington Theatres. "Dunking Donuts"
was one of herfavorites... as she knew that Red would always get donuts
to hand out tothe soldiers after his show. (Donuts were 'rationed' and
Red could get themfree togive away!) In later years, when Red would
come to our Fox Theatrein Atlanta, she would always encourage me to go
and see his legendary routines.Youare very fortunate that someone like
the very talented TOM MULLICA doessucha wonderful job keeping Red's legendary
routines from "vanishing." Hedoessuch a great job, I know that he and
Red were close... and Red wouldcertainlyjoin us in our laughter in seeing
Tom perform. On behalf of "justanotherFan" let me say thank you, and I
encourage you to allow Tom to keepthe laughter going through his performances.
Abb Dickson - Jonesboro, GA
Dear Mr. Mullica,
I recently attended your show in Elizabeth City, NC, I must say it was
great, I am only 24, but remember watching Red Skelton on PBS late
nights, mostly on the weekends. To be able to sit in an auditorium
of peoplelaughing at obscenity free, humor was a rare treat in this
day and age.It didmy heart good to see younger and older people laughing
and enjoyingthemselves without the violence and obscenities seen on TV
today. I hopethat youwill return to our area in the future, a lot of
people missed onnot onlya great performance, but an excellent tribute
to the late and greatRedSkelton.I was amazed to learn the history behind
him, you did an excellentjob, andwhen I came to this webpage I was glad
to see that you knew RedSkeltonpersonally. Once again, I thank you for
bringing the humor of RedSkelton,and the kindness, teachings and caring
of Freddie the Freeloader(my personalfavorite) tosuch a small town as Elizabeth
City. I look forwardto seeingyour show again. I would love to hear from
you, but looking atyour showschedule I know thatyou are busy. Take care,
and thanks again.Good luckwith your future shows, may Red smile down on
you for all of thelaughs andjoy that you bring toeachindividual in your
audience. God bless.
Tabatha Hall
A Legend - Red Skelton Impersonator Takes Stage
at Liberty Community Theater
The Liberty Performing Arts Center, a 750-seat theater, virtually sold
out Sunday afternoon to a crowd of parents and grandparents to see
"Red Skelton."
Red Skelton's act was gentle, quiet and funny. A generation of children,
including yours truly, was raised on Klem Kadiddlehopper, Gertrude
& Heathcliff, Da Mean Widdle Kid and Red's many other characters.
Tom Mullica, who performs the one man tribute to Red, was outstanding,
and the crowd got everything it expected.
Mullica's show was not just a collage of terrific impersonations of avaudevilleand
Hollywood icon, Mullica, in character the entire time he wason stage,wove
stories about Red's upbringing, early stage career and philosophyofkindness
and compassion into a marvelous and witty performance.
Mullica could have played another hour beyond his scheduled 90-minuteactand
no one would have left the theater. In fact, Mullica's show was certainly
closer to Red's vaudevillian sketches than the watered-down versionswe
all saw on commercial TV in the '50s and '60s.
Mullica, who started his career as a magician, met Skelton in the 1980s
and the performers became friends, perhaps in part, Mullica said,
because he was the same age as Red's son, who succumbed to leukemia
as a child.
"People don't realize how much good Red did for children's charitableorganizations,"Mullica
told me in a quiet moment after the performance. "Redwas very distressedwhen
CBS canceled his highly rated show."
Mullica quoted Skelton, "They told me I wasn't funny anymore. But Reddidn'tlet
that stop his charitable works."
Mullica said he enjoys playing Red: "I take great pride in showing that
Red's gentle comedy will always be funny, today more than ever."
For this writer's money, Red is still alive. His name is Tom Mullica.
Staff writer
Dear Tom, After seeing last night's performance in Levittown it gotmethinking.
There truly must be a heaven. Think about it. What better reward for
Red Skelton after giving of himself and bringing smiles and laughter
to somany people for so many years to be looking down from heaven andseeing
sucha befitting tribute by you. We were blessed to have him forso many
yearsand now you. Thank you for making me laugh (and Red too!).Sincerely,
Donna Sherman
My wife and I attended your performance of Red at the Rialto in Joliet
yesterday. We have not stopped talking about it. Red would be proud.Thanks
to you. Red was on that stage. I hope you continue this performancefor
a very long time. Thank you,
Ed Gilmore
You should be very proud of your work and I look forward to seeing
you go very far with this. I only wish I could have spent more time
withyou. I do not know if you remember but you send me a very touching
e-mailafter my mother had passed away. You as a person plus your style
of magichas meant a lot to me.
Michael Night - Toledo, OH
Hello Tom, I wanted to thank you for the great job you did for me this
past Friday. You were the hit of the convention. I told Dave Sandy
that we had many comments on the show from it being the best Friday
night show ever to one young man saying that he never heard of Red but,
after seeing your show was going to the video store to buy everything
he can find on him!
Janice Draper - Toledo, OH
You and your audiences will
fall in love with this show!
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