THE CHER SHOW - The fabulous, heartbreaking and inspirational life story of a pop icon - Review by Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong

 THE CHER SHOW - The fabulous, heartbreaking and inspirational life story of a pop icon

 
Review by Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong
 
The TONY AWARD winning musical THE CHER SHOW is the fabulous, heartbreaking and inspirational life story of a pop icon. Discover how young, shy Cherilyn Sarkisian transforms from a pop singer to fashion influencer to television star to OSCAR,  EMMY and GRAMMY winner to the entertainment icon we know today.
 
THE CHER SHOW is filled with more than thirty hit songs representing six decades of stardom. Did you know that Cher sang backup vocals on hits like the Ronettes' BE MY BABY and the Righteous Brothers' YOU'VE LOST THAT LOVIN' FEELING? 
 
The show features three Chers - each one portraying her in various life stages. The three interact with each other, offer each other advice, argue with each other and even sing together at various points. 
 
Even though the show is a lot of fun because of the familiar music and perfectly timed Cher humor, there are some deeper revelations here too. After earning tens of millions of dollars, Cher realizes that husband Sonny owns 95% of their partnership, their lawyer owns the other 5% and the only thing she owns is a car. Then there is the time Lucille Ball advises Cher to dump Sonny and take control of her career. 
 
THE CHER SHOW won Tony Awards for Lead Actress in a Musical and for Costume Design for a Musical. Bob Mackie's costumes are over-the-top fabulous and perfect for an over-the-top icon like Cher. Mackie's character sings, dances and comments hilariously in THE CHER SHOW with fabulous gay flair.
 
A few of the music highlights include:
* If I Could Turn Back Time
* Half-Breed
* I Got You Babe
* Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)
* Believe
* Song for the Lonely
* Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves
* Dark Lady
* I Found Someone
* Believe
* Strong Enough
 
THE CHER SHOW is onstage at the Maxwell C King Center in Melbourne, Florida tonight - https://www.kingcenter.com/
 
Visit THE CHER SHOW tour website for upcoming performances -
https://thechershowbroadway.com/#home

PAWPAW'S DIARY: MESSAGES TO MY GRANDSONS 76 - Swimming at Pawpaws

PAWPAW'S DIARY:  MESSAGES TO MY GRANDSONS 76 - Swimming at Pawpaws

I create these Messages To My Grandsons because I want you to know your Pawpaw as you did when you were little children. I want you to know that I did not abandon you. I spent at least a week every month with you until your parents ended our relationship. Always know that Pawpaw didn't leave you. I was banned from seeing you. I hope you find these messages when you are a grown man. If I'm still alive, I would love to see you again. I would never leave you, my loves, Pawpaw

Steven and Tom Visit Fort Mose Historic State Park

 Fort Mose Historic State Park is a U.S. National Historic Landmark located two miles north of St. Augustine, Florida. It was first legally-sanctioned free African American settlement built specifically for people fleeing slavery from the English colonies in the Carolinas. Photography by Thomas Routzong and Steven Skelley.

Chichen Itza is one of our favorite Mayan sites in Mexico. See 1 of the 7 wonders of the world

 The Kukulkan Pyramid in Chichen Itza, also known as El Castillo or The Castle, is one of the new seven wonders of the world. Chichen Itza travel video by Sunny Harbor Publishing.

Surfing Santas - A Cocoa Beach, Florida Holiday Charity Tradition

 Who could ever foresee that a simple phone call from a Mom and Dad inviting their son and daughter-in-law out to surf some waves would become a tradition that would spread around the world and bring much-needed help to those battling cancer? Surfing Santas in Cocoa Beach, Florida has become a local and international tradition that everyone should support and enjoy.

Steven and Tom On The Viking Grand European Tour

 Viking Grand European Tour travel video by Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong and the travel magazines of SunnyHarborPublishing.org

Steven and Tom Visit Joshua Tree National Park

 Joshua Tree National Park travel video by Sunny Harbor Publishing with photography by Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong. Joshua Tree National Park is an unusual, beautiful and inspiring natural treasure. Joshua Tree welcomes climbers, boulderers and highliners from around the world with more than 8,000 climbing routes. Joshua Tree park rangers and volunteers offer free guided walks, talks, and evening programs. We love visiting Joshua Tree!

Steven and Tom Visit Rouen France

 Steven and Tom Visit Rouen France

Rouen is a port city on the river Seine. We visited the cobblestoned pedestrian center with medieval half-timbered houses. Joan of Arc was burned to death here for leading the French against the English. Victor Hugo famously described Rouen as the city of a hundred spires. The Gros Horloge clock is located on an arch between two buildings. Notre Dame of Rouen Cathedral was begun in the 1100s. Its spire reaches 495 feet. During the 1890s, the Claude Monet painted a series of 30 paintings of the cathedral. Photography by Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong. Sunny Harbor Publishing.

Steven and Tom Visit Luray Caverns

 Luray Caverns are the largest caverns in the eastern United

States. We strolled lighted, paved walkways through 10-story high cathedral-sized rooms, towering stone formations, and natural wonders. Luray Caverns is open every day of the year. All formations in the caverns are calcite, a crystalline form of limestone.The National Park Service and the Department of Interior designated it a Registered Natural Landmark. Photography by Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong. Sunny Harbor Publishing.

Steven and Tom Visit THE BRITISH MUSEUM

 Steven and Tom Visit THE BRITISH MUSEUM

The British Museum is one of the world's best-known and most-visited museums – and it's free and open to all.. Photography by Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong.

Steven and Tom Visit Honolulu Hawaii

 Steven and Tom Visit Honolulu Hawaii . Honolulu is the state capital and largest city in Hawaii. Honolulu is a combination of tropical beauty and international metropolis. The Duke Kahanamoku Statue honors the father of modern surfing. Honolulu means sheltered harbor or calm port in Hawaiian. Waikiki is the tourist district of Honolulu. We were not able to visit The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor but we will in the future. Photography by Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong. Sunny Harbor Publishing.

Steven and Tom Visit Maui Hawaii

 Steven and Tom Visit Maui Hawaii. Maui is known as The Valley Isle. It is the second largest Hawaiian island. Haleakala National Park encompasses the island’s highest peak - volcanic Haleakala. Photography by Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong. Sunny Harbor Publishing.

Every Day Is Mothers Day

Every Day Is Mothers Day is 100+ pages of thoughts, stories and photographs that celebrate the special relationship between moms and their children. Each book includes a special music CD of the touching single Thank You God For Making Moms. This is the perfect gift for any mother or child of any age.Author / Photographers Thomas Routzong & Steven Skelley asked readers to share their favorite family photos and then added thought-provoking or humorous captions to help us remember and celebrate that amazing mother-child connection.

With a music CD single of Steven Skelley's song Thank You God For Making Moms included, Every Day Is Mothers Day is the perfect gift book for any mother or child of any age.

Thomas Routzong
I was born in Cocoa, Florida in 1941 to Ethel Sue Duke Routzong. I was named after our family doctor, Dr. Thomas Kenaston, grew up in rural Cocoa on 30 acres in a farm atmosphere, and I can still almost taste the homemade butter and biscuits my mother made. My grandmother, Bess Cole Duke (Mama Duke) was like a second mother to me. I can still picture her standing there saying, "Anything worth doing is worth doing well."

Steven Skelley
I was born in Canton, Ohio in 1963 to Sherill May McWilliams Skelley. She taught me the amazing value of hugs and smiles and laughter. Mom’s mom, Virginia Margaret Wheatley McWilliams was her best friend as well as instigator & partner in their many silly and fun adventures. They modeled for me how great family can be. I hope my daughter and I carry on their legacy of love, friendship and shared adventure.

Click the video below to hear Steven's song Thank You God For Making Moms and see excerpts from the book Every Day Is Mothers Day.

Click here to watch youtube video of Thank You God For Making Moms

Click here to purchase Every Day Is Mothers Day

Every Day Is Mothers Day book and CD + FREE SHIPPING!

Price $ 12.00 Thank You God For Making Moms is available as an MP3 download for only 99 cents at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/stevenskelley ______ ______ Steven Skelley is a published author of several nonfiction works and the novella The Gargoyle Scrolls. He has been a newspaper columnist, travel writer, news writer, ordained minister, music director, creative arts director, theater reviewer and tennis instructor.

Positive Reflections: Inspiring Thoughts & Photographs From Around The World is a 128 page gift book with a special twist that is meant to encourage a positive outlook that will help you live life to it’s fullest. Encourage someone who is facing a life challenge or just inspire someone to enjoy all that life has to offer.Whether you want to encourage someone who is facing a life challenge or just inspire someone to enjoy all life has to offer, Positive Reflections: Inspiring Thoughts & Photographs From Around The World is the PERFECT GIFT BOOK!

Co-authors Thomas Routzong and Steven Skelley have faced life's challenges and have survived to encourage others to enjoy the journey of life!

Positive Reflections: Inspiring Thoughts & Photographs From Around The World features beautiful photos from around the world taken by Steven and Thomas along with insightful tourist descriptions by Thomas. Each photo is paired with a thought-provoking quote from a famous historical figure and an inspiring, encouraging motivational confession from Steven that you can use to positively focus your day.

Author / photographer Thomas Routzong was diagnosed with cancer in 1996 and given less than a 40% chance of survival. His wife lost her battle with cancer soon after. Thomas survived and vowed not to waste even a minute of the rest his life. After serving his community for 30 years as an educator, he began traveling the world and photographing its beauty.

Author / photographer Steven Skelley has been a columnist for nine newspapers and a news service. His mother and both sisters all passed away in their forties. At age 43, Steven battled his own life-threatening illness but survived with a desire to encourage others though his writing, photography and music.

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People love to look at beautiful photos like these whether in a gallery like ours or in a book like this. These photos just draw you in and the quotes really make you think - a great way to forget your stress and relax." Heidi Thamert / Downtown Gallery of Titusville..


"As a cancer survivor, I truly believe in living every day to the fullest and doing the things that make us happy. This book helps remind me to do that." Catherine Schweinsberg / Brevard County Library Services Director

"Beautiful! Not everyone is able to travel around the world but, with this book, you can imagine yourself there and start your day with a positive mindset." Nancy Robinson / Talk Of The Town Travel Agency

"Thomas and Steven lift your spirits and inspire you to enjoy the beauty of the world in this delightful travel-free tour of the world." Dr. Randy D. Moody / Presbyterian Church

"Positive Reflections is like the bestseller THE SECRET but with pictures! You can get a new view of the world and a new view on life." Rev. Beth Head / Unity Church of Melbourne

"In the business world APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY is all about seeing things in a new way, overcoming the limits we impose on ourselves and living up to our potential. Positive Reflections is a valuable tool for today's successful business person." Douglas Brown / Co-author The Black Book Of Outsourcing / Brown Wilson Group

"Robin has received Positive Reflections'and they have truly lifted her spirits. She wants you to know that you are in her thoughts and prayers." Ayana Smith - personal assistant of Robin Roberts / Good Morning America.

"Thanks for the two books! They are great!" U.S. Senator Bill Nelson.

"Hey all.... I have this book & love it!!! The photos bring great relaxation to my my hectic life!!! A must have for everyone!!!!!" Mary Ann Barnes Dunne

"I gave several as gifts, when friends seemed to be in need of inspiration. I think they make great gifts." Kathryn Bird

(Click here to purchase Positive Reflections: Inspiring Thoughts & Photographs From Around The World) for just $15 (free shipping)

Click here to purchase Positive Reflections: Inspiring Thoughts & Photographs From Around The World from AMAZON.com

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Steven Skelley is a published author of several nonfiction works and the novella The Gargoyle Scrolls. He has been a newspaper columnist, travel writer, news writer, ordained minister, music director, creative arts director, theater reviewer and tennis instructor.

the best of HOMETOWN HEROES florida

the best of HOMETOWN HEROES florida is ten chapters of heartwarming & inspiring stories about people of all ages and backgrounds who are changing their communities, their state, and their world through their unique personalities and their desire to help others"WOW! became our keyword for this book. After we interviewed each of these extraordinary people, we would get in the car, look at each other and just say WOW!" Thomas Routzong & Steven Skelley

"The authors tell remarkable stories." Gary Roen / Midwest Book Review

THE HOMETOWN HEROES

Patrick D Smith - An Author Remembered
Patrick D Smith has been called Florida ’s greatest author. He has been nominated for multiple Pulitzer and Nobel prizes. People have asked that his books be read to them on their death bed. He once spent several years masquerading as a migrant worker in order to learn how they are often abused and mistreated. His fictional novels set in Florida’s history are world famous.

Ed Schick - The Hamlet Quoting, Motorcycle Riding Hope For The Hopeless – Ed Shick was raised in a broken home. He often found himself homeless and sleeping on the beach for weeks at a time. He tested as mentally challenged. Ed found he wasn’t mentally challenged. He earned a college degree and went on to open shelters to house and educate the homeless and hopeless.

Hazel Haley - From Too Ugly To Live To A Beautiful Soul
Hazel Haley thought she was born too ugly to live. She eventually found her place in the world as a high school teacher. She was so loved by her school and students that they wouldn’t let her retire….until she reached age 90! Hazel is a firecracker who has been sought out by Oprah and the Tonight Show.

Rafael Ortega - A Law Officer Condemned To Die, Reborn To Serve – Bronx born Rafael Ortega served the Pompano Beach area as a deputy for over 20 years until he contracted hepatitis A, B & C while arresting a criminal. With just days to live, Rafael promised God that he would serve the Latino community with what was left of his life. Rafael miraculously lived and the police officer became a peace offerer.

Dolly Hand - Home Is Where Your Heart Is – Dolly Hand is a wealthy socialite who should fit in perfectly with her Palm Beach friends. Instead, she uses her finances and influence to help the poorest of the poor as she chooses to live among them in one of the most disadvantaged cities in the state.

Kathy Catino - From Broken and Beaten To A Shining Beacon
Kathy Catino married the wrong man. She was beaten, isolated, and locked in a closet for days. She escaped. Kathy turned her nightmare into an opportunity to help other battered women and children. She opened and operated nationally acclaimed shelters in St Pete and Naples and is credited with saving the lives of tens of thousands of women and children.

Dr. Russell Barber - Teacher Of Tolerance
Barbara Walters. Tom Brokaw, The Dahli Lama. Billy Graham. Barry Manilow. Mother Teresa. These are the people who Russell Barber calls friends. Russell is a 3-time Emmy award winning journalist and college professor who has dedicated his life to creating dialogue between people of faith….all faiths.

Choctawhatchee High School - Coming Together To Change The Future
The word " Choctawhatchee " means "to come together." 2nd grade teacher Jenifer Bafundo and high school teacher Linda Evanchyk came together with an idea to change the lives of thousands of students. They paired successful high schoolers with disadvantaged second graders as pen pals and mentors. The interaction between children who would otherwise never have met has changed the lives of every

Zion D'jatar & Dr. Erroll Findlater - Breaking The Cycle Of Generational Poverty
Zion D’Jatar is a former high school principal named for the African word for lion. Dr. Errol Findlater is a successful surgeon. They have both chosen to move their families to a community where the majority of residents live in poverty. They have teamed up to teach kids to succeed in school and in life.

Jack Nelson - Access To Success
World Record Swimmer and Gold Medal Winning Olympic Coach. These are just two of Jack Nelson’s many amazing accomplishments. Jack’s mother only reached the third grade. His father reached the fourth grade. Jack was considered too short and stocky to be a swimmer by many of his competitors. They even made fun of him....until he blew them out of the water and set world records. Jack has taught thousands of children to swim and thousands more about drowning prevention while teaching them all that no goal is unreachable and that character is as important as winning.

Click here to purchase the best of HOMETOWN HEROES florida for just $10

Click here to purchase the Kindle version of the best of HOMETOWN HEROES florida


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Steven Skelley is a published author of several nonfiction works and the novella The Gargoyle Scrolls. He has been a newspaper columnist, travel writer, news writer, ordained minister, music director, creative arts director, theater reviewer and tennis instructor.

Book Review - Positive Reflections

this is from the ST CLOUD IN THE NEWS website

POSITIVE REFLECTIONS:

INSPIRING THOUGHTS & PHOTOGRAPHS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

By Thomas Routzong & Steven Skelley

Sunny Harbor Publishing

P O Box 560318

Rockledge, Florida 32956-0318

http://www.sunnyharborpublishig.org/

ISBN 978-0-9799658-0-7

$15.00 with FREE shipping!

This is a perfect gift for any occasion. The authors have taken photos from around the world and combined sayings by famous people with statements by the authors and descriptions of the places of the photos. The book shows many of the positive things we have in this world.


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Steven Skelley is a published author of several nonfiction works and the novella The Gargoyle Scrolls. He has been a newspaper columnist, travel writer, news writer, ordained minister, music director, creative arts director, theater reviewer and tennis instructor.