Celebrity Impressionist Goes Viral with Richard III

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Jan. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Oscar nominee George Clooney and former governor Arnold Schwarzenegger were joined by Woody Allen, Ricky Gervais, Christopher Walken, Jack Nicholson, Ron Howard and a host of other notables in a brief, but memorable video production of Richard III by celebrity impressionist Jim Meskimen.

With "Shakespeare in Celebrity Voices," which went viral in July of 2011, followed by "Celebrity Alphabet" and the holiday themed, "Twas the Night Before Christmas in Celebrity Voices," viewers worldwide began to "Accept Imitations." As long as they were from Meskimen, anyway.

"...Expert celebrity impersonator Jim Meskimen gives the freshest, funniest take on Clarence's death dream (from Richard III) we've seen ... well, ever." said Entertainment Weekly.

The New York Times.com said, "Meskimen is a very talented impressionist, but what's most impressive here is that he not only imitates obligatory celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger, George W. Bush, Jack Nicholson and Jimmy Stewart but also people like George Clooney, Paul Giamatti and Ricky Gervais, celebrities you wouldn't think were ripe for impressions until you hear his takes on them."

The viral videos were created to promote the show, JIMPRESSIONS, in which the audience is taken on a tour of celebrity voices from past and present; over 65 impressions in 75 minutes of mesmerizing one-man theater.

Meskimen ups the ante in his live show, offering a live version of "Shakespeare Impressions" with volunteers from the audience challenging him with random celebs to speak the Bard's verse.

A veteran of numerous films, TV shows and commercials, including five films for Academy Award-winning director, Ron Howard, Meskimen has many claims to fame.

His impressionist/improv abilities won him fame on Britain's Whose Line is it, Anyway?

Meskimen became a household voice during the 2004 Presidential election, when he provided singing impressions of President G.W. Bush, John Kerry and others in the mega-viral Jibjab hit, "This Land," which topped 80 million views.

He even played a recurring role as an amateur (i.e. poor) impressionist/host on NBC's hit Parks & Recreation.

Now, Meskimen brings his full range of vocal talents directly to fans of spot-on celebrity impressions in his touring one-man show, JIMPRESSIONS, beginning with a six week run in Hollywood at The Acting Center.

Audiences in the U.K., Canada and in the States, Chicago, Florida, Boston, Atlanta and Australia embraced the JIMPRESSIONS show enthusiastically in 2011, demonstrating a strong appetite for a new, fresh look at the art of celebrity mimicry. As Gather.com put it, "Hopefully, friends from 'Down Under' have sent a message to folks 'Up Over' and that is the world needs more JIMPRESSIONS."

JIMPRESSIONS comes to Hollywood for a six-weekend run starting February 17 & 18th at 8 p.m.

JIMPRESSIONS, written and performed by Jim Meskimen, directed by Tait Ruppert and produced by The Acting Center, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. February 17 through March 24.

For information and reservations, go to http://www.theactingcenterla.com/jimpressions.

Photos:
http://www.ereleases.com/pic/2012-JimMeskimen.jpg
http://www.ereleases.com/pic/2012-JimMeskimen2.jpg

Contact: Jim Meskimen, (818) 929-5989 [email protected].

This press release was issued through eReleases(R).  For more information, visit eReleases Press Release Distribution at http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE Jim Meskimen