I saw Carol Channing when she did the Hello, Dolly! tour, coming through Pittsburgh in 1967, at the old Penn Theatre - which has since been converted to Heinz Hall (home of the Pittsburgh Symphony). After curtain calls she talked with the audience. That particular night she said: "What a lovely old theatre. You know, Caruso played here. And they haven't dusted since."
I got a chance to meet her at the stage door several years later when she did the play FOUR ON A GARDEN (NOTE: Not a great show) but she was very gracious.
I also had the opportunity to hear her speak (in the form of an interview) at the Kennedy Center a few years ago. She has had a remarkable career in the theatre, truly one of the Broadway legends. She is so identified with the role of Dolly Levi, including in her Anniversary Tour production of the show in the mid-90's. It is sometimes hard to remember that she was the youngest of the Broadway Dollys during its original run (1964 - 1970). Dolly held the record for most Tony Awards, until it was eclipsed by The Producers.
Have you seen Ms. Channing's work in the original movie of Thoroughly Modern Millie? To see that movie, is to appreciate the vibrance and talent of Ms. Channing as well as her youthfulness at about the time she did Dolly on stage.
Ray is the author of the Brad Frame mystery series, and two suspense novels. He is also the author of a one man play based on Ben Franklin. http://www.rayflynt.com
