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City, State: New York, NY Website: www.CharlesKarel.com Comments: Was in original DOLLY with Carol. Falling off the stage story.
City, State: NYC Comments: If you've seen Richard as Carol before, or if you have never seen Richard, you owe it to yourself to see this great cabaret artist in this act. I saw it a few months ago at another benefit at Helen's Hideaway and I am remorseful that I did not post at that time, especially because Richard also did a less enhanced but no less delightful version at the Sheet Music Society a few weeks later. Forget about those impressionists who make fun of the personalities they try to recreate, Richard does a loving and kind impression of the great musical comedy star, now in her mid eighties and still kicking. This show, with backup singers, and the Paul Stephan Group accompanying him, is an elaborate Las Vegas spectacular theatrical presentation. Beginnning with a series of great film clips of the great lady herself (who will be in attendance June 5th) Richard makes a grand entrance to Jule Styne-Leo Robin's "Bye Bye Baby" and Richard as Carol sings that song, "Elegance" from Hello Dolly, and then, a real rarity, another Jule Styne song, this one with lyrics by Bob Merrill, "The Beauty That Drives a Man Mad!" It's hysterical to hear this song in this context (it was sung by Bobby Morse and Tony Roberts in drag in Sugar). Other highlights of the early part of the act are "Looking Back" from Loreli (the revised Gentlemen Prefer Blonds), this time Styne with Comden and Green, the title song and a snazzy "Jazz Baby" from Channing's Academy Award nomination performance in the film Thoroughly Modern Millie", the inevitable "Little Girl From Little Rock" and "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend" (with Richard as Carol working the audience about their jewelry, before tossing the rhinestone diamonds into the house (as Carol does in her act). As the great musicians do a spectacular riff, somehow Richard makes a quick costume change and comes out in the Dolly red gown get up. The boys sing "Call on Carol", and he jumps in with "I Put My Hand" Jerry Herman's opening number. This begins an amazing Hello, Dolly section, that included "Put On Your Sunday Clothes", "It Takes a Woman", and most dramatic and moving of all, the dialogue from Hello, Dolly, that leads into an exceptional singing of "Before the Parade Passes By" that is superb! The American Theater Wing is honoring Carol Channing. The benefit June 5th at Helen's Hideaway is for Carol and her husband Harry's "The Dr. Carol Channing-Harry Kullijian Endowment for the Arts". Richard and the real Carol should be something to see! Call 212 206-0609 after 4 pm and make that MUST reservation!
City, State: Alexandria, VA Comments: OH Richard/Carol, what a joy to carry with me in my memory, until I can see another show. How you do it and make it seem so natural to you is amazing. Hope to see you show in Rehoboth in July. I will make a point of letting everyone know what a show they have to see when they see your name. Love You, Carl
City, State: Flushing, NY Comments: Richard, I'm not one to write fan mail, but I couldn't let your performance at PANG's 2007 East Coast Gathering go without saying how much I enjoyed it. The transformation was mesmerizing, and the respect shown Miss Channing was all the more endearing because of it. You didn't perform Carol Channing, the caricature. You became Carol Channing, the person. Working the crowd the way you did, which had us all in stitches with your quick wit and spontaneity, is the mark of a true professional. And accompanied by the incomparable Richard Bosworth on the piano, you presented a show that I won't soon forget. Thank you for the highlight of the weekend.
City, State: Narberth, PA Comments: Wow! Everything was wonderful - the songs, the patter, the interaction with the audience and with the accompanist. I have enjoyed Miss Channing's performances on record and film, and now I feel as if I have seen her on stage. Thank you! |
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