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City, State: philadelphia, pa Comments: I had the opportunity to see Richard's performance one more time as Carol over Memorial Day weekend in Maryland. As always he was wonderful; if you blinked you swore it was Carol at her peak sometime in the early 60's. Richard has her voice, mannerisms, and warmth down to an exact science. His quick wit and audience interaction all add to the wonderful renditions of many of Carol's most well known songs. He is a true professional; warm and funny off stage as Richard; funny, sassy, and musically talented as Carol onstage. It is an incredibly quick one hour; if you love Broadway and love Carol, you've got to see his show!
City, State: New York City, NY Comments: Hope you enjoyed the Hillary pix. We are so looking forward to seeing your act, I can hardly stand it. It was such a kick hearing you and my husband, Chuck ("The Charlie Karel") swap stories. Looking forward to continuing the stories ASAP. I hope you get a chance to catch my Hillary act someday, and see that I actually can make her funny. Loved "Carol's" comment about Hillary being funny. That was funny. I hope we've found a new friend. You sound so delightful. Chris Kelley Karel "THE SINGING HILLARY CLINTON"
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 |
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