The inimitable Carol Channing was feted in style on Saturday night as the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert, California presented Carol Channing's 95th Birthday! In Celebration of a Broadway Legend. The star-studded performance was produced and directed by Chad Hilligus, with music direction and orchestrations by Steven Baker and choreography by Charlie Williams. Scroll down for a photo of Channing surrounded by friends on the big day!
Seated in the front row of the beautiful McCallum Theatre, Miss Channing was treated to a retrospective of her incomparable career featuring live performances, video clips and video tributes. The presenters appearing live on stage to share their affection and recollections included: Lucie Arnaz, Alan Cumming, Florence Henderson, Gavin MacLeod (who read a message from President Barack Obama) and Lily Tomlin. Memorable performances from Miss Channing's extensive career songbook were delivered by Laura Bell Bundy ("I'm Just a Little Girl from Little Rock"/"Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes); Anika Noni Rose ("Jazz Baby" from Thoroughly Modern Millie); Eden Espinosa ("You Haven't Lived Until You've Played the Palace" from Showgirl); Thomas Lauderdale and Storm Large of Pink Martini ("Calypso Pete" from Show Girl); Tom Wopat ("Razzle Dazzle" from Chicago) and a show-stopping performance by 92-year-old Carole Cook ("Before the Parade Passes By" from Hello, Dolly!) which received a standing ovation from the sold-out audience.
Star-studded salute in Palm Desert, Calif., celebrates Carol Channing's 95th birthday.
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