Vilanch, Gaines, et al. Set for Carol Channing's 90th Birthday Celebration, 2/21

Join Emcee Bruce Vilanch, Davis Gaines and former HELLO DOLLY!, DOLLY's Carole Cook, Joanne Worley and evening's host Phyllis Diller and others as they come together to honor Broadway's original DOLLY with memories, humorous storytelling and, of course, several of her signature tunes. An unplugged evening that follows a simple format, as the Los Angeles theatrical community features three time TONY Award-winner Carol Channing on center stage to celebrate her 90th birthday with one of their highly acclaimed concert series entitled MUSICAL MONDAYS - A series of Cabaret events in the lobby of the historic Pantages Theatre. 

Produced by John Bowab and Martin Wiviott, the intimate concerts has featured some of theatre's finest performers including Brian Stokes Mitchell, Melissa Manchester, Peter Gallagher, Valarie Pettiford, Alice Ripley, Emily Skinner, Sam Harris and Stephen Schwartz.  Proceeds from this evenings benefit will go towards The Dr. Channing/ Kullijian Foundation for the Arts and The Actors Fund's comprehensive programs and services.

WHEN: Monday, Feb 21st - 7:30pm Cocktail Reception and 8:30pm curtain
Program to be followed by dessert and coffee reception with the performers

WHERE: The Pantages Theater Lobby, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028

TICKETS: $125 by calling 323.933.9266 ext. 34

If theatergoers were to be polled about what they felt was the most memorable scene in musical comedy, most would probably cite the moment when the curtains part atop the stairs of the Harmonia Gardens Restaurant and Dolly Levi appears in her red Freddy Wittop gown, beginning her descent to "rejoin the human race." As both an impersonator and the impersonated, the name Carol Channing has worldwide recognition for her trademark ditzy persona, poofy wigs, gargantuan glasses and smear of bright red lipstick. An extroverted performer, Channing is a thoughtful and highly engaging storyteller.  Her kooky, chatty and very engaging style has entertained the masses with ten Broadway hits including, "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," "Lend An Ear," "Wonderful Town," "Show Girl," "The Vamp," and "Hello, Dolly!," The career of Carol Channing is varied and continuing, but recently committed her life to bring a refocus of the Arts in the public educational system through The Channing-Kullijian Foundation, whose purpose is to create a nationwide awareness campaign heralding the benefits of Arts back into the curriculum of public schools. Visit www.ChanningArts.org.

THE ACTORS FUND is a national human services organization that helps everyone - performers and those behind the scenes - who works in performing arts and entertainment, helping nearly 12,000 people directly each year, and hundreds of thousands online. Serving professionals in film, theatre, television, music, opera, radio and dance, The Fund's programs include social services and emergency assistance, health care and insurance, housing, and employment and training services. With offices in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, The Actors Fund has - for over 125 years - been a safety net for those in need, crisis or transition. Visit www.actorsfund.org

 

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/WM Photos

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