13th Street Rep's Carol Channing Award Presented to Danny Coelho

The 13th Street Rep's "Carol Channing Award"-honoring a rising young actor whose talent, attitude, and work ethic reflects the high standards set by the legendary Channing-has been presented to Danny Coelho. The youngest member of the theater's repertory company, Coelho, 17, was prominently featured in the musical comedy "Theater Boys," and will be featured next in the theater's production of "Mad About the Boy," set to open in early 2015. He's also been featured in the Paper Mill Playhouse Show Choir, run by Shayne Austin Miller and John Zeitun.

Coelho was presented with the honor by ASCAP Award-winning writer/director Chip Deffaa, assisted by veteran director Bob Diamond (whose credits range from countless New York-area television productions to the Metropolitan Opera) and theater professor/author Brian Neill (who's taught at NYU and Juilliard, and has worked as an agent and acting coach). The award consists of a framed plaque; a cash honorarium; a copy of O'Neill's book, "Acting as a Business"; and a copy of Channing's memoir, "Just Lucky, I Guess." (In the photo, Coelho, center--holding the plaque and O'Neill's book--is flanked by director Bob Diamond and theater professor/author Brian O'Neil.)

According to Edith O'Hara, the 97-year-old founder/artistic director of the 13th Street Rep, the theater's mission has always been to nurture and encourage young performers, and the award is in keeping with that tradition. O'Hara notes proudly that many accomplished performers have worked at the theater, early in their careers--including Amy Stiller, Chazz Palmintieri, Bette Midler, Christopher Meloni, Giuseppe Bausilio, Barry Manilow. She's all for encouraging young talent. And for the theater company, having such respected veteran showbiz pro's as Bob Diamond and Brian O'Neill share in the moment when the award was presented symbolizes the passing down of traditions of professionalism, from one generation to the next.

Deffaa notes: "Coelho didn't just get this award because he's talented-and he's wonderfully vivid and alive, and 'in the moment' on stage-but because he was always first to arrive at his scheduled rehearsals, and always came with a great attitude. And those terrific old-school showbiz virtues, which Carol Channing symbolizes as much as anyone in the business, are every bit as important as talent. In her long runs on Broadway, in such classic shows as 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes' and 'Hello, Dolly!," Miss Channing never once let the understudy go on for her. Her standby Lisa Carroll--who's worked with me--was so confident she'd never have to go on stage for Miss Channing, she'd book singing gigs of her own in supper clubs, while she was under contract to serve as Miss Channing's standby; she knew they'd never need her at the theater where 'Hello Dolly!' was playing, so she'd be singing in a nightclub.

"In well-known in the industry that nothing stops Carol Channing! When she went out on tour in 'Hello Dolly!,' she gave her all, night after night-even though she was getting treatment for cancer on her 'free nights.' No one's ever set a better example than Miss Channing, when it comes to that great 'show must go on' attitude.She's been a source of inspiration for many of us."

For Coelho, the award is extra sweet because Channing's unique speaking voice-uttering key lines which propelled the story-was featured in the show "Theater Boys." So he got to hear Carol Channing's inspiring voice, uttering words to remember, throughout the musical comedy's recently-concluded run. Getting an award named after her now is, for him, the icing on the cake.

"Carol Channing is one of the greatest musical comedy performers I've ever seen on stage--and one of the wisest people 've ever known, off-stage, so we're happy to be able to present an award named after her. She has not endorsed this award or its recipient; our intent is to honor both her and the young actor getting the award. She sets a great example for Danny Coelho-or any young actor-to try to live up to," Deffaa says. "And at 93, Carol Channing is still going strong. Her next public appearance will be November 8th in San Francisco; she'll be interviewed on stage by fellow Tony Award-winner Tommy Tune, at the SHN Theater." (Tickets are available through shnsf.com or by calling 888-746-1799.) "And as for Danny Coelho... if you didn't get to see him in 'Theater Boys,' catch him, if you can, when 'Mad About the Boy' opens early next year"

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