BWW Reviews: CAROL BURNETT Comes Home to San Antonio

 

A native San Antonion came to town this week. Carol Burnett, star of Broadway, television and film, returned to the Majestic Theatre where she has many fond memories. When she came onstage, it was like an old friend had come through the door for a visit. Carol's show was different than most shows. There wasn't any singing or dancing, but there was pure entertainment.

The show started with clips of her iconic variety show which aired from 1967-1978. The reaction from the audience was as if they were watching the show all over again for the first time. When Carol came out onstage, the audience quickly rose to their feet to give her a standing ovation. Everyone was happy to see her back home. As Carol reminisced about her show, the audience laughed, cried and reminisced with her. She began to take audience questions and it was clear that the people in attendance had a great admiration for her. Questions ranged from wishing loved ones happy birthday to what memories she had of living in San Antonio. She recalled visiting the Majestic Theatre as a little girl with her "Nanny" to see movies. She said her feet didn't even touch the ground.

Another story Carol shared was about living in her old house on W. Commerce Street. Here's a full story on what her childhood house is being used for today from San Antonio's local television station KSAT 12. Carol's childhood home:

Carol continued to share memories and stories of her years in show business but none seemed as memorable to her as "THE Carol Burnett SHOW" and the talents of Tim Conway, Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence and Lyle Waggoner. Clips from the show were shared including the now famous "Went with the Wind" sketch where they did a spoof on "Gone with the Wind" and she wore the "curtain rod dress" That dress is now on display at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC.

The evening wouldn't be complete without Carol mentioning all of the wonderful Broadway memories including a favorite Broadway show, "Once Upon a Mattress" where she played Princess Winnifred. She said that she loved the character and did several television versions as well. Carol shared the memory of writing "Hollywood Arms" (which is based on Carol's memoirs) with her daughter Carrie Hamilton shortly before her death in 2002. The show opened later that year and Carol was grateful that her daughter was able to help her with the script.

Carol Burnett stood onstage and shared her memories as audience members relived their own. "THE Carol Burnett SHOW" was a show that could be watched by families together and it brought back positive memories for all in attendance. The evening was one that will not be forgotten as the audience left with tears in their eyes and smiles on their faces.

 

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