CAROL CHANNING AND FRIENDS Wows Audience With JoAnne Worley and Carole Cook

On Monday August 31st, Sacramento patrons of Wells Fargo Pavilion's Music Circus were treated to a rare and exciting engagement as three of the greatest leading ladies from Broadway took the stage - Joanne Worley, Carole Cook, and Carol Channing. Besides having iconic careers on the boards of The Great White Way, they have one other thing in common.

One of the most unforgettable scenes in musical comedy would probably be the moment when the curtains part atop the stairs of the Harmonia Gardens Restaurant and Dolly Gallagher Levi appears in her gloriously red dress with plumaged headdress. Each of these women have tackled and conquered the role of Dolly in Jerry Herman's hit "Hello Dolly!" Channing was the first, winning a TONY Award for her performance in 1964. Cook was the worlds second Dolly, having run almost as long in Sydney as Channing did on Broadway and Worley, who may initially have been the one prepared to step into Miss Channing's shoes in the original production, has since made the role undeniably, unmistakably and unforgettably her own. Separately, they brought the Sacramento audience to their feet during the evening as each of these remarkable women took center stage. Together, they gave the patrons an evening they will never forget. Such are memories you tell your grandchildren.

The concert was pulled together by producer Richard Lewis and was under the musical direction of Craig Barna on piano with Elaine Lord on Drums and Steve Comber on base. The evening was created as a benefit for two very worthy causes - the California Musical Theatre (http://www.californiamusicaltheatre.com) and the Dr. Carol Channing and Harry Kullijian Foundation for the Arts (www ChanningArts.org).

Perhaps the most extraordinary aspect of this evening is that these women had time to get together at all given their individual schedules. Channing is releasing her latest CD entitled "For Heaven Sake" and touring with her one-woman show - "The First Ninety Years are the Hardest." JoAnne is preparing to tour with her own show as well entitled "Keep Laughin." And Carole is currently in pre-production for her own one-woman show under the Working Title "Dress Up." Also appearing on the bill in Sacramento was the woman that Josephine Baker referred to as The Chanteuse Dangereuse - Ms. Joyce Aimee. While having Broadway credits of her own, she is perhaps most recognized as a recording artist with a new CD out entitled "Once More With Feeling."

Los Angeles audiences will also have the opportunity to experience a similarly unique combination at UCLA's Royce Hall on Oct 11th, but under another title to be announced. Joining them will be other Broadway stars such as Ilene Graff and Sam Harris.

Photo Credits: Charr Crail

Photo: Joanne Worley, Carol Channing and Carole Cook