A Gala Evening with Broadway Luminary Carol Channing in
“The First Eighty Years Are The Hardest”
joined by Cal State Fullerton’s The Preeminents

4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14, 2007

Meng Concert Hall, California State University, Fullerton
800 N. State College Blvd. (Nutwood and State College Blvd.) Fullerton

Opening the gala performance is a mini-revue “With a Song in My Heart: The Music of Richard Rodgers,” performed by The Preeminents, Cal State Fullerton’s acclaimed ensemble of musical theatre singer/actors/dancers. Next, entertainment legend Carol Channing takes the stage to share a wealth of memories, humorous stories and, of course, many of her signature songs, including "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," "Little Girl From Little Rock" and the title song from her smash-hit musical "Hello, Dolly!”

“The audience jumped to its feet more than once. We were watching a master performer. At 85 she…still has more to give than most performers half her age or younger.”—The New York Times
                                      
"The audience clearly was there to worship, and Channing did not disappoint."—The Associated Press
                                               
Carol Channing has established herself as one of Broadway’s great stars and is excited to share her love of performing with audiences everywhere. The ultimate Broadway baby never missed a performance of "Hello Dolly!" As she says, "Not that I was so all-fired healthy. Because I very often fell in the orchestra pit, I've broken ribs, arms, ankles and even got pitcher's elbow from throwing out all those diamonds! It’s the audiences that have kept me healthy and strong all my life, and I believe audiences benefit as well. In the process of giving, you heal."
        
The name Carol Channing has been synonymous with musical comedy ever since Dec. 8, 1949, when the curtain at the Ziegfeld Theatre rose on her performance as the irrepressible Lorelei Lee in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.” Ever since, Ms. Channing has been revered as one of the brightest stars in the theatrical heavens. She came to national prominence in her role-of-a-lifetime, Dolly Gallagher Levi, in Jerry Herman’s “Hello, Dolly!” Her performance won her the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, in a year when her chief competition was Barbra Streisand for “Funny Girl.” She appeared in two New York revivals of “Hello, Dolly!” as well as touring extensively throughout the country. For her motion picture role in “Thoroughly Modern Millie” with Julie Andrews and Mary Tyler Moore, she was nominated for an Academy Award and received a Golden Globe Award as Best Supporting Actress. In honor of her massive resume of stage, film and television triumphs she was awarded an honorary doctorate of entertainment arts from California State University, Stanislaus—officially making her Dr. Carol Channing. And now, in the good, old fashioned tradition, Dr. Carol is making national and international “theatrical house calls” "Back Where She Belongs," by taking her one-woman show “The First Eighty Years Are The Hardest” on the road.
Also sharing the stage for the gala is Cal State Fullerton’s musical theatre ensemble The Preeminents. These “stars of tomorrow” are the most talented students in California State University, Fullerton’s nationally ranked Musical Theatre BFA program. The Preeminents offer a unique blend of youthful energy, patriotism and musical theatre/popular song and dance. This touring group has not only become a staple at prominent annual events produced by the university, such as the Concert Under the Stars and Visions & Visionaries celebrations, but has also performed at prestigious southland venues. After graduating, many alumni have secured performing jobs both on and off-Broadway, in national and international tours, and with cruise lines and theme parks. Eve Himmelheber directs, Mitch Hanlon is the musical director/arranger, and William F. Lett is the choreographer.

The celebration kicks off with Ms. Channing’s performance at 4 p.m., followed by a 6 p.m. dinner in the starlight tent just outside the Performing Arts Center grand foyer. The MAMM Foundation and the MAMM Alliance for the Performing Arts present the gala raising funds to benefit the performing arts at Cal State Fullerton. In addition, the 2007 recipient of the MAMM Alliance Annual Marcy Award — Carl St.Clair, music director of Orange County’s Pacific Symphony — will be honored for his extraordinary passion and inspired support of programs and organizations that enhance the quality of life in Orange County.

Gala Concert & Dinner Tickets: $250
Performance Tickets: $55

Gala ticket reservations: 657-278-5875
Performance Tickets only:
         Performing Arts Center Box Office
         657-278-3371, Mondays-Fridays 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.,
         Or Online at: www.tickets.com

http://www.fullerton.edu/arts/events/channing.html
http://carolchanning.org/