Carol Channing in HELLO, DOLLY! (1994, Broadway)

Press reel footage shot of the pre-Broadway national tour of the third revival of Hello, Dolly!. Two cameras were filming, one from the centre in the house, the other from stage right. This appears to be the opening night in Dallas. Included are the opening number and Ms Channing's traditional curtain call speech.

[@scottmiller7779]

She could have been having the worst day of her life and the second she stepped on stage she would fill the entire auditorium with light and joy. She played Dolly in a way no one else ever has come close to. From the asides to the audience, a low growl of a note or phrase to punch a joke or a knowing glance from those giants saucers of eyes she was a delightfully devious confection from start to finish. She WAS Dolly through and through. Long may Ms Channing’s light shine on us all from the other side of the footlights of heaven.

[@user-te7uz4vf1b]

I saw her on Broadway in 1994 I witnessed pure genuis!!!

[@Dianaemanuel]

Now THAT'S what you call a professional. She totally knows how to work an audience - and they love her right back.

[@SteveODonnell25]

I saw her twice when she took the show on the road. No one will never match her Dolly. I have the original Broadway cast recording and the 1994 cast recording and sill love listening to both.

[@TheSpinDoctor]

Same speech in every city but she makes it seem off the top of her head. A lesson in the art of holding an audience in your hand.

[@jlasf]

I would pay to hear her read the phone book.

[@akronkeith]

Yes! And I remember she delivered a similar speech, with alterations, that same year in Cleveland at the Palace Theatre in Playhouse Square!

[@stevefreedman470]

I saw Ms Channing in a revival of Dolly and I have no words. This role was made for her. BRILLIANT!! You are so missed my dear

[@cliff9685]

I saw her in 1996. Still touring! It was the most exciting night I ever spent in a theater! I feel so lucky to have seen her live and from the 5th row! All other actresses no matter how good they are will always be in the shadow of Channing. She was and will always be Dolly. All others are paying tribute.

[@chocolatesouljah]

Well stated. Some were better singers or dancers or more camera-ready but none can match Ms. Channing's magic.

[@nomiddlenamenmn427]

I smiled and laughed the moment I heard that voice. Carol was a cherished doll.

[@Camop-iz9kt]

The true definition of a STAR!

[@williamdogan1149]

I saw her in Chicago and she made you feel like she knew you personally when she gave this speech after the show!

[@srain66]

I was there that night! Truly a highlight of my life!

[@anhw3303]

I saw this tour in San Francisco, Channing’s hometown. The audience gave her 4 standing ovations throughout the show through curtain call!

[@chocolatesouljah]

I saw Ms. Channing there as well. The whole performance was magical!

[@nondescript2892]

Only 4? I saw it at a matinee on broadway and counted 7...standing!😂

[@sgtdroxie]

This was amazing! I saw Carol in the 1996 Broadway production. No one could play Dolly like Channings...she was a marvel. The revival with Midler, "was just like that oak leaf. Without life and without color." LOL 😆

[@namj8145]

She made the curtain speech worth the price of admission too!

[@chrislavin9581]

73 years of age. Wow amazing

[@GEKENILWORTH]

I saw her in the original touring company in Chicago in 1966--it was amazing. I've never forgotten it.

[@loutimmons3099]

I saw this at the Kennedy Center in 1994 - Amazingly, she still "had it" - It was thrilling.

[@bruce7986]

Wonderful Carol saw her and the production at Dury Lane UK the day after Christmas.❤

[@JaimeGibson]

I saw this with my mother!!!!! Incredible!!!!!!

[@sgtdroxie]

The original and the best!!!

[@bighuge1060]

I had the pleasure of seeing this production when it came to Broadway. I dreaded opening the program and finding out Carol Channing was sick and her role would be played by an understudy. Luckily, that did not happen. I don't know how this production rated with the others she was in but it felt wonderful being able to see a star in the show that defined them.

[@stafonvoncamron]

It's neat to see the 1969 movie version and how close they are in story line.

[@yaycoffe123]

Oh Carol you were truly amazing in this role

[@hencat123]

I saw her in this show when she came to Indianapolis...she was fantastic, of course. My favorites scene is the 'chicken dinner'. Barbra Streisand was wonderful in it from the movie, but Carol Channing was epic!

[@srain66]

I remember this night!

[@jayplays1434]

La-di-dad-i and everybody has played in "Hello, Dolly!"; but, only Carol Channing played Dolly Gallagher Levi. Everyone else played themselves, including Ethel Merman for whom the vehicle was written. Carol Channing created the role and was true to it from the beginning to the end. It was a real theatrical blessing to have experienced Miss Channing's performances.

[@JessieDadio]

Miss this woman

[@mzmiller52]

She was wonderful. Saw Midler and Donna Murphy in the revival. Not even close. Midler was pure ham.

[@sgtdroxie]

I totally agree...the actresses of today just don't have that special something that Carol Channings and the many fabulous woman who followed her in the original Broadway production and tours had. The only exception is Bernadette Peters. I saw her and she was a fabulous Dolly. I saw Bette too...total disappointment...breaking character throughout. She was playing to tourist who came to see Bette Midler.

[@Michael-ii7bk]

Thank you for this post! A friend told me about it. Such a joyous trip down memory lane❣️ a truly once in a lifetime experience!!! Truly blessed!!! Halden Michaels Court Clerk/Ensemble

[@oximoron6242]

Genius!

[@leemclaury6251]

I saw her in the show in the mid 80s .

[@jlasf]

The main quality you need in a Dolly is being “larger than life.” Carol and Pearl had that. Bette should have, but didn’t. Maybe Queen Latifah or Whoopi would work.

[@sashek8451]

😂😂😂 at first glance I thought that was an actual horse lol. Did anyone ever have more affection for a role than she did for Dolly?