Carol Channing — of Hello, Dolly! fame — will bring her new concert act, The First Eighty Years Are the Hardest, to Feinstein's at the Regency in October. From Oct. 11-22, the veteran performer will play the intimate Manhattan nightspot. Show times are Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8:30 PM with late shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 11 PM.
First Eighty Years features such Channing signature tunes as "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," "Little Girl From Little Rock" and "Hello, Dolly!" The evening will also include anecdotes about Channing's career, including reminiscences about working with Mary Martin, Ethel Merman, George Burns, Gower Champion, Neil Simon and Sophie Tucker.
One of the true superstars of the American musical theatre, Carol Channing published her autobiography — "Just Lucky I Guess: A Memoir of Sorts" — on the Simon & Schuster label. In addition to her many triumphs — including her Tony for Hello, Dolly! and her Academy Award nomination for "Thoroughly Modern Millie" — Channing's tome also details some of the obstacles she endured, including her long-term food addictions, her battle with cancer and her first marriage to a struggling novelist, Ted Naidish. Channing's other Broadway outings include Lend an Ear, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Lorelei.
Feinstein's at the Regency is located in Manhattan at 540 Park Avenue at 61st Street. There is a $60 cover and $40 minimum for all performances. Call (212) 339-4095 for reservations.