A host of theatre celebs and other luminaries are expected for the Oct. 10 launching of the Broadway Walk of Stars, which will honor performers with stars in the Times Square area.

Although the actual stars won't appear on the New York sidewalks until the spring, tonight's event will present Carol Channing — the Walk's first recipient — with a replica of her star. Those expected to take part in tonight's festivities include Polly Bergen, Dina Merrill, Helen Gurley Brown, Liliane Montevecci, Georgette Mosbacher, Cy Coleman, Phyllis Newman, Joan Collins, Rosie O'Donnell, Barbara Cook, Jane Powell, Vic Damone, Sally Jesse Raphael, Dominick Dunne, Rex Reed, Ben Gazzara, Denise Rich, Joel Grey, Chita Rivera, Jerry Herman, Liz Smith, Al Hirschfeld, Barbara Taylor Bradford, Susan Lucci, Tommy Tune and Marylou Whitney.

*

Hollywood has its Walk of Fame, and now New York will have a Walk of Stars.

MGM star Arlene Dahl, who was one of the very first actresses to receive a star on the renowned Walk of Fame, has spearheaded a campaign to launch a Walk of Stars along Broadway. As president and founder of The Broadway Walk of Stars Foundation, Inc., Dahl will host a reception to introduce the new Walk of Stars, which will salute legendary performers in the worlds of theatre, motion pictures, television, music and dance. In a statement, Dahl said, "This exciting new endeavor is a long-overdue tribute to the greatest artists of our time. The Broadway Walk of Stars will celebrate the talent, vitality and rich cultural history of New York City, and is a wonderful testimony to the enduring spirit of New York."

The Oct. 10 reception — 6 to 8 PM — will be held in the River House duplex of theatre/film producer Marty Richards, and Carol Channing — the famed Hello, Dolly! star — will be one of the first to receive a star on Broadway. Channing will be presented with a replica of her star by Dolly! composer Jerry Herman.

The Broadway Walk of Stars will begin on the sidewalks of Broadway at Times Square, with specially designed stars to be placed in the sidewalks throughout Times Square area. Alvin Cooperman, the executive director of the foundation comments, "The Broadway Walk of Stars is a perfect way to welcome a groundbreaking era in Big Apple history. New York City is the entertainment capital of the world, and we are in the midst of a sweeping cultural renaissance with the revitalization of the historic Times Square area."

—By Andrew Gans