The irrepressible Carol Channing in concert with friends Rita Moreno, Carole Cook
By Bruce Bellingham

Carol Channing is every bit a San Francisco treasure as Coit Tower or the Golden Gate Bridge. The indefatigable Carol will perform in concert Sept. 25 at the Herbst Theatre with two other legends, Rita Moreno and Carole Cook.

The show is sponsored by the Museum of Performance & Design, which is upstairs from the theatre in the Veterans Building. That’s where a retrospective of Carol Channing’s life and work, “Hello, Carol! A Celebration of Carol Channing,” runs from Sept. 26 through next March 14. The exhibition includes original costumes from the 1964 Hello, Dolly! dress to the design creations of Bob Mackie. There are also rare photos, video clips, posters, programs, and original drawings by Hirschfeld – even her Tony and Golden Globe Awards.
A longtime San Franciscan, Ms. Channing began her professional career at the age of 19. She appeared in Marc Blitzstein’s No for an Answer and became a true Broadway star in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, and Hello, Dolly! She’s played the Catskills, Las Vegas – you name it. 

In September 2007, Ms. Channing was honored by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for her many contributions in promoting arts education in California. She was also presented with the PTA’s highest honor, the National PTA Life Achievement Award, in June 2008 for the work she and her husband, Harry Kullijian, have made through the Dr. Carol Channing & Harry Kullijian Foundation for the Arts.

Dr. Carol Channing? Yes, she received an honorary doctorate of fine arts from the California State University, Stanislaus in Turlock.

Carol Channing & Friends in Concert: Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave. (at McAllister), 1st floor; Thursday, Sept. 25, 7:30 p.m.; concert tickets $30-$65, VIP tickets $125 include postconcert reception at the Museum of Performance & Design, available at City Box Office, 415-392-4400 or www.cityboxoffice.com

Hello, Carol! A Celebration of Carol Channing: Museum of Performance & Design, Veterans Building, 401 Van Ness Ave. (at McAllister), 4th floor; Wed-Sat, Sept. 26, 2008 through March 14, 2009, 12-5 p.m.; free