On the RialtoCarol Channing Collection Acquired by the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
The late actor's estate has given nearly 200 boxes of archival materials to the Billy Rose Theatre Division.
By
Margaret Hall
February 08, 2024
Carol Channing in Hello, Dolly!
The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts has acquired the archive of Carol Channing for the Billy Rose Theatre Division.
The collection includes nearly 200 boxes containing working scripts, photographs, scrapbooks, correspondence, and video and audio recordings from the Hello, Dolly! star's records. In total, the collection contains 191 boxes, 9 oversize folders, and two tubes.
Ms. Channing was one of the most distinctly recognizable Broadway stars of the 20th century. Winning the Tony for her performance as Dolly Levi in Hello, Dolly!, a role with which she would be forever associated through countless return productions, she also introduced the song “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” in the original cast of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, and portrayed Muzzy Van Hossmere in the film Thoroughly Modern Millie. Ms. Channing was the first celebrity to perform during the Super Bowl Half Time show, taking the stage in 1970.
Ms. Channing's collection joins that of numerous other theatrical titans, including Elaine Stirtch and Dorothy Loudon, as we as the antemortem archive donations of Joel Grey, George C. Wolfe, and more.
Ms. Channing died in 2019 at the age of 97. Researchers will be able to access her collection at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, housed at Lincoln Center.
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Celebrating the Life of the Great Carol Channing
Celebrating the Life of the Great Carol Channing
Look back at the career of the iconic musical theatre legend, who died January 15, 2019, at 97.
30 PHOTOS
Carol Channing
Carol Channing in Show Girl
Carol Channing and cast in Wonderful Town
David Burns and Carol Channing in Hello, Dolly! on Broadway
Elliott Reid and Carol Channing in The Bed Before Yesterday
Eddie Bracken and Carol Channing in Hello, Dolly! on Broadway
Eddie Bracken and Carol Channing in Hello, Dolly! on Broadway
Jay Garner and Carol Channing in Hello, Dolly!
Carol Channing in Hello, Dolly!
Carol Channing in Hello, Dolly!
Carol Channing in Hello, Dolly!
Carol Channing in performance with Hello, Dolly! in 1995
Carol Channing, 1965
Carol Channing, 1978
Carol Channing, 1995
Carol Channing and Robert Morse in Sugar Babies
Carol Channing and cast in Sugar Babies
Robert Morse and Carol Channing in Sugar Babies
1995: Isabelle Stevenson, longtime chairman of the American Theatre Wing (center), with Carol Burnett (right) and Lifetime Achievement Tony Award recipient Carol Channing
Carol Channing in the Opening Number at Gypsy of the Year in 2010
