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.

[@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.

[@Dianaemanuel]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 😆

[@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!

[@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?

[@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

[@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.

[@srain66]

I remember this night!

[@williamdogan1149]

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

[@Camop-iz9kt]

The true definition of a STAR!

[@chrislavin9581]

73 years of age. Wow amazing

[@namj8145]

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

[@nomiddlenamenmn427]

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

[@GEKENILWORTH]

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

[@JaimeGibson]

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

[@bruce7986]

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

[@JessieDadio]

Miss this woman <3