Well, hello, Dolly!
Carol Channing, one of America’s most beloved and enduring theatrical legends, takes on her most challenging role yet: as the author of this funny, ribald, and moving memoir. Known across the nation for her portrayal of the irresistible Dolly Levi, the title character of the Broadway musical phenomenon, Hello, Dolly!, Carol Channing is perhaps the only living theatrical star whose name brings a smile to the face of people in virtually every city and town across America and Canada, to say nothing of London, Melbourne, and Sydney.
Her performance as the droll and leggy Lorelei Lee in the Broadway version of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes made her a star and launched a career that has spanned over fifty years and has included a number of Broadway plays, many television appearances, and two movies, including Thoroughly Modern Millie, for which she was nominated for an Academy Award. Capping them all, of course, was her Tony award-winning signature performance as the irrepressible Dolly.
Conversational in style and written entirely by Miss Channing, this star-studded chronicle gives you the feeling that you are sitting down with this fascinating woman and having her delight you with tales from her long and amazing life, both personal and professional. You’ll be invited behind the scenes for stories featuring an all-star cast of celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe, Barbra Streisand, Ethel Merman, Mary Martin, Tallulah Bankhead, Gower Champion, Clint Eastwood, Julie Andrews, Marlene Dietrich, David Merrick, Noël Coward, Al Pacino, and Yul Brynner. And you’ll learn of the not-so-glamorous times, too, as Miss Channing reveals her theatrical triumphs, her heritage, and her winning battle with ovarian cancer.
Through it all, Carol Channing — the real star of this story — demonstrates with wit and candor how she kept up her spirits and forged fearlessly ahead. From the first page to its triumphant conclusion — and including many never-before-seen photographs — Just Lucky I Guess is perhaps Miss Carol Channing’s most engaging performance yet.
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“[A] buoyant showbiz autobiography…Channing’s appeal has always been that of a lovable fruitcake, and she wisely chooses to tell her story in her own words, rather than employ a ghostwriter or an “as told to” technique. As a result, the prose gets a bit lumpy at times, but the author’s warmth and quirky personality generally rescue the proceedings…Her humility and willingness to laugh at herself are evident on almost every page…This winning memoir is for the most part a cheery repast chocked with celebrity tidbits.”
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Kirkus Reviews