R.I.P. Carol Channing (1921-2019)

Carol Channing

On January 15, 2019, actress Carol Channing passed away at the age of 97 in Rancho Mirage, California. Over the course of her illustrious career, she earned acclaim for her work on stage, originating roles in the hit Broadway shows Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Hello Dolly!. She also would receive acclaim for her work on TV and for her Oscar-nominated turn in the movie musical Thoroughly Modern Millie. Along with her enthusiasm, she was known for her unique voice and ability to bring charisma to each of her roles. With a lengthy career that made her beloved by audiences ranging from theater audiences to First Ladies, she leaves behind an incredible body of work that has helped to shape theater for the better. She was one of a kind, and someone who gave everyone else the freedom to be just as big and exciting as they wanted to be.

Legitimate Theater: Thoroughly Modern Millie (2002)

Thoroughly Modern Millie

Welcome to Legitimate Theater: a column dedicated to movie-based stage musicals. The goal of this series is to explore those stories that originated in films and eventually worked their way onto Broadway and beyond. By the end of each entry, there will hopefully be a better understanding of this odd but rampant trend in modern entertainment. Are these stories really worth telling through song and dance? How can it even compare to the technical prowess of a camera and seamless editing? Join me on this quest as I explore the highs and lows of this trend on the third Wednesday of every month and hopefully answer what makes this Legitimate Theater.