The unforgettable Carol Channing visited Central Piedmont Community College’s (CPCC) Dale F. Halton Theater on May 22 and 23. Channing’s visit to Charlotte was the result of a partnership between Northwest School of the Arts and CPCC. 

Corey Mitchell, a Northwest School of the Arts teacher and life-long fan of Channing, organized the performance with the intent of giving his drama students an opportunity to meet an entertainment icon and legendary performer.

On Monday, May 22, Channing led a master class for more than 175 area students at Northwest School of the Arts. Students from Northwest, Butler, Hopewell, Shelby, and Rock Hill High Schools as well as CPCC heard from the Broadway legend.

In addition, more than 30 of Charlotte’s most talented students had a role in Channing’s two shows at Halton Theater.  Eddie Mabry, choreographer for CPCC’s production of 42nd Street, choreographed the piece, and Linda Franzese, musical theater teacher at Northwest, served as the musical director for the number.

Channing, who was born in 1921 in Seattle, Washington, is best known for her portrayal of Dolly Levi, a role she performed over three decades around the world. She received the 1995 Lifetime Achievement Tony Award and was also well known for her performance as Lorelei Lee in Gentleman Prefer Blondes. Since her 1948 Broadway debut in Blitzstein’s No For An Answer, her Broadway appearances have included So Proudly We Hail, Let’s Face It, Lend An Ear, Show Girl, Pygmalion, The Millionairess, The Vamp, Four On A Garden, and Wonderful Town.

”Having Carol Channing perform in the Halton Theater was a coup for this community, the College, and our new theater,” states Kim Renz, Executive Director of Halton Theater. “The collaboration with Northwest School of the Arts and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is just the beginning for CPCC’s arts program and our new 1,000 seat theater. It also springboards our wonderful Summer Theater season, which debuts in the Halton Theater in a few weeks.” 

CPCC is the largest community college in North Carolina, offering 100 degree and certification programs, customized corporate training, market-focused continuing education, and special interest classes. CPCC is academically, financially and geographically accessible to all citizens of Mecklenburg County. In 2002, the National Alliance of Business named CPCC the Community College of the Year for its response to the workforce and technology needs of local employers and job seekers through innovative educational and training strategies.

This release prepared by Jerri Haigler, 704.330.6660.

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