Carol Channing, a name synonymous with Broadway's brightest stars, and whose talent and distinctive style has contributed to the face of American musical theatre in the 20th century, is the recipient of the Sarah Applebaum Nederlander Award for Excellence in Professional Theatre for 2002.
Best known for the trademark role she created in Hello, Dolly!, Channing received a Tony Award for her performance. Other roles and career milestones include Broadway productions of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, No For An Answer (1941), Let's Face It, Proof Through the Night (1942), Wonderful Town (1954), The Vamp (1955), Show Girl (1961), Lorelei and Ladies of Broadway. Film credits: Paid In Full (1950), The First Traveling Saleslady (1956), Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967), for which she received an Academy Award nomination, Skidoo (1968), Shinbone Alley (1971), Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band (1978), Happily Ever After (1990), Wisecracks (1992), and she provided her distinctive voice for the 1994 animated feature, Thumbelina.
The award is named for Sarah Applebaum Nederlander, or "Apple" as she was affectionately known, to honor her dedication and nurturing of not only the Nederlander family but also for her contributions to building an American theatre dynasty through the Nederlander family involvement with theatre in Detroit. The Apple is given in partnership with Wayne State University. Proceeds of the gala event evening planned for Wednesday December 4, 2002 builds an endowment to benefit the Theatre Department. The intention of this visiting artist award is to host Master Classes with an acclaimed Broadway/Theatre professional. Irvin D. Reid, President of Wayne State University said, "Wayne State University's association with the Apple Award creates a unique opportunity for students to meet and talk with some of the living legends of 20th-centuryAmerican theatre. Interaction with a performer of Carol Channing's caliber reinforces students' positive experiences with the theatre in what is already a nationally recognized program."
The choice of Carol Channing as this year's Apple Award recipient highlights her connections to Detroit. She was a personal friend of Apple Nederlander's and always had dinner at the Nederlander home whenever she was in town. In addition, the world premiere of Hello, Dolly! was seen on the Fisher stage, and it was the first production shown at the theatre under the Nederlander's ownership.
The Apple Award will be presented on December 4, 2002 at the Fisher Theatre. The event will be hosted in the Fisher lobby with a cocktail hour and strolling buffet preceding the award presentation. The ceremony will be followed by a performance of Some Like it Hot featuring Tony Curtis. Tickets for this benefit evening may be obtained by calling Jennifer Harmon in the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts at Wayne State University, 313-577-1458 or Shirl Harris at the Fisher Theatre, 313-872-1177.