By Markos Papadatos, Contributing Editor
“Oh wow. Thank you so much. Oh my goodness,” Burnett said, in awe of the warm reception, prior to giving a shout-out to fellow actor Harvey Korman, whom she dubbed as “brilliant.”
She conducted a question and answer session with the audience members over the course of the night, while several clips from her illustrious career played on the large televised monitors.
Digital Journal was afforded the privilege to ask Burnett two questions throughout the evening. Regarding the key to longevity in the entertainment industry, Burnett said with a sweet laugh, “Keep on truckin’.” In addition, the iconic actress defined the word “success” simply as “being happy” in life.
When asked about her favorite characters to play, she noted that Eunice holds a special place in her heart. Another audience member asked her which role she preferred, playing Ms. Hannigan on Annie or being on The Carol Burnett Show. While it was a difficult choice, she praised her own show, especially since she devoted 11 years of her life on it, and subsequently added that she enjoyed doing Annie, especially since she had to get a “chin” for that role.
Burnett discussed her close relationships with some of the greatest actresses in the business, which included Julie Andrews, Lucille Ball and Vicki Lawrence. Her encounter with Lawrence was quite interesting, especially since it came from a fan letter that Lawrence wrote her when she was only 17 years old.
One of the video clips featured Burnett singing with various musical guests such as Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, Lucille Ball, Steve Lawrence, Eydie Gorme, Liza Minnelli, Bing Crosby, Ethel Merman, Steve Martin, The Carpenters, Cher, among countless others.
When asked if she prefers dramatic roles over comedic ones, the versatile actress responded, “I love to do it all, but I prefer my comedies.”
She commended the audience for being “wonderful” and even treated them to a short vocal, prior to saying her goodbyes.
The Verdict
Overall, Carol Burnett was sensational at the Kupferberg Center at Queens College. Her show was warm, witty and clever. She interacted well with the audience and she shared her nostalgic stories and funny memories. The crowd knew that they were in the presence of arguably one of the greatest living female American comedians of all-time, and she delivered. She earned an A rating.
Photo Credit: Rialto Theater
