A Tribute To Forest Hills’ Own Carol Channing

By Michael Perlman

Carol Channing in "Hello, Dolly!" Courtesy of Carol Channing Productions

America is bearing homage to Carol Elaine Channing, a definitive singer, dancer, and actress on Broadway and internationally, the big screen, and television, who is indeed “Larger Than Life” after her passing on January 15 in Rancho Mirage, California at age 97. She was born on January 31, 1921 in Seattle, Washington, and as of 1955, she was one of numerous diverse artists to call Forest Hills home. This columnist featured her in the book, “Legendary Locals of Forest Hills and Rego Park,” as one of 200 notables. 

Carol Channing in "Hello, Dolly!" Courtesy of Carol Channing Productions

Among her numerous accomplishments, Channing starred in the Broadway show “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” as Lorelei Lee, and most notably as Dolly Gallagher Levi in “Hello, Dolly!” (also a famed song) which debuted in 1964 and consisted of over 5,000 consecutive runs. The Broadway musical earned ten Tonys, including Channing’s for “Best Actress in a Comedy.” She also played Muzzy in the 1967 film “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” resulting in a Golden Globe Award. She entertained on television variety shows including “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “Hollywood Squares.” In 1995, she was the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2009, she was a Smithsonian Institution inductee. Another milestone was the 2012 documentary “Carol Channing: Larger Than Life.”

Carol Channing & her husband Harry Kullijian, junior high sweethearts, Courtesy of Chip Deffaa

 What better way to pay tribute than through the memories of entertainment industry experts who were fortunate to work with Channing! Television host Bill Boggs, who can be viewed on BillBoggsTV on YouTube, has interviewed everyone from Carol Channing to Frank Sinatra to Burt Bacharach. “The word icon is overused, but it is accurately applied to Carol Channing,” said Boggs, who is proud to see that she is being remembered by a celebration of happiness that reflects how her performances affected people. “You could not watch her on stage or meet her and not smile, and people are smiling as they speak of her,” he continued. 

Boggs called her a 20th century defining Broadway star, and questions the future. He explained, “Due to cultural shifts, it’s unlikely that we will see another star who will dominate Broadway by selling tickets for years and years without having a major career in film or TV.” Although it can pose a challenge to define what makes an individual truly unique, he said, “Whatever ‘it’ is, she had it.” “She possessed the ability to get a laugh and hold your attention just by her presence on stage. In a way, she created a caricature of herself that became her on-stage persona no matter what she was doing, and technically, she really knew how to use her voice.”

Boggs will always be grateful for interviewing Channing on television on a few occasions, such as for the Jerry Herman compilation show. Relating to her originality and sense of humor, he reminisced, “She would show up on the set with a round light gray circle of makeup, smudged on the end of her nose. When I mentioned to her that she had something on her nose, before we started taping, she told me she did that to make her nose look longer.” 

Chip Deffaa with Carol Channing, Courtesy of Chip Deffaa

“To the world at large, she was a Broadway legend since the 1940s, and to me she was an extraordinary friend, as in a fairy godmother who I was so grateful to have in my life,” said Chip Deffaa, a playwright, author, critic, writer, and director. He will always recall her generosity, such as in the case of creating recordings, which appeared on Deffaa’s album productions and in “Theater Boys,” his musical comedy. “She did that as a gift and would not take a dime,” he recalled.

Deffaa draws a blank to think of anyone more dedicated to work than Channing. “Whenever I direct a show, run a recording session, write a script, or hold an audition, I do so with her guidance,” he said. He looks up to her for achieving a record. He explained, “No other actress in America has played any role as many times as she played Dolly Gallagher Levi in ‘Hello, Dolly!’ on Broadway and national tours.” She fought a brave battle against cancer during her first national tour, which she kept confidential at that time, and would fly to and from Sloan-Kettering weekly to undergo treatment. Deffaa said, “I’ve seen her go out on stage on sheer nerves, putting mind over matter, despite fierce health challenges, and she would play her role over 4,500 times before ever letting an understudy go on.”

Channing was the foremost in musical comedy, according to Deffaa. “She would tell me ‘Any actor is lucky if he gets to originate one great role. I got to originate two,’ he reminisced, in reference to Dolly Levi in “Hello, Dolly!” and Lorelei Lee in “Gentleman Prefer Blondes.” 

Art Nouveau poster by master illustrator John Alvin for Carol Channing's show "Lorelei"

“She always felt larger-than-life, even simply sitting quietly backstage, applying or removing her makeup,” said Deffaa, who loved observing how she drew eyelashes on herself with mascara, which read well on stage.

Deffaa still hears in her “inimitable deep voice,” “We do our best work when challenged.” “She was like an oracle, and I took her words very seriously,” he reminisced. He strongly embraces his work ethic and never missed a deadline, owing that discipline to her. “I certainly wasn’t disciplined by nature in my youth, but if she could do eight shows a week while fighting cancer, I could damn well write copy for the New York Post or another chapter of a book with the Flu.”

When Deffaa booked singers for a recording session, he would invite extras. “She taught me that some singers would inevitably bail out at the last minute, sabotaging themselves by giving in to subconscious fears, and she was right.” He also learned to be tougher while producing recordings and directing shows. He can still hear, “Chip, you have to be a benevolent dictator.” He said, “She had little tolerance for mediocrity. If she was not happy with, say, the conductor on a tour she was starring in, she’d see to it he was replaced.”

“She encouraged me to dream big, grab opportunities when they came, and work full steam and not to wait, because none of us know how much time we have,” said Deffaa. A case in point was when she planned to write memoirs and requested to meet with him. He reminisced, “She said she couldn’t possibly write a book by herself, and asked if we could do an ‘as told to’ book, with her telling me stories which I could put into book form. She shared stories for hours that night, saying she hoped I could start writing the book at once.” However, Deffaa just moved at the time, and mentioned that he would need six weeks before beginning. “Carol said she’d begin jotting down recollections until I was ready, but by that time, she actually finished writing the entire book in longhand, and it was terrific,” he continued.

Deffaa remembers her as a “consummate trouper.” He explained, “When she recorded the audio book of her autobiography, she spent hour after hour in front of the mic. She knew that time is money in a recording studio, and did not want to take any breaks. Her producer, Steve Garrin, had to call breaks. She recorded the entire book and not an abbreviated version as many might do, spending 40 hours to record the complete book, plus some extras.”

Deffaa can still hear her motivational words, “Create something every day. When we create, we’re closer to being whole and well.”

Carol Channing, first performer invited to entertain at the Superbowl, Courtesy of Chip Deffaa

A similar version of this story is featured in Michael Perlman's Forest Hills Times column: www.foresthillstimes.com/view/full_story/27623829/article-A-Tribute-to-Forest-Hills--Own-Carol-Channing 

      

New Energy at Red Pipe Cafe - The Modern Mom & Pop Shop

By Michael Perlman

Cozy dining area of Red Pipe Cafe, Photo by Michael Perlman

Artist Akio Matsuyoshi catches up with owner Ofer Kertes, Photo by Michael Perlman

Enter Red Pipe Cafe, a charming, earthy, and unique Forest Hills destination at 71-60 Austin Street, and one is bound to make a friend, exercise their creativity, and socialize and relax while enticing their palates with kosher, organic, and vegan dishes and drinks. Dr. Rene Alkalay, now age 77, co-founded the business in 2014, and 3 months ago, co-owner Ofer Kertes, age 45, came on board, building upon the tradition with new foods and ingredients, an expanded kitchen, improved aesthetics, and an increase in events. Diverse plans will continue for a community that has become the Forest Hills-based owners’ extended family. 

Red Pipe Cafe facade, Photo by Michael Perlman

Owners Dr Rene Alkalay & Ofer Kertes, Photo by Michael Perlman

After a short-term hiatus, the popular live music while you dine concept featuring will make a comeback in January. Past favorite acts included husband-wife musical duo Lou & Marie Michaels’ Bach/Beatles/Bacharach. On 3-month rotations, 3 to 4 local artists display their paintings and photos on a rediscovered brick wall or a neutral painted backdrop, and gallery shows enable patrons to mingle with artists including Robin Amy Bass, a friend to many. Other attractions are Poetry Night on Tuesdays and Open Mic on Thursday evenings. A stand-up comedy feature is also being considered. 

Artist Robin Amy Bass alongside her paintings, Photo by Michael Perlman

“Our renovation has made a huge difference,” said Dr. Alkalay. He eyes necessities such as a delivery service, distributing take-out menus, as well as offering vegan catered parties, as long as the community comes forward. “We basically put in every nail with our own hands,” said Ofer, who was permitted by Dr. Alkalay to renovate it largely as he pleased.

Dr. Alkalay explained his commitment to a vegan lifestyle. “It is a fastest growing movement, and we are contributing to a better world by not destroying the environment or hurting people’s health. I think of us as the New York home of the organic vegan sandwich.” Furthermore, Red Pipe is one of a few cafes where patrons can find organic, vegan, gluten-free pastries.

His early adulthood influenced his artistic vision. “When I was younger, I would go to coffee houses in the Village and in Europe, which were really meeting places for the arts. You could hear at any given table a heated discussion on contemporary or classic art, music, and literature, so I wanted to create a place where community and the arts can come together. I love the idea that we are providing culture in our community, instead of just food. The arts and culture keep society sane, and if people don’t speak the same language, they find ways to communicate through the arts.” The combination has proven to be a novelty to for Queens. “People come in and just love the ambiance, and even if there is no event, the place develops an energy,” he continued.

Dr. Alkalay, who describes himself as not a highly competitive individual, said, “A few years ago, when we introduced live music, other places nearby began having it. There’s a whole difference between live musicians and piped-in music. I would hope that we are considered a pioneer, and more businesses will open and use our model.”

With much gratitude, he said, “Every day that I wake up, I am grateful to G-D for giving me this day. We are here to make the world a better place by giving a little more health, beauty, and compassion.” Dr. Alkalay’s talents include published books on meditation, Kabbalah, poetry, as well as playing guitar and singing, a sight locals are familiar with. 

Owner Ofer Kertes

Ofer draws upon culinary experiences since age 15. He perfected his skills in a culinary institute in Israel, was previously a coffee shop owner, and was an executive chef in high-end hotels. Just a short time ago, Red Pipe was his go-to spot, but he was destined to partner with Dr. Alkalay, who he has achieved much chemistry with. “My recipe for success is to be passionate and consistent by serving delicious, healthy food. It has become a joyful experience, where work became a pleasure and a hobby to serve the community, and it’s really nice working with musicians and artists. I was drawn to the vibe.” 

One of many new coffee mug designs, Photo by Michael Perlman

Ofer explained various new concepts. “People really like being served our coffee in a variety of colorful mugs, and we are also selling them. For every three bags of coffee purchased, you will get a free mug.” One of many slogans is “A happy home is made with love… Home is where the coffee,” which can be found on a sunshine and floral themed mug. 

Tabbouleh Bowl featuring hummus, chopped greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, carrots, walnuts & lemon olive oil vinaigrette

Coconut Yogurt Parfait, chocolate cranberry or mixed nuts

Ofer takes pride in a new line of soups. “Everyone is asking for our red bean soup, as well as our lentil and split pea soups and vegetable stew.” The bowls selection is another new feature, and includes a tabbouleh bowl, quinoa bowl, and oatmeal. Beverages are unique and diverse for Forest Hills. “Our turmeric latte is a huge success, the hot apple cider is really nice, and our coconut milk hot chocolate is a real treat. We will add a cold brew rack and the Siphon Brewing Method. It will be very interesting to look at, and we are working with Counter Culture Coffee, which is considered a very good brand.” 

Oatmeal bowl with apple, banana, peanut butter, cinnamon, agave

At least 4 varieties of Craft wines and beers have proven to be an attraction. “We decided to go out of the ordinary selection and promote more of the New York-based brewers, and we have received a good community response,” said Ofer.

The sandwich menu has also been revitalized. “Our grilled cheese sandwich, which uses cashew-based cheese, has become very popular. We are also serving vegan bacon and vegan pastrami, which is opening a variety of options.” The Metropolitan sandwich is another attraction, where hummus is served with Chipotle mayo, house slaw, olives, lettuce, tomato, and cucumber. 

The inviting counter, Photo by Michael Perlman

Small details that offer a personalized experience include a retractable storefront that encompasses a welcoming spirit and brings the outside in, the jovial staff, subdued lighting, and the new Red Pipe bulletin board with the popular “Word of The Day,” “Thought For The Day,” and “On This Day” features. It read, “Dec. 17, 1962: Beatles’ first British TV appearance.” “It becomes an art exhibit and we have people from the neighborhood who are maintaining it,” said Ofer. 

Red Pipe Cafe Community Bulletin Board, Photo by Michael Perlman

Many patrons have been “giving back.” He explained, “Every new customer is assigned with a certain position to create a sense of responsibility and community, and I am grateful for lots of help from community members in operating Red Pipe on a daily basis. Marina tests our brownies, Gary is the bulletin board manager, Scott is our coffee shop chauffeur, Charlie is the door bouncer, Lou is the shop consultant, and Marty is our cleaning inspector.” He then chuckled, “They become employees, and we end up having more employees than customers.” He continued, “I am grateful for the Forest Hills community and visitors who have been loyal and bring a sense of togetherness into our lives, and whether it’s the ambiance, the vibe, or the splendid staff, this is a key ingredient for success.”

Ofer shared simple pleasures amid high expectations. “Some people come in here, since they find it therapeutic and relaxing to have a conversation with me over a cup of coffee. In ten years, Red Pipe will hopefully have more branches in Queens, as long as we keep the same concept and not feel like a big corporation.”