Lisa Carroll, a seasoned entertainer who rose to prominence on Broadway, has recently reflected on her remarkable journey through the arts, sharing her experiences in an interview with PEOPLE. Now at the age of 96, Carroll, formerly known as Fay Morley, reminisces about her unforgettable audition for the iconic musical, *Hello, Dolly!* in 1964.
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Carroll first seized the opportunity to audition when producers began searching for an understudy for the show’s legendary lead, Carol Channing, who was preparing to depart. Despite feeling unprepared for the role, believing she was better suited for Mrs. Molloy, a character in the production, Carroll approached the audition with enthusiasm. However, the producers had a different vision for her, which ultimately shaped the course of her career.
“During the auditions, I was told time and again that I didn’t possess the requisite stage experience,” Carroll recalled. Frustrated but undeterred, she continued to pursue the role. A turning point arrived when an agent from the auditions called her with exciting news. “He said he overheard someone mention I would be a fantastic fit to take over for Carol Channing,” Carroll explained, this stroke of luck reigniting her hopes.
The next day, Carroll received a life-changing phone call: she was offered the position of understudy for Channing in the Broadway production of *Hello, Dolly!* Initially, Carroll felt she might be too young for the role, given that Channing was a decade her senior. Nevertheless, she embraced the opportunity and soon stepped into the limelight, eventually leading the show for an entire year when Channing departed.
Reflecting on her career, Carroll expressed immense gratitude for the chance to work alongside such legendary talent. Her journey was not merely about landing the role but rather about perseverance and passion in the face of adversity. “Sometimes, those doors you think are closed can open at the most unexpected moments. You just have to keep knocking,” she remarked.
This unexpected journey also inspired Carroll’s latest creative venture: a children’s book titled *Lights, Camera, Lisa!* The book tells the inspiring story of a young girl from the Midwest, initially lacking connections, who pursues her dreams against all odds. “She almost gives up, but through a chance encounter at Sardis, a famous restaurant, she gets discovered,” Carroll explained, highlighting the themes of resilience and hope central to the narrative.
Through her writing, Carroll aims to instil a sense of ambition in young readers. “The central message is that with passion and a strong desire to succeed, age is irrelevant. If you believe in yourself and work hard, you can achieve greatness,” she articulated, wishing to inspire the next generation to embrace their ambitions.
Carroll’s reflections on her Broadway experiences and her new book serve as a testament to the power of dream chasing and the importance of unwavering determination. “In show business, you must hold onto your dreams. If you do, the universe has a way of making things happen,” she advised, a sentiment that resonates with anyone navigating their path in life.
With her extraordinary career spanning decades, Lisa Carroll continues to inspire with her story of resilience, creativity, and self-belief, reminding us all that success is possible if one remains steadfast in their aspirations. As she looks back on her time in theatre, Carroll’s heartfelt reflections offer valuable lessons in courage and conviction for aspiring artists everywhere.