DIAHANN CARROLL: Splendidly, Sensationally Spellbinding

By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices

Diahann Carroll has stood the test of time.

Literally.

And the Academy Award nominated television pioneer is showing no signs of slowing down – even at the ripe age of 71.

This week, the Bronx native kicked off her new cabaret show 'Both Sides Now,' at the tony Feinstein's At The Regency nightclub to rave reviews. Carroll, who made history as the first African American woman to front her own primetime network sitcom ('Julia' circa: 1968), was splendidly, sensationally spellbinding – to sum it up -- during the near- 90 minute musical walk down memory lane.

The Golden Globe and Tony Award winning diva, resplendent in a sophisticated black and white two-piece ensemble (with a right-sided slit so far up her thigh, it will make Beyonce blush), belted out some of the best pop music repertoire – including a searing version of Leon Russell's 'A Song For You,' the full throttle of a four song Frank Sinatra medley, and the reflective Joni Mitchell composition 'Both Sides Now,' which the show is titled.

In between songs, the 'Claudine' star shared intimate stories with the aristocratic audience about her rich and eventful life.

Memories of how a young, strapping Sidney Poitier (her lover of nine years) was a sight to behold when she first laid eyes on him; of how Truman Capote was so fascinated by her accidental boyish coif, he hired her on the spot for 1954's Tony Award winning musical 'House of Flowers'; of how she endured four marriages, and even two engagements in the very hotel she is performing; and of the art of learning about herself (and everything she tended to forget about her past lives) courtesy of the Internet, were all enveloped by the patrons.

The evening had the feel of being at a highbrow dinner party with a masterful storyteller.

"I think we've all reached an age where the good memories hang around longer than anything that was negative," Carroll (born Carol Diahann Johnson) said in a 'Wall Street Journal' interview promoting the show, which has been extended through March 24.

Her engagement last year at Feinstein's marked the first time Ms. Carroll performed in a New York nightclub in four decades and sold out. 'The New York Times' considered it "historic."

With an upcoming memoir slated and recent appearances on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show,' and 'Grey's Anatomy,' Carroll, a breast cancer survivor and a doting grandmother, is booked to perform 'Both Sides Now' through May.

"After that, we'll see," she said in the interview.

One can only hope that we will see how she continues to sparkle and shine.